As night draped its velvet cloak over the city, two figures moved with hushed purpose into the Estath Cathedral, where flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows upon the solemn statues of saints. Archbishop Ralph, the venerable head of the Eastern Aerion diocese, was hunched over ancient documents within the hushed confines of his study.

  Sensing the unusual intrusion, the aged prelate sighed softly, drawing himself away from the time-worn script and stepping out into the grand hall to greet his unexpected visitors.

  "We received your urgent summons, Archbishop. This is indeed a most peculiar occurrence." the man with a severe, close-cropped haircut, known as Cole, stated, his voice cutting through the cathedral's reverent silence. His sharp, unwavering gaze remained fixed upon the Archbishop.

  "Indeed," Archbishop Ralph replied slowly, his tone weighty. "This is the first instance of such a phenomenon I have ever encountered. When the soldier Henry had just completed the ritual of ascension, I sensed within him a source of aether so abundant, so potent, it defied comprehension. It utterly surpassed the expected capacity of a newly promoted Rank 3 soldier."

  "We have absolute faith in your extraordinary sensitivity to aetheric currents, Your Eminence. It is the very reason we are here with such haste," the other man, tall and lean with long black hair bound neatly behind his neck, named Dash, added, his voice measured. "For nearly three months now, across all of Zephyros, the number of anomalous manifestations has been steadily increasing. The forms they take are wildly diverse, but alarmingly, over seventy percent of them have exhibited negative inclinations."

  "The situation is truly that dire?" Archbishop Ralph’s brow furrowed, a shadow of concern fleeting across his otherwise serene countenance. "I require more specific details regarding the nature of these anomalous manifestations you have recorded."

  Dash recounted grimly, "In the past three months, we have documented eighty-two distinct cases of anomalous occurrences, Your Eminence. The majority of those affected are ordinary citizens or low-ranking soldiers who have suddenly developed extraordinary abilities."

  He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting Archbishop Ralph’s. "Some have experienced significant increases in physical strength, but this has been accompanied by heightened aggression, leading to numerous incidents of violent assault and injury. More disturbingly, there have been instances where individuals afflicted by these changes have begun to sprout fur and undergo gradual transformations into bestial humanoids."

  Dash’s voice lowered, taking on a more somber tone. "There have also been those who have begun to hear nonsensical whispers, and within a short span, have succumbed to madness and taken their own lives. Of particular concern are two cases involving low-ranking soldiers who unexpectedly gained potent psychic abilities. One triggered a large-scale embezzlement of a wealthy merchant's assets, and upon being apprehended, his head violently exploded as he attempted to exert power beyond his capacity."

  "The other," Dash continued, his voice laced with grimness, "manipulated a significant portion of a town's populace in a bid for control, but was ultimately neutralized by our operatives. Sixty out of the eighty-two cases have resulted in casualties and substantial damage. The common thread linking these incidents is a sudden surge in power, often coupled with mental or spiritual abilities that the newly endowed individuals lack the capacity to control, leading to catastrophic consequences."

  "And the remaining twenty-two cases have yielded positive outcomes?" Archbishop Ralph inquired, a fragile thread of hope still present in his tone.

  Cole shook his head, extinguishing that faint glimmer. "Not exactly, Your Eminence. It is merely that they have not yet resulted in negative incidents. Eighteen of those cases remain neutral, neither demonstrably beneficial nor detrimental. The majority of these individuals, upon experiencing unusual phenomena, promptly reported them to the authorities, allowing us to implement better monitoring and support measures."

  He paused for a beat, his expression grave. "Only four cases have truly presented positive results. The first involves an individual who occasionally experiences precognitive flashes of impending accidents within their vicinity, ranging from one to three days in advance, thereby averting numerous potential disasters and saving many lives."

  Cole continued, "The second involves a person with an accelerated healing factor, comparable to a Rank 2 healing spell. This individual participates in martial arts tournaments for monetary gain and has exhibited no negative side effects from their anomaly."

  "The third," Cole stated, "concerns a soldier who, while holding the Rank 2, spontaneously ascended to Rank 3 within the confines of the military barracks without undergoing the formal ritual. This event was witnessed by multiple individuals, allowing us to dismiss any suspicion of clandestine ritualistic practices."

  Finally, Cole emphasized, "The last individual is the most…unique. This is a Rank 2 operative. During a mission where he faced imminent death, in a sudden, unexpected surge, he unleashed a Rank 4 spell of immense power, obliterating the enemy. His squad reported the incident, and we have conducted extensive investigations but have found no discernible explanation, only confirming that he can currently access a skill two ranks above his own for a fleeting ten seconds. We continue to maintain close surveillance on this individual."

  Archbishop Ralph chuckled softly, a rare expression of amusement breaking the tense atmosphere. "Haha, indeed, this world never ceases to offer unexpected curiosities."

  "Indeed, Your Eminence," Cole replied, his gaze hardening with renewed seriousness. "We have already conducted a preliminary assessment of Soldier Henry's condition upon receiving reports from the military physicians regarding his unusually potent aetheric accumulation despite his recent ascension. This situation necessitates particularly close scrutiny."

  Archbishop Ralph met Cole's and Dash's gazes directly, his voice gentle yet imbued with profound sincerity. "Henry is a devout adherent of the faith. He regularly attends services after his patrols, diligently studies within the cathedral library, and possesses a remarkably keen intellect. I confess, I hold a deep fondness for this young man. While he currently exhibits these…unusual traits, I am aware that you will monitor, examine, and perhaps even interrogate him. However, I wish to personally vouch for his character, with the hope that all proceedings will be conducted with caution and restraint."

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Dash bowed his head respectfully in response. "We have always held your wisdom in the highest regard, Your Eminence. With your vouchsafing, we will certainly proceed with a more delicate approach. However, you must also maintain a watchful eye upon him and ensure that he does not deviate from an acceptable path. This will greatly impact your own esteemed reputation."

  Archbishop Ralph stood taller, his gaze unwavering, his voice taking on a slightly colder edge, carrying the weight of his ecclesiastical authority. "Like yourselves, I possess a profound confidence in my ability to discern character. And more importantly, that confidence stems from the strength of the leading prelate of Eastern Aerion. I believe myself fully capable of safeguarding and resolving this matter should any untoward developments arise." A palpable surge of aether, characteristic of a Rank 5 powerhouse, radiated from his very being, the Archbishop's power nearing the precipice of Rank 6, awaiting only the final ascension rites.

  Both Cole and Dash felt the invisible pressure emanating from the Archbishop. They simultaneously bowed their heads further in deference, replying with utmost respect, "We have absolute faith in your power, Your Eminence."

  After a few moments of weighty silence, the two visitors departed, leaving a profound stillness to settle once more over the cathedral. Archbishop Ralph channeled aether into the luminescent stones embedded in the walls, increasing the soft glow within the grand hall. As he moved deeper within the sacred space, the prelate murmured softly, his voice a mere whisper as if speaking to himself, "Henry, Sophia, this is all I can do to aid you both. Strive to remain steadfast, do not lose your way. If events take a darker turn, even my influence may prove insufficient."

  The following days unfolded with an unassuming tranquility for Henry. In the mornings, he continued his patrols with the squad, diligently honing his combat skills. In the afternoons, he sought refuge within the cathedral, immersing himself in the ancient tomes of the library. If charitable tasks arose, he readily offered his assistance. In the evenings, he spent time with Sophia, sharing quiet conversations with his fellow squad members. Nothing seemed outwardly different from the days that had come before.

  Yet, one thing had indeed changed, a secret he guarded closely within the confines of his heart. Tonight, as the city slumbered, Henry stealthily penned a short message on a slip of paper, concealed it within his breast pocket, and then channeled his aether into the Sanctuary tree tattoo etched upon his arm. A soft, encompassing glow enveloped him and then faded, his spirit once more materializing within the silent expanse where the Will light orb drifted.

  "Welcome back." Will's warm, resonant voice echoed, breaking the stillness.

  "I wish to formally join the Sanctuary." Henry stated, his voice serious and resolute.

  The light orb pulsed gently, as if with a knowing smile. "Ah, I am most pleased that you have decided to become one of us."

  "What is required of me to officially become a member of the Sanctuary?" Henry inquired, his gaze searching the luminous orb.

  "I will now connect your spirit to the Lifestream here – a current of aether far purer and more concentrated than the Lifestream of the outside world." Will explained patiently. "At this juncture, the outcome hinges upon whether the Lifestream deems you acceptable. Should it reject you, your spirit will be expelled, severing your connection to this realm. If you are accepted, you will receive a random gift from the Lifestream. I anticipate that this gift will significantly enhance your strength."

  "Very well, I agree." Henry replied without hesitation. "Please, facilitate my connection to the Lifestream."

  Will's light orb emitted a soft, resonant chuckle, the sound imbued with an inexplicable mirth. "Hahaha, a most astute decision, young man. Trust me, this will prove to be a truly life-altering choice." The palpable excitement in Will's voice caused a subtle unease to stir within Henry.

  "I am ready." Henry said, striving to maintain a steady tone. "Let us begin."

  Will's light orb suddenly expanded to double its initial size, then slowly contracted until it was only half its former dimension. Simultaneously, countless delicate strands of light emanating from above Will and Henry began to stir, flowing inwards towards the orb, causing it to blaze with a spectrum of colors, no longer the pure white it had been. Its size then swelled back to its original magnitude.

  Then, a small fragment detached from Will's luminous form. This detached portion radiated countless shimmering rays, moving towards Henry, diminishing in size as it approached. When it reached Henry, it was no larger than a ripe strawberry. Then, that radiant fragment merged into Henry's spirit, slowly dissolving, leaving no trace. Henry himself felt nothing distinct, as if a gentle breeze had momentarily brushed past.

  "Ah, it is done." Will exclaimed, his voice brimming with satisfaction.

  "What? That was all?" Henry asked in surprise, a slight sense of anticlimax washing over him.

  "Indeed, that was all." Will explained. "The fact that you remain here signifies that the Lifestream holds no aversion to you. You are now officially a member of the Sanctuary. As for the gift, its effects are physical, so upon your return to your corporeal form, it will manifest beside you. In this spiritual state, you cannot perceive it."

  "I understand." Henry nodded. "Do you have any immediate explanations or instructions regarding the Sanctuary, its operations, or any specific rules I should be aware of?"

  "Now that you are a member of the Sanctuary, such matters will certainly be elucidated, but there is no immediate urgency." Will replied. "Your current preoccupation likely lies with the nature of your gift. I am in no rush. When you are ready, simply connect your spirit here to meet with me, and guidance will be provided then. I wish you a most intriguing experience in the near future." Will's voice held a playful lilt, as if guarding an amusing secret.

  "I have a request to make of you." Henry said, a note of hesitancy in his voice. "I hope this lies within your capabilities."

  "I am listening intently." Will responded, the light orb gently pulsing.

  "Could you assist me in sealing a portion of my memories? This would be greatly advantageous to me. In the coming days, I anticipate undergoing an interrogation. I wish to avoid revealing any information regarding the Sanctuary to the Zephyros military."

  "Hahaha, you are indeed a most prudent individual." Will chuckled. "But alas, this lies beyond my purview. I am merely a conduit, a messenger of the Lifestream. I possess no inherent ability to weave specific spells. The Lifestream itself is but a pure river of aether; it cannot spontaneously transform into intricate enchantments."

  "Farewell, then," Henry said, a hint of disappointment coloring his tone. "Thank you for the Sanctuary's gift."

  Henry’s spirit was drawn back to his physical form. The events that had just transpired felt akin to a fleeting dream, his present sensations vague and ephemeral.

  Suddenly, a voice resonated within Henry’s mind, distinct from Will’s familiar tone. He instinctively checked his chest and discovered a small folded piece of paper nestled within his pocket. After quickly scanning the brief message inscribed upon it, he swiftly swallowed the parchment. Just as his apprehension had forewarned, Henry was slated to undergo an interrogation and examination by the military. He couldn’t help but wonder if they would employ magical artifacts or specialized investigative techniques to scrutinize his very being.

  At present, everything felt shrouded in uncertainty. He couldn’t shake the fear of inadvertently uttering some foolish remark or violating some unknown prohibition during the impending interrogation. Such a misstep could prove fatal. But for now, what would be would be. The immediate priority was to obtain adequate rest, to steel his mind for the trials that lay ahead.