M29. 671. Forzare System. Prospero.

Two hours after dawn had passed, and Lelei found herself donned in a student robe, fully prepared for the day ahead. Since yesterday, she had been overflowing with enthusiasm for learning. Consequently, her evening was spent engrossed in the books within her room.

The wealth of information contained within each tome was truly remarkable. The knowledge was meticulously recorded, detailed, and easily comprehensible.

However, this intense study nearly led her to oversleep. The mere thought of facing Lord Ahelax's disapproving gaze for tardiness sent shivers down her spine.

A sudden flash of light from behind caught Lelei's attention, prompting her to turn. "Lord Orias."

"Good morning, Lelei. I trust you're ready for today's class," said the male psyker with a warm smile.

"Of course," Lelei nodded affirmatively.

"Very well, then. Follow me," Orias gestured, leading them both into the teleportarium, which promptly transported them to the educational section of the arcology.

Stepping out, Orias moved ahead, with Lelei trailing behind in awe. Her eyes scanned the flawlessly constructed hallway, but something seemed amiss.

"Why can't I sense any psychic powers, Lord Orias?" she inquired.

"The Schola sections are equipped with modifications to suppress psychic abilities, as a precautionary measure," Orias explained, his voice barely above a whisper.

Understanding dawned on Lelei. An untrained psyker could spell doom for the entire world, either by unleashing chaotic warp power or enslaving the population.

The previous night, she had delved into the ranks of psykers within the Imperium of Man: Epsilon, Delta, Gamma, Beta, and Alpha. Each rank represented varying levels of psychic prowess, with Alpha Plus being the pinnacle, capable of cataclysmic destruction on a solar scale. This rank was shrouded in mystery, with only a few beings, like the Emperor of Mankind, speculated to possess such power, potentially exceeding the known tier system.

Remarkably, two members of the Presperian Council were rumored to be Alpha plus psykers, with one serving as the High Lord of Terra.

The Imperium held more mysteries and wonders than Lelei had ever imagined.

"Here's your class," Orias mentally unlocked the door with his psychic power.

With a determined stride, Lelei entered the room, her gaze meeting those of numerous other students, all clearly psykers.

"Class, allow me to introduce a new student who will be with us for the next week. Lelei, please introduce yourself," Orias instructed.

"Greetings, esteemed classmates. My name is Lelei Lelena, and I hail from Falmart," she greeted politely.

"Please, take your seat, Lelei," Orias directed.

Lelei nodded, making her way to an empty seat amidst curious glances from her peers. She took a deep breath, focusing her mind as she prepared for the lesson ahead.

"Let's commence our lesson," Orias announced with a smile.

Lelei watched intently, her concentration unbroken as Orias delved into the topic of Empyreans and their nature, elucidating their connection to psychic power.

As the lesson progressed, Lelei's fascination only grew.

Finally, Orias broached the subject of the Aethermyic Formula. Placing his hand on the table, he revealed a diagram that appeared to be a mathematical formula but was, in fact, a magical incantation, meticulously designed for comprehension and modification.

"Can anyone explain what the Aethermyic Formula is?" Orias inquired, raising his voice.

A male student, Atvesta, raised his hand.

"Would you care to enlighten us, Mr. Atvesta?" Orias prompted.

"It is an innovation developed on Prospero after the fall of the Eldar. This formula, based on our earlier iteration known as Psion Cogitatum, enables us to manipulate Empyrean energy akin to the Eldar. However, we're refining it beyond their capabilities," Atvesta explained succinctly.

"Refining it, you say. Could you elaborate?" Orias prompted further.

"At the heart of the Eldar's method lies their dependence on the power of their Webway and their connection to their gods' realms. Moreover, their dominion over the Empyreans was flawed due to their near-immortality, which led to their moral degradation and ultimately the birth of another Primordial Annihilator, sealing the fate of their race in the Third Galactic War," Atvesta elaborated, pausing briefly. "Their demise was a consequence of their own hubris. Exposed to the Empyrean, their psychic technologies inadvertently facilitated the Primordial Annihilators' psychic onslaught, culminating in the annihilation of their civilization."

Atvesta's explanation piqued the young mage's curiosity. The Imperium harbored a deep-seated animosity toward the Aeldari, a sentiment reminiscent of Tuka's passionate disdain for certain races. Mention of the Third Galactic War by Captain Raias immediately prompted Lelei to seek answers.

It was a conflict among gods.

The war reportedly involved direct intervention by the Aeldari's deities, fully manifested and unopposable. Yet, humanity emerged victorious, aided by the legendary Seven Legions, forged by the Emperor himself.

This cataclysmic war ruptured the fabric of time and space, fracturing reality itself and inundating the universe with psychic energy.

The climax occurred with the emergence of the Primordial Annihilator, decimating the Aeldari forces and gods, and wreaking havoc even upon humanity's most fortified strongholds.

The reasons behind humanity's improbable triumph remain shrouded in mystery. Many attributed it to the Emperor's connection to the Golden Throne, yet uncertainty lingered.

"A commendable response, young man," Orias praised with a nod. "However, can you elucidate further on the distinction?"

"Certainly, sir," Atvesta responded, clearing his throat. "The Aethermyic Formula serves as a synthesis of our Psion Cogitatum and the Aeldari's warp manipulation. It enables us to harness Empyrean energy and reshape it to our will. Unlike the Aeldari, our psychic powers manifest separately, mitigating the risks associated with their methods."

"Correct, Mr. Atvesta," Orias concurred. "The Aethermyic Formula represents a pinnacle of warp science, elevating us to the level of the Aeldari Dominion without succumbing to their weaknesses. However, its potential transcends mere manipulation."

Lelei's attention sharpened, recognizing the significance of the information.

"The Aethermyic Formula serves as a computational method to navigate the warp's madness, granting us access to realms hitherto exclusive to the Aeldari. With it, we possess the ability to manipulate and extract anything from the warp. While some perceive the warp as a realm of chaos and void, it is, in essence, an incomprehensibly vast reservoir of mutable data," Orias explained, unable to conceal his smirk.

Several students gasped audibly, grasping the magnitude of Orias's revelation. As psykers, they had encountered the tumultuous Sea of Souls, yet the concept of the warp as a boundless wellspring of data was revelatory.

The revelation of the material universe as essentially free data empowered them to create marvels beyond the comprehension of ordinary minds.

However, the specifics of Imperial psychic capabilities still fascinated them. While they had learned of the Aethermyic Formula as a means to surpass the Aeldari, this deeper understanding was novel to some.

"Data? So, we can manipulate it akin to... data? Altering it at will and even erasing it when necessary? Could we even materialize objects ex nihilo without the reliance on dark matter?" queried one student, his eyes betraying his confusion.

"We can indeed. Allow me to illustrate," Orias replied, seizing an empty glass from his desk. Channeling his psychic power, he subtly attenuated the warp's chaotic currents, rendering it more manageable and less tumultuous.

"Behold the might of Imperial warp science," Orias proclaimed as an ethereal aura enveloped the glass. With a series of crackling noises, the glass filled with wine. Holding it aloft, Orias addressed his students. "This is but one application of the Formula."

Lelei found herself unable to avert her gaze, mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding before her. In Falmart, magic was wielded to manipulate raw magical energy, crafting miracles such as elemental control. Yet, the conjuring of objects from nothingness bordered on the divine.

Lelei's curiosity overwhelmed her, prompting her to raise her hand and clear her throat. "May I ask, sir?"

"Certainly," he replied with a gentle smile.

"In my homeland of Falmart, we rely on incantations to wield magic, which starkly contrasts what I've observed here. From my studies on psychic powers, psykers in my world are born from internal mutations within their bodies. Mages are abundant, even though our world's population is nowhere near one billion souls. Yet, in the historical records of Rondel, a city of magicians, there is no mention of incidents involving psykers. Is there a specific reason for this, and could the Aethermyic Formula address it?" Lelei inquired with determination, disregarding the puzzled expressions of her classmates. She was solely focused on getting her question answered.

"An intriguing question, Miss Lelei," Orias mused, closing his eyes briefly to collect his thoughts. "We have acquired extensive information about your world, including magicians."

"What did you discover, sir?" Lelei asked eagerly.

"Patience, Lelei Lelena," Orias responded calmly. "Like ours, your psykers are indeed born from mutations. However, the source of their psychic power differs in that it does not directly stem from the warp."

"Is such a thing possible?" she questioned further.

"It occurs on planets with World Spirits at their core," Orias explained, conjuring a holovid that displayed Prospero's schematic, complete with its World Spirit. "As you know, Prospero's World Spirit has the ability to awaken psychic potential in non-psychic humans. However, Falmart is fundamentally different; it lacks a World Spirit altogether."

Lelei quickly grasped the implication. "The gods," she murmured.

"Indeed. These entities, who claim to be gods, are responsible for your world's peculiar phenomenon. They filter pure Empyrean energy and distribute it across your planet," Orias replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Could you elaborate, Miss Lelei?"

"According to ancient scriptures, the gods are benevolent beings who nurture their domain with love. I believe that may be the reason," Lelei stated calmly.

"Gods? They are mere parasites, toying with your world!" objected one student.

"Utilizing your power to filter the warp for your own use. Ridiculous!" scoffed another.

"Calm yourselves, or I'll intervene," Orias declared firmly, restoring order to the classroom. "Good. I understand that the term 'gods' is abhorrent to us, but remember, we have a guest."

The students nodded in agreement, allowing Orias to breathe a sigh of relief. "Let's return to our discussion. The gods of Falmart are the reason you haven't succumbed to madness, Lelei. Rest assured, we are here to assist you."

"One more question, sir," Lelei tentatively spoke, swallowing hard.

"Yes, Lelei?"

"Even when I'm far from my god's influence, why haven't I succumbed to insanity or corruption by the... Primordial Annihilators?" Lelei opted for the term "Primordial Annihilators" as it would likely yield a clearer response.

"On Terra, you were shielded by His Majesty's power. During your journey here, the Webway shielded you from their influence. Finally, Prospero's World Spirit completely shields your psychic presence," Orias explained, smiling warmly.

Lelei recalled her experiences upon arriving in the Imperium of Man. She had remained unscathed by the so-called Primordial Annihilators, protected from their influence.

"I understand," she murmured in realization.

"Now, let's proceed to our next topic," the male teacher directed his students.

"Yes, sir," the class chorused in unison.

After hours of study, Lelei felt sated, as though she had quenched her thirst with the entire ocean. The lecture had expanded her understanding of the universe beyond imagination.

"Lelei," Orias called from behind her.

"Yes, teacher?" Lelei turned, her expression curious.

"Come closer," Orias beckoned gently.

The young mage complied, approaching her teacher. "Is there something I can do, Lord Orias?"

"Your next class is on psychic channeling with Lord Ahelax," Orias spoke slowly. "Therefore, we want you to have this."

He extended his arm, concealing something in his palm. Lelei accepted it, opening her hand to find a metal Aquila fashioned into a necklace.

"A necklace?" Lelei queried softly.

"It's a psychic controller. It will shield you from any psychic backlash when you use your powers," Orias explained.

"Thank you, Lord Orias," Lelei replied with a grateful smile. However, she sensed a hint of unease in the transhuman. His emotions were concealed beneath his flawless exterior, but a fissure had appeared. Though he trembled slightly, his expression remained composed.

"Please, wear it," he requested politely.

"Of course," Lelei complied, following his instructions.

"You look beautiful, Lelei. His Majesty's judgment is always impeccable," Orias remarked, his smile tinged with nostalgia.

"Is something amiss, Lord Orias?" Lelei inquired, tilting her head in confusion.

"It's nothing to concern yourself with, I suppose. Now, go join your friends," Orias dismissed, his demeanor shifting.

"Of course. Thank you very much, Lord Orias." Lelei bowed respectfully before heading off to meet her classmates.

Arriving at her destination shortly thereafter, she opened the metallic gate to an astonishing sight.

Before her stretched a vast field, spanning kilometers, beneath a blue sky adorned with regal clouds—a magnificent sight for those seeking solace.

"Remarkable," Lelei marveled, struggling to fathom the divine craftsmanship behind its creation. Stepping onto the grass, she took in the splendor.

"The Imperium of Man... What kind of nation is built to rival the gods themselves?" Lelei mused aloud, her uncertainty tugging at her chest.

The breeze caressed her skin, drawing her attention back to reality. Scanning the expansive field for her fellow students, she caught a flash of psychic light from the corner of her eye.

"I demand an explanation for your near tardiness, Lelei Lelena!" A thunderous voice shattered the air. Emerging from the radiance was a towering figure—Lord Ahelax—clad in armor but devoid of a helmet. Lelei's brows furrowed at the sight of him. He was pale yet alive, with long raven hair and piercing emerald eyes.

Expectations of perfection clashed with the reality before her. He appeared average in stature, lacking any remarkable features. But his eyes were an enigma, transcending mortal understanding and wisdom. Lord Ahelax was a being beyond her comprehension.

"My apologies, Lord Ahelax," Lelei bowed deeply.

"Enough of that; join your peers," he commanded with a foreboding tone, causing Lelei to flinch.

"Yes, Lord Ahelax," Lelei hurried to comply.

Locating her friend, she joined them beneath the tree, scanning the group to find her place.

A surge of psychic energy rent the air, revealing Lord Ahelax once more. "I will be brief. Lelei Lelena, due to your tardiness, you shall be demonstrating today's lesson."

Murmurs erupted among the students as they speculated on Lelei's fate.

"Yes, Lord Ahelax," Lelei replied resolutely, undeterred by the negative atmosphere.

"I expect nothing less from you, Lelei Lelena," he stated firmly, receiving only a nod from the young mage. "Now, concentrate."

Lelei closed her eyes, focusing every ounce of her power into her mind.

"The Warp is an ocean, a sea of souls and boundless power. Feel its essence around you as you would the wind and fragrance in this place," the Astartes instructed the blue-haired mage.

She shut out the world, immersing herself in the universe's energy. Gradually, the necklace she wore began to glow.

"Focus, as you would when using your magic. Take it slow; sense Prospero's World Spirit around you," the Arcanum legionnaire guided Lelei calmly, using his power to aid her concentration.

Lelei felt her awareness dive deeper into the Immaterium, sensing a protective embrace surrounding her, shielding her from malevolent forces.

The raw power began to flow into her body, heavier than her usual spellcasting. It coursed through her veins, a weight she had never experienced before.

{Calm your mind, Lelei Lelena,} Ahelax's voice whispered in her ears.

Following his guidance, Lelei cleared her thoughts and strengthened her mental resolve.

The power within her intensified, imbuing her muscles with strength.

{Let it flow into the stone,} he urged.

Lelei employed her psychic senses to locate the designated stone. Like a sentient breeze, she found it and concentrated all her power into her right palm, drawing from the Empyrean.

"Ugh," Lelei's body strained under the pressure, but she managed to regulate her power to alleviate the strain.

Unbeknownst to her, the necklace glowed brighter, absorbing her excess psychic energy and releasing it safely into the Immaterium. With the burden eased, Lelei channeled her power more securely.

With a burst of energy, she unleashed her power from her palm. Lightning crackled through the air, reducing the stone to dust in a violent explosion.

Lelei opened her eyes, awestruck and fearful of her destructive potential. A massive crater now marred the ground.

"Remarkable. A high Beta-class psyker, perhaps even Alpha," Ahelax murmured.

Lelei's eyes widened at his words. "Me? A Beta-class?"

"Yes, indeed. Astonishingly, you retained your sanity," the Astartes commented neutrally. "Henceforth, you will have additional hours in my class, Lelei Lelena."