The incident at the old church, though publicly explained away as a natural energy stabilization, became a subject of hushed whispers among the truly powerful. They knew it wasn't natural. They knew something extraordinary had happened. And they were beginning to suspect that Anthony, the quiet orphan who had rewritten physics equations, might be involved.
Archmage Eldrin began observing Anthony more closely, often appearing in the same library section, pretending to read ancient scrolls while subtly watching Anthony's every move. He noticed how Anthony never seemed to struggle with any text, no matter how esoteric. He saw the subtle changes in Anthony's aura, invisible to others, but detectable to an Archmage. It was like a perfectly still lake, hiding unfathomable depths.
Grandmaster Shen, on the other hand, approached Anthony with an offer of personal tutelage. "Anthony," he said one afternoon, "your physical feat during the examination was not mere strength. It was absolute efficiency. A perfect flow of energy. I believe you have the potential to transcend the limits of physique cultivation. Join my sect. I will personally guide you."
Anthony politely declined again. "Thank you, Grandmaster. But my body is already on its own unique path. I feel it evolving with every breath."
Shen's eyes widened imperceptibly. "Evolving? Beyond the known cultivation stages?"
"Perhaps," Anthony said cryptically. "Or perhaps just understanding them on a different level."
Matriarch Lyra sent her finest healers to discreetly examine Anthony, claiming a routine health check for all high-potential students. Their reports, however, were shocking. They found no discernible Qi meridians, no visible magic circuits, nothing that fit any known biological or energetic model. Yet, his cells pulsed with life, far beyond any normal human, or even Awakened, would exhibit. His very DNA seemed to shimmer with potential, structured in geometries that defied modern science.
"He is... perfect," the lead healer reported, trembling slightly. "There are no flaws. No blockages. His energy circulates not through channels, but through his entire existence simultaneously. It is... terrifyingly beautiful."
Meanwhile, Derek was growing more and more desperate. He couldn't stand that Anthony was being treated like a prodigy. He had heard rumors about the dimensional rift and the mysterious force that closed it. An idea began to form in his twisted mind.
"If he is so powerful," Derek gritted his teeth, "then he must be the one who did it. He's hiding something. He's a fraud! Or maybe... he's dangerous."
Derek decided he would find proof. He would expose Anthony's secrets, or better yet, find a power strong enough to crush him. He began sneaking into the restricted areas of the library, looking for forbidden arts, anything that could give him an edge.
Anthony, of course, was aware of all this. He could hear Derek's angry thoughts from across the courtyard, see the scheming in Eldrin's eyes, and feel the curiosity of the Masters.
They are like children playing with fire, Anthony thought calmly as he watched the sunset paint the skyline of Ethereal City in colors only he could truly perceive. But the fire I hold is the sun itself.
He knew his peaceful days were numbered. The world was changing, and he was at the center of it. The Millennium Soul was waking up more and more, and soon, the veil would have to fall. But until then, he would continue to walk this earth, quietly shaping his own destiny.