Reincarnation of the Last Magus Emperor

As the door to the reception room closed behind Merlin, Elder Korra stood still for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she pondered the subtle yet unmistakable shift in his energy. She had seen it—the faint crackle of static, the minute ripple of lightning coursing through him. It was a brief moment, but in her experience, that was all it took to tell a master of the Lightning Veins technique from a mere practitioner.

Her sharp gaze followed him out of the room, but she knew better than to act on impulse. The training he had undergone was far more than just physical; there was a deeper, more profound mastery over his body and mana that went beyond what most in the Outer Court could even comprehend.

"His body is in perfect sync with his mana… but what else is he hiding?" Korra muttered to herself, her tone almost a whisper, as though testing the weight of her own thoughts.

The Lightning Veins technique was difficult to master—its movements were as much a mental discipline as a physical one. It required deep awareness of the body's natural energy pathways, aligning them perfectly with the flow of lightning mana. Korra had spent years perfecting it, yet it had taken her a great deal of time to achieve the kind of fluidity Merlin had just displayed so effortlessly.

But beyond the technical prowess, something about his demeanor, his way of speaking, and the weight behind his words kept lingering in her mind. He was confident, yes, but there was an underlying current of something else—something almost prophetic in his words and actions. Was it ambition? Or perhaps a deeper understanding of what awaited him beyond the sect?

Merlin had been stagnant for years, a fact that was not lost on her. Yet now, his strength was growing exponentially, like a storm finally breaking free from its chains. The raw potential was undeniable, and the way he spoke about the path he was walking—about the balance between body, mind, and mana—it was as though he had touched something greater than most could ever hope to achieve.

Korra couldn't ignore the feeling that there was more to Merlin than just a prodigious talent. Something about his journey, his determination, and his knowledge hinted at an understanding that surpassed the typical ambitions of a mere novice or even an adept mage. It was as though he was destined for something greater—a revelation, perhaps, that had yet to be fully understood.

But that would come with time. She had always believed in testing the limits, and the trial period for the Inner Court would reveal the depths of Merlin's resolve. Would he rise to the challenge, or would his potential be wasted, just as so many others had fallen short in the face of true adversity?

Korra let out a slow breath, letting her thoughts settle. Merlin's trial was only beginning. The next steps would determine whether the spark she had seen in him was truly the beginning of something extraordinary—or simply another passing flame. Either way, she would be watching closely.

As the door clicked shut and the echo of Merlin's footsteps faded, Elder Korra turned back to her own training mat, her mind still sharp, her body still hungry for the next challenge. The Lightning Veins were calling to her once more—but this time, she couldn't help but wonder: Could she learn from this young man, too?

With that thought lingering, Korra resumed her Kata, her movements deliberate, measured, and filled with the weight of questions yet to be answered.