Chapter 57: Awakening of an Aeromancer
A soundless storm erupted within her soul.
Ling Mei's body trembled as she floated inches above the ground, her eyes wide open yet unaware of the room around her. Wind surged from her body in pulsating waves—unseen, but deeply felt. The air shimmered with pressure, charged with a mysterious force that whispered of power ancient and boundless.
Outside her window, the trees and flowers bowed as if in reverence. Leaves were swept into a swirl, dancing like spirits around the structure. Inside, her room transformed into a sanctuary of elemental transition. The Book of Aeromancy floated mid-air, spinning slowly as gusts of translucent wind wrapped around it like protective serpents.
Crack!
A flash of light burst across her vision. Ling Mei gasped, her back arching as silver and jade-colored runes etched themselves across her limbs—markings not drawn by ink, but by the winds themselves. The storm within her stilled, coalescing into a radiant core near her heart.
Ding! Though it was no system prompt, she felt it—the shift in her very being, as if an unseen gate had been cast open wide. Her strength surged and stabilized, then climbed again.
Level Up! Level 21… 22… 23… 24… 25.
The world felt lighter. Crisper. Her senses sharpened. She could feel the wind brushing against each strand of her hair. Hear the whisper of breezes hundreds of meters away. Smell the faint charge of distant thunderclouds.
She dropped to the floor, panting lightly, her gaze distant.
What just happened…?
She blinked. Her fingers trembled as they hovered over the Book of Aeromancy, now resting silently on the floor, its glow completely extinguished.
A strange silence filled the room, thick and expectant.
Ling Mei sat back, pulling her knees close, eyes lost in thought. "Something's changed…" she whispered. "No, I've changed." Her heartbeat steadied, yet something deeper stirred inside her—something ancient, aware, and… watching.
A question slipped from her lips almost instinctively.
"What really happened…?"
"You awakened. Evolved," a calm voice answered, breaking the silence—not from within her mind, not from the book, but here—in her room.
Ling Mei froze.
A soft breeze brushed past her cheek. She turned slowly, pupils dilating as a figure began to form out of thin air—first a finger, then a slender wrist, followed by an arm, shoulder, and then a floating figure wrapped in flowing white robes.
The petite, agile form hovered mid-air, dancing lazily atop invisible wind currents. Her long silver hair shifted like streamers caught in a constant breeze, lashes like silver threads that quivered with every movement. Her pale skin shimmered like sunlight on water, and her silver eyes sparkled with a depth that seemed to encompass lifetimes.
If Lei Feng had been present, he would have been shocked. This figure was the mirror image of Aeolus—but she was no mischievous boy. Her presence exuded calm, wisdom, and celestial elegance.
Ling Mei gasped, staggering back a step.
"W-Who are you? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling with awe.
The figure offered a soft smile. "My name is Aeola Zephyr, I am a Wind Spirit." she said, her voice like a flute carried by the wind. "As for what I'm doing here… you summoned me."
Ling Mei blinked. "Summoned you?" she echoed in disbelief. "That's impossible—I'm not even a summoner. I've never heard of a Wind Mage summoning spirits!"
Aeola chuckled lightly, her laughter like chimes in the breeze. "And who told you you are still a Wind Mage, girl?"
"I'm… not?" Ling Mei asked, eyes narrowing with confusion.
"No," Aeola said, drifting closer. "You are something far rarer. You are now an Aeromancer—and not just any one. You have inherited a legacy long forgotten by the world."
"I just experienced a class upgrade…?" Ling Mei murmured, raising her palm and watching as miniature wind currents coiled around her fingers like affectionate snakes.
"Yes," Aeola confirmed. "You are no longer merely manipulating wind. You resonate with it. The sky will no longer be distant. The winds will not resist you—they will embrace you. Storms, tempests, even the breath of the atmosphere itself… shall answer when you call."
Ling Mei stood still, drinking in every word.
Her eyes drifted down to the Book of Aeromancy, now inert, its power completely drained. "I was right," she thought aloud. "This could be my only path… to power, to freedom."
Aeola's expression softened. "Now that you have accepted the legacy of the Zephyrs," she said, "allow me to bestow upon you a few gifts."
Before Ling Mei could respond, Aeola vanished—only to reappear directly in front of her.
She raised a single finger and pressed it gently to Ling Mei's forehead. A burst of luminous wind flooded through her.
Ling Mei's mind exploded with visions. Not chaotic—but one with clarity. Knowledge etched itself into her consciousness. Each movement, each technique was not merely shown—it was experienced, as though she had spent years mastering them. The techniques appeared in her head one after the other.
• Stormstride
A movement art that makes the body flow with the wind—swift, silent, and free. At higher mastery, flight becomes possible.
• Aeromancery
A comprehensive command over wind gusts, blades, whirlwinds,, shields—at higher master user can summon storms and mountain-shearing cyclones.
• Zephyr's Wrath
The power to summon tempests and command the skies, calling forth storms to wreak havoc or protect.
• Atmosense
The ultimate sensory art. Perceive atmospheric changes, anticipate attacks, track enemies, and harmonize with the natural world.
Ling Mei gasped, stumbling back, her eyes wild with realization.
She turned to Aeola, eyes shimmering. "Thank you… Senior…"
"No need to call me that. Aeola is fine," the spirit said with a gentle smile.
"I-I couldn't…" Ling Mei faltered, feeling unworthy before such a divine presence.
"Then… Sister Aeola," Aeola said with amusement in her eyes.
Ling Mei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Sister Aeola."
Uh. Whatever....
Aeola clapped her hands. "This is just the beginning, little sister. The tip of the iceberg."
Ling Mei blinked. Tip? Any one of these techniques would be considered legendary—even impossible—for someone at her level to learn. And yet… she not only understood them, she had already assimilated them into her very soul.
Her joy dimmed slightly. "But… why me?" she asked softly. "There's always a price…"
Aeola's face turned solemn. "You are correct. This legacy carries responsibilities—burdens you must one day carry."
"What kind of responsibilities?" Ling Mei asked quickly.
Aeola turned away, her silver hair flowing behind her like river silk. "You are too weak to know now. But in time, you will."
Ling Mei clenched her fists. No power comes free. I must become stronger… only then can I truly be free.
"You have a strong will, little sister," Aeola said, smiling softly. "Though you may not realize it yet… you carry a powerful bloodline. One day, when it awakens, you may surpass even your wildest imagination."
She gestured toward the door. "But for now… train. The techniques are imprinted on your mind—but your body must still learn to dance with the wind."
Ling Mei nodded. "I will, Senior Sister Aeola."
Aeola began to turn away. "Clear the turbulent waves in your heart. Focus on your evolution."
Ling Mei stepped forward. "Wait… when can I see you again?"
Aeola paused. She tilted her head back, smiling brightly.
"Call to me when you need me. And I will always answer."
As her final words floated through the air, Aeola dissolved into streams of silver light, twinkling like stardust before dispersing into the wind.
Ling Mei stood alone in her room, her heart steady, her breath calm—but her emerald eyes burned with resolve.
"I will become stronger," she whispered. "No matter what it takes."