A new week began at Lunaris Academy. The practical assessment was already becoming a distant memory. For most students, there was nothing particularly interesting about Monday morning. Classes continued as usual. But when Cael entered the classroom, he noticed something different on the teacher's desk. A metallic case. It was about the size of a small backpack. Several students noticed it as well. Evan leaned toward Cael. “What's that?” Cael looked at the case. “I don't know.” “Maybe a weapon.” “You think they'd bring a weapon into class?” Evan thought about it. “Fair point.” The teacher entered a few moments later. The students returned to their seats. The teacher placed the metallic case on the table. “Today, we're beginning a new subject.” Several students immediately became more attentive. The teacher opened the case. Inside was a collection of small metallic components. A few students leaned forward. “Today, we'll begin studying the Shell.” Evan's eyes widened. “I knew it.” Cael looked at him. “You knew what?” “That we'd finally learn about it.” The teacher ignored the conversation. “You've all heard of Shells before.” Several students nodded. “Some of you may even have seen one being used.” The teacher picked up one of the components. “But seeing a Shell and understanding how it works are two different things.” The component slowly separated into several sections. A display appeared above the teacher's desk. CORE → SHELL → OUTPUT “The Core is the source of your energy.” “The Shell is the medium that allows that energy to be channeled and controlled more effectively.” Cael watched carefully. “So the Shell doesn't create the energy?” The teacher looked at him. “Correct.” He pointed toward the Core symbol. “The energy comes from the Core.” Then he pointed toward the Shell. “The Shell simply provides a medium for that energy.” Evan raised his hand. “So if someone has a weak Core but an amazing Shell...” “They still have a weak Core.” The classroom laughed. Evan lowered his hand. “I had to make sure.” The teacher continued. “A powerful Shell cannot replace a weak Core.” Cael wrote the explanation in his notebook. Shell = medium. Core = source. The teacher placed the component back on the table. “Shells are divided into four main equipment sections.” The display changed. 1. HELMET 2. VISION 3. ARMOR 4. BACK EQUIPMENT “The Helmet protects the head and may contain additional systems depending on the Shell.” “Vision provides visual and analytical assistance.” “Armor protects the body and helps distribute Core energy.” “And Back Equipment contains additional systems such as propulsion units, wings, backpacks, weapons, or other specialized equipment.” Evan looked interested. “So you can have wings?” “If the Shell supports them.” “Jet packs?” “Possible.” “Missiles?” The teacher stared at him. “Some specialized Shells may have offensive equipment.” Evan nodded slowly. “Interesting.” Cael continued writing. The teacher then brought up another diagram. CORE + SHELL SYNCHRONIZATION “This is one of the most important concepts you will learn.” The classroom became quiet. “A Shell is not simply something you wear.” “It must synchronize with your Core.” Cael raised his head. “What happens if it doesn't?” The teacher looked at him. “The Shell becomes difficult to control.” He paused. “And if the user forces it beyond what their Core can handle, the consequences can be serious.” The display changed. LOW SYNCHRONIZATION ENERGY INSTABILITY OVERHEATING The students became noticeably more serious. “A Shell consumes Core energy while operating.” “The more equipment you activate, the greater the energy consumption.” Cael looked at the four sections again. “So using everything at once consumes more energy.” “Exactly.” The teacher nodded. “A user who activates every system without considering their Energy Reserve will exhaust themselves much faster.” Evan raised his hand again. “So... the best Shell is the one with the most equipment?” “No.” Evan lowered his hand. The teacher continued. “The best Shell is one that suits its user's Core, Affinity, and capabilities.” Cael thought about his Wind Affinity. A Shell designed for Wind users might allow him to utilize his Affinity more efficiently. But he wasn't sure yet. The teacher continued explaining the basic principles. Different Shells were designed for different purposes. Some prioritized defense. Some prioritized mobility. Some focused on analysis. Others were designed for specialized combat or exploration. But none of them changed the fundamental rule. The Core remained the source. The Shell only helped the user channel it. --- During the break, Evan was still thinking about the lesson. “I want one.” Cael looked at him. “You don't even have one.” “I know.” “Then why are you already thinking about it?” “Because someday I'll have one.” Cael smiled. “What kind?” Evan immediately answered. “Something with huge armor.” “That sounds heavy.” “I'll make it work.” “You failed the precision test because you used too much energy.” Evan became silent. “That was unnecessary.” Cael laughed. Evan crossed his arms. “Fine. Then what kind of Shell do you want?” Cael thought for a moment. “I don't know.” “Seriously?” “I've never really thought about it.” Evan looked surprised. “But you like The Void.” “That's different.” “How?” “I want to see it.” Cael looked toward the classroom window. “I don't know what kind of equipment I'd need until I know where I'm going.” Evan stared at him. “That actually makes sense.” Cael smiled. For the moment, the Shell was still just another subject. Something they would learn about at school. Something they might use someday. Not something that would suddenly change their lives. At least, not yet. --- That afternoon, Cael went home as usual. He placed his school bag beside his desk and opened his notebook. He looked at the notes from the morning lesson. Core — Source of Energy Shell — Medium for Channeling Energy Synchronization — Compatibility Between Core and Shell Cael stared at the last line. He remembered what the teacher had said. A Shell had to match its user. He wondered what kind of Shell would suit his Wind Affinity. Something light? Something focused on mobility? Something designed for long-distance movement? He didn't know. And for once, he didn't feel the need to find the answer immediately. He closed the notebook. There was still plenty of time to learn. Outside his window, a spacecraft slowly crossed the evening sky. Cael looked at it. The ship disappeared behind the buildings. He watched the empty sky for another few seconds. Then he returned to his desk. Tomorrow was another school day. And for now, that was enough.

Chapter 6 : The Shell