The reinforced chamber hummed with Ether energy, the faint blue glow of the containment field reflecting off Kael's eyes. Hours had passed since his initial observation, yet nothing about this place felt ordinary. Every wall, every panel, every rune was designed to suppress — or at least monitor — his unique combination of Void and Space.
> [Containment Status: Active — Void resonance stabilized at 95%]
Kael tested the limits again, small pulses of Void stretching against the barrier. Each ripple was absorbed, dampened, or redirected by the Ether locks embedded in the walls. He wasn't frustrated; he was studying them. Learning the rules before breaking them.
A voice echoed through the chamber:
> "Subject Kael Ardyn. Containment integrity is stable. Observation continues. Limit testing authorized up to 15% maximum output."
Kael grinned faintly. "Friendly enough."
He raised his hands slowly, letting Void form thin tendrils along the walls. The Space affinity responded automatically, compressing air pockets to stabilize distortions. The containment field flared, bending reality within the chamber, yet holding firm.
> [Warning: Dimensional resonance fluctuation — nearing threshold]
From the corner of the chamber, a subtle shadow flickered — a Watcher, undetectable unless one had extraordinary perception. Kael's instincts flared.
> [Watcher detected — monitoring passive]
He made a mental note: They're watching me. Close. Very close.
The hours blurred. Kael absorbed stray Ether remnants, practiced minor spatial warping, and allowed the Void to ripple along the crystalline floor. Every motion was measured, tested, absorbed — a silent dance with the containment system.
Occasionally, the chamber's sensors adjusted automatically, reinforcing weak points, recording every anomaly. Kael knew the Academy had already logged his signature for the Council. Every move, every reaction, was under scrutiny.
> [Observation Log #005 — Subject: Void + Space. Containment stable. Passive monitoring continues.]
When he finally sat back, exhausted yet exhilarated, Kael whispered to himself:
> "I know your rules. I know your limits… now let's see what happens when I bend them."
Beyond the reinforced walls, unseen and silent, the Watchers noted every pulse, every flicker of Void and Space, transmitting the data to the Academy's higher authorities. The Council would know soon enough: Kael Ardyn was unlike any student they had ever contained.