With my one-on-one session complete, I check my tablet and see that my next scheduled activity is Free Practice Time. The facility designates this period for self-directed development, allowing enhanced humans to work on aspects of their abilities they wish to strengthen.

  I follow the directions to one of the general practice chambers, a large, open space with reinforced walls and various training implements. Several other Ascendants are already there, each focused on their individual practice routines. The intensity in the room is almost palpable, with everyone pushing themselves, sharpening their abilities.

  Marcus, the electrical manipulator from earlier, stands in one corner, weaving increasingly complex patterns of lightning between his hands. Sparks dance through the air, crackling as he shapes them into something precise and controlled. Nearby, a woman I haven't met before manipulates her own density, shifting seamlessly between nearly incorporeal mist and a dense, metallic form. Watching her transition so effortlessly between states sends a shiver down my spine, another reminder of how varied and powerful the people here really are.

  As I enter, several pairs of eyes turn to assess me before returning to their practice. My earlier display during training has clearly put me on their radar, and I can’t tell yet if that’s a good thing or not. I exhale, keeping my posture neutral. I don’t want to stand out too much, not yet, but it seems like that choice isn’t entirely mine anymore.

  I find an unoccupied section of the chamber and begin my practice session. Keeping to my strategy of measured disclosure, I focus on combining my telekinesis with my enhanced physical abilities. I use telekinetic pushes to propel myself in short bursts of speed, form temporary shields during acrobatic maneuvers, and practice controlling multiple objects with precision while in motion. The more I push my limits, the clearer it becomes just how much potential I have. For now, I need to keep that under wraps.

  During my practice, I notice Nova enter the chamber. The luminescent patterns on her skin pulse subtly as she moves to an open area and begins creating increasingly complex light constructs—detailed sculptures that move and interact with one another like a dazzling performance art piece. It’s mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, and for a brief moment, I forget where I am.

  Occasionally, she glances in my direction, seemingly gauging my reaction to her display of skill. When our eyes meet, she gives me a knowing smile before intensifying her light show, creating a miniature galaxy of swirling stars and nebulae above her outstretched hands. I can’t help but be impressed—she’s not just powerful, she’s an artist with her ability.

  As I continue my practice, Cipher approaches, working with some kind of spatial manipulation ability that allows him to create small distortions in the area around him. The air warps in brief, rippling pulses—like he's bending reality itself.

  "Not bad," he comments, observing your technique. "Nova's putting on quite the performance for you. She doesn't usually show off like that."

  He manipulates the space between his hands, creating a small pocket dimension that shimmers with potential. My gut tells me that whatever he’s doing is way beyond what I understand right now. "Word of advice—free practice isn't just for honing abilities. It's for forming alliances. The sponsored fighters travel in packs for protection. Might want to consider your options before tomorrow's observation event."

  Before leaving, he nods toward a small group watching from the far side of the chamber. "Those four all belong to the same sponsor. They look out for each other in the arena and share resources. Something to think about." I glance at them, catching their subtle, silent communication. They're a unit, a team. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to figure out where I fit in.

  As my practice session continues, I start noticing the subtle social dynamics at play throughout the chamber—clear alliances, rivalries, and hierarchies forming and shifting with each demonstration of power. Everyone here is playing a game, and I need to start thinking about my own strategy.

  I pause for a moment, scanning the chamber. Everyone here is making a statement, whether it's strength, precision, or sheer audacity. Nova's performance was captivating, but if I want to establish myself, I need to show something different. Something unexpected.

  An idea sparks in my mind. It’s risky, but if I can pull it off... well, it’ll definitely make an impression. I take a deep breath, centering myself, and begin to focus my telekinetic energy in a new way. Drawing upon my growing understanding of my abilities, I concentrate on the air molecules around me, compressing them with increasing telekinetic pressure.

  The air begins to shimmer and condense as I manipulate it on a molecular level, becoming visible as the density increases. With precise control, I shape this compressed air into a translucent sculpture—a perfect, life-sized replica of Nova. My pulse quickens as I realize how much detail I can manage, pushing my ability into new territory.

  The figure takes form in the center of my practice area, capturing Nova’s likeness with remarkable detail—her flowing hair, the elegant curves of her body, even the luminescent patterns that trace her skin, rendered here as subtle variations in air density that catch and refract the light. The chamber grows quiet as people take notice, and a nervous thrill rushes through me, this is either going to impress or put a target on my back. Possibly both.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Heads turn throughout the practice chamber as my creation becomes visible. Training activities pause as the other enhanced humans stop to witness my demonstration. I swallow down a bit of nervous energy, was this too much? I wasn’t planning to draw this much attention, but now there’s no taking it back. People are watching, evaluating.

  Nova herself notices the commotion and turns to see my creation. Her opalescent eyes widen momentarily before a slow smile spreads across her face. The luminescent patterns on her skin pulse with increased brightness—a reaction she doesn’t bother to hide. That’s got to be a good sign, right?

  She approaches my air sculpture, examining it with genuine appreciation. Walking around it slowly, she traces a finger near its surface without touching, leaving a trail of actual light that complements my telekinetic artistry. I can’t help but watch, caught between pride and uncertainty. Nova’s reaction is good, but I may have just put myself on everyone else's radar too.

  "Impressive," she says, her voice carrying across the now-silent practice chamber. "I didn't realize telekinesis could be applied with such... artistic precision." The admiration in her tone is unmistakable.

  With a graceful gesture, she sends tendrils of light dancing around my sculpture, enhancing its features and creating a display where my telekinetic art and her light manipulation intertwine—air and light blending in a striking exhibition of complementary powers. The way her ability interacts with mine is mesmerizing, and for a second, I almost forget where I am.

  Marcus watches from across the room, his electrical display forgotten as he assesses this new development. The sponsored group Cipher mentioned observes with calculating interest, clearly reevaluating my place in the facility’s hierarchy. Their scrutiny makes my skin prickle. Did I just climb a few rungs in their eyes, or are they thinking of how they can take me down?

  "You continue to surprise, new blood," Nova says, stepping closer to me rather than my creation. "Tomorrow's observation event just became more interesting." The light emanating from her skin subtly shifts to warmer hues as she studies me with newfound interest. I don’t know what that means yet, but it’s clear that I’ve changed something.

  My display has accomplished more than just showing off a unique application of my ability, it’s demonstrated creativity and finesse beyond raw power, qualities that seem to be highly valued here. But more than that, it’s caught Nova’s attention in exactly the way I intended. Whether that’s a good thing or not… I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

  As the impressed whispers continue around the training chamber, I offer Nova a confident smile, then move to a quieter corner of the room. I already drew way too much attention, it’s time for me to fade into the background. I settle into a cross-legged position on the floor, closing my eyes and beginning the meditation techniques that Helena mentioned.

  Rather than completely disconnecting from my surroundings, I maintain a subtle awareness. Through barely-opened eyes, I notice Nova watching me with evident interest, her luminescent patterns pulsing in a rhythm that seems almost synchronized with my breathing. A coincidence, or something more?

  The air sculpture gradually dissipates as I shift my focus inward, but its impression remains. I’ve made my statement, demonstrated both power and artistic control, and now I show discipline by turning to mental training rather than continuing to perform for an audience. If I want to stand out in the right way, I need to prove I’m more than just a spectacle.

  I feel my telekinetic energy flowing more smoothly as I meditate, circulating through my body like a current finding its optimal path. The meditation enhances my connection to my abilities, making them feel more like natural extensions of myself rather than foreign additions. It’s subtle, but I can already tell this will help me refine my control in ways brute-force training won’t.

  After several minutes, I sense someone sitting nearby. Opening my eyes slightly, I see Nova has positioned herself a few meters away, also in a meditative pose. Her light manipulation has subdued to a gentle glow that emanates from her skin in calming waves. It’s a quiet, almost intimate gesture, and I’m not sure what to make of it yet.

  When the free practice period eventually comes to an end, signaled by a chime from the facility’s announcement system, Nova rises gracefully and approaches me.

  "Your control is impressive," she says, her voice carrying a new warmth. "Most newcomers spend weeks showing off before they learn the value of internal development." She extends a hand to help me up. "Perhaps you’re worth that tour after all."

  As other enhanced humans file out of the practice chamber, she adds in a lower voice, "My quarters are in Block A. Privileged section for established fighters. Room A-17." Her fingertips trace a brief pattern of light across my palm. "After rest period, if you're interested in learning more about what really happens here." My skin tingles where she touched me, and I can’t help but wonder if this is an invitation or a test.

  With that, she turns and walks away, the luminescent patterns on her skin leaving faint afterimages in my vision. My thoughts race. Was that just a casual offer, or something more?

  As I head toward my own quarters for the designated rest period, I catch a few glances from the other residents. They’re watching me differently now, like I’m not just some random newbie anymore. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not though.

  My tablet chimes with an update: "Sponsor Observation Event: Tomorrow, 1000 hours. Opponent Selection Finalized." Wait, tomorrow morning? I could have sworn it was scheduled for the afternoon! Did they change it because of my display earlier? Or was I just not paying attention? Either way, the system doesn’t reveal who I’ll be facing, keeping me in the dark about my opponent.

  Ah, whatever. I let out a slow breath, rolling my shoulders. No point in stressing over what I can't control. Whatever happens next, I’ll be ready for it.