Aston woke up with the sun’s rays shining over his face, filtered by the blinds of the window. By his foot, a fur-covered thing - Gray, was still sleeping, with its legs spread out. Across the bed sat what can be described as furniture made of intricate glass - oh wait, it's just the sleeping Mirage.

  The room he was staying in was modest, yet far more comfortable than the disheveled home Aston had lived for the past years. It had a single bed, a bathroom, a dining area and a kitchen area. The television can be seen hanging in front of the bed. The room was also fully air-conditioned.

  Not disturbing Gray, he yawned and stepped out of the bed to his bag and gathered some clean change of clothes. He then went to the bathroom and freshened up. After showering, he donned the clothes he prepared earlier.

  With the rustling of clothes, Gray woke up from its slumber and let out a lazy meow. Mirage opened its eyes and tilted its head to look at Aston.

  Aston was dressed in a blue shirt and short pants. Before he went out of his room for breakfast, Gray jumped onto his shoulder and Mirage flew towards the other. Aston chuckled and went down for food.

  They made their way downstairs to the hotel’s dining area. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling eggs filled the air as he approached the buffet-style setup. Gray hopped from his shoulder onto the table, batting lazily at a stray napkin. Mirage, on the other hand, perched on a nearby chair with its wide eyes scanning the room with calm curiosity.

  Aston grabbed a tray, filling it with eggs, toast, and fruit, and then picked up a cup of hot chocolate. He also grabbed mixed seeds and nuts for Mirage and another serving of eggs for Gray. He went back to the area where Gray and Mirage were already waiting, and sat down to eat.

  After taking a few bites, he settled into his thoughts. As the last spoonful of eggs disappeared, he took a sip of his hot chocolate and gleaned at Mirage.

  I’ll need to know how long the elixir’s effect will take place. I hope it will not be long enough to miss the Dawn Crest Academy’s evaluation…

  Without hesitation, he sent a thought to Nova.

  Nova, what is the longest time it takes for the Crimson Genesis Elixir to take effect? Also, what are the immediate after effects of drinking the elixir?

  [Query received.]

  [The Crimson Genesis Elixir begins to show its effects within an hour of consumption. It causes the potential of a spirit professional to implode, accelerating its once clear potential to red. Once the elixir boosts the potential, it does not revert or diminish with time. However, one's lifespan will be sapped to half of what it’s been. Symptoms of sapped lifespan include weakened immune system, decreased endurance, chronic fatigue, memory lapses, and breathing difficulty. For spiritual professionals who had taken in the elixir at a young age, similar to the host’s, symptoms are minimized, but will slowly show at an advanced age.]

  Aston leaned back in his chair, letting the information sink in.

  In one hour, huh. Also, if I “drink” it now, it won’t show its effects until later when I’m older. This is perfect. Say that I have already “drank” the elixir last night…

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Gray, sensing his growing focus, gave a soft meow as if asking for attention. Aston absently scratched behind its ears. Mirage, perched calmly across them, gave a soft hoot as if sensing the tension in the air.

  “Yes, I get it,” Aston muttered with a small smile. “No time to waste.”

  Aston stood, stretching his limbs. He gave Gray one scratch behind the ears and adjusted his shirt, making sure the pendant was securely hidden beneath his clothes. Mirage flew and quietly perched on his shoulder.

  “Let’s get moving,” Aston murmured. The city hall would be waiting, and he needed to make his recording official. The sooner he had his potential recognized as red, the sooner he could move forward with his plans.

  The streets were quiet, with only a few vendors setting up for the day. The sun was still low in the sky, casting long shadows across the sidewalk as Aston made his way toward the city hall. A moment later, Mirage took flight. Its feathers shimmered in the sunlight as it flew overhead, occasionally glancing at the walking people and spirit beasts. Gray, snug on Aston’s shoulder, let out a soft yawn, still clearly half-asleep.

  Arriving at the city hall, Aston could feel the familiar tension in his chest. This was the tension he felt five days ago - the Spirit Awakening Ceremony. His heartbeat quickened as he entered the building, the cool air inside a stark contrast to the warmth outside.

  The attendant at the front desk gave him a polite smile. “How may I assist you today, young sir?”

  Aston placed his hand on the counter and gave his name. “I’m here for a re-awakening recording. I’d like to update my potential classification.”

  The attendant’s eyes flickered with curiosity but remained professional. “Of course, but there will be a Spirit Awakening Ceremony to be done by next week, as soon as the representative of the empire comes back with a complete crystal. Would you not be waiting for it?”

  Aston hesitated for a moment, his hand still resting on the counter. The mention of a Spirit Awakening Ceremony scheduled for next week made him pause. He’d expected the process to be swift, but it seemed there was more process to contend with.

  He leaned forward slightly, his tone steady but firm. “I would prefer to have it recorded today. I awakened five days ago with a clear potential, but I have already ingested an elixir to boost it! I have already contracted my spirit beasts, and I can’t afford to wait a week.”

  The attendant’s brows furrowed as she studied him. It was clear that she was considering his request. After a brief silence, she nodded slowly.

  “I see. But please note that the immediate re-recording will require a fee of 10 gold.”

  Aston didn’t hesitate. He reached into his pocket and into his wallet to pick up his card. “I’ll pay for the immediate re-recording.” He tapped the card on the device embedded in the table.

  The attendant saw the payment pushing through, printed a receipt and gave it to Aston. “Very well, please follow me. We’ll proceed with the classification update.”

  Aston followed her through a set of glass doors into a private chamber, the room quiet and unassuming. The familiar, slightly cold air of the hall contrasted with the warmth of the room. In the center, a crystal shard rested on a pedestal, clearly much smaller than the one he saw in the ceremony.

  Aston instructed both Gray and Mirage to come down his shoulders and settle down on the bench.

  “Please place your hand on the crystal,” the attendant instructed. Her voice was calm but still professional.

  Aston approached the pedestal and placed his hand gently on the surface. He felt a familiar tug of energy as the crystal connected with his spirit, pulling his potential into focus. For a moment, there was silence, but then, the crystal came to life. A bright red glow surged from its surface, flashing a red hue to Aston’s face.

  A smile escaped from his lips.