《Gift: Beyond Death》


 Chapter 1: The Smile in the Darkness

    Ajal floated in darkness.


    The silence was thick, pressing against him from all sides. It felt more like a presence than an absence¡ªa stillness that seemed to breathe, waiting for him to do¡­ something. His body felt heavy, unresponsive, as if he were caught in a deep current of sleep, unable to wake.


    Then he saw it. A figure, half-formed in the shadows, its shape shifting like smoke. A hood concealed its face, but he could feel its gaze¡ªa steady, weighty focus that settled on him, as though measuring him.


    Ajal felt a chill creep through him, but he couldn¡¯t look away.


    The figure tilted its head, almost curiously, before it slowly lifted its face just enough for Ajal to see the faintest glint of teeth. It was smiling¡ªa thin, knowing smile, the kind you might give to someone you¡¯ve known all their life.


    The figure didn¡¯t move, but somehow, Ajal felt it closer, that smile pressing into his mind like a brand. His chest tightened, and he tried to back away, to break free of whatever spell held him there.


    But the smile only grew wider.


    Ajal jolted awake, gasping. His fingers clutched his sheets as he blinked, his heart pounding. Morning light streamed in through the small window, casting pale golden rays across his room, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of that smile, lingering in the corners of his mind.


    He pushed a hand through his hair, only to pause as he caught sight of himself in the small mirror on his nightstand. His skin looked¡­ different. A touch paler than he remembered, and under his eyes were shadows, dark smudges as if he hadn¡¯t slept in days. But what stood out most was his hair¡ªthe tips of it, which had always been a solid, inky black, now faded to a ghostly white.


    ¡°Ajal!¡± His sister¡¯s voice shattered the quiet, and a second later, the door swung open.


    Katria, already dressed in her hunting clothes, grinned as she bounded across the room and threw herself onto his bed, nearly knocking him over. ¡°Good morning, birthday boy! What are you doing still in bed?¡±


    He pulled his gaze from the mirror and forced a smirk. ¡°Reflecting on how I¡¯ve managed to survive eighteen years of having you as a sister.¡±


    She rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully, though he could see the glimmer of genuine warmth in her expression. ¡°Oh, please. If anything, I¡¯m the reason you¡¯ve made it this far. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s always falling asleep under trees or wandering off whenever you¡¯re supposed to be helping on the farm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called taking creative breaks,¡± he replied, stretching as he got out of bed. ¡°Helps build character.¡±


    Katria raised an eyebrow, smirking as she poked at his hair. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the lack of character that made your hair turn white.¡±


    Ajal chuckled, grabbing a pillow and lightly whacking her with it. ¡°And maybe you should stop staring; people will think you like me.¡±


    Katria wrinkled her nose in mock horror. ¡°As if!¡± She tossed the pillow back at him and hopped off the bed. ¡°Come on, everyone¡¯s waiting. Don¡¯t think you¡¯re special just because it¡¯s your birthday.¡±


    He followed her downstairs, still feeling a strange weight in his chest as the memory of the dream lingered. Who was that figure? And why did it feel like it was watching him even now?


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The smell of sizzling eggs and fresh bread greeted them as they entered the kitchen. Their mother, Nora, stood at the stove, her brow slightly furrowed as she focused on turning the eggs just right. She was a small woman, her hair threaded with gray and often tied back in a loose bun, but her eyes had a warmth that matched her husband¡¯s. She could be strict, but Ajal had never doubted her love.


    ¡°Oh, there he is!¡± she said, her voice bright as she glanced over her shoulder. ¡°The birthday boy finally graces us with his presence. Eighteen years of Ajal¡ªit¡¯s a miracle we¡¯ve all survived this long.¡±


    ¡°Barely,¡± teased Eren from the head of the table, raising his cup in a mock toast. ¡°Here¡¯s to you, son¡ªmay you one day do something useful around here.¡±


    Ajal grinned and took his seat beside Katria. ¡°Come on, Dad, you know I keep things interesting.¡±


    Eren laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll give you that much. But don¡¯t get too comfortable. Just because it¡¯s your birthday doesn¡¯t mean you get out of work today.¡±


    ¡°You know, Dad, most people give their kids presents on their birthday,¡± Ajal replied with a playful smirk.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯ll let you off this once,¡± Eren said, waving a hand. ¡°Consider it my gift to you. But only if you and Katria bring back something decent from the hunt. You know how picky your mother is with her stew.¡±


    Nora swatted at him with her spatula, laughing. ¡°I¡¯m picky? I¡¯m just trying to make sure you don¡¯t put raw meat in the pot like last time!¡±


    Katria burst out laughing. ¡°That was Dad? I thought we had a new family tradition of ¡®nearly poisoning everyone¡¯!¡±


    As laughter rippled around the table, Ajal glanced over at his older brother, Theo, who was grinning into his mug of tea. Theo was only a couple of years older, but he had the easygoing confidence of someone who was comfortable in his own skin. He was the kind of person who could charm anyone with a few words, though he never seemed to take himself too seriously.


    ¡°Ajal, how does it feel to finally be an adult?¡± Theo asked, giving him a lopsided grin. ¡°Gonna start taking life seriously now?¡±


    Ajal shrugged, his tone deliberately casual. ¡°Eh, maybe tomorrow. Today¡¯s still got potential for reckless fun.¡±


    Theo chuckled and raised his mug in a toast. ¡°Here¡¯s to a few more years of you pretending to be reckless, then.¡±


    They clinked mugs, and Ajal tried to shake off the eerie feeling that had clung to him since waking. The playful back-and-forth with his family was grounding, making everything feel normal. But in the back of his mind, he couldn¡¯t shake the image of that hooded figure¡¯s smile.


    ¡°Ajal,¡± his mother said, setting a plate of eggs and bread in front of him, ¡°you and Katria need to stay close to the main paths today. The village¡¯s barrier¡­ it¡¯s been weakening lately.¡± Her voice softened. ¡°Just be careful out there.¡±


    ¡°Relax, Mom,¡± Katria said, grinning as she took a bite of her bread. ¡°I¡¯ve got my arrows, and Ajal has¡­ well, his sense of humor. We¡¯re untouchable.¡±


    ¡°Oh, then we¡¯re all doomed,¡± Eren added with a grin, and they all laughed again, the tension broken. But Ajal caught the slight furrow in his father¡¯s brow, a fleeting look of worry that disappeared as quickly as it had come.


    As they left the house, Ajal glanced around, taking in the familiar sights of Crater Village. Rows of sturdy wooden houses lined the main road, each one painted with faded symbols that represented the family¡¯s lineage and Gifts. The paths were swept clean, and villagers bustled about, carrying baskets of vegetables, bundles of firewood, and jugs of water from the well. In the distance, the massive crater loomed like a silent guardian, casting a deep shadow over the eastern edge of the village.


    Crater Village had always felt isolated from the world beyond, its people bound together by tradition and necessity. The village¡¯s barrier kept most threats at bay, but every family still carried a fierce sense of duty to protect their own. Here, everyone knew their place in the order of things. The elders guided, the strong defended, and the young trained, all working together to keep Crater Village safe¡ªand thriving¡ªin a world that was often hostile.


    Ajal and Katria greeted people as they passed, each villager offering a slight nod or raising a hand in acknowledgment. On birthdays, it was customary for villagers to offer blessings or words of encouragement, and today was no exception.


    ¡°Eighteen, eh, Ajal?¡± called old Saro, the village¡¯s butcher, as he stacked wooden crates outside his shop. He grinned, revealing teeth worn down from years of chewing tough meat. ¡°That¡¯s the age of responsibility. Ready to make something of yourself?¡±


    Ajal chuckled, waving him off. ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be, Saro. But let¡¯s not rush into things, yeah?¡±


    Saro just laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Just don¡¯t end up working with me, kid, or you¡¯ll be slicing boar from dawn till dusk.¡±


    Katria snorted, elbowing Ajal. ¡°Honestly, that might be good for you. Builds character.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you start with the character-building talk,¡± Ajal muttered, pretending to scowl. ¡°One family lecture a day is enough.¡±


    As they continued, Ajal caught sight of a group of children playing in the dust near the path, tracing lines with sticks to mark out the boundaries of some imaginary game. When they spotted Ajal, they looked up, wide-eyed, as if they were seeing something legendary.


    One of the braver boys, not much younger than Katria, stepped forward and gave a clumsy but sincere bow¡ªa gesture unique to Crater Village, a tradition that every child learned from an early age. The bow involved crossing one arm over the chest while extending the other to the side, fingers splayed, palm facing upward. It was said to symbolize both protection and openness, a promise to shield one¡¯s people while reaching out to the unknown.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Ajal!¡± the boy said, beaming with all the earnestness of youth. ¡°When you get your Gift, you¡¯re gonna be strong enough to protect us all, right?¡±


    Katria leaned over, her voice mock-whispering to the boy. ¡°He¡¯ll need all the help he can get. Maybe if you all chip in, you can carry him back when he inevitably falls asleep.¡±


    The children giggled, and Ajal rolled his eyes, fighting back a smile. ¡°Thanks, really. Nice to know my reputation¡¯s in good hands.¡±


    They continued through the village, Ajal returning each greeting and bow, until they reached the largest house, set slightly apart from the others. The walls were painted in deep, rich colors that had been carefully preserved over the years, and intricate carvings adorned the doorposts. This was the home of Chief Harika, the leader of Crater Village¡ªa role that demanded respect, though Harika herself often undercut that with her sharp wit.


    As if on cue, Chief Harika emerged from her house, her gaze immediately finding Ajal. She was a tall, broad-shouldered woman with a braid of thick gray hair that reached nearly to her waist. Her expression was equal parts pride and mischief as she approached, hands on her hips.


    ¡°Ah, Ajal,¡± she called, her voice carrying easily across the clearing. ¡°Eighteen years old today, are you? A fine age for finding direction in life¡­ and perhaps a wife?¡±


    Ajal grinned, trying to mask his discomfort with humor. ¡°Only if you¡¯re volunteering to train me in the art of survival, Chief. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯d need it.¡±


    Harika laughed, giving him a hearty clap on the shoulder that nearly knocked him off balance. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll manage. But what about my daughter, Tessa? Surely you remember her?¡±


    Katria snorted, stifling a laugh behind her hand as Ajal blinked, completely caught off guard. Tessa¡­ He tried to place a face to the name, but only a vague memory of her came to mind¡ªa girl a little older than him with a quiet demeanor, more interested in books than in village gatherings.


    ¡°Uh¡­ oh, right, Tessa!¡± Ajal stammered, scrambling for words. ¡°She¡¯s, um¡­ very¡­ respectable. The kind of girl who would¡­ er, probably think I¡¯m not¡­ tall enough.¡±


    Katria let out a poorly concealed snort, and Harika raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.


    ¡°Not tall enough?¡± Harika echoed, crossing her arms. ¡°You mean to tell me that the height of a woman is all you think about?¡±


    Ajal¡¯s face turned red, and he stammered, ¡°No, I mean¡ªuh, just that I¡¯d probably make terrible company for someone so, you know¡­ reserved.¡± He could see Katria fighting to contain her laughter beside him, and he knew he¡¯d put his foot in his mouth.


    Harika shook her head, chuckling. ¡°Well, don¡¯t worry, Ajal. My Tessa is a patient girl, and I doubt she¡¯s noticed your¡­ lack of height obsession.¡± She winked, her eyes twinkling. ¡°But maybe you should work on your compliments. If you¡¯re planning to court anyone in this village, it¡¯s best not to start by accidentally insulting their daughters.¡±


    Ajal glanced at Katria, who was practically trembling with suppressed laughter, and shot her a look that said you¡¯re not helping.


    ¡°I¡¯ll, uh, work on that, Chief,¡± he said, trying to recover. He brought his arm across his chest, extending the other out in the traditional bow. ¡°Thank you for¡­ the advice. And the blessing.¡±


    Harika returned the bow, her expression warm but still laced with that faint, playful smile. ¡°Keep that spirit, Ajal. The village needs young blood with heart and humor. May today bring you a Gift that¡¯s worthy of the name.¡±


    As they left the chief¡¯s house and made their way to the forest, Katria finally let her laughter spill out, clutching her sides. ¡°Did you really just call Tessa too reserved? That¡¯s going to be the talk of the village for weeks!¡±


    Ajal groaned, running a hand over his face. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault! I just¡­ I blanked, okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure, blame the memory lapse,¡± she said, grinning. ¡°But I bet you¡¯d remember real quick if she was actually standing right there.¡±


    He rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t help a smile as they continued down the path leading out of the village. The trees loomed ahead, casting cool shadows over the ground, and the familiar sounds of the forest¡ªbirdsong, the rustling of leaves¡ªfilled the air. Despite the teasing, Ajal felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. The forest had always been a place of peace, a place where he could forget about the future for a little while.


    But as he caught sight of the village¡¯s protective barrier shimmering faintly along the tree line, his father¡¯s words echoed in his mind. The barrier hasn¡¯t been as strong lately.


    The forest swallowed them in its cool, green depths as Ajal and Katria slipped away from the village, moving along a well-worn path. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground in shifting patterns, and the familiar sounds of rustling undergrowth and distant birdsong filled the air. Here, with nothing but trees and shadows for company, Ajal could finally breathe.


    Katria was a few paces ahead, her bow slung over her shoulder, her footsteps light and quick. She¡¯d always been the more focused of the two of them when it came to the hunt, her gaze sharp as she scanned the underbrush for any sign of movement. Ajal watched her for a moment, admiring her quiet determination, before letting his gaze wander to the forest around them.


    The forest was sacred to the people of Crater Village, a place where life and death coexisted in delicate balance. The villagers hunted here out of necessity, but always with respect for the creatures that called this place home. Ajal had learned from an early age to see each hunt as an exchange, a gift that required humility. It was part of what grounded him, kept him connected to the world beyond his own worries.


    ¡°See anything?¡± he whispered to Katria as they paused by a cluster of low shrubs, their leaves dotted with tiny red berries.


    She shook her head, crouching low to the ground as she examined a faint set of hoofprints in the soil. ¡°Deer tracks,¡± she murmured. ¡°They¡¯re fresh. If we¡¯re quiet, we might catch it before it moves too far.¡±


    Ajal nodded, gripping his bow a little tighter as he followed her deeper into the woods. The morning light was softer here, casting long shadows that stretched across the forest floor. He felt a strange sense of anticipation building in his chest, a quiet excitement that hummed through his veins. Hunting with Katria had always been one of his favorite things to do, one of the few times he could let his guard down without worrying about the future or the expectations of his family.


    As they moved, Ajal¡¯s mind drifted back to the strange dream he¡¯d had that morning¡ªthe hooded figure, that eerie, knowing smile. It had left a chill in him that even the warmth of the sun couldn¡¯t quite dispel, as though a shadow still clung to him, lurking at the edges of his thoughts. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it was a warning, though of what, he couldn¡¯t say.


    But he pushed the thought aside as Katria raised a hand, signaling for him to stop. Just ahead, in a small clearing dappled with light, a young stag grazed, its head lowered as it pulled tender leaves from a bush. Its fur was a rich, warm brown, and its antlers gleamed in the sunlight, delicate yet strong.


    Ajal felt a pang of awe as he watched the creature, marveling at the quiet beauty of it. He took a slow, steady breath, his fingers tightening around his bowstring. This was the part of the hunt he never rushed, the moment when he connected with the life in front of him and acknowledged what he was about to take.


    He raised his bow, feeling the weight of it settle in his hand, his mind going quiet.


    Then, in a single fluid motion, he released the arrow.


    It struck true, and the stag stumbled, collapsing onto the soft earth. Ajal and Katria moved forward, each step careful, almost reverent. When they reached the animal, Ajal knelt beside it, placing a hand on its warm flank. He closed his eyes, murmuring a few words of thanks under his breath, feeling a solemn gratitude that steadied him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered, voice low. ¡°For what you¡¯ve given us.¡±


    Katria knelt beside him, her expression serious as she placed a hand on his shoulder. She understood his need for this moment, this quiet acknowledgment. The two of them stayed there for a few breaths longer, the forest holding its peace around them, as though it, too, respected the exchange.


    But the peace didn¡¯t last.


    A sharp, unnatural cry split the air, sending a shock of fear down Ajal¡¯s spine. It was a sound unlike anything he¡¯d ever heard¡ªhalf animal, half something far more twisted. The forest seemed to hold its breath, every bird and insect falling silent as the echo of the cry faded.


    Ajal looked at Katria, his heart pounding. ¡°What was that?¡±


    She shook her head, her face pale. ¡°Nothing good. Let¡¯s get back to the village.¡±


    They hefted the stag between them, moving as quickly as they could manage, but Ajal could feel a prickling unease crawling up his neck, as though they were being watched. The trees seemed darker now, their shadows stretching wider, and every crack of a twig or rustle of leaves felt like a warning.


    They were nearly back to the village when they heard it¡ªa rhythmic, heavy flapping sound, like massive wings beating the air. Ajal turned, his breath catching as he caught sight of something moving through the trees.


    It was massive, a creature that looked like it had crawled out of a nightmare. It had the shape of a bat, but it was nearly as large as a bear, its white, sickly skin stretched tight over bulging muscles. Its midsection was translucent, a gelatinous blue that pulsed faintly, revealing a tangled mess of organs and bones within. Its eyes, small and red, glinted with an intelligence that made Ajal¡¯s skin crawl.


    A Salarkista.


    Ajal¡¯s heart raced, the stories he¡¯d heard of these creatures flashing through his mind. The Salarkista were monsters born of demon magic, twisted and relentless hunters that fed on human life. They were rarely seen this close to the village, and for good reason¡ªthe barrier was supposed to keep them out.


    ¡°Katria,¡± he hissed, his voice tight with fear. ¡°Run.¡±


    But the creature had already spotted them. It let out another piercing cry, baring long, needle-like fangs as it lunged toward them. Katria was already sprinting, the stag forgotten on the ground as Ajal scrambled to follow.


    They ran, weaving between trees, their footsteps thundering over fallen leaves and roots. Ajal¡¯s heart hammered in his chest, his mind racing as he tried to think of anything that could stop a creature like that. But the Salarkista was gaining on them, each beat of its wings bringing it closer, its blood-red eyes locked on them with a chilling focus.


    They were almost at the edge of the forest when he heard a strangled yelp. He turned just in time to see Katria stumble, her ankle caught in a twisted root. She struggled, pulling at her leg, but the Salarkista was already upon her, its shadow looming over her like a dark, terrible omen.


    Without thinking, Ajal skidded to a halt, his fear replaced by a surge of desperate protectiveness. He raised his bow, drawing another arrow, though he knew it was almost pointless. A single arrow couldn¡¯t stop something like this, but he had to try¡ªhe had to buy Katria time to get free.


    He took aim, hands steady even as his heart raced, and loosed the arrow.


    The creature flinched as the arrow struck its wing, tearing through the translucent membrane. It screeched in rage, its attention momentarily diverted. Katria managed to pull her ankle free, scrambling to her feet and running back toward the village, but the Salarkista¡¯s gaze was already back on Ajal, its fury now fully directed at him.


    Ajal swallowed, backing away slowly as the creature advanced, his mind racing for any possible escape. But it was too fast, too relentless.


    Ajal sprinted toward the village, every muscle in his body burning, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Behind him, he could hear the Salarkista¡¯s heavy wingbeats, each one closer than the last. He was so close to the edge of the forest¡ªif he could just reach it, he might have a chance.


    But before he could clear the tree line, something sharp and cold coiled around his ankle. A split second later, he was yanked backward, his body slamming into the ground as the breath was knocked from his lungs. The world spun as he was dragged back into the forest, the underbrush tearing at his clothes and skin, the sunlight of the village disappearing from view.


    Ajal twisted, reaching down to claw at the thing wrapped around his leg¡ªa slick, pale tendril, pulsing faintly with a sickly blue glow. It was an extension of the Salarkista¡¯s translucent midsection, an appendage it had lashed out with like a whip to reel him back in.


    ¡°Let¡­ go!¡± he snarled, kicking hard against the tendril, but it only tightened, pulling him closer to the creature¡¯s gaping, needle-toothed maw. Its breath washed over him, hot and foul, smelling of decay. The Salarkista¡¯s crimson eyes gleamed with a hungry, savage intelligence, as though it relished his struggle.


    Ajal didn¡¯t waste any more time fighting the tendril. He let his instincts take over, his mind going quiet as he focused on one thing¡ªsurviving. He reached down, his fingers brushing against a fallen branch. In one swift motion, he grabbed it, twisting his body to bring the branch down onto the tendril with all his strength.


    The wood splintered against the creature¡¯s gelatinous flesh, but it flinched, loosening its grip just enough for him to wrench his leg free. Without hesitating, he scrambled to his feet, sprinting toward the nearest tree, his heart hammering in his chest. He could feel the Salarkista¡¯s rage behind him, a low growl rumbling from deep within its grotesque form.


    Instead of running in a straight line, Ajal zigzagged between the trees, forcing the creature to adjust its course. His movements were fluid, almost instinctual, each step calculated to give him the slightest edge in speed. He leaped over fallen logs and ducked beneath low-hanging branches, his focus narrowing until the world around him became a blur.


    But the Salarkista was relentless, its wings beating the air with increasing fury. He could hear it crashing through the underbrush, tearing through obstacles in its path as though they were nothing. Every instinct in him screamed to keep moving, to push himself harder, faster, despite the ache in his legs and the burn in his lungs.


    He felt the creature¡¯s tendril lash out again, grazing his side as he ducked behind a tree. His mind raced, searching for a way to turn the terrain to his advantage. The forest was dense, the trees close together, with thick roots snaking across the ground¡ªa perfect environment to slow the Salarkista down if he could maneuver right.


    He saw his chance and took it, veering sharply to the left and skidding down a small slope covered in loose soil and leaves. He let himself fall into a controlled slide, using the momentum to keep his speed, and heard the Salarkista shriek in frustration as it struggled to follow. The creature¡¯s massive frame wasn¡¯t built for quick turns, and it faltered, its wing clipping a tree and tearing through the bark with a splintering crack.


    Ajal grinned, adrenaline sharpening his focus. ¡°Come on,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Just try and keep up.¡±


    But his confidence was short-lived. With a furious snarl, the Salarkista tore through the brush, its tendril whipping forward again. Ajal dodged, but the creature anticipated his movement, and another tendril lashed out, catching him across the back. Pain shot through him as he staggered forward, barely keeping his footing.


    He could feel the creature closing in, its hot breath on the back of his neck. Desperation surged through him, and he scanned the forest floor, looking for anything he could use. His hand brushed against a jagged stone, half-buried in the dirt, and he seized it, gripping it tightly as he whirled around to face the creature.


    The Salarkista¡¯s mouth opened wide, revealing rows of needle-like teeth dripping with saliva. With a yell, Ajal launched himself forward, slamming the stone into the creature¡¯s translucent belly with all his strength. The gelatinous flesh quivered, and a dark, oily fluid seeped from the wound, hissing as it touched the ground.


    The Salarkista screeched in fury, reeling back as its tendrils flailed wildly. Ajal took the opportunity to scramble away, using the creature¡¯s momentary disorientation to put some distance between them. He stumbled over roots and rocks, his muscles screaming in protest, but he pushed himself forward, refusing to let up.


    He could see a break in the trees up ahead¡ªa faint glow of daylight. His heart pounded with a surge of hope as he sprinted toward it, ducking low as another tendril whipped past him, tearing a chunk of bark from a tree. He didn¡¯t dare look back; he knew the Salarkista was still right behind him, driven to a frenzy by his resistance.


    ¡°Almost there,¡± he muttered, gritting his teeth. He pushed off the ground, leaping over a fallen log, his mind racing through every possible move, every potential escape. His body moved on instinct, each step fueled by sheer determination and the need to survive.


    The forest opened up just ahead, and he could see the fields surrounding the village in the distance. If he could just reach them, maybe someone would see him¡ªmaybe someone would come to help.


    But before he could clear the last line of trees, a tendril lashed out, catching him around the waist and yanking him backward with a violent force. He slammed into the ground, the air rushing from his lungs, and he struggled against the creature¡¯s grip, his mind blank with terror.


    He clawed at the tendril, his fingers slipping against its slick, cold surface. The Salarkista loomed over him, its crimson eyes gleaming with a terrible hunger as it drew him closer, its mouth opening wide.


    Panic flared in Ajal¡¯s chest, but beneath it was a strange, steely resolve. He wouldn¡¯t let this creature take him. Not here. Not now. He gritted his teeth, muscles tensing as he summoned every ounce of strength he had left.


    With a sudden burst of energy, he twisted in the Salarkista¡¯s grip, bringing his knee up and slamming it into the creature¡¯s soft, gelatinous belly. The Salarkista shrieked, recoiling just enough for him to slip free and roll away. He staggered to his feet, his vision swimming, but he forced himself to keep moving, one step at a time.


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    Just a little farther.


    Ajal¡¯s foot hit a tangle of roots, nearly sending him sprawling, but he caught himself, pressing onward as he saw the last line of trees thinning ahead. He could see the light beyond, brighter now, the open space that led to the village.


    The Salarkista let out a final, enraged scream, and Ajal heard it closing in behind him, faster than before, a wave of hot, foul-smelling air.


    He broke through the treeline, stumbling into the clearing just beyond the forest. The village lay ahead, but his legs felt like lead, his body drained, his vision blurring. He could barely stay upright, but he forced himself forward, each step a battle against the weight of exhaustion.


    The Salarkista burst out of the forest behind him, its eyes blazing with fury, its tendrils thrashing as it bore down on him. Ajal knew he couldn¡¯t keep running, not with the strength he had left. He turned to face it, his chest heaving, his fists clenched as he prepared to fight to the end.


    But then, the creature stopped.


    Its entire body went rigid, its eyes widening in something that almost looked like¡­ fear. It stared past Ajal, focusing on something in the distance, and its tendrils twitched, pulling back slightly.


    Ajal turned, his heart pounding, as a figure stepped into the clearing¡ªa tall, lean man with a carefree grin and eyes that held an unsettling calm. It was the same man from his dream, the hooded figure with the strange, knowing smile.


    The man raised a hand, his smile widening, and the Salarkista¡¯s movements stilled. It didn¡¯t scream, didn¡¯t try to flee; it simply froze, as though held in place by an invisible force.


    With a faint, almost casual wave of his hand, the man lowered his arm¡ªand the Salarkista collapsed, dead before it even hit the ground.


    Ajal stared, his mind struggling to process what he¡¯d just witnessed. He looked up at the man, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow, his smile never fading.


    ¡°Kaito,¡± the man said, as if introducing himself at a party, his voice light and easy. ¡°Hero of the War of Sinners, but you can call me the guy who just saved your life.¡±


    Ajal stared, gasping for breath, as the stranger lowered his hand, his expression as calm as if he¡¯d just swatted a fly. The Salarkista lay sprawled across the ground, lifeless, its tendrils limp, its glassy eyes frozen in fear.


    The man took a step forward, hands still tucked into his pockets, his gaze fixed on Ajal with an unsettlingly casual interest. Up close, Ajal could make out more details: dark hair that hung just over his eyes, a faint scar tracing down his jawline, and a grin that looked almost amused.


    ¡°So, birthday boy,¡± the man said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You must be Ajal. Your village¡¯s latest troublemaker, if I remember right?¡±


    Ajal blinked, still too stunned to respond. ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ who are you?¡±


    The man¡¯s grin widened, his eyes twinkling with a glint of mischief. ¡°Kaito. You may have heard of me¡ªlegendary hero, veteran of the War of Sinners, savior of the innocent, vanquisher of evil, protector of the weak¡ª¡±


    He took a dramatic step back, raising one arm high in the air while placing his other hand over his heart, as though addressing an adoring crowd. ¡°That¡¯s right, folks! I am Kaito, the one and only! The man who stood alone on the cliffs of Severon and said to the gods themselves, ¡®Bring it on!¡¯¡±


    Ajal stared, wide-eyed, his confusion mounting. He¡¯d heard wild stories about Kaito in whispers around Crater Village, but only as a name in old legends. Most people thought he was a myth, a figure from some tale meant to inspire children to be brave.


    ¡°Uh¡­ right,¡± Ajal managed, glancing around awkwardly. ¡°So, you just¡­ happen to stroll into the forest and kill a Salarkista on your day off?¡±


    Kaito dropped the pose, his grin widening as he clapped Ajal on the shoulder. ¡°Exactly! Gotta keep myself entertained somehow.¡± He leaned in, lowering his voice with a conspiratorial wink. ¡°But I¡¯ll admit, kid, you did well out there. Most people would¡¯ve frozen up¡­ or just been eaten. You kept your head. I like that.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s face flushed with a mix of pride and confusion, but he quickly masked it with a shrug. ¡°Well, I was planning to outrun it, but I guess facing it worked too.¡±


    Kaito laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Maybe running would¡¯ve been the smarter move. But then again¡­¡± His gaze shifted, seeming to search the air around Ajal as if he were looking for something only he could see.


    Ajal shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, the thrill of survival fading as the weight of Kaito¡¯s attention pressed down on him.


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    They emerged from the forest and stepped onto the path leading into Crater Village. Up ahead, Ajal could see a group of villagers gathered at the village entrance, some of them holding weapons or farm tools, others murmuring anxiously. He spotted Katria at the front, clutching her bow, her expression tight with worry as she scanned the tree line.


    The moment she saw him, her face lit up with relief¡ªbut her expression quickly darkened as she noticed Kaito walking beside him.


    ¡°Ajal!¡± she shouted, rushing over. She gripped his arms, looking him over with barely contained panic. ¡°Are you alright? I thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Kat,¡± he reassured her, though his voice was still shaky. ¡°Ran into some trouble, but¡­ Kaito here helped me out.¡±


    Katria¡¯s gaze shifted sharply to Kaito, her expression immediately hardening. ¡°Kaito?¡± She looked him up and down, taking in his relaxed grin and cocky posture. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re just some random hero who happened to be wandering by?¡±


    At her words, Kaito¡¯s face lit up, and he sprang into a dramatic pose, one hand on his hip and the other pointing skyward. ¡°Not just any hero, my skeptical friend!¡± he announced loudly enough for the entire crowd to hear. ¡°I am Kaito, the legendary warrior, hero of the War of Sinners, the one who single-handedly turned the tide against the Twelve Beasts of the Void!¡±


    The crowd exchanged puzzled glances, a few of them murmuring to each other. Some of the younger villagers looked at him in awe, while the elders frowned, clearly unimpressed by his theatrics.


    A middle-aged woman in the back folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Legendary hero? Never heard of him,¡± she muttered to her neighbor.


    Katria¡¯s expression stayed flat. ¡°Right. Well, if you¡¯re done posing, ¡®legendary hero,¡¯ we don¡¯t actually know anything about you. And considering what we just went through, I think you owe us an explanation.¡±


    Before Kaito could respond, one of the village guards, Roken, stepped forward with a grim expression, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He was flanked by two other guards, both eyeing Kaito warily.


    ¡°Whoever you are,¡± Roken said, his tone hard, ¡°you¡¯re not welcome here without permission from the chief. And you don¡¯t get to wander around our village like you own the place just because you killed a monster.¡±


    Kaito raised his hands in a mock display of surrender, clearly unfazed by the hostility. ¡°Come on now,¡± he said with a smirk, ¡°is that any way to treat the guy who just saved your precious Inheritor-to-be here?¡± He gave Ajal a wink, as if the whole thing were some grand joke.


    Roken¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Whether you saved him or not, trespassing is still trespassing. And if you¡¯re who you say you are, you¡¯ll have no problem explaining yourself to Chief Harika.¡±


    Kaito sighed dramatically, glancing over at Ajal with a look of exaggerated hurt. ¡°See, kid? This is the thanks I get for saving your life. These folks think I¡¯m just some¡­ what, dangerous vagrant?¡±


    Ajal shifted awkwardly, glancing between Kaito and the guards. ¡°Uh¡­ maybe you should just¡­ you know, go along with them? It¡¯s probably easier that way.¡±


    But Kaito ignored him, shrugging as he turned his attention back to the crowd. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll go along, though I¡¯d like the record to show that I¡¯m here as a guest of honor.¡± He gave a theatrical bow, as if addressing an invisible audience.


    As he straightened up, his gaze landed on Theo, who had just arrived with Ajal¡¯s parents. For a brief second, something flickered across Kaito¡¯s face¡ªrecognition, almost, as if he¡¯d seen a ghost. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual grin.


    Ajal¡¯s mother, Nora, reached him first, pulling him into a tight hug. ¡°Ajal! Are you alright? Katria said there was a Salarkista¡­ We were so worried.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mom,¡± he said, a little breathless from the hug. ¡°Just¡­ a bit scraped up. But Kaito here¡ª¡±


    Kaito interrupted with a casual wave. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. Your boy¡¯s tough. I just gave him a little hand with the big scary monster.¡±


    Eren, Ajal¡¯s father, stepped forward, his gaze serious but grateful. ¡°Then we owe you thanks¡­ Kaito, was it?¡±


    Kaito gave a lazy salute. ¡°That¡¯s right. Always happy to help.¡±


    Theo, who had been watching the exchange quietly, took a step forward, giving Kaito a curious look. ¡°Kaito, huh?¡± he murmured, almost to himself. His eyes narrowed slightly, as though trying to place the man¡¯s face. ¡°You know, you look¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, Kaito gave a dismissive wave, his expression slipping back into its usual cheer. ¡°Ah, I get that a lot. People think they¡¯ve seen me before. I just have one of those faces.¡±


    Roken cleared his throat, cutting through the tension. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. Kaito, you¡¯re coming with us to speak with Chief Harika. If you really are this ¡®legendary hero¡¯ you claim to be, you can explain yourself to her.¡±


    Kaito let out an exaggerated sigh but didn¡¯t resist as the guards moved to flank him. ¡°Fine, fine. Let¡¯s go meet the chief. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be thrilled to meet a real legend.¡± He threw Ajal a wink. ¡°Catch you later, birthday boy.¡±


    As the guards led Kaito away, Ajal watched him go, still trying to process everything that had just happened. The adrenaline from the Salarkista encounter was starting to wear off, leaving him drained and more than a little overwhelmed.


    But the image of Kaito¡¯s confident grin lingered in his mind, along with his last words: Catch you later, birthday boy.


    As Kaito disappeared from view, flanked by the guards, the crowd began to disperse, though Ajal could still feel the weight of curious eyes on him. Whispers rippled through the villagers, fragments of conversation drifting to his ears.


    ¡°Did you see that man? Kaito, he said¡­ isn¡¯t that just a story?¡±


    ¡°And he killed a Salarkista by himself? Just like that?¡±


    ¡°Trouble follows people like that. Mark my words.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s mother, Nora, placed a hand on his shoulder, her worried gaze studying his face. ¡°Ajal¡­ what happened out there? Katria told us you were attacked, but¡­ that man, he just showed up?¡±


    Ajal took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. ¡°Yeah. We were hunting in the forest when this¡­ thing got through the barrier. I thought we were done for.¡± He shook his head, still half in disbelief. ¡°And then Kaito appeared. Took down the Salarkista like it was nothing.¡±


    Katria, who had been standing beside him, crossed her arms tightly. ¡°Yeah, and acted like it was no big deal, too.¡± She huffed, her distrust of Kaito evident. ¡°It¡¯s like he enjoyed how freaked out everyone was. Who does that?¡±


    Eren gave a thoughtful nod, glancing in the direction the guards had taken Kaito. ¡°Legends or not, people with that kind of power are rare¡­ and dangerous. We¡¯ll see what the chief has to say about him.¡±


    Theo grinned, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Well, Ajal, seems like you had quite the adventure. First you nearly get eaten, then you get rescued by a ¡®legendary hero.¡¯ If this is what turning eighteen is like, maybe I¡¯ll stop teasing you about being the baby of the family.¡±


    Ajal rolled his eyes, but he could feel the tension starting to ease just a bit. Even though his family was clearly shaken, their familiar banter grounded him. He glanced at Katria, who was still glaring in the direction Kaito had gone.


    ¡°Kat, come on,¡± he said, giving her a nudge. ¡°You have to admit, he did save us.¡±


    Katria scoffed, not quite meeting his eyes. ¡°Yeah, but that doesn¡¯t mean I have to like him. People who show up out of nowhere with that much power¡­ they never mean anything good.¡± Her voice softened a bit, and she looked away, almost embarrassed. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you getting mixed up in something dangerous.¡±


    Eren cleared his throat, nodding in agreement. ¡°Katria¡¯s right. Ajal, I know you¡¯re probably feeling¡­ grateful to this man, but be careful. A person who can do what he did to a Salarkista¡ªthat¡¯s someone the gods themselves might have an eye on.¡±


    Ajal shifted uncomfortably. He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but there was something about Kaito that felt¡­ strange. Like the man knew something about him, something he wasn¡¯t saying. But he didn¡¯t want to worry his family any more than he already had, so he forced a smile and shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± he promised, though even he could hear the uncertainty in his voice.


    A few other villagers approached then, offering Ajal well-wishes and murmuring reassurances. It was an odd experience; most of them had known him since he was born, and suddenly they were treating him as if he¡¯d done something noteworthy, something important. He felt their curiosity and concern pressing in on him, questions he didn¡¯t know how to answer.


    After a few minutes, Chief Harika emerged from her home on the other side of the square, her expression calm but serious. She motioned for Ajal and his family to follow her, gesturing toward the village hall where the council meetings were held. The guards were already escorting Kaito inside, and she threw Ajal a reassuring nod as they fell into step behind her.


    ¡°Ajal, I¡¯d like you to sit in on this,¡± she said in a low voice, her gaze warm but resolute. ¡°I think it¡¯s important for you to hear what this man has to say.¡±


    Ajal exchanged a glance with his parents and nodded, his stomach twisting with a mix of dread and curiosity. As they entered the village hall, he felt the quiet gravity of the place settle over him. This was where important decisions were made, where the lives of everyone in Crater Village were discussed and safeguarded.


    Inside, Kaito was seated casually on a bench, flanked by two guards who seemed tense despite his relaxed posture. He looked up as they entered, flashing Ajal a playful grin as if this were all some kind of joke.


    ¡°Ah, the man of the hour!¡± he said, leaning back and crossing his arms behind his head. ¡°I was wondering if they¡¯d let you in here, kid. Looks like your chief here knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±


    Chief Harika gave him a flat, unimpressed look. ¡°If you¡¯re quite finished with your theatrics, Kaito, perhaps you¡¯d like to explain what brought you to our village¡ªand why you decided to involve yourself with a Salarkista on our land.¡±


    Kaito gave a lazy shrug, glancing around the room as if he were admiring the decor. ¡°Simple, really. I happened to be passing by and saw two kids about to become lunch for a very nasty pet. Thought I¡¯d lend a hand.¡± He smirked. ¡°Figured you wouldn¡¯t mind me taking care of it.¡±


    One of the council members, an elder named Rinna, raised an eyebrow. ¡°And we¡¯re supposed to believe you just ¡®happened¡¯ to be passing through? You expect us to take your word at face value?¡±


    Kaito put on a mock-hurt expression, pressing a hand to his chest. ¡°What, you don¡¯t believe in coincidences? Fate? Destiny?¡± He glanced at Ajal, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. ¡°Or maybe I was just in the right place at the right time. Maybe the gods have a funny way of making things work out.¡±


    Ajal shivered, feeling an unspoken weight in Kaito¡¯s words. It was as though the man knew something he wasn¡¯t saying¡ªsomething about him. He wanted to ask, but the room was tense with distrust, and he wasn¡¯t sure he was ready for any answers Kaito might have.


    Chief Harika narrowed her eyes, clearly unfazed by his theatrics. ¡°Let¡¯s assume you¡¯re telling the truth, Kaito. That still doesn¡¯t explain who you are, or why you¡¯re so¡­ well-equipped to handle something that can break through our barrier.¡±


    Kaito chuckled, spreading his arms as if to display himself. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard the stories? Kaito, hero of the War of Sinners? Vanquisher of the Twelve Beasts of the Void?¡± He paused, glancing around, and when he saw the blank stares, he sighed. ¡°Unbelievable. I save the world once, maybe twice, and nobody remembers.¡±


    The guards stiffened, but Harika just sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for games, Kaito. You may have helped, but you¡¯re still a stranger here. If you want to leave this village freely, I suggest you tell us what you¡¯re really here for.¡±


    Kaito¡¯s grin faded slightly, his gaze sharpening. For the first time, a trace of seriousness crept into his tone. ¡°I told you. I was just passing through. I¡¯m not here to cause trouble, but if trouble¡¯s already here¡­¡± He glanced at Ajal, and something flickered across his face¡ªrecognition, maybe even caution.


    Ajal swallowed, feeling like Kaito¡¯s gaze was reaching into something he himself didn¡¯t fully understand.


    After a moment, Kaito shrugged, the grin returning. ¡°Anyway, you can relax. I¡¯ll be on my way soon enough. Just thought I¡¯d make sure your future Reaper here didn¡¯t get his career cut short on day one.¡±


    The council members exchanged confused glances, and Chief Harika¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Future¡­ Reaper?¡±


    Kaito just chuckled, leaning back as if he¡¯d said nothing unusual. ¡°Just a figure of speech,¡± he said smoothly, winking at Ajal. ¡°Guess you¡¯ll have to stick around to see what I mean.¡±


    The room fell silent as Ajal felt a strange, heavy sense of anticipation settle over him. He wasn¡¯t sure if Kaito¡¯s words were a warning or a promise, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that, whatever Kaito had seen in him, it was something he himself would soon have to face.


    The village council chamber was thick with tension. Kaito sat with an air of casual indifference, his arms folded behind his head, watching the village council members with a faint, mischievous smile. Ajal stood off to the side with his family, feeling the weight of Kaito¡¯s earlier words settle heavily on his shoulders. Future Reaper? Kaito had tossed out the phrase as if it were nothing, but the implications were anything but light.


    Just then, a soft voice spoke up from the back of the room.


    ¡°Um¡­ actually, I think he might be telling the truth.¡±


    All heads turned as Tessa stepped forward, clutching a leather-bound book to her chest. She was a slight girl, her dark hair neatly braided over one shoulder, and her face was half-hidden behind her book, as if she were trying to blend into the background despite having just spoken up. Her gaze flicked around the room, landing briefly on Ajal¡ªonly to dart away just as quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly.


    ¡°Tessa?¡± Chief Harika said, sounding surprised. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Tessa shifted awkwardly, clearing her throat as she avoided looking in Ajal¡¯s direction. ¡°I, um¡­ heard about the Salarkista attack and¡­ well, I thought maybe I could help.¡± Her voice was quiet, but there was a quiet confidence in the way she spoke, as if she were used to gathering information and piecing together clues.


    She glanced at Kaito, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°You said¡­ ¡®Reaper,¡¯ didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Kaito¡¯s smile widened, and he gave her an approving nod. ¡°That I did. Smart girl. I knew someone here had to be paying attention.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s cheeks turned a shade pinker, but she ignored the compliment, clutching her book a little tighter as she turned to address Chief Harika and the council. ¡°If he called Ajal a ¡®Reaper,¡¯ he might be referring to¡­ well, a type of Inheritor.¡±


    ¡°Inheritor?¡± Ajal repeated, feeling the unfamiliar word hang in the air.


    Tessa looked at him for a split second before quickly averting her gaze, directing her explanation toward Chief Harika instead. ¡°An Inheritor is someone chosen by the gods to wield an artifact they once used themselves. It¡¯s rare¡ªalmost unheard of¡ªbut it¡¯s said that those who inherit these artifacts carry a piece of the god¡¯s power with them.¡±


    The council members murmured among themselves, and Ajal could feel the villagers¡¯ eyes shifting between him and Kaito with a new sense of awe¡ªand maybe a bit of fear.


    Roken, the guard, scowled, crossing his arms. ¡°And you¡¯re saying this¡­ Kaito is here because he believes Ajal is one of these¡­ Inheritors?¡±


    Tessa nodded, keeping her eyes on the ground to avoid Ajal¡¯s gaze. ¡°It would explain why he called Ajal a ¡®Reaper.¡¯ That term¡­ it¡¯s associated with artifacts of death, like scythes or other symbols of the end.¡±


    Ajal swallowed, feeling a strange chill creep up his spine. ¡°Wait, but¡­ I didn¡¯t get anything like that. I mean, I just turned eighteen. I didn¡¯t get any¡­ ¡®artifact¡¯ or whatever.¡±


    Kaito chuckled, leaning forward with a glint in his eyes. ¡°Patience, kid. The gods have a flair for timing. They don¡¯t usually drop life-changing gifts right in your lap without letting you stew over it a bit.¡±


    Tessa looked up, studying Kaito with a cautious curiosity. ¡°If he really is an Inheritor,¡± she continued, still directing her words to the council rather than Ajal, ¡°then he might be bound to a mission, or some kind of duty. Inheritors often have¡­ obligations.¡±


    Katria raised an eyebrow, still eyeing Kaito with distrust. ¡°And how would you know all this, Tessa?¡±


    Tessa¡¯s cheeks flushed, and she fidgeted with the edges of her book. ¡°I¡­ read a lot,¡± she mumbled, glancing down. ¡°There are stories about Inheritors in some of the older texts. Most people don¡¯t pay attention to them because¡­ well, they¡¯re mostly thought to be myths.¡±


    Kaito laughed, clapping his hands once. ¡°See, that¡¯s what I love¡ªsomeone who actually reads the fine print! I was starting to think I¡¯d have to explain it all myself.¡±


    Tessa ducked her head, looking even more embarrassed by the attention. She glanced at Ajal briefly, as if to gauge his reaction, but the moment their eyes met, she quickly looked away again, turning her focus back to Chief Harika.


    Chief Harika¡¯s expression was unreadable as she considered Tessa¡¯s words. ¡°So if Ajal is indeed an Inheritor,¡± she said slowly, ¡°that would mean he¡¯s been¡­ chosen, by the gods themselves.¡±


    Kaito gave a nonchalant shrug. ¡°More or less. But don¡¯t get too excited yet, folks. These things can get messy. Gods don¡¯t give gifts for free, you know.¡±


    Ajal felt the full weight of the room¡¯s attention shift to him, an uncomfortable mix of awe, curiosity, and fear. He looked down, gripping his hands together, feeling both exposed and overwhelmed. He hadn¡¯t asked for any of this. Until this morning, he¡¯d been just another farm boy, someone with no clear direction in life. And now¡­ this.


    Tessa glanced at him again, her expression softening as she seemed to pick up on his discomfort. She took a tiny step toward him, opening her mouth as if she wanted to say something reassuring, but at the last moment, her courage seemed to falter. Instead, she turned her attention back to Chief Harika, her cheeks tinged pink.


    ¡°So¡­ what happens now?¡± she asked quietly, still avoiding Ajal¡¯s gaze.


    Chief Harika glanced around the room, her face thoughtful. ¡°First, we¡¯ll keep this information contained. The last thing we need is panic spreading through the village over ancient myths. Second¡­¡± She looked at Ajal, her gaze steady but kind. ¡°Ajal, we¡¯ll need to keep an eye on you. If you really are an Inheritor, then whatever Gift the gods have planned for you¡­ it will reveal itself soon.¡±


    Ajal swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. ¡°And¡­ what if I don¡¯t want it?¡±


    Kaito let out a low chuckle, his eyes gleaming with something almost like sympathy. ¡°Kid, if the gods have their sights on you, you don¡¯t get much of a choice in the matter. You can try running, but¡­ well, let¡¯s just say it never works out the way you think it will.¡±


    Ajal felt the room close in around him, the weight of Kaito¡¯s words settling like a stone in his chest. The idea of running had crossed his mind¡ªleaving the village, escaping this unwanted responsibility. But the way Kaito said it, as if he¡¯d seen this scenario play out a thousand times¡­ it made him feel trapped, bound by a fate he hadn¡¯t chosen.


    He glanced over at Tessa, who was still standing beside him, her gaze fixed determinedly on the floor. Despite her shyness, she¡¯d been the only one to understand what Kaito was saying, the only one to explain what this might mean for him. He wanted to thank her, to ask her more about what she knew, but she seemed intent on avoiding his eyes, her cheeks still flushed.


    Chief Harika let out a sigh, drawing everyone¡¯s attention back to her. ¡°For now, we proceed as we always have. We protect the village, keep our people safe, and stay vigilant. Ajal¡­¡± She softened, her tone almost motherly. ¡°If you notice anything¡ªanything unusual¡ªtell us. We¡¯ll do our best to guide you.¡±


    Ajal nodded, though he still felt like he was in a haze, struggling to make sense of the day¡¯s events.


    Kaito pushed himself up from the bench, stretching his arms over his head. ¡°Well! If my work here is done, maybe I¡¯ll stick around for a bit. I¡¯ve always wanted to see how small villages handle things like ¡®divine destiny.¡¯¡±


    Chief Harika shot him a sharp look. ¡°You¡¯ll stay under guard, Kaito. And if you¡¯re truly here to help, you¡¯ll respect our rules.¡±


    Kaito gave an exaggerated sigh, holding up his hands in surrender. ¡°Fine, fine. No need to be so serious, Chief. I¡¯ll be on my best behavior.¡± He glanced at Ajal, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°For now.¡±


    As the council adjourned, Tessa slipped away quietly, disappearing into the crowd without so much as a backward glance at Ajal. He watched her go, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. She was the only one who seemed to understand what was happening, yet she¡¯d barely spoken to him. He made a mental note to find her later¡­ if he could work up the courage.


    As the council dispersed, the villagers lingered in the square, murmuring to one another as they stole glances at Ajal. He could feel their curiosity pressing in on him, and though he tried to ignore it, the weight of their attention was undeniable. Some of the younger villagers looked at him with admiration, while the elders seemed wary, their eyes shadowed with questions they didn¡¯t dare ask.


    Katria walked at his side, her arms crossed tightly as she glared at anyone who stared too long. ¡°Just ignore them,¡± she muttered. ¡°They¡¯re acting like you¡¯ve turned into some kind of¡­ of prophet overnight.¡±


    Ajal let out a dry laugh, though it felt forced. ¡°Right. All I did was almost get eaten.¡±


    They made their way out of the square and onto the dirt path leading back toward the family¡¯s farmhouse. Ajal¡¯s father, Eren, walked close beside him, a steadying presence amidst the lingering tension. After a moment, he gave Ajal a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go home, son. We¡¯ll figure this out together.¡±


    Ajal nodded, grateful for the familiarity of his father¡¯s words. But as they continued along the path, he found himself unable to shake the feeling that he was somehow¡­ different. Like he was seeing the world from a distance, no longer just Ajal, the boy from Crater Village, but something more. Something unknown.


    Finally, his mother, Nora, spoke up, her voice soft but steady. ¡°Ajal¡­ you know that no matter what anyone says, or what this Kaito might think, you¡¯re still you. You¡¯ll always have us. You¡¯re not alone in this.¡±


    Ajal managed a faint smile, but her words stirred a strange mix of emotions within him. The thought of being an Inheritor¡ªa chosen one, a vessel of the gods¡ªfilled him with a tentative, uneasy thrill. Ever since he could remember, he¡¯d struggled with the question of who he was supposed to be, what he was supposed to do with his life. The family farm, the village¡­ he loved them, but he¡¯d never been able to picture himself spending his life here, doing the same things day after day.


    And now, fate¡ªor the gods, or whatever power was out there¡ªseemed to be offering him a path. A purpose.


    But the path was tangled, fraught with uncertainty. Kaito¡¯s words came back to him: the gods don¡¯t give Gifts without reason. The thought of being bound to some grand, divine mission sounded daunting, even terrifying. But it also felt¡­ important. Maybe this is what I was meant to do. The idea was both exhilarating and overwhelming.


    Katria interrupted his thoughts, her voice laced with frustration. ¡°Just because some stranger says you¡¯re an Inheritor, that doesn¡¯t mean you have to go along with it, you know.¡± She crossed her arms, scowling. ¡°You¡¯re still in control of your life, Ajal.¡±


    Ajal looked at her, trying to find the words to explain the strange pull he was feeling. ¡°But¡­ what if this is the answer, Kat? What if this is what I¡¯m supposed to do?¡± He paused, searching for the right words. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ maybe it¡¯s stupid, but I¡¯ve spent so long wondering where I fit, what I¡¯m meant to be. And now¡­ maybe this is it.¡±


    Katria frowned, her gaze softening. ¡°Just be careful. Purpose or not, you can¡¯t trust everyone who comes along saying you¡¯re ¡®chosen.¡¯ There¡¯s a lot we don¡¯t know about this Kaito guy. And if you go along with everything he says, you might end up getting hurt.¡±


    Ajal nodded, appreciating her concern, but the uncertainty remained. It was true that Kaito was a mystery¡ªand the idea of blindly trusting him seemed reckless. But something deep inside Ajal stirred at the thought of becoming an Inheritor, of wielding the power of the gods. Could he really walk away from that possibility?


    They reached the farmhouse, and Eren held the door open, ushering everyone inside. Ajal moved to sit by the hearth, sinking onto one of the worn wooden stools, his mind racing. He looked down at his hands, studying the small nicks and calluses from years of farm work. They felt like someone else¡¯s hands now, like they belonged to a version of him that he was slowly leaving behind.


    His father joined him by the hearth, sitting down with a thoughtful expression. ¡°Ajal,¡± he said slowly, ¡°I don¡¯t pretend to know what the gods have planned. But I do know that purpose isn¡¯t something you find in a day. If this path calls to you, then take your time with it. Don¡¯t rush.¡±


    Nora nodded, her eyes gentle as she looked at Ajal. ¡°No matter what happens, you¡¯re still our son. Whether you choose to embrace this or not, we¡¯ll support you.¡±


    Ajal felt a surge of gratitude for his family, their steady presence grounding him even as the world around him seemed to shift. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said quietly, managing a smile. ¡°I¡­ I think I¡¯ll need some time to figure this out.¡±


    Theo, who had been leaning against the doorframe with a relaxed grin, gave him a playful nudge. ¡°And hey, if you decide to become some big, important ¡®Reaper,¡¯ just remember to give us a discount on any ¡®reaping¡¯ services, alright?¡±


    Ajal snorted, unable to help a small laugh. ¡°Sure, Theo. I¡¯ll put you down for the family rate.¡±


    They shared a brief, light-hearted moment, but Ajal could still feel the weight of everything that had happened. His family¡¯s words had comforted him, but the question of what to do next hung over him like a storm cloud, full of promise and danger.


    As the evening wore on, the family slowly drifted off to their rooms, giving Ajal space to sit alone by the dying fire. He stared into the embers, his mind racing with possibilities, doubts, and the strange, thrilling sense that his life was on the edge of something vast and unknown.


    Is this really what I want?


    Part of him felt that he should be afraid¡ªthat the unknown should scare him, especially with Kaito¡¯s warnings fresh in his mind. But another part of him felt a thrill he couldn¡¯t ignore. The idea of being chosen by the gods, of being important in some way¡ªit was everything he¡¯d never dared to hope for.


    Still, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that by choosing this path, he¡¯d be leaving behind the life he¡¯d always known. The familiar routines, the quiet safety of the village, his family¡­ if he embraced this destiny, could he ever come back?


    The fire crackled softly, casting shadows that danced along the walls. His thoughts drifted to Tessa, to the way she¡¯d spoken of Inheritors with such quiet certainty. She¡¯d been the only one who seemed to understand what he might be facing. Maybe he could talk to her, ask her what she knew. She always had her nose in a book, and he¡¯d bet she knew more than she¡¯d let on today.


    Lost in thought, Ajal barely noticed the hours slipping by as he grappled with his fears and hopes. The fire burned lower, the room growing dim, but he stayed by the hearth, waiting for some kind of answer to form in the quiet of his own mind.


    Then, just as the last embers began to fade, he felt a strange warmth bloom in his chest, pulsing softly, like the first hint of dawn breaking over the horizon.


    Something was coming.


    He didn¡¯t know what, or how soon, but he could feel it¡ªa quiet, undeniable sense that the gods had already set something in motion, something that would reach him before he had the chance to turn away.


    Ajal wasn¡¯t ready to go home just yet. The fire¡¯s glow had faded, but the questions lingering in his mind were still burning strong. He wanted answers¡ªno, he needed answers. And there was only one person in the village who might have them.


    He found Tessa near the outskirts of the square, perched on a low stone wall beneath a tree, a thick leather-bound book balanced on her knees. She was so absorbed in her reading that she didn¡¯t notice him approaching until he cleared his throat, and even then, she nearly dropped the book in surprise.


    ¡°Oh! Ajal,¡± she stammered, her cheeks immediately turning pink. She glanced away, fidgeting with the corner of a page as if it held her entire focus. ¡°I, um¡­ didn¡¯t expect to see you.¡±


    Ajal managed a small, uncertain smile, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah, sorry to just¡­ pop up. I just thought¡­¡± He paused, realizing he wasn¡¯t exactly sure what he wanted to say. ¡°I thought maybe you could help me understand all this. You know, about¡­ Inheritors.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s face flushed a little deeper, and she focused intently on her book. ¡°Oh¡­ well, I don¡¯t know that much,¡± she mumbled, though Ajal could tell from the way she clutched the book that she probably knew more than she was letting on.


    He took a seat on the wall next to her, leaving enough space so she wouldn¡¯t feel crowded. ¡°You seemed to know a lot back in the council hall,¡± he said gently. ¡°More than anyone else, really.¡±


    Tessa glanced sideways at him, her expression softening as she gathered her thoughts. ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ve read some old texts. My father keeps a lot of books, and, um¡­ I¡¯ve always liked reading about the gods and their¡­ gifts.¡± Her gaze flickered to him and then away, clearly avoiding direct eye contact.


    Ajal could tell she was nervous, but he appreciated her honesty. ¡°So¡­ do you really think I¡¯m an Inheritor? That I could end up, I don¡¯t know¡­ wielding some god¡¯s weapon or something?¡±


    She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns along the leather cover of her book. ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± she admitted. ¡°If the gods chose you, it means they saw something in you¡­ something important.¡± She swallowed, her voice growing softer. ¡°Inheritors are rare, Ajal. People say they can change the course of history. But it¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s not an easy path.¡±


    Ajal felt a shiver run through him, both from her words and from the earnest tone in her voice. ¡°What if I¡¯m not cut out for this?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°What if I¡­ mess it all up?¡±


    Tessa¡¯s gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked at him fully, her eyes warm and understanding. ¡°I don¡¯t think the gods would choose someone who couldn¡¯t handle it,¡± she said quietly. ¡°But¡­ it¡¯s okay to be scared. Everyone is, even if they won¡¯t admit it.¡±


    Ajal was taken aback by the sincerity in her tone, and he found himself smiling, a genuine one this time. ¡°Thanks, Tessa. I¡­ I needed to hear that.¡±


    She blushed, quickly looking back at her book, mumbling, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. Really.¡±


    For a moment, he thought about asking her more, about the specifics of what being an Inheritor would mean for him. But something about her quiet encouragement made him feel like he¡¯d already received the answer he was looking for¡ªor at least a small piece of it. He stood up, giving her a grateful nod.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you around,¡± he said, and she nodded back, her cheeks still pink as she gave him a quick, shy smile.


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    As Ajal walked away from Tessa, the night air felt cool against his skin, carrying the scent of the forest and the distant, earthy warmth of the village fires. He felt restless, his mind buzzing with the weight of the day¡¯s revelations. Without really planning where he was going, he found himself wandering to the edge of the village, just past the fields, where the land opened up under a vast sky dusted with stars.


    He paused there, standing in the quiet darkness, his thoughts drifting. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted, its call echoing through the trees. He took a deep breath, staring up at the stars, hoping the open air might bring him some clarity.


    But then, something strange happened.


    The air around him grew thick and still, as if every sound, every whisper of wind had been silenced. A prickling sensation spread across his skin, and he felt a faint warmth building in his chest, growing stronger with each beat of his heart.


    Ajal looked down, eyes widening as he saw a faint, white glow begin to pulse from within him, radiating outward like a light breaking through fog. The warmth intensified, rising into his throat and filling his lungs, until it was all he could feel. His hands trembled, and his vision blurred as the world around him seemed to dim.


    Then, suddenly, his eyes flared with brilliant white light, casting an eerie glow across his face and illuminating the darkness around him. A powerful energy surged through him, an invisible force that thrummed in his veins, stronger than anything he had ever felt. He tried to cry out, but his voice caught in his throat as his nose began to bleed, followed by a hot, stinging trickle from the corners of his eyes.


    The white glow around him grew brighter, forming a shimmering aura that pulsed in rhythm with his racing heartbeat. He felt his knees buckle, the weight of the energy overwhelming him, pressing down on him like an invisible hand.


    And then, in a sudden burst of darkness, the light vanished, replaced by a deep, inky blackness that seemed to swallow everything around him. He gasped, feeling the air shift, as something cool and weightless wrapped itself around his neck. He reached up, his fingers brushing against a fabric unlike any he¡¯d ever felt¡ªsoft as silk but with a strange, almost unsettling depth to it, as if he were touching a void itself.


    It was a scarf, impossibly dark, its fabric drinking in the moonlight and refusing to let it escape. The ends of the scarf lifted, drifting and curling as though they were alive, waving in the air despite the stillness of the night. It was as if the scarf had a will of its own, a presence that pulsed in time with his heartbeat.


    Ajal stared at it in shock, barely able to process what he was seeing. The scarf felt cold against his skin, yet it seemed to hum with a strange, quiet power, a silent promise of the strength it carried. Looking at it was like staring into the heart of a void¡ªan endless, unknowable darkness that felt as though it could consume anything that came near.


    As he touched the fabric, a wave of dizziness crashed over him. His vision darkened at the edges, and he felt his knees give out as the last remnants of his strength drained away. The world spun, and the last thing he saw was the scarf drifting around him, its shadowy tendrils curling in the air like living smoke.


    And then, everything went black.

 Chapter 2: Farewell

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Ajal gave him a small nod, his lips curving into a faint smile. He didn¡¯t need to say anything. The determination in his stance, in his eyes, said it all. He¡¯d made up his mind¡ªnot just about this moment, but about the months ahead. Whatever challenges lay in store, he would face them head-on. The next eight months would be his. He¡¯d use every second to sharpen himself, to learn, to grow stronger, until there wasn¡¯t a single doubt about who he was.

 Chapter 3: Starting line

    The streets of Arkphis buzzed with anticipation, alive with the vibrant energy of the forthcoming entrance exams for the prestigious Arkphis Institute. A colorful procession, a tapestry of hopeful spirits, wove its way along the city''s main thoroughfare, converging on the school''s grand stadium. Aspiring students from every corner of the nation¡ªHumans, Drapabarns, Especias, Fallens¡ªdiverse races united by a singular dream, had come to test their mettle. Each possessed unique Gifts, the keys to unlocking their future at the esteemed institute. Spectators, drawn by the promise of witnessing the dawn of new talents, lined the streets, their numbers swelling with every step closer to the arena.


    The air thrummed with the cacophony of the marketplace that had sprung up around the event. Stalls, crammed into every available space, offered an eclectic array of goods, from the exotic to the mundane. The mingling scents of spices danced on the air, a heady mix that tantalized the senses. Vendors'' calls rang out, a symphony of commerce, as deals were struck with a fervor fueled by the day''s excitement. Among the offerings, fried chicken feet and sizzling hotdogs vied for attention, drawing lines of eager patrons.


    Amidst the festive chaos, children wove their games of tag, their laughter a bright thread in the fabric of the bustling streets. Their carefree joy contrasted with the focused determination of the exam hopefuls, adding layers to the day''s tapestry.


    Caught in the pulse of the city, a young man with striking dark hair, tipped white, weaved through the crowd. His lavender eyes flickered with urgency, darting between obstacles as he muttered curses under his breath, "Crap, I''m gonna be late!" His progress, a desperate dance to avoid collision, drew sidelong glances from the throng. The emblem of his journey, a scarf, trailed him like a banner, marking his path through the sea of people.


    Finally breaching the perimeter of the massive coliseum, he made for the "Examinees'' Entrance," where a bored-looking young man with glasses manned the stall. His pale complexion and disinterested gaze offered a stark contrast to the vibrant scene around them. As the boy skidded to a halt, stirring a cloud of dust, the attendant''s eyebrow arched in mild surprise, a silent question hanging in the air.


    "Your name?" the clerk inquired, his voice devoid of interest.


    "Ajal Ruoc," the boy responded promptly. The clerk nodded, barely glancing up as he handed over a ticket. Ajal examined the slip, puzzled by its simplicity. "Uh, what''s this? It just says ''52''."


    "Just go inside," the clerk instructed with a dismissive gesture towards the grand entrance of the coliseum.


    As Ajal crossed the threshold, he stepped into an inner courtyard that defied the ordinary, its flora and fauna a vivid testament to the world''s boundless creativity. Yet, it was the massive structure floating in the sky that truly captured his awe. The institute itself, a colossal platform suspended above the city, its silhouette shrouded by clouds, symbolized the pinnacle of academic aspiration. This was the gateway to Arkphis Institute, and the exam was the key.


    The preparation area was abuzz with activity, the air thick with the aspirations of about 500 examinees. Conversations ebbed and flowed around him¡ªwhispers of competitors, exchanges of strategies¡ªa cacophony of ambition. Ajal''s gaze wandered, taking in the eclectic showcase of Gifts. From the girl with the chainsaw reflecting her bold fashion to the individual with six tattooed arms, each contestant was a world unto themselves. In the shadows, a timid girl clutched a sinister-looking stuffed rabbit, its purple hue and button eyes belying its malevolent smile.


    Yet, amidst this diversity, two figures seated on separate pillars commanded Ajal''s attention. One, with hair defying gravity, crackled with electric energy. The other, a formidable Drapabarn woman, exuded strength and mystery, her gaze piercing through the skull that crowned her head.


    A smile crept onto Ajal''s face, a mixture of excitement and admiration for the spectacle before him. The hall, a riot of voices and vibrant personalities, was a microcosm of the wider world''s wonders and dangers.


    Suddenly, the room''s lively buzz was sliced by the shrill cry of an alarm, silencing the crowd. Then, a feminine voice resonated, not through the air, but directly within their minds, an intimate announcement that heralded the beginning of the trials.


    "All participants please proceed to the next room and find the door that is marked on your ticket."


    Upon the announcement''s conclusion, a colossal misty door materialized at the room''s center, drawing everyone''s gaze. With tickets in hand, the crowd stirred, figures like the Drapabarn and the girl with the stuffed rabbit among the first to advance. Ajal, confirming the "52" emblazoned on his ticket, merged with the flow of participants moving towards the enigmatic portal.


    Discontent soon filled the air as exclamations of confusion and frustration rose. "Hey, what the hell is this?! My ticket''s blank!" a boy cried out in dismay. "Mine too!" echoed another, the room swiftly becoming a cauldron of discontent.


    Yet, amid the turmoil, a new voice, distinctly male and marked by a languid tone, intervened, "Calm yourselves." His explanation, though delivered with a casual detachment, cut through the chaos. The initial room, far from a mere gathering space, had served as the crucible for a covert evaluation, winnowing the hopefuls based on unseen criteria.


    As Ajal, alongside those deemed worthy, crossed the threshold, the sounds of protest and despair lingered behind him. Empathy tugged at him, yet the path forward demanded his focus. The hallway that unfolded was a seemingly infinite stretch, doors numbered 1 to 104 lining its expanse. Finally arriving at door 52, Ajal entered without hesitation, immediately engulfed by an intense chill. The room, a frozen chamber adorned with elaborate ice patterns, captivated his attention until a familiar voice halted him.


    "Stop."


    Ajal spun around, his heart skipping a beat as he realized he wasn''t alone. Looming behind him was a middle-aged man, exuding an aura of weary resilience. His short, scruffy beard framed a face marked by life''s trials, and his brown hair was a tousled mess, with two rebellious curls dangling over his forehead like wayward sentinels. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his eyes were weary and slightly irritated, yet they sparkled with an indomitable spirit that refused to be extinguished.


    The man''s attire was a study in contrasts. He wore a black suit that was impeccably tailored, lending him a regal air that seemed at odds with his disheveled appearance. The suit was a silent proclamation of dignity, a bastion of order amidst the chaos of his persona. Tucked away in his chest pocket was a pen, its point directed downward, a symbol of his readiness to wield words as deftly as any weapon.


    But it was his right hand that drew Ajal''s attention. Encasing it was a metallic gauntlet, its surface etched with intricate engravings that whispered of ancient lore and long-forgotten secrets. The gauntlet was a stark reminder of the power that lay within the man''s grasp, a tangible manifestation of his strength and resolve.


    The man¡¯s eyes swept over Ajal, a look of thinly veiled contempt settling across his features. He adjusted his glasses, his expression sharp and calculating, as though every glance he directed at Ajal chipped away at any shred of expectation he might have held.


    ¡°So,¡± he began, his voice like ice, ¡°the so-called Inheritor has arrived.¡± He said the word as if it left a sour taste in his mouth, his gaze narrowing. ¡°You¡¯re nothing special.¡±


    Ajal met his eyes, unblinking. ¡°Nice to meet you too.¡±


    The man¡¯s lip curled, only a fraction, as though he found Ajal¡¯s casual response even more distasteful. ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, I expected more,¡± he continued, voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Of all the candidates we¡¯ve assessed this year, I would rank you among the most¡­ disappointing.¡±


    Ajal tilted his head, the faintest of smirks playing on his lips. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to try harder to win you over.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression hardened, his fingers tapping against the metallic surface of his gauntlet in slow, deliberate movements. He regarded Ajal with a look that was almost clinical, as though assessing an experiment that had failed to yield promising results. ¡°You can try as hard as you like, Mr. Ruoc, but let me assure you¡ªyour status as an Inheritor doesn¡¯t impress me. Far from it.¡±


    He paused, allowing his words to sink in, watching Ajal for any flicker of emotion. But Ajal¡¯s expression remained unfazed, a faint glimmer of defiance sparking in his lavender eyes.


    The man¡¯s irritation was subtle but palpable, an undercurrent beneath his otherwise calm demeanor. ¡°Arkphis Institute isn¡¯t some haven for those who waltz in with Gifts they did nothing to earn,¡± he continued, his tone cool and unyielding. ¡°Your status as an Inheritor marks you¡ªnot as a prodigy, but as a target. Every student here, every teacher, every aspiring candidate will look at you and see an opportunity to prove their worth by tearing you down. Do you understand that, Mr. Ruoc?¡±


    Ajal¡¯s smirk widened just a bit. ¡°Sounds like I¡¯ll be making lots of friends,¡± he replied. ¡°Lucky me.¡±


    A flicker of anger flashed in the man¡¯s eyes, though his tone remained steady. ¡°You¡¯ll find that your luck only extends as far as you¡¯re willing to earn it,¡± he said, his voice chillingly calm. He adjusted his glasses, as if to reset his composure. ¡°And I doubt you¡¯ll earn much here.¡±


    The tension hung heavy in the air, but Ajal showed no sign of backing down, his gaze steady as he held the man¡¯s eyes. A trace of frustration shadowed the man¡¯s face, though he was careful to keep his expression under control.


    ¡°This,¡± he said, gesturing around the frozen room, ¡°is just a waiting area¡ªa holding cell, if you like. I am nothing more than a projection cast to each candidate for initial assessment.¡± He gave Ajal a thin smile, the kind that lacked all warmth. ¡°You¡¯re fortunate to be interacting with me here. Had we met under different circumstances, I¡¯d have far less patience.¡±


    Ajal opened his mouth to respond, perhaps to ask what came next, but the man cut him off sharply, his voice taking on a note of authority. ¡°Five minutes,¡± he said, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°That¡¯s how long you have left before the real exam begins. Use that time to prepare¡ªmentally, if you¡¯re capable.¡±


    Ajal tilted his head slightly, meeting the man¡¯s unyielding stare. ¡°Good to know. Anything else?¡±


    The man¡¯s jaw tightened for an instant, but he quickly masked it, his expression settling back into cool indifference. Without another word, he turned and began to walk away, his form gradually fading into the mist with each step. Just before he disappeared entirely, his voice cut through the silence, crisp and deliberate:


    ¡°Become Limitless.¡±


    And then he was gone, leaving Ajal alone in the frozen chamber, his breath misting in the air as the silence pressed in around him.


    Ajal took a steadying breath, feeling the weight of those parting words linger in the cold. He rolled his shoulders, adjusting the scarf around his neck as he took one last look at the frosty patterns swirling across the walls. Whatever this place had in store for him, he was ready to face it head-on.


    Limitless, he thought, letting the word echo in his mind.


    As Ajal waited in the frozen chamber, silence settled around him, thick and isolating. The room felt like a void, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being watched¡ªevaluated. His fingers brushed over the faint green letter "Z" glowing on his arm, trying to make sense of what it might mean.


    Then, a calm female voice once again filled his mind, breaking the silence: "Welcome, examinees, to the first trial. Before we proceed, we extend our gratitude to The Sovereign Faith for their generous support, which has enabled the creation of this testing environment."


    The voice¡¯s tone was almost soothing, but Ajal could feel the tension building as she continued. "You have each been assigned to a team of four, designated by the letter now marked on your arm. This mark is unique to your team and will remain visible throughout the trial. Your objective is to retrieve your team¡¯s token from within the testing grounds."


    A slight shimmer began to ripple through the air, and Ajal felt the ground beneath him shift. The icy walls of the room faded, replaced by the sight of towering trees and dense foliage. He now stood in a vast forest, sunlight filtering through the canopy above, casting a warm, green glow over the landscape. The space was alive with the scents of earth and greenery, and the rustling of unseen creatures scuttling through the undergrowth. Each tree seemed ancient and massive, their roots forming natural pathways and obstacles, while their upper branches created a web of shadow and light.


    "Each team has been scattered throughout the testing grounds," the voice continued, unperturbed by the sudden change in setting. "You will not begin together. Instead, you must locate each other and work to retrieve your token. The tokens are enchanted to move periodically within the testing grounds, following specific paths. They are protected by various obstacles and¡­ creatures. Be warned: claiming your token will not be a simple task."


    Ajal¡¯s gaze narrowed as he took in his surroundings, his mind racing with strategies. The idea of a moving target changed everything. This isn¡¯t just a hunt¡ªit¡¯s a game of tracking and timing.


    "The first 12 teams to retrieve their token and reach the exit gate within the time limit will pass to the next round," the voice continued, calm and unyielding. "Only one token is permitted per team, and you will need it in your possession to advance. However¡­" The voice paused, and Ajal could have sworn he felt a hint of amusement. "If you cannot locate your team¡¯s token in time, there is one other way to secure passage: you may also obtain the token of another team and as long as all members of that team are eliminated, then you may use their token to pass.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s eyes widened, a thrill sparking through him. So, it¡¯s not just about getting your own token. It¡¯s survival by any means.


    "And one final rule," the voice added. "Any team members without the token holder at the end of the trial will not move on. Do note, this does not eliminate those members. As long as the isolated members fulfill the passing requirements on their own, they will join the team for the next trial."


    The voice faded, leaving Ajal alone with the forest¡¯s hum and his own quickening heartbeat. He crouched down, eyeing the trees around him, and then sprang upward, catching hold of a thick branch. He swung himself higher, moving from branch to branch, his instincts kicking in as he climbed above the tree line.


    At the top, he crouched on a sturdy limb, eyes scanning the vast landscape that stretched out before him. Beyond the forest, a chain of fiery mountains clawed at the sky, a thin trail of smoke rising from one of the peaks. Below, the forest sprawled endlessly, thick with shadows and mystery. Somewhere in that dense landscape, his teammates and their token were waiting.


    A soft, excited laugh escaped him, carried away by the wind as he crouched on the branch, exhilarated by the challenge ahead. He had no idea who his teammates were or where they might be, but he could already hear the distant echoes of competition in the air¡ªthe buzzing of a chainsaw, fierce roaring, lightning crackling, and the sharp crack of gunfire.


    This was no ordinary test. It was a hunt, a trial by fire, and he was ready to dive in headfirst.


    Ajal leapt gracefully down from the treetop, landing on the forest floor with barely a sound. He took a moment to breathe in the rich, earthy scents around him, the thick aroma of moss and damp wood settling in his lungs. The towering trees, dappled sunlight, and the whispering breeze all felt familiar, almost comforting, stirring memories of home¡ªhis family¡¯s farm, the quiet mornings, the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. Eight months felt like a lifetime ago, yet the forest brought him back to those early mornings, if only for a moment.


    A sudden scream snapped him out of his thoughts. He tensed, glancing in the direction of the noise, his body already moving instinctively. With a swift, practiced motion, he launched himself back up to the lower branches, blending into the shadows as he peered down at the scene unfolding below.


    A group of examinees came stumbling through the undergrowth, their faces twisted in terror. Some were sprinting, tripping over roots and branches in their frantic escape. Others crawled across the ground, their bodies bloody, their clothing shredded. One girl¡¯s face was frozen in an expression of pure horror as she clutched her side, her strength failing as she collapsed to the forest floor, motionless. A young boy, barely clinging to life, reached forward with trembling hands, only for his eyes to lose focus and his body to go limp.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Ajal¡¯s gaze shifted toward the source of their terror. Emerging from the mouth of a dark cave was a figure cloaked entirely in white, its clothes soaked with fresh blood, trailing droplets onto the forest floor. It held a crimson, jagged sword that glistened with gore, the weapon¡¯s irregular, serrated edges catching the light in a way that seemed almost¡­ hungry. The figure moved slowly, each step deliberate, its hood casting a shadow over its face, obscuring any features.


    ¡°Great,¡± Ajal muttered under his breath, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯ve barely been here ten minutes, and I¡¯ve already got a horror movie reject stalking around.¡± He sighed theatrically, his voice a touch louder. ¡°Let me guess¡ªSalarkista, right?¡±


    The figure¡¯s head turned toward him, and in an instant, it sprang forward, the bloody sword slashing through the air with a deadly precision. Ajal sidestepped easily, the blade slicing mere inches from his torso. In one swift motion, he pivoted and brought his leg up, delivering a solid kick to the Salarkista¡¯s side. The creature flew backward, crashing against a tree with a loud crack.


    Ajal flexed his ankle and shrugged, glancing at the stunned Salarkista. ¡°You¡¯re quick, I¡¯ll give you that, but you¡¯re not Kaito-quick. Gonna have to try a bit harder.¡±


    Just then, a low, desperate groan sounded from the cave entrance. Ajal turned to see another examinee, barely conscious, dragging himself across the ground, his hand outstretched toward Ajal.


    ¡°P-please¡­ help me¡­¡± the examinee gasped, his face twisted in agony, eyes wide with fear as he crawled closer, fingers clawing at the dirt.


    Ajal knelt down, extending a hand, his expression unreadable. ¡°Here,¡± he said, reaching toward the trembling boy. But a flicker of movement caught his eye¡ªa shadow looming up behind him.


    Without even turning, Ajal shifted his weight ever so slightly, leaning just out of range as the Salarkista¡¯s blade swept down, barely missing him. The blade buried itself in the dirt where Ajal¡¯s head had been just moments before.


    Ajal chuckled, still crouched low. ¡°Nice try. But illusions don¡¯t work on me.¡± He straightened up, pressing his foot down on the crawling examinee¡¯s outstretched hand. The boy¡¯s image flickered, then faded like a wisp of smoke.


    He turned back to the Salarkista, smirking. ¡°What do they call you again? Psycho type? Psycho-something¡­¡± He paused, snapping his fingers as if trying to jog his memory. ¡°Psychic? Psychopath? No, that¡¯s not it¡­¡±


    The Salarkista, unfazed by Ajal¡¯s taunting, lifted its bloody blade, taking a slow, deliberate step forward. Its hooded face remained hidden, but a low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within, echoing through the trees like the grating of metal against stone.


    Ajal sighed, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°Whatever. Doesn¡¯t matter what you¡¯re called. Just means I¡¯m gonna have to put you down.¡±


    He took a step back, rolling his shoulders, and closed his eyes for a moment. The scarf around his neck shifted, darkening and stretching, its edges flickering with hints of white flame. As Ajal opened his eyes, the scarf morphed into his scythe, the long, curved blade gleaming in the dappled sunlight, each of the three engraved eyes along the fuller closed but brimming with a quiet, deadly energy.


    He grinned, gripping the scythe¡¯s handle as he took a low, ready stance. ¡°Alright, you creepy little ghost wannabe¡­ let¡¯s dance.¡±


    Ajal narrowed his eyes, gripping the scythe tightly as he charged forward, his steps silent on the forest floor. The Salarkista tilted its head, watching his approach with a cold, eerie stillness. As Ajal closed the distance, he swung his scythe in a wide arc, the blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    The Salarkista reacted instantly, bringing up its jagged sword to block. Metal clashed against metal, a harsh, grating sound echoing through the trees. The Salarkista pushed back, trying to counter with a sweeping slash, but Ajal ducked low, moving just out of reach as the creature¡¯s sword connected with a thick tree trunk instead.


    The blade dug in, sinking deep into the wood¡ªand then, to Ajal¡¯s surprise, the sword began to glow, a violent crimson light pulsing along its jagged edges.


    ¡°Oh, hell¡ª¡± Ajal barely had time to react as the sword erupted in a sudden explosion, a blast of crimson energy ripping the tree apart and sending a storm of splinters and debris flying in every direction. The force of the explosion launched both Ajal and the Salarkista backward.


    Ajal twisted midair, using the momentum to flip back onto his feet with practiced ease. He skidded to a halt, steadying himself just as the dust cloud settled. Across the clearing, he could make out the Salarkista¡¯s figure, embedded in the side of a large boulder, cracks spiderwebbing across the rock from the impact.


    For a moment, there was silence. Then, a distorted, gurgling sound filled the air, something between a laugh and a growl. The Salarkista stepped forward out of the smoke, its form shifting and warping as it moved. Its body twisted, lengthening and growing bulkier, pale white wings erupting from its back with sickening wet sounds, each featherless wing a mass of raw flesh, dripping blood from the roots.


    The sword was gone, replaced by long, razor-sharp claws that extended from the creature¡¯s fingers, each one glistening with a dark, metallic sheen.


    Ajal sighed, tightening his grip on his scythe. ¡°Of course you¡¯d have a second form,¡± he muttered, shaking his head. ¡°Why make it easy?¡±


    The Salarkista crouched low, its wings twitching as it let out another guttural noise, its blood-red eyes locked on him. And then, with blinding speed, it lunged forward, claws outstretched. Ajal barely had time to raise his scythe, stepping to the side to avoid the initial attack. One of its claws grazed his shoulder, leaving a shallow scratch that stung, but he kept moving, adapting to its new speed.


    Ajal swung the scythe upward, aiming for the creature¡¯s torso, and drove the blade into its side, forcing it downward with all his strength. The Salarkista crashed to the ground, writhing under the weight of the scythe pinning it down. But before he could press his advantage, it let out a savage roar and twisted its body, breaking free and scrambling back to its feet in a blur of motion.


    It slashed at him with renewed fury, each claw swipe quicker than the last. Ajal leaned back, dodging the attacks with measured precision, and when he saw an opening, he drove his elbow into the creature¡¯s side, throwing it off balance. Without missing a beat, he pivoted, bringing the scythe around in a smooth arc that sliced cleanly across its neck.


    There was a spray of dark blood as the blade connected, splattering across Ajal¡¯s arm and chest. The Salarkista let out a final, wet gurgle before collapsing to the ground, its grotesque form twitching once before lying still.


    Ajal exhaled, brushing a hand across the scratch on his shoulder, only to realize it was already healing, the sting fading faster than it should have. He glanced down at the faint scar left behind and smirked. ¡°Huh. I¡¯ve been noticing that since becoming an Inheritor,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Guess there¡¯s a perk to this whole reaper thing after all.¡±


    Shrugging it off, he watched as the scythe began to shift in his hand, the solid metal of the blade dissolving into dark fabric that wound itself around his neck like it had a mind of its own. Within moments, the weapon was gone, replaced by the familiar weight of his scarf, its ends trailing down his back like shadowy tendrils.


    Ajal adjusted the scarf around his shoulders, his gaze shifting back to the forest ahead. The trial was far from over, and his team was still out there somewhere.


    With a final glance back at the fallen Salarkista, Ajal bowed in respect to his former opponent then he continued forward, disappearing into the shadows of the trees.


    ?


    The Arkphis Institute¡¯s administrative building floated high above the exam arena, suspended by some arcane force that kept it motionless among the drifting clouds. The structure was both ancient and refined, an architectural masterpiece that combined dark stone and glass in intricate patterns. Its walls were carved with spiraling glyphs that glowed faintly, pulsing in rhythm with the energy radiating from the grounds below. The building¡¯s pointed towers and elegant arches gave it an almost cathedral-like quality, a place that seemed less an office and more a sanctuary dedicated to the mysteries of Gifts and power. Broad glass windows overlooked the forest landscape beneath, each window enchanted to provide real-time, panoramic views of the trial unfolding below.


    Inside, the space exuded an air of solemnity, every inch meticulously arranged and decorated. At the heart of the room was a large, circular platform surrounded by shimmering projections, each displaying a live, three-dimensional image of different participants in the exam. The images hovered in midair, glowing faintly, giving the effect of tiny worlds suspended in glass. Around these projections, the Arkphis staff moved with quiet efficiency, whispering observations and taking notes as they watched the examinees struggle, strategize, and fight their way through the challenges.


    Seated at an exquisite desk of polished mahogany and gold inlay, Principal Spry Culpa observed the projections with a discerning eye. She was an elderly woman with silvery-grey hair, braided and coiled neatly down her back. Her attire¡ªa dark kimono with deep blues and blacks, embroidered with subtle patterns of clouds and waves¡ªadded to her regal presence, blending elegance with a quiet power. Leaning against the side of her desk was her cane, a slender rod of dark wood inlaid with silver designs that spiraled around it like vines.


    Her presence was one of quiet authority, a stillness that seemed to anchor the entire room. Despite her frail appearance, there was an undeniable strength in her posture and a warmth in her small smile as she watched the contestants. Occasionally, that smile widened, her eyes softening with a trace of pride as some of the examinees displayed unexpected flashes of potential. Her gaze lingered on one projection in particular, her smile deepening with quiet satisfaction.


    Her thoughts were interrupted by a low, smooth voice from the far side of the room. ¡°It seems, Principal Culpa, that your school has been blessed by yet another Inheritor.¡±


    Without moving a muscle, her gaze shifted to meet the speaker¡¯s¡ªa man of inhuman stature seated in a chair far too small to accommodate him. His frame seemed to fill the room, despite his refined posture. He wore a pristine white business suit with gold cufflinks that glinted in the light, and a matching top hat perched neatly atop his head. His golden hair was slicked back, and a short, well-kept goatee framed his mouth. Despite the elegance of his attire, there was a raw, intimidating presence about him, an aura of authority that pressed against the space around him like a tangible weight.


    Mr. Goldman¡¯s eyes, a brilliant shade of amber with a predatory gleam, regarded Culpa with an intense curiosity that would unnerve most people. But Culpa remained as unmoved as stone, her gaze steady and unaffected by his imposing presence.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Goldman,¡± she replied, her voice soft but firm, carrying the weight of her own authority. ¡°But as always, we make no allowances for Inheritors. Their Gifts are simply part of who they are¡ªnot a privilege to be abused.¡± She held his gaze, her smile faint but unwavering. ¡°Besides, I understand you have an Inheritor of your own in this year¡¯s entrance exams, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Goldman¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile, though his eyes remained cold and calculating. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m well aware of your school¡¯s¡­ policies.¡± He adjusted his position in the chair, which groaned slightly under his weight, the frame misshapen from his stature. ¡°I simply find it interesting that you¡¯ve accumulated so many unique candidates this year.¡±


    Culpa¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave his, but there was a spark of curiosity in her gaze. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be overseeing the entrance exams at your own school, Mr. Goldman?¡±


    Goldman let out a quiet, amused chuckle. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. My school is well taken care of. Besides,¡± he gestured to one of the projections with a gloved hand, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to miss¡­ this.¡± His voice held a note of intrigue, his gaze sharpening as he watched the image of an intense battle unfolding in the trial below.


    A slight movement caught Culpa¡¯s eye. To the side, standing with his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the projections, was the man Ajal had encountered in the waiting room earlier. He was clicking his pen in a slow, steady rhythm, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he studied the contestants. His face was impassive, though a shadow of irritation crossed his features as he observed one of the examinees on the screen.


    Goldman¡¯s attention turned back to Culpa, his amber eyes narrowing with interest. ¡°Speaking of unique candidates¡­ where is your elusive cat?¡± he asked, his tone light but laced with intent. ¡°I have a few matters I was hoping to discuss. I believe he has answers I need.¡±


    Principal Culpa tilted her head slightly, her small smile unfazed. "He¡¯s not with us at the moment," she replied to Goldman, her tone light, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "He tends to come and go as he pleases."


    Goldman chuckled, a sound both smooth and unsettling, as he accepted her answer with a slight nod. Turning his attention to another figure in the room, he addressed her formally, with the same veneer of politeness masking a curious edge. ¡°Ms. Miki,¡± he began, his deep voice carrying a touch of intrigue, ¡°how are our incoming students performing?¡±


    Miki, known widely as the Future¡¯s Visionary, inclined her head slightly in response. She wore a flowing kimono much like Culpa¡¯s, though hers was a vibrant shade of orange decorated with intricate floral patterns that seemed almost alive under the light. Her hair was pure white, tied into a neat bun with two black chopsticks crossing through it, giving her an air of quiet elegance. Her most striking feature, however, was the Kitsun¨¦ mask she wore over her face, black with accents of red and yellow, its painted eyes fixed forward with an unblinking gaze.


    Without hesitation, Miki answered in a calm, almost ethereal tone. ¡°They show remarkable promise. This cohort has the potential to become the strongest class we have ever assembled.¡±


    Goldman raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. ¡°High praise, coming from you, Ms. Miki.¡± He tapped a finger against his chin, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. ¡°To earn such an assessment from the Future¡¯s Visionary¡­ that¡¯s no small feat.¡±


    A derisive scoff cut through the quiet hum of projections and murmured observations. The man with the pen, standing off to the side, clicked his pen sharply as he turned his gaze to one of the projections¡ªa clearing in the forest, scorched and blackened as if a firestorm had passed through. In the center of the devastation stood a boy in a red cloak, the fabric shimmering with a warm, fiery glow. His hood appeared to be woven from flames themselves, crackling softly as if alive. His eyes glowed a fierce amber, and a self-satisfied grin played across his face as he surveyed the four unconscious bodies scattered at his feet, his opponents left defeated and broken in the charred earth.


    The man with the pen sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°The strongest class¡­ hmph. How many times have we heard that before?¡± He looked away from the projection, his eyes narrowing in frustration as he clicked his pen in a steady, almost aggressive rhythm. ¡°Every year we get candidates with so-called ¡®high potential.¡¯ Every year they display their power and their arrogance¡­ and then they die. It¡¯s nothing but empty promise. All the ¡®potential¡¯ in the world means nothing when they die before they can realize it.¡±


    His bitterness filled the room, a dark cloud that seemed to press against the polished air of elegance. His words were sharp, laden with a frustration that ran deeper than mere disappointment. He had seen too many failures, too many bright sparks that had flickered out before they could truly shine.


    Principal Culpa watched him with calm, steady eyes. She folded her hands in front of her, her expression one of gentle understanding. ¡°That bitterness of yours,¡± she murmured, ¡°is exactly why you were hired, Fil.¡±


    Fil scoffed again, though there was a hint of weary humor in it. ¡°Hired, Principal? Forced would be more accurate,¡± he said, his tone sardonic. ¡°Dragged here because I happen to know a thing or two about the Nine-Step System. Don¡¯t mistake this for my dream job.¡±


    Culpa¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. She turned her gaze back to the projections, her voice soft but resolute as she replied, ¡°You may not want this position, Fil, but Arkphis needs you. Not just for your mastery of the Nine Steps, but for your perspective.¡± Her tone shifted, the gentle warmth in her voice giving way to a quiet strength. ¡°We are not only educators here. We are protectors. Guardians of those who walk this dangerous path.¡±


    Her gaze moved over the projections, lingering on each image of struggle, determination, and ambition. ¡°These aren¡¯t children we¡¯re watching, Fil. Every applicant here is a new adult who has chosen this path for themselves. They have chosen to face the trials and the risks, knowing the cost. And while some will not make it, while some may die before they see their potential fulfilled, it doesn¡¯t make their journey meaningless.¡±


    She paused, letting the weight of her words settle over the room. ¡°Every step they take, every battle they fight¡ªwin or lose¡ªshapes who they are and who they might have been. To die with purpose, striving for something greater¡­ that is never a waste.¡±


    Fil fell silent, his hand pausing mid-click. He looked away, his expression tight, as though Culpa¡¯s words had struck a nerve.


    Fil fell silent, his hand frozen mid-click. He looked away from Culpa, his jaw tight, her words clearly striking something raw. The room was heavy with unspoken thoughts, and for a moment, even the faint hum of the projections seemed to dim.


    Principal Culpa¡¯s gaze shifted to another teacher who had been quietly observing from the far corner. ¡°Garth,¡± she said, her tone light but curious, ¡°you¡¯ve been unusually quiet.¡±


    Garth gave a faint, weary smile. He was a young man with a casual air, dressed in a black jacket with a fur-lined hood over a simple grey shirt and black pants. Curly light brown hair framed his tired-looking face, and a silver watch gleamed on his wrist. He raised a hand, flexing his fingers slightly as he let out a quiet sigh. ¡°It¡¯s this Gift of mine, Principal. Keeping all these projections up while letting everyone tap into the students¡¯ minds¡ªwell, let¡¯s just say it drains me faster than I¡¯d like.¡±


    Culpa gave a small nod of understanding, her eyes softening. ¡°It¡¯s a burden, I know. But you¡¯ve done well, Garth. The insights you¡¯ve provided have been invaluable.¡±


    Garth shrugged, brushing it off with a modest chuckle. ¡°Actually, I caught something interesting just a little while ago.¡± He leaned forward, his gaze briefly flicking to one of the projections. ¡°There¡¯s a student out there who reminded me of you, Principal. I saw him giving his team a pep talk before they charged into their trial¡ªhad that same fire, that same¡­ compassion.¡± He smiled, an almost nostalgic look crossing his face. ¡°It was refreshing to see.¡±


    Before Culpa could respond, Goldman¡¯s smooth voice interrupted, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. ¡°Ah, students and teachers¡ªthey¡¯re not so different after all.¡± He adjusted his white gloves, then glanced toward Culpa, a sly smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Spry?¡±


    A stunned silence filled the room. The staff members¡¯ heads whipped around to look at Goldman, shock etched onto each face. Principal Culpa remained perfectly calm, though the faintest flicker of something inscrutable passed through her small, faded eyes. If the use of her first name had affected her, she showed no outward sign of it.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right,¡± she said, her voice even, almost conversational. She returned her attention to the floating projections, her gaze sweeping over the images of the examinees. ¡°Miki,¡± she began, addressing the masked woman without looking in her direction, ¡°keep compiling the list of students you deem worthy of advancement. Garth,¡± her gaze flickered briefly to him, ¡°begin organizing our clients¡¯ requests¡ªseveral of them have expressed particular interest in this year¡¯s candidates. And Fil¡­¡± She turned her head slightly toward the man with the pen. ¡°See if you can locate Lucius. I believe he¡¯s¡­ overdue.¡±


    Fil nodded, his face settling into a look of reluctant acceptance as he uncrossed his arms and left the room.


    Goldman chuckled as he watched Fil exit, then turned back to Culpa, his tone light but with an underlying edge. ¡°Well, Principal, I believe it¡¯s time for me to take my leave as well.¡± He adjusted his top hat with a delicate touch, a faint smirk on his lips. ¡°But I trust you¡¯ll remember the conversation we had at the meeting.¡±


    Culpa¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile remained intact. ¡°I do remember,¡± she replied, her voice soft yet laced with iron. ¡°And while I value our friendship, Goldman, I value my students¡¯ lives far more. So let me make this very clear: if you or your agents go anywhere near my students¡ª¡± Her voice dropped to a low, lethal tone. ¡°Not even the gods will save you from my wrath.¡±


    For a moment, something dark flashed in Goldman¡¯s eyes. His pride flared, and a shadow of anger twisted his features. The entire building shuddered, a low tremor rippling through the floor, causing the projections to flicker. Miki and Garth stumbled, barely managing to steady themselves as the tremors grew stronger.


    The glass on Garth¡¯s watch face cracked, and the ornate trinkets on Culpa¡¯s desk rattled, but Culpa herself remained perfectly still, seemingly unfazed. Her gaze remained locked on the projections, her focus unbroken even as the entire room seemed to vibrate under the force of Goldman¡¯s rising anger.


    Goldman¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, but it held a chilling edge. ¡°Threats mean nothing to me, Spry. You¡¯re past your prime.¡±


    As the tremors finally subsided, Goldman stepped closer, his towering form casting a long shadow over Culpa. He leaned down, bringing his face close to hers, and whispered into her ear, his tone dripping with menace. ¡°I don¡¯t wish for war between our schools. But if Ajal Ruoc isn¡¯t handed over to me willingly¡­ I¡¯ll take him by force.¡±


    With a final, ominous look, Goldman straightened, adjusting his hat with a gloved hand. Then, without another word, he turned and walked toward the exit, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence that filled the room.

 Chapter 4: The House of Puzzles

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 Chapter 5: Cat-Like Reflexes

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 Chapter 6: Roots of Betrayal

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 Chapter 7: Team Z Vs Team E

    Ethan unleashed a flaming punch, aiming for Ajal, who skillfully dodged the fiery onslaught. In retaliation, Ajal swung his scythe, only for Ethan to block it effortlessly with his bare hands. The blade made contact, but to everyone''s surprise, it didn''t seem to inflict any damage.


    "This is the perfect time to prove our strength! We''ll take down the Inheritor of Death and be at the top!" Ethan declared, his flames intensifying.


    "No, Ethan, stop!" Evelyn urgently yelled. "Let''s at least form a plan first!"


    "There''s no need!"


    Ajal persistently unleashed swings and slashes, each attack either blocked or dodged by Ethan. The flames surrounding Ethan''s hands grew brighter with each passing moment.


    "I can handle him all on my own! We just have to show them what we''re capable of!" Ethan proclaimed.


    Seizing an opportunity, Ethan grabbed Ajal''s wrist, pulling him closer and delivering a powerful punch to his face. Ajal was sent flying backward but remarkably stood up, seemingly unfazed.


    "I can''t believe you, Ethan! Why won''t you just listen?!"


    "Just stand back. I''ll handle this. You handle his friends."


    "That''s not what I mean!"


    Ethan remained unresponsive to Evelyn''s pleas, relentlessly charging at Ajal. He threw flaming punches with speed and precision, and Ajal did his best to keep up with the fiery onslaught.


    "This guy is pretty tough!" Ajal yelled. "Can you guys handle her?"


    Yumiko responded with a thumbs up and a confident grin. "Yeah, it''s no sweat, just don''t lose, kay?"


    Arc, fixing her gaze on Evelyn, inquired, "Are you ready, Master Jean?"


    "Yeah, yeah, although a three versus one is hardly fair."


    "Then let''s get it over with quickly," Arc replied, determination in her eyes.


    Evelyn giggled nervously, "Don''t worry about little ol'' me. I''m pretty tough, all things considered."


    "I''m sure," Yumiko replied, leaping into the branches above. "Hey, you two can fight her first. I''ll hop into whatever fight looks like it needs me more."


    "Fine by me," Arc agreed.


    Arc charged forward at Evelyn, leaving a trail of dust in her wake. Gripping her magnifying glass tightly, Evelyn prepared for the oncoming assault. Arc initiated with an uppercut, a move swiftly dodged by Evelyn, causing a miniature upward air stream.


    "That''s quite the strength you got there!" Evelyn yelled.


    "Don''t think too highly of it," Arc retorted.


    Spinning around, Arc kicked up dust in front of her, blocking Evelyn''s vision. She rushed forward through the dust, attempting a sneak attack. However, as she burst through the haze, a large boulder materialized directly in front of her, sending her crashing to the ground.


    "You act with certainty. I like you!" Evelyn remarked.


    Yumiko, still hanging from a branch, sighed. "Where did that boulder come from? And how did that scrawny girl throw it with that much force?"


    Evelyn turned her head towards Jean. "Are you going to do anything, sweetheart?"


    Arc slowly rose from the ground, glaring at Evelyn. "Master Jean need not waste his talents on you," she declared.


    Jean observed the ongoing fight and then looked toward Ajal''s battle. "Yumiko!"


    Yumiko swung herself down from the branches, landing next to Jean. "What''s up?"


    "Help us. Ajal can handle the fire guy. But this girl''s Gift, if it is what I think it is, then it''s too dangerous if left alone," Jean explained.


    Arc jumped backward to stand alongside Jean and Yumiko.


    "You hear that, Ajal?!" Jean yelled. "You''re on your own with him!"


    Ajal, dodging a flurry of fireballs, landed on a branch. "That was my plan from the start!"


    Jean rummaged through his pocket, pulling out a small metallic object no larger than a marble. Without ceremony, he turned to Arc and held it out between two fingers.


    "Alright, then. Let¡¯s get started. Arc, take this."


    Arc¡¯s amber eyes flicked to the sphere before taking it with a delicate hand. She gave it a quick glance, her expression unreadable as she rolled it between her fingers.


    "Understood," she said simply, slipping it into a hidden pocket on her dress without another word.


    Yumiko tilted her head, watching the quiet exchange. "What¡¯s that for?"


    Jean waved her off with a grin. "Oh, just the kind of thing a genius like me prepares for any situation."


    Arc nodded in subtle agreement, already focused on whatever Jean had in mind.


    Yumiko squinted at them both, then shrugged. "Weird, but okay."


    Yumiko, having transformed, lunged into action, charging towards Evelyn, who brandished a large, sharp stick. Evelyn attempted to stab Yumiko, but she effortlessly dodged the attack. With Evelyn''s attention focused on Yumiko, Arc seized the opportunity, leaping in to grab her by the arm. He swung her around and tossed her, sending her sprawling to the ground. Evelyn quickly regained her footing and sprinted towards a nearby tree. Retrieving a handful of pebbles from her pocket, she hurled them into the air, where they rapidly transformed into boulders hurtling toward Yumiko and Arc.


    Both Yumiko and Arc evaded the incoming barrage, narrowly escaping the massive projectiles.


    "Are you two okay?!" Jean urgently yelled


    "That was close. But we''re good, Jean!" Yumiko exclaimed, giving him a joyful thumbs up.


    "My thinking was right. Her Gift makes things bigger. At least, that''s what it looks like so far," Jean explained.


    "So what now?" Yumiko inquired.


    "We''ll have to mostly play it by ear, but try to stay on the offensive as much as possible." Jean replied. "We can''t let her overwhelm us."


    Jean lunged toward Evelyn, reaching out to grab her. But before he could react, she caught his wrists with startling precision. In a fluid motion, she spun him around and hurled him backward. He tumbled through the air before landing unceremoniously beside Yumiko and Arc.


    "Master Jean!" Arc exclaimed, stepping forward with concern.


    Jean sat up, brushing off dirt with a huff. "I''m fine. So, she knows at least basic martial arts. That means my plan was a success."


    Arc blinked, staring down at him with a blank expression. "Your plan was... to see if she could throw you?"


    "Yeah, what''s so wrong with that?" Jean replied defensively, crossing his arms as if his logic was flawless.


    Arc simply sighed, turning her attention back to Evelyn without another word.


    Yumiko, unable to hold back her laughter, crouched beside Jean, her eyes glinting with mischief. "A fly could beat you, Jean," she teased, her voice brimming with playful mockery.


    "Hey! I''m not that weak!" Jean shot back, indignantly. "I''ll have you know, I''m pretty strong!"


    "Uh-huh," Yumiko replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Whatever you say, tough guy."


    Without another word, Yumiko dashed toward Evelyn, who was occupied with Arc and Jean. She leapt, claws outstretched, aiming for Evelyn. The agile opponent backed up, narrowly avoiding the attack. Evelyn responded by tossing two stones at Yumiko, who skillfully dodged them. Yumiko then swung her foot towards Evelyn, who barely evaded the swift kick. In a countermove, Arc knocked Evelyn to the ground. Yumiko and Arc stood at the ready, awaiting her next move.


    "You guys aren''t bad. Not bad at all," Evelyn complimented.


    Evelyn sprang to her feet and darted toward the trees, her movements fluid and swift as she leaped into the branches. Mid-air, she hurled the stick in her hand, manipulating its size with a deft flick of her wrist. The simple stick expanded into a massive spear, hurtling toward Yumiko and Arc with devastating force.


    Both fighters reacted instantly, diving to opposite sides just as the spear struck the ground. The impact left a colossal crater in its wake, dirt and debris erupting into the air.


    Yumiko rolled to her feet, brushing off a layer of dust. She squinted up into the trees, her sharp eyes scanning the branches. Arc stood nearby, her gaze just as focused.


    ¡°She¡¯s up there,¡± Yumiko muttered, motioning toward a branch where Evelyn crouched, her figure partially obscured by the leaves. Evelyn¡¯s emerald eyes glinted mischievously, a sly grin spreading across her face as she prepared for her next move.


    "Wait, Yumiko," Arc cautioned. "If we keep attacking recklessly, nothing will change. Her Gift turns everything around her into a weapon. We''re at a disadvantage and need a concrete plan of attack if we''re going to win."


    "I agree! You''re pretty smart for an avatar," Evelyn remarked. "You''re pretty good at fighting, too. Oh, I don''t mean that in a mean way, it''s just I don''t see many avatar types like you."


    Out of nowhere, a small metal orb hurtled toward Evelyn, catching her off guard. "What th-" she began before the orb, glowing with an intense white light, exploded into a dazzling burst, temporarily blinding anyone in its vicinity.


    "Arc, now!" Jean commanded.


    Without hesitation, Arc leaped through the blinding light, seemingly unaffected, and delivered a powerful punch to Evelyn''s gut. The force sent her sprawling backward.


    "My eyes... What just happened?" Yumiko blinked, her vision slowly clearing.


    Jean stood triumphantly, sliding off what looked like a pair of modified sunglasses. "Simple. I blinded her using one of my brilliant inventions. I call it¡ª"


    "It''s a flash bang, Master Jean," Arc interrupted flatly. "They¡¯ve existed for decades."


    "Yeah, but I invented this version!" Jean countered, puffing out his chest.


    Arc raised a brow. "And what exactly makes this one different?"


    Jean pointed proudly at himself. "I made it."


    Yumiko and Arc exchanged blank, deadpan stares before Yumiko shrugged. "You know what? Sure."


    "You guys are hilarious!" Evelyn interrupted with a bright laugh, now back on her feet. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, what other tricks do you have up your sleeves?"


    Yumiko glanced at Evelyn in disbelief. "Wow, she wasn¡¯t lying about being tough."


    "Indeed," Arc said dryly, brushing off dust. "Though, her resilience is beginning to feel... inconvenient."


    "Aw, I don¡¯t mean to be annoying!" Evelyn said with mock sincerity, clasping her hands together. Then her lips curved into a mischievous grin. "How about this?"


    Before anyone could react, Evelyn darted forward, aiming a punch straight at Arc. But just as her fist moved, it suddenly expanded to an enormous size, slamming into Arc with devastating force and sending her flying backward.


    "Arc!" Jean cried, his eyes widening as she hit the ground hard.


    Yumiko¡¯s lips curled into a grin despite the chaos. "We probably should¡¯ve seen that coming, huh?"


    Evelyn let out a playful laugh, retracting her fist to its original size with a satisfied smirk. "By the way," she added with mock sweetness, wiggling her fingers, "I can make things smaller too. Cool, right?"


    Yumiko crouched low, her palms pressing firmly against the ground between her feet. She took a slow, deliberate breath, her body coiling like a spring ready to snap. Her eyes burned with a focused intensity.


    Evelyn smirked, her tone dripping with mockery. ¡°Oh, what are you up to now, kitty cat?¡±


    ¡°Hah... Hah...¡± Yumiko exhaled sharply, ignoring the taunt. ¡°Not gonna lie... I¡¯ve only done this once before. It¡¯s... kinda hard to control.¡±


    ¡°Do tell,¡± Evelyn teased, twirling a strand of her auburn hair. ¡°What¡¯s this big secret move of yours?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t really call it a secret move,¡± Yumiko muttered. Her nails dug into the dirt. ¡°But here goes nothing!¡±


    Yumiko¡¯s body tensed for half a heartbeat before she launched forward in a blur of motion. She ricocheted between the trees like a streak of light, her speed blindingly fast.


    Evelyn¡¯s confident smirk faltered as her eyes darted wildly, unable to keep up. ¡°What the hell?! I can¡¯t even see her!¡±


    Before Evelyn could react, a powerful kick landed squarely against her chest, forcing her to stumble back with a grunt. The blows came faster now, each one leaving faint scratches across her skin.


    Evelyn winced as another strike grazed her cheek. ¡°And you¡¯ve only used this move once?! You fight like you¡¯ve mastered it!¡±


    Yumiko accelerated, her movements a blur. She zigzagged toward Evelyn, building up momentum for a final strike. ¡°Haaahh!¡± she screamed, her claws outstretched, ready to finish it.


    But just as Yumiko was about to connect, Arc suddenly lunged from the side. Her punch landing on Evelyn sending her sprawling to the ground.


    Yumiko flew past them both, her body smashing through tree after tree before finally crashing to a stop amidst a cloud of debris.


    Evelyn and Arc stood amidst the aftermath, both catching their breath. Arc glanced toward the devastation her punch had caused, a flicker of unease crossing her otherwise calm demeanor.


    Yumiko staggered out from the wreckage, clutching her side. Her face twisted in anger as she stalked toward Arc. ¡°Are you actually that stupid, Arc?¡±


    Arc¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°I saw an opening and acted. It was... unfortunate timing.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunate timing?!¡± Yumiko¡¯s voice rose to a shout, her hands balling into fists. ¡°More like you don¡¯t have a damn brain!¡±


    Arc¡¯s expression hardened, though her voice remained level. ¡°Master Jean told me to focus on offense¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, give me a break with the ¡®Master Jean¡¯ crap! Master Jean this, Master Jean that!¡± Yumiko snapped, her tone cutting like a blade. ¡°Try thinking for yourself for once, you useless robot!¡±


    For the first time, Arc flinched. Her usually composed expression faltered, a flicker of hurt flashing across her face.


    Jean quickly rushed between them, holding up his hands in a futile attempt to de-escalate the situation. ¡°Hey, hey, hey! Now¡¯s not the time to fight each other!¡±


    ¡°Stay out of this, Jean!¡± Yumiko growled, her fiery gaze fixed on Arc.


    Arc lifted her chin, locking eyes with Yumiko. ¡°You can be mad at me all you want,¡± she said, her tone calm but edged with steel. ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Jean interjected desperately. ¡°Wait, wait, wait! Yumiko, you¡¯re upset because of what Arc did, right?¡±


    ¡°If she hadn¡¯t gotten in the way, I would¡¯ve had Evelyn beat,¡± Yumiko snapped, crossing her arms.


    Jean exhaled sharply, turning to Arc. ¡°Okay, fine. Just apologize, Arc. Let¡¯s end this already.¡±


    ¡°I cannot, Master Jean.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why not?!¡±


    Arc stood tall, her voice unwavering. ¡°Because I acted on a command you gave me. If I apologized, it would imply that you were in the wrong. And I cannot do that.¡±


    Jean¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°What does that even mean?!¡±


    Yumiko, still fuming, suddenly paused. Her anger softened as a sly grin tugged at the corner of her lips. ¡°Hah. You know what? That works for me.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Jean and Arc said in unison.


    ¡°That little act of defiance proves you¡¯ve got a spark of individuality in there somewhere, Arc,¡± Yumiko said, brushing past Jean. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with the rest of this mess after we win.¡±


    Arc straightened, her expression resolute. ¡°Very well.¡±


    Jean sighed in relief, stepping back as the tension between the two began to dissipate.


    But just as the trio regained their focus, the ground beneath them began to quake violently. A deafening rumble echoed through the forest, cutting through the fragile calm.


    ¡°Now what?!¡± Yumiko shouted, her sharp eyes scanning the trembling ground.


    The earth split open beneath them, heralding a new challenge none of them had anticipated.


    "What''s going on?!" Yumiko exclaimed, a hint of panic in her voice. The ground cracked open, and a colossal hole revealed an intricate circuitry of roots beneath the surface. Suddenly, the roots burst forth, growing in size and creating an unfamiliar terrain that surrounded them on all sides. Chaos ensued, disorienting the three warriors.


    "Master Jean?!" Arc called out, searching frantically for him.


    "I have your master," Evelyn declared, holding an unconscious Jean in her arms. "I''m sorry to do this, but Ethan looks to be having trouble, so I need to go help him."


    "Yumiko..." Arc whimpered, falling to her knees.


    "Arc! What happened?!"


    Evelyn, seated on a raised root with an air of nonchalance, gazed upon the unconscious form of Arc with a look of pity. "She''s useless now," she declared, her tone dripping with a hit condescension. Her legs were gracefully crossed, exuding an aura of authority.


    "Avatars depend on their masters sending them constant Divinity. So, with Jean knocked out, Arc is now being drained of energy," Evelyn explained, her voice echoing through the rooted clearing.


    Arc, struggling to maintain consciousness, desperately clung to Yumiko''s pants. "I''m sorry... Please... Rescue Master Jean," she pleaded, her voice tinged with vulnerability.


    Yumiko, displaying a rare mix of compassion and determination, gently guided Arc to the forest floor as she lost consciousness. "Jeez, you really can''t think of anyone but Jean, huh? But, it''s fine. Leave the rest to me," Yumiko assured, her voice resonating with a quiet confidence.


    Rising to her feet, Yumiko faced Evelyn with an unwavering gaze. The air crackled with an unspoken tension as Yumiko prepared for the impending showdown.


    "You''re hurt badly, kitty cat. You don''t have nearly enough left to use that move you pulled last time, you know that, right?" Evelyn remarked, her laughter cutting through the charged atmosphere.


    "Don''t worry about me. That was far from my best move," Yumiko replied, her words carrying a sense of mystery and determination.


    Evelyn, initially amused, looked on in surprise as Yumiko stood firm, taking a deep breath. Suddenly, the fur on Yumiko''s body began to bristle, standing on end like a prelude to an impending storm. A low rumble echoed through the clearing as the wind picked up, swirling leaves around them. Evelyn watched with growing curiosity, realizing that Yumiko harbored more power than she had initially perceived.


    Without saying a word, Yumiko rushed forward, visibly slower from the pain and exhaustion she had endured. Evelyn, however, noticed that the speed was still a threat, so she jumped onto a higher root, evading Yumiko''s swipe.


    "You''re still a threat even when you''re not at full strength," Evelyn acknowledged.


    "You''re more focused on your boyfriend than on fighting us. You''ll regret that mistake," Yumiko snarled.


    Evelyn tossed two small rocks, enlarging them mid-air, and aimed for Yumiko. With a well-placed jump, Yumiko skillfully dodged the incoming attack, landing on the same root Evelyn occupied.


    "You''re pretty agile, kitty cat," Evelyn complimented, preparing for another attack. "I''m honestly impressed."


    Yumiko rushed forward, unleashing a flurry of clawed strikes. Evelyn, struggling to keep up, barely managed to block the onslaught. In the heat of the battle, she lost her footing, causing her to trip backward, sending her toppling to the ground. As she attempted to regain her composure, she was interrupted by a sudden blow, knocking the wind out of her. She gasped, clutching her stomach in pain.


    Yumiko gracefully walked along the roots, its uneven path giving her balance no trouble. She stood above the fallen Evelyn, her claws extended.


    Evelyn looked up at the tops of the towering trees. "It''s winter.... Yet the tree leaves are so full of life. I wonder how the school managed this?"


    Yumiko, her claw still extended, tilted her head in confusion.


    The leaves on the tree began falling, slowly spinning to the ground. A soft wind blew across the clearing, rustling the surrounding leaves.


    "You should listen to your teammate more," Evelyn remarked, grabbing her magnifying glass and holding it up to her eye.


    Yumiko''s eyes widened, suddenly realizing her situation. Before she could react, the leaf grew in size, obstructing her view of Evelyn. As she frantically swung her claws, attempting to clear the barrier, the sound of movement caught her attention.


    Evelyn leapt out of the thicket of leaves, a branch clutched in her hand, throwing it with force towards Yumiko. She dodged the attack but had a puzzled look on her face.


    "Why didn''t you make that one bigger?"


    Evelyn remained silent.


    Her lack of an answer gave Yumiko all the information she needed. "You can only change the size of something that is viewed within your magnifying glass. It was hard to catch, but that giant leaf you used as cover also partially blocked your glass''s vision, meaning you couldn''t turn that branch into a spear. Sound about right?"


    "It seems you are not just a pretty face," Evelyn retorted. "Yes, you are correct. But even if I can only manipulate the size of whatever''s in view of my glass, it won''t matter. You''re tough, but you can''t beat win. I know you''re getting tired and your body''s already hurting. You''re not at 100%, and that makes you weak."


    "It''s not a question of whether or not I can beat you," Yumiko replied, fierce confidence radiating from her. "I have to get into Arkphis, and that means I have to beat you right here and now."


    Yumiko prepared herself to lunge forward, cracking part of the root beneath her back foot''s heel. She then sprang forward, her claws slashing through the air.


    Evelyn, having anticipated the attack, dodged the oncoming onslaught by ducking. As she was distracted, Yumiko used her momentum to spin around and deliver a roundhouse kick to the back of her head. Evelyn, knocked down, rose back to her feet and threw pebbles in Yumiko''s direction, but before they were enlarged, Evelyn found her vision blocked by a large leaf.


    "You''re right, I can''t beat you with just my claws," Yumiko taunted. "So this leaf you like so much is a big help!"


    Yumiko landed under the slow-falling leaf and rushed forward again, unleashing a flurry of blows onto Evelyn. With every attack, she was pushed back, barely able to hold her ground. Yumiko''s onslaught ended with a kick that sent Evelyn crashing into the ground, breaking through multiple layers of roots.


    Evelyn got up slowly, breathing heavily, her eyes filled with frustration. "Ethan... Needs me."


    She threw two pebbles in Yumiko''s direction, which transformed into boulders, but with a swift dodge, the boulders crashed into the roots beneath.


    "See? You are still focused on the fire guy."


    Evelyn clapped her hands in front of her and yelled in anger. "Just shut up!"


    Her hands gigantified, and she began rapidly throwing punches toward Yumiko. Her eyes wide, Yumiko, overwhelmed, struggled to evade the incoming attacks.


    "I am... Stronger... Than... You," Evelyn grunted, each punch punctuating her declaration.


    "You told me earlier... That I should listen to my teammates," Yumiko responded, her voice strained with determination. "Maybe... You should just pay more attention."


    A small metal ball rolled next to Evelyn. "No!"


    It exploded with a blinding flash, and Yumiko lunged toward her. Unable to react, Evelyn was kicked far into the air. Yumiko, using all the power she had left in her, launched herself into the air after Evelyn. As she reached the peak of her ascent, Evelyn looked over to her right to see Yumiko preparing for a kick.


    "You can''t beat me!" Evelyn shouted.


    "Maybe," Yumiko responded.


    Yumiko unleashed a powerful kick with everything she had, sending Evelyn spiraling downward at the speed of a bullet. The crash left a crater where Evelyn lay. Yumiko landed on a nearby root and fell to her knees, gasping for air.


    "Now, all that''s left is the fire freak," Yumiko growled.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "You''re...good, kitty cat." Evelyn rose to her feet, stumbling. "But you have nothing left.... All it takes is one pebble, and it''s over."


    "Not quite." A familiar voice came from the shadows of the roots.


    Yumiko looked around, a smile forming on her lips.


    Another metal ball was thrown towards Evelyn, who acted quickly by aiming her magnifying glass at it, hoping to shrink the device before it could go off.


    Before her Gift could activate, a pebble appeared within her sights, causing her activation to fail.


    "No!"


    As the metal ball exploded open, instead of a light, it was an innumerable amount of strings that launched and wrapped themselves around Evelyn, restricting her movements.


    "What th-"


    Before she could react, Arc appeared from the side, and with all her might, delivered a punch to her head, knocking her to the ground, unmoving.


    Yumiko smirked over at Jean. "Good aim."


    "Of course it was! The greatest inventor does everything with pinpoint precision!" He gloated, helping Yumiko back to her feet.


    Jean puffed out his chest as he helped Yumiko back to her feet, a smug grin plastered across his face. ¡°Of course it was! The greatest inventor does everything with pinpoint precision!¡± he declared, clearly reveling in the moment.


    ¡°How¡­¡± Evelyn¡¯s voice trembled from the ground, her wide eyes filled with disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s impressive you¡¯re still conscious,¡± Arc remarked coolly, tilting her head to observe Evelyn¡¯s battered form. ¡°But the answer is simple¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the greatest scheme from the greatest inventor!¡± Jean interrupted, throwing his arms out theatrically. ¡°That display I put on earlier, when I attacked you? It was a masterful act to put you in a false sense of security, making you think I was weak. Then¡ª¡±


    Arc cut in sharply, her tone matter-of-fact. ¡°Then I picked up on his plan when I noticed my Divinity wasn¡¯t being drained. In my award-winning act, I slipped the extra flashbang Master Jean gave me into Yumiko¡¯s pocket.¡±


    Yumiko¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight as she chimed in. ¡°Which I then used to beat you!¡± She struck a triumphant pose, the soft jingle of her collar punctuating her words.


    Evelyn lay motionless on the ground, tears streaming silently down her face and pooling beneath her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ethan¡­¡± she whispered hoarsely before her eyes fluttered shut, her consciousness slipping away.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± Jean declared, clapping his hands together in satisfaction. ¡°Arc! And next time, don¡¯t interrupt me!¡±


    ¡°Master Jean, you interrupted first,¡± Arc replied without missing a beat.


    ¡°That¡¯s because the schemer always explains first! It¡¯s the number one rule of scheming!¡± Jean shot back, jabbing a finger in the air as though this were common knowledge.


    ¡°There are rules to scheming?¡± Yumiko asked, tilting her head with mock curiosity.


    ¡°No,¡± Arc deadpanned, ¡°Master Jean is just making excuses for his behavior.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Jean protested, his cheeks flushing slightly.


    Yumiko giggled, hands resting behind her head as she looked between them. ¡°Well, either way, good job, team!¡±


    ¡°You too, Yumiko,¡± Arc said, nodding in approval. Her expression softened as she continued, ¡°And I apologize for my behavior earlier. I realize we¡¯ll be working together for a while if we pass this test, so I¡¯d like our relationship to be a good one.¡±


    Jean crossed his arms, a skeptical frown tugging at his lips. ¡°Wait, didn¡¯t you say that if you apologize, it makes me look bad?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all cool,¡± Yumiko said, shrugging off Arc¡¯s apology with a smile. ¡°My bad for calling you a robot.¡±


    ¡°Personally, I find robots very interesting, so it¡¯s not an insult to me,¡± Arc replied, her satisfied smile lighting up her face.


    Jean sighed in defeat. "I''m feeling like I''m being ignored..."


    ?


    Ethan flicked his lighter, the sharp snap giving birth to a swirling orb of flame that floated before him, its heat shimmering in the air. His opponent stood unfazed, a confident grin spreading across his face. Ajal grabbed his scarf, gripping it tightly before yanking it free. As the fabric unraveled, it began to morph, elongating and hardening into the form of a sleek, silver scythe. Its blade gleamed menacingly, and near the center of the weapon, an engraved eye remained shut. The weapon hummed faintly in his grip as the wind stirred around them, the tension crackling like a storm about to break.


    "So your Gift is a lighter that summons controllable flames? That''s pretty cool, but a forest might not be your best friend," Ajal suggested.


    "Try to have some common sense. My fire burns what I want it to, otherwise, we would already be in a burning hellscape," Ethan scoffed before launching the hovering flame forward.


    Ajal easily dodged once more, jumping into the air, while avoiding the projectile. "Fair enough, but is hurling fireballs all you can do?"


    Ethan burst forward, flames erupting at his heels and leaving a blazing trail in his wake. His fiery charge illuminated the air around him, heat distorting the space as he closed in on Ajal with blistering speed. With a guttural shout, he unleashed a flaming punch, the force of which cracked the ground beneath them. Ajal deftly sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid as he spun his scythe in a controlled arc. The blade gleamed, cutting through the fiery haze as he used the twirl to build momentum.


    Seizing the opening, Ajal lunged forward, his scythe whistling through the air in a sharp, precise slice aimed at Ethan. To his astonishment, Ethan raised his hands and caught the blade, the steel hissing as it met his flame-coated palms. Sparks erupted from the contact, the scythe trembling under the sheer force of Ethan''s block.


    Ajal hopped backward from his opponent. "On top of the makeshift fire armor thing, your gloves are blade-resistant. Pretty HANDy to have. Get it? Handy, hand, gloves..." He joked.


    Ethan cringed, but still retorted. "Take this seriously."


    His opponent nodded and saluted sarcastically. "Yes, sir!"


    Ethan continued his assault, unleashing more blazing punches, one after another, towards his rival. The blows were being expertly parried by his opponent using his scythe, creating a series of sparks where they met. Eventually, Ajal grew tired of this defensive approach and changed his plan.


    He dashed forward past his enemy and swung at the back of his legs, tripping him up, then spun around, trying to strike a fatal blow on Ethan. In response to this maneuver, Ethan raised his arms and crossed them, blocking Ajal''s attack yet again, allowing him to quickly recover and regain his posture.


    Ajal swung again, his opponent dodging once more. As Ajal attempted to pull away his scythe, Ethan kicked the bottom of its handle, causing it to slip from his hands and fly through the air. Ajal looked up just in time to see the blunt end of the weapon slam into the side of his head as Ethan quickly kicked it back towards him, causing him to stagger back and giving the fire wielder the opening he needed for his next assault. Ethan punched forward with a fiery fist and struck Ajal dead center in his chest.


    The impact sent Ajal flying backward, crashing into a tree. He winced in pain, but quickly shook it off. Ethan, however, didn''t let up. He closed the distance, flames dancing around his fists, and aimed for another powerful strike. Ajal, now back on the defensive, narrowly evaded Ethan''s fiery onslaught, ducking and dodging with impressive agility. Eventually, he noticed an opportunity and took advantage. After a hook was narrowly avoided, Ajal retaliated with an elbow directly to Ethan''s face, stunning him. This created enough of a gap for Ajal to follow up with a spinning roundhouse kick to the chest, launching the opponent backward.


    Ajal took a break from the barrage of attacks and picked up his weapon that was lying a few feet away from him. His foe quickly got back on his feet, only to see the sharpened edge of a scythe flying towards him at top speed. Ethan tried blocking the blade with his gloves again, but his forearms took a slight cut, causing him to wince. The two foes'' eyes met. Ethan''s eyes burned with fiery passion, while Ajal''s were full of wonder and amusement.


    ¡°Oh, man, this is too fun!¡± Ajal exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°I never thought fighting someone that wasn¡¯t Kaito or some monster could be this much fun!¡±


    Ethan''s frustration boiled over, his voice cutting through Ajal¡¯s enthusiasm like a blade. ¡°Is this nothing but a game to you?! Taking this test, fighting others¡ªdo you treat it all as entertainment? Were your attempts on my life just another joke to you?!¡±


    Ajal blinked, confused, and waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Attempt on your life? What are you talking about? There are plenty of people around to step in if either of us gets close to dying. I¡¯m just going all out. Figured you¡¯d appreciate it.¡±


    Ethan froze, his eyes widening as a realization sank in like a stone in water. ¡°What... people?¡±


    Ajal tilted his head, arms crossing as if the answer were obvious. ¡°Uh, the ones hiding all around. They¡¯re doing a pretty solid job staying concealed, so I get why you might not notice. You know, without proper training or whatever.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s breath hitched before he began to chuckle, a bitter, hollow sound that grew louder as he processed the revelation. ¡°So, that¡¯s how it is, huh? That¡¯s how far ahead of me you are?¡±


    Ajal raised a brow, his expression shifting to one of cautious curiosity. ¡°You good, man?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s laughter died down, replaced by a grim smile. ¡°I should¡¯ve seen it sooner. Your attitude¡ªit¡¯s because you¡¯re not afraid. You know you can beat me, and you know nothing bad will happen to you even if you don¡¯t. You¡¯re... free.¡±


    Ajal scratched the back of his head, frowning. ¡°Did you hit your head or something?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression darkened, his voice quieter but no less heavy. ¡°I guess someone like you wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    With Ajal''s words hanging in the air, memories of his childhood surged back into Ethan¡¯s mind like relentless waves crashing against the shore. The field came into focus first¡ªan empty expanse under a pale sky. He saw himself and Evelyn standing across from each other, bloodied and battered, their breaths shallow and strained. Evelyn¡¯s body trembled, her small hands clenched into fists as tears streamed freely down her cheeks. Yet, despite it all, she stood firm, defiant against her own pain.


    Ethan¡¯s face, however, betrayed no emotion. His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he drew each breath, his mind already sharpening itself for the next attack. Without warning, he charged forward, throwing a blindingly fast jab toward Evelyn¡¯s face. She barely managed to block it with her forearm, but it left her defenses open. A quick one-two combination followed, both punches landing squarely on target. Then, with precise efficiency, Ethan drove a straight punch into her stomach, forcing Evelyn to collapse to the ground, gasping.


    ¡°Are you okay, Ev?¡± the younger Ethan asked, holding his hand out to her. His concern was evident, a crack in the cold determination he carried moments ago.


    Evelyn shakily nodded and accepted his hand. Once she was back on her feet, she wiped the dirt from her scraped knees. Ethan¡¯s brow furrowed, worry etched across his youthful features.


    ¡°Look, I can train with someone else if¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Evelyn interrupted, her voice trembling but resolute as she wiped away her tears. ¡°We have to keep sparring. We have to. We¡¯ll rebuild our life together, right?¡±


    Ethan hesitated, her words pressing heavily on his heart. ¡°Yeah... But I don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± he replied, his voice quiet.


    Evelyn¡¯s tears were replaced by a soft, determined smile. ¡°Then you¡¯ll protect me! ¡®Cause Ethan¡¯s gonna be the strongest!¡±


    That sweet smile broke through his hesitation. He smiled back at her and clenched his fist with new resolve. ¡°Right! The strongest!¡±


    Suddenly, the field dissolved, and Ethan¡¯s surroundings shifted. He now stood across from his mother. Her face was expressionless, her posture rigid despite the clear exhaustion on her features.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± his voice cracked as he called out to her, trembling.


    ¡°Finish what you started,¡± she commanded coldly.


    Ethan staggered backward, his body shaking uncontrollably. ¡°No, I¡ª I CAN¡¯T DO IT!¡± he cried, falling to his knees.


    His mother¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t soften. She looked down at him with nothing but disappointment. ¡°Very well¡­ Come find me when you¡¯re ready to commit.¡± Without another word, she turned and walked away, her figure fading into the distance, leaving Ethan alone in his anguish.


    The shadows came next. Faceless silhouettes began to encircle him, each one holding a weapon¡ªblades, firearms, objects of destruction. Their silent attention was fixed entirely on him, and their presence was suffocating. Ethan¡¯s breathing quickened as beads of sweat rolled down his brow. He instinctively took a step back.


    ¡°SCREW ALL OF YOU!¡± he roared, desperation and rage spilling out of him. ¡°I won¡¯t be what you want me to be! A loyal servant? Screw that¡ªI¡¯ll be too strong for anyone to control!¡±


    A voice broke through his defiance, soft and familiar. ¡°Ethan¡­¡± It was Evelyn.


    Ethan spun around, and the scene shifted once more. This time, he stood in a sterile hospital room. Evelyn was lying in a bed, her body frail and pale as her illness tightened its grip on her. She was 16 now, but her once-vibrant energy was barely a flicker. A faceless doctor stood at the bedside, turning to address Ethan.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing more we can do. We don¡¯t have the resources to combat this type of sickness,¡± the doctor said bluntly.


    Ethan¡¯s fists clenched as tears rolled down his face. ¡°You don¡¯t¡­ but is there anywhere that does?¡± he asked, his voice breaking.


    The doctor sighed. ¡°Arkphis. They¡¯re the world leader in medicine. However, their top-shelf treatments are only available to students or staff of the Arkphis Institute.¡±


    ¡°How long does she have?¡± Ethan asked, his voice trembling.


    ¡°Two and a half years, give or take,¡± the doctor replied solemnly.


    The room shifted again. Ethan and Evelyn now stood at the gates of Arkphis Institute, their confidence unshaken despite the challenge ahead.


    ¡°This is it, Ev. Pass this dumb exam, and you¡¯re saved,¡± Ethan said, a determined grin on his face.


    ¡°And we start our new life of freedom,¡± Evelyn replied, her smile warm despite her condition. ¡°Me free of this sickness, and you free of your family.¡±


    Ethan laughed, his earlier fear momentarily melting away. ¡°I¡¯m getting excited!¡±


    Evelyn smiled sweetly in return, the glow of hope lighting up her face.


    The memory shattered, and Ethan¡¯s focus returned to the present. He stood across from Ajal, his body tense, his gaze unwavering. The memories hadn¡¯t weakened him¡ªthey had reignited the fire within.


    ¡°Alright then, Inheritor,¡± Ethan said, his voice resolute. ¡°No holds barred. Let¡¯s see who¡¯s stronger.¡±


    Without warning, Ethan punched the air, unleashing a concentrated ball of flames that hurtled toward Ajal with blistering speed.


    Ajal looked up in shock. "One second you are acting all emotional and now you are back to fighting? What the hell?!"


    Alongside the fireballs, Ethan charged at Ajal. "i just remembered what I''m fighting for! So, who the hell cares how far ahead you are! Who cares how stronger you might be! This is a fight I can''t lose, cause I ain''t fighting for just me!"


    Ethan launched himself into the air with the propulsion from a shot of fire and brought down his fist onto his foe. Ajal rolled out of the way, using the handle of his scythe to push himself back to his feet.


    Ethan grinned. "Come on, Death! Give me everything you got! I''ll prove you aren''t worth shit!"


    He extended out his hand and conjured a large flame, then threw it directly at his foe.


    Ajal swung his scythe, attempting to split the flame. However, the flames split, then circled back around, heading straight towards him. He tried dodging the attack, but the flame grew larger, engulfing everything in its path, including Ajal, and exploding upon impact.


    The explosion rang out through the forest as the entire surrounding area shook, uprooting trees and splitting rocks. Ethan smirked as he watched his work of art.


    He panted as he walked through the wreckage. "I''m glad I ran into you, Death. Because now, I just have to defeat you and then you can''t take her from me."


    As the smoke cleared, Ajal stepped out from it. His face had a minor cut on it from the impact, but otherwise seemed relatively unscathed.


    "Okay... You caught me off guard with that one..." He admitted. "I still have no idea what you are going on about, but I can tell it''s getting you pumped. We should probably wrap this up, though."


    Ethan dashed forward, blasting Ajal in the face with a high velocity fire-infused punch. As Ajal staggered from the blow, he followed up with a knee strike to the abdomen, knocking the breath out of him, then took hold of the scythe, using his foot to kick it out of his rival''s grip. Ethan pulled him close and grabbed the collar of Ajal''s uniform with his free hand, raising him slightly in the air before slamming him face first into the dirt below. Then, with a swift kick to the ribs, he sent Ajal sliding along the earth until he reached the tree line.


    Ajal regained his footing and patted down his clothes. "Can you stop kicking my scythe away? It''s really annoying."


    Ethan laughed as he stomped his way over to Ajal. "You clearly don''t know how to use Divinity yet, so you opted to train your scythe skills. Don''t blame me for your glaring weakness."


    A brief memory of training with Kaito in the cave flickered through Ajal''s mind, but he pushed it aside, sharpening his focus on the fight at hand.


    "True, my Divinity control is pretty nonexistent. Kaito said it''s cause I got a lot of it and I''ll learn when the time is right. I prefer not to overcomplicate simple things anyway." he shrugged.


    The two opponents faced each other in tense silence, their eyes locked in an unyielding stare. The air between them grew heavier with each passing second, thick with unspoken challenges and mounting pressure. Each moment of stillness seemed to amplify the weight of their duel, as if the entire forest held its breath. Their gazes were razor-sharp, dissecting every nuance of movement, every potential opening, each calculating the other¡¯s strengths and vulnerabilities. The charged atmosphere felt on the verge of explosion¡ªuntil finally, the tension proved too much for Ethan to bear.


    "Fight me serioulsy!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, swinging his fist, which Ajal narrowly dodged. With each punch that Ethan sent, Ajal dodged with precision and intent until he arrived right next to his scythe. He quickly reached down and grabbed it, bringing it to a defensive position and pushing his rival''s advances away with it.


    Ethan growled and quickly jumped backward, summoning a large ball of flame as he did so and throwing it at his enemy. Ajal swung his scythe horizontally, successfully splitting the attack, and sent it to the side, allowing it to harmlessly explode against a nearby rock formation.


    Ajal then took the offensive, dashing forward and preparing a heavy swing towards his target. As the weapon drew ever closer, Ethan waited a bit too late to react. This proved disastrous, and the edge of the scythe sliced across Ethan''s chest. He recoiled from the attack, holding the wound and cursing as blood seeped through his fingers.


    "Dammit!" he yelled as he fired a series of bullets made of pure flame from his fists at his enemy, who reacted by weaving through the attack with a series of flips, ending it with a sweeping kick that connected with Ethan''s legs and knocked him to the ground. Ajal immediately jumped back, using the momentum of this maneuver to prepare for another massive attack, this time cleaving the air above Ethan with a downward strike, creating a giant wave of kinetic energy. Ethan quickly recovered from the previous blow and rolled away from this one, only suffering minimal damage thanks to a simple fire shield that he had cast beforehand.


    After these exchanges of combat, Ethan''s eyes narrowed, analyzing his opponent and trying to find a flaw or opening.


    He saw none.


    "For fuck''s sake... Why am I so weak..." he thought as he desperately searched for a solution.


    Ethan ran toward Ajal, but as he neared, the scythe-wielder swung outwards towards Ethan''s neck, stopping him dead in his tracks.


    Ajal chuckled. "Your decision-making needs work. You just keep running straight at me, despite me having the range advantage. Figured I''d let you know since we are talking about weaknesses."


    Ethan sneered. "So what if I get predictable, won''t matter if I''m the strongest cause you wouldn''t be able to stop me, anyway. I''ll just blast through all my enemies, no matter what."


    Ajal gave him a soft smile. "You remind me of a friend I had back in high-school."


    "You say that like you didn''t just graduate high-school like the rest of us," Ethan retorted.


    "Fair enough." Ajal responded, lowering his blade. "Ok, go ahead and try again."


    Ethan raised his eyebrow in suspicion. "Really? Just like that?"


    "Yeah, come at me," Ajal encouraged.


    "Huh..." Ethan grunted as he raised his arm into the air and summoned a ball of flame above him. The temperature around them began to rapidly rise due to the extreme heat of the sphere. The orb''s aura was so bright, it reflected in his eyes, causing them to appear golden. Slowly, but surely, the sphere became increasingly unstable, threatening to combust at any moment. The ground began to scorch beneath him as he focused more and more of his power into it. He looked up at Ajal, who seemed amused by this feat.


    "Not even flinching? Whatever..."


    At the point of instability, Ethan threw the explosive toward his enemy. It rocketed towards Ajal at blazing speeds, nearly too quick to follow. It landed where he had been standing only moments prior. The detonation created an intense inferno that expanded outward, engulfing everything in its wake. The sound of the explosion was deafening, causing dust and debris to be kicked up everywhere as it slowly came back to the Earth.


    "How the hell is he so durable?! What the fuck are you?" Ethan muttered to himself.


    He glanced around, looking for any sign of his foe, but to his surprise he found none. "Where are you? I swear if you are playing games with me-"


    Suddenly, a gust of wind passed by Ethan. Confused, he looked in the direction it came from. There, standing near the edge of the crater he had formed during the explosion, was Ajal, seemingly completely unharmed.


    "That wasn''t supposed to miss," Ethan declared with certainty, though it came off as a question.


    "I''m not toying with you." Ajal replied. "It''s just.... After training with Kaito, everything else just seems slow. Every punch he threw was a million times stronger than that explosion, and that was with him holding back."


    "How the hell are you still alive, then?" Ethan questioned.


    Ajal laughed. "I ask myself every day."


    "Ethan stared unblinking into Ajal''s eyes, his focus sharpened as he tried to gauge the full extent of his opponent¡¯s capabilities. The longer he maintained the stare, the more a growing sense of unease clawed at him. Something about Ajal felt... off. While, at first, his attitude was friendly, almost innocent, now there was a tinge of malice within him. It wasn¡¯t something Ethan could easily define, but deep down, he knew instinctively that he had only glimpsed the surface of Ajal¡¯s true potential."


    Ethan sighed, his voice steady yet tinged with resignation. "My whole life has been about one thing: training my body to become stronger. When I got my Gift¡ªeven if I¡¯ve only had it for a short while¡ªI knew it was my key to the top. I¡¯m not clever enough to come up with plans or strategies to beat you. All I know how to do is fight, again and again, until I win. I¡¯m sorry, but that¡¯s the only way I can stand up to you."


    "Good enough for me!" Ajal said, grinning with unrestrained excitement as he tossed his scythe carelessly to the side.


    Ethan lunged forward, his fist cutting through the air in a blazing arc, but Ajal sidestepped it with ease. Not missing a beat, Ethan swung his elbow in a follow-up strike. Once again, Ajal ducked out of range, leaving the attack to collide with a nearby tree, shattering its trunk into splinters.


    Ethan gritted his teeth and pivoted sharply, launching another punch with all his strength, only for Ajal to dodge it yet again with ease. Frustration mounting, Ethan pressed on, delivering a rapid flurry of blows, each one narrowly missing its target. The pattern repeated until, at the end of his relentless combo, Ajal seized the opportunity to counter.


    With lightning reflexes, Ajal drove his elbow into Ethan¡¯s chest, forcing the air from his lungs, and followed it up with a swift leg sweep that sent Ethan crashing to the ground. Not wasting a moment, Ajal moved to deliver another strike, but Ethan retaliated, landing a solid hit that sent Ajal sprawling onto his back.


    Before Ajal could recover, Ethan raised his hand, palm up, summoning a massive ball of flame that crackled with intensity. With a furious roar, he hurled it directly at his fallen opponent. The blazing strike roared through the air, but Ajal reacted swiftly. With a sharp, sideways swing of his open hand, he dispersed the fiery attack, causing it to fizzle out in a cloud of heat and smoke.


    The force of his motion carried Ajal into a roll, allowing him to spring back to his feet, ready to continue the fight.


    Ajal surged forward, driving his knee into Ethan¡¯s face with a sickening impact, followed by a fierce headbutt that staggered his opponent. Without hesitation, Ajal flipped nimbly behind Ethan and pounced, delivering a devastating kick to the side of his head that sent Ethan tumbling across the dirt.


    Ajal wasted no time, dashing after him with relentless speed. He unleashed a flurry of blows, ending with a powerful spin kick to Ethan¡¯s midsection that knocked the wind out of him and sent him skidding backward, kicking up dust as he slid.


    Ethan groaned, struggling to rise, but his vision swam, the world around him blurring. Ajal closed the distance in an instant, landing a vicious uppercut that sent Ethan crashing back to the ground. The impact left Ethan sprawled on the dirt, his face battered and bloodied, his body trembling with exhaustion.


    Ajal stood over him, breathing steadily, his victory undeniable. Ethan twitched, his trembling arms trying to push himself off the ground, but his strength faltered. His vision dimmed, and his body refused to respond.


    ¡°Shit...¡± Ethan whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible. ¡°What am I... doing this for...?¡±


    With a flick of his wrist, Ajal calmly wrapped his scarf back around his neck, the motion casual yet deliberate. He glanced at Ethan, who lay motionless, staring blankly at the sky above.


    "I wonder if they won their fight," Ajal murmured to himself before turning his attention back to his defeated opponent. "Hey, Ethan. You¡¯re amazing, man. Don¡¯t let this loss slow you down."


    Ethan said nothing. His blank eyes remained fixed on the sky, his mind too distant to register the words.


    From the edge of the treeline, a familiar voice called out, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Hey, Ajal!¡±


    Ajal turned to see Yumiko, Jean, and Arc emerging from the shadows of the forest, dragging an unconscious Evelyn between them. Yumiko¡¯s bell chimed softly as she waved, her face lit with relief.


    ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re not a pile of ashes!¡± Yumiko called out, her voice laced with teasing humor.


    Ajal rolled his eyes, smirking as he began walking toward them. ¡°Geez, thanks for the faith,¡± he replied sarcastically.


    Ethan turned his head weakly toward the group, his eyes locking on Evelyn. ¡°Ev¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯s alive,¡± Arc said, her voice calm but with a trace of sympathy. ¡°She was a tough opponent. You should be proud of her.¡±


    Ethan ignored her entirely, his gaze fixed solely on his teammate. ¡°¡­Wake up.¡±


    From where she lay, Evelyn¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her breathing shallow. ¡°E-Ethan?¡± she called out weakly.


    Ethan gritted his teeth and forced himself to sit up, propping himself up with his trembling arm. His expression hardened as he spoke, his voice filled with resolve. ¡°This ain¡¯t over yet¡­ On my mark, Ev.¡±


    Ajal gripped his scarf, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. ¡°Hey, man, we already won. There¡¯s no need to keep fighting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Death,¡± Ethan spat, his lips curling into a defiant grin. ¡°We don¡¯t.¡±


    With every ounce of strength he had left, Ethan flicked his lighter, a tiny flame sputtering to life. He tossed it into the air, where it hung, spinning slowly. Then, with a sharp motion, Ethan clenched his fist, and the flame began to spiral. It expanded rapidly, growing more intense with each rotation, its light pulsing like the heartbeat of something alive. The sound of the crackling fire roared louder, drowning out every other noise in the forest.


    Evelyn, her hands trembling but her determination unshaken, lifted her magnifying glass with the last of her strength. She angled it toward the lighter, amplifying the flame¡¯s size and power. The fire ballooned to an incomprehensible scale, turning into a blazing inferno that hovered in the sky like a second sun. It cast an overwhelming light that swallowed everything, its sheer intensity blinding.


    On the ground, Ethan chuckled through his pain, his voice laced with both triumph and madness. ¡°One last move. Try surviving this, Death.¡±


    The massive fireball came crashing down, its descent like a meteor tearing through the heavens. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, flattening everything in its path. Trees were uprooted and tossed aside like twigs, the surrounding brush incinerated in an instant. A pillar of flame erupted into the sky, its fiery tendrils reaching high above the forest canopy. The entire area was engulfed in a hellish inferno, transforming the once-vibrant forest into a barren wasteland of scorched earth and ash.


    For what felt like an eternity, the fire raged, devouring all evidence of the forest¡¯s former life. When the flames finally began to die down, the members of Team Z stood in a circle, unharmed but visibly stunned by the sheer devastation.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at them. ¡°How?¡± he rasped, his voice filled with frustration and exhaustion.


    Ajal, still gripping his scarf tightly, shook his head, his face a mixture of awe and confusion. ¡°I¡­ I really don¡¯t know.¡±


    A sudden voice, calm and authoritative, cut through the lingering smoke like a knife. ¡°That would be my doing.¡±


    The group turned toward the source of the voice, their gazes drawn to the shifting haze. A figure began to emerge, their silhouette growing sharper as the smoke cleared.


    Suddenly, a figure emerged, sitting crossed-legged on a large, floating turtle shell filled with water. They had a robust physique, with a round face that beamed with perpetual cheerfulness. His deep chestnut hair cascaded in loose waves, framing his affable visage. Despite the weight that defined his form, there was a surprising nimbleness in his movements.


    Their attire, a vibrant green and blue yukata adorned with intricate water-inspired patterns, flowed gracefully as he moved. The loose fit allowed for a comfortable range of motion. Around his neck, a unique accessory caught the eye ¨C a traditional Kappa shell cap secured with a cheerful strap adorned with tiny bells, standing out against the mystical mist.


    As the figure approached through the lingering smoke, the subtle aquatic shimmer of his skin became apparent. His fingers bore web-like skin in between his fingers and his teeth appeared sharp as knives.


    "Makoto Ueda?" Ethan stuttered, his voice laced with shock and confusion as he stared at the towering man before him.


    Makoto beamed cheerfully, hopping off the turtle shell. "That¡¯s me! You two sure know how to cause trouble¡ªattacking after your test was over? Tsk, tsk. No matter, everyone¡¯s safe and sound now."


    "You¡¯re the one who stopped that... thing?" Jean asked, pointing his thumb over his shoulder toward the massive crater left in the wake of the explosion.


    Makoto chuckled, brushing off the praise. "Sure did! But let me tell you, it takes an incredible amount of water to pull off something like that. I¡¯m only good for one, maybe two uses before I need to rehydrate, so I hope you¡¯re happy with yourselves for making me go through all that effort!"


    His jovial expression softened as he turned his gaze back toward Ethan and Evelyn. Letting out a sigh, he crouched slightly to get a better look at their battered forms. "Now, let¡¯s get you two some medical help. Those wounds look awful."


    Yumiko, who had been observing Makoto with curiosity, tilted her head and asked, "How are you not getting wet from all that water in your shell?"


    Makoto¡¯s smile widened. "Ah, that¡¯s simple. It¡¯s my water. All I have to do is command it not to get me wet, and it won¡¯t. Easy as that."


    "Riiight..." Yumiko replied skeptically, narrowing her eyes. "That sounds totally believable." She shrugged it off and turned to Ajal. "Anyway, Ajal, how was your fight? Did you win?"


    "It was awesome!" Ajal exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. "Ethan was really strong!" He launched into an animated retelling of the entire fight, his hands moving wildly as he exaggerated every detail for dramatic effect.


    As the group listened, Ethan¡¯s gaze lingered on them. The sounds of their conversation became muffled as his exhaustion overtook him. His body refused to cooperate any longer, and the weight of his injuries dragged him down. Slowly, his vision darkened, and he gave in to unconsciousness.


    Ethan''s consciousness gradually clawed its way back through the fog of unconsciousness, and his eyelids fluttered open to reveal the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room. Groggily, he propped himself up, muscles protesting with stiffness, and stretched his arms, feeling the pull of IV lines tethered to his skin. Just as he oriented himself to the unfamiliar surroundings, the door creaked open, casting a sliver of light into the room and unveiling the silhouette of Evelyn.


    "You''re finally awake!" Evelyn''s voice was a mix of relief and excitement as she stepped into the room, her face lighting up at the sight of him conscious.


    Ethan rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the remnants of drowsiness. "Damn, was I out for long?" His voice was thick with fatigue, words stumbling out in a disoriented mumble.


    "Just a little while," Evelyn replied, closing the distance between them with a few brisk steps. Her tone was light, but her eyes held a depth of concern. "Mr. Ueda used his shell to bring us back here, to the school''s hospital."


    Ethan''s gaze drifted across the room, taking in the clinical sterility of the space ¨C the beeping monitors, the crisp, clean sheets, the faint antiseptic scent in the air. "Not exactly the entrance to Arkphis I had in mind," he murmured, a bitter chuckle escaping him. A sheen of tears began to form in his eyes as guilt washed over him. "I''m sorry, Ev. I wanted to save you, but¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Evelyn crossed the room in swift, graceful strides and enveloped him in a warm embrace. Her smile was like a balm to his remorse. "It''s okay, I know you did your best," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder.


    Ethan responded with a gentle pat on her head, his touch tender and reassuring. "How long did the doctors say?" he asked, a note of worry lacing his words.


    "Back then, they said two and a half years, so I would''ve had about half a year left," Evelyn''s voice was soft, tinged with a melancholic acceptance.


    Ethan''s hands on her shoulders pushed her back slightly, his eyes widening in surprise and confusion. "Would''ve?" he echoed, his heart skipping a beat. "Did the medication finally work?"


    A light, carefree giggle escaped Evelyn''s lips, breaking the tension in the room. "No, the medication still doesn''t cure me," she said, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.


    "Then how?!" Ethan''s voice rose in a mix of astonishment and hope.


    Evelyn turned, pointing towards a corner of the room where a girl sat, her attention absorbed by the phone in her hands. The girl''s demeanor was a stark contrast to the gravity of the moment ¨C she bit her thumb''s nail absentmindedly, her foot tapping against the floor in a rhythm of annoyance and frustration. "She helped me. She got rid of the sickness for us!" Evelyn''s declaration hung in the air, heavy with implications and wonder.


    Her hair, starting as black at the roots before fading seamlessly into a cascade of golden threads, fell straight and true down her back like a fall of sunlight piercing through a quiet grove. Stray locks framed her face, adding a playful edge to the sharp angles of her jaw and the gentle curve of her cheekbones. The light seemed to catch in her hair¡¯s golden ends, creating a halo-like effect that mirrored the actual golden halo floating above her head, its glow faintly pulsing with an otherworldly energy.


    Her eyes, a striking amber hue, seemed to burn with quiet intensity, as if holding the secret of an eternal flame within their depths. They were sharp yet warm, like sunlight filtered through autumn leaves, drawing attention and commanding respect with a single glance.


    She was clad in a bold, burnt-orange jacket that billowed slightly behind her, its rich hue reminiscent of a setting sun. The jacket¡¯s flowing form complemented the striking sharpness of her black high-necked top, which hugged her figure and emphasized her poised, self-assured aura. Draped over her waist was a cream wrap that fell in soft, uneven folds, adding an almost ceremonial air to her look. Beneath it, her legs were clad in a fitted black layer, tapering into simple yet stylish black straps that wound around her calves, paired with pristine white sandals that elevated her with a sense of both grace and practicality.


    A pair of gold, rectangular earrings dangled from her ears, catching the light with each subtle movement, and a sleek black choker with a golden clasp adorned her neck, perfectly accenting her regal presence. Every detail of her attire, from the flow of the fabric to the precision of her accessories, spoke of someone who blended effortless elegance with commanding confidence. Her nails, painted a sleek and glossy black, gleamed faintly in the light, a subtle yet striking detail that added to her polished and deliberate appearance.


    While she radiated elegance and grace, a stark contrast to the relaxed appearance of her clothing and accessories, her demeanor screamed a sense of self-assurance and competence. She was someone who could handle herself in any situation thrown at her, able to change strategies on the fly to adapt to new circumstances.


    Ethan analyzed the girl, perplexed. "So, you''re the girl that saved Evelyn? Are you an Inheritor too?"


    "Too?" Evelyn asked.


    "Ajal, the guy who beat me, he was the Inheritor of Death."


    The girl stopped tapping and slammed her phone down on the desk in front of her. "Evelyn, you aren''t cured. I simply healed the part that makes your sickness terminal. You''ll still need your medication to alleviate pain." She turned her attention towards Ethan. "And you. Don''t compare that amateur wannabe to someone like me." She replied in disgust.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What do you gain from saving Evelyn? You don''t seem like the type to act out of the kindness of your hear."


    She rose gracefully, her flowing attire swaying with each step as she approached Ethan, the soft rhythm of her sandals striking the ground creating a steady beat. Her golden-lined coat flared lightly with her movements, exuding an air of authority. "Listen well, fire freak," she said, her voice cool but commanding. "I''m the number one ranked student at this school. If someone needs saving, then I suppose it''s only natural that I¡¯ll be the one to do it."


    "Your attitude is a real piece of work. What the hell gives you the assumption you are better than us?!" Ethan scowled.


    "Ethan, calm down." Evelyn tried to restrain him.


    "Tch," she scoffed, turning up her nose. "It''s not an assumption, it''s a fact. But I can explain it to you, as teaching the ignorant is a part of my job too, I suppose."


    The girl walked back a few feet and posed dramatically, her arms outstretched on either side. "Gaze upon greatness, you are looking at none other than Ophelia Everhart, the Inheritor of Life!"

 Chapter 8: The Final Test

    The air in the hospital room seemed to still for a moment, thick with the weight of Ophelia Everhart¡¯s declaration. The title ¡®Inheritor of Life¡¯ hung between them, an invisible yet palpable force that demanded recognition. Ethan, his anger momentarily forgotten, stared at Ophelia, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle of this enigmatic savior standing before him.


    Evelyn, sensing the shift in atmosphere, released her tentative hold on Ethan, her gaze flickering back and forth between him and Ophelia. There was a reverence in her eyes, a soft glow of gratitude that spoke volumes of the miracle she had been granted.


    Ophelia, her arms still outstretched in a flourish that seemed to echo the grandiosity of her name, allowed a small, self-assured smile to play upon her lips. She let the silence stretch a moment longer before she lowered her arms, the golden halo above her head shimmering slightly as if in approval of the awe she had inspired.


    Finally, she spoke, her voice a melody that seemed to weave vitality into the very air, "I see my reputation precedes me," she began, her tone light but edged with an undeniable authority. "As much as I''d love to stay and chat. I have more pressing matters to attend to."


    Ethan, his senses slowly returning from the initial shock, straightened up in the bed. His voice, once hot with confrontation, now carried a note of curiosity. "Pressing matters?"


    "Indeed," Ophelia affirmed with the ghost of a smile, her fingers brushing against the door handle. "There is an Inheritor whose delusions of grandeur need to be shattered." Her voice carried the soft but unmistakable promise of an impending storm, a tempest of life about to break upon a shore too weak to hold it back.


    She turned the handle with a grace that belied the finality of the gesture, the click of the latch sounding like the closing of a book filled with unwritten fates. "I have a pretender to humble," she added, the smile on her lips blooming into a confident, predatory grin, a silent testament to the power she wielded and the purpose that drove her.


    With a flourish that seemed to stir the very air, she pulled the door open, casting a lingering glance over her shoulder, her azure eyes alight with the fire of her conviction. Then, she stepped through the threshold, her figure framed for an instant in stark silhouette against the light of the corridor.


    The door swung shut with a gentle but firm thud, sealing away the Inheritor of Life''s departing figure, her presence still resonating in the room like the afterglow of the setting sun. Ethan and Evelyn were left in the quiet aftermath, the weight of Ophelia''s words settling around them like the calm that follows a storm''s passing.


    ?


    "So, Ethan lost to Ajal?" Lucius said, licking his paw.


    The principal''s eyes held a glimmer of intent as the projections fizzled away, the light flickering out and casting the room into a contemplative dimness. "That battle," she began, her voice steady and deliberate, "what did you think of it, Miki?" She paused, allowing the significance of the battle to permeate the silence. "At the outset, Ethan''s candidacy for our institution would seem beyond dispute. However, having observed that fight, what conclusion do you come to?"


    Miki¡¯s gaze fell to the floor, her thoughts churning like leaves in an eddy. "It''s not entirely clear to me, Principal. Despite the outcome, Ethan''s potential is still palpable, like a seedling in fertile soil. I am of the opinion we shouldn''t have put him in a position to be eliminated by Ajal."


    The principal nodded, acknowledging her insight, yet steering her perception deeper. "His potential is not in question. But there''s a finer point you''re missing."


    Miki''s eyes, still anchored to the ground, voiced a silent plea for enlightenment. "What then, am I supposed to see?"


    "Consider his own words during the confrontation," the principal urged, his voice sharpening like a blade honed for a finer cut. "He professed a lifetime of training. A lifetime, Miki, set against Ajal''s mere seven months. Inheritor or otherwise, the scales should have tipped in favor of Ethan''s seasoned prowess. And yet, he was not just defeated¡ªhe was unraveled, thread by thread."


    In the room''s shadowed corner, Fil''s presence was as unobtrusive as a whisper, yet his words carried the weight of judgment. "In short, the kid has the potential, but his path to unleashing it is a slow-burning fuse. Contrast that with Ajal and his team¡ªthey seem to have been born with innate skills that let them skyrocket their potential. Either way, principal, I think it''s important to note just who trained Ajal."


    The principal chuckled then, a soft sound in the quiet room. "Yes, Kaito''s name might scare some of you, but let me tell you something as his old teacher. Kaito, being Ajal''s mentor, is more of a hurdle for Ajal than anything else. Kaito''s not cut out for teaching. What Ophelia and Ajal have achieved, they did that on their own. Trust me on that."


    The principal''s face was half shrouded in darkness, but a smile played on her lips. "Miki, your importance to our school is unequivocal, but that''s why we must also recognize where you''re lacking. We must not settle for potential. We must only pursue perfection. The world is counting on it."


    "Ok, I''m projecting the next round now." Garth chimed in.


    Garth''s eyes took on a spectral hue, the blue glow casting an otherworldly light upon his features. With a subtle gesture, the space before him flickered and buzzed with the birth of light and pixels, coalescing into a clear, sharp projection that hung in the air like a window into another world.


    There, displayed within the luminescent frame, were the eight remaining teams, each represented by a set of icons arranged strategically across the digital representation of the new area. The projection was detailed and precise, a meticulous recreation of the vast urban jungle that would serve as their next proving ground.


    The arena lay before them like a silent giant, its vastness echoing with the ghosts of the city it once was. Buildings, now mere skeletons of their former selves, stretched towards the sky, their broken bones cloaked in the relentless embrace of nature. Vegetation had claimed the concrete and steel, weaving green through the gray in a display of unyielding life amidst decay.


    It was a battleground littered with the carcasses of high-rises, their shattered windows like the vacant eyes of a forgotten time. The streets, cracked and overrun with weeds, snaked through the desolation, leading to nowhere and everywhere all at once.


    As the teams made their approach, the air was thick with anticipation. This abandoned city, a relic of a bygone era, promised a challenge not just of strength and skill but of strategy. The once bustling metropolis was now a maze of ruin, providing endless hideaways and sniper nests, making it a perfect chessboard for the cunning and the brave.


    ?


    Ajal and his teammates from Team Z paused, their eyes sweeping across the unfamiliar landscape that now surrounded them. The stark contrast between their previous location and their current one was disorienting. Moments ago, they were shrouded in the dense, verdant canopy of the forest, the air thick with the scent of earth and leaves, the sounds of wildlife a constant, ambient murmur.


    Now, they found themselves standing amidst the desolation of an urban graveyard. Towering structures that once might have kissed the sky lay crumbled and defeated, their steel bones exposed to the harsh elements. Nature, in its relentless march, had begun to reclaim the city, with wild foliage entwining the fallen concrete, a vivid reminder of the impermanence of human constructs.


    Yumiko''s voice cut through the eerie silence, tinged with a mix of confusion and disbelief. "How the hell did we get here?" she questioned, her gaze darting from one ruined building to the next. "One second we were in the forest, walking through some tacky arch, and now..." Her voice trailed off as she took in the panoramic view of devastation that stretched before them. The city, or what was left of it, was a stark canvas of greys and browns, the once vibrant life it held now reduced to whispers of wind through broken windows.


    The rest of Team Z stood in a tight cluster, their expressions a mirror of Yumiko''s bewilderment. The sudden transition from the lush, living forest to this ghostly urban sprawl was jarring.


    "Wait a sec," Jean interjected, his voice cutting through the group''s confusion. He squinted into the distance, pointing towards a particular structure that jutted out amidst the sea of ruins. "This... this looks like a destroyed version of Arkphis city, or what''s left of it. Look over there," he urged, his finger directed at a distinctive shape in the landscape.


    The others followed his gaze to see a partially demolished sports dome, its once proud and domineering structure now a skeletal echo of its former glory. Its torn facade and collapsed sections stood out starkly against the backdrop of devastation, a silent testament to the calamity that had befallen the city.


    Arc, her expression thoughtful, mused aloud, "So this is just another stage for the final round." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully between her thumb and pointer finger, her eyes scanning the horizon. "But where exactly are we? An area this massive couldn¡¯t have gone unnoticed in Arkphis, and the arch didn''t appear as a portal of any sort."


    Ajal cut through the speculation. "Doesn''t matter where we are, right?" he said decisively. "We''re still in the middle of the test, so let''s just go pass it."


    With a determined stride, he started walking, his boots stirring up clouds of dust from the debris-strewn ground. His figure seemed to slice through the heavy air of the desolate city, a lone sentinel against the backdrop of ruin.


    Jean called after him, his voice tinged with frustration, "You can''t just charge ahead like that! We don''t even know what we''re up against yet!"


    Ajal''s retort floated back to them as he continued forward, "And yet, here I am, walking."


    Jean exhaled a heavy sigh, his voice a mixture of resignation and annoyance. "It''s like trying to reason with a toddler," he muttered under his breath, but nevertheless, he followed.


    Arc and Yumiko exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them before they too fell into step behind their teammates. The four of them moved through the ghostly streets of the ruined Arkphis, their presence a ripple of life in a sea of desolation, each step taking them deeper into the unknown challenges of this final, unforgiving arena.


    After a moment, the voice from the start of the exam returned to their head. "Apologies for the delay, examinees. I am here to explain the rules for the final test."


    "See?" Ajal said. "Just gotta trust the process, Jean."


    The voice continued, very clearly reading from a script. ¡°Welcome, examinees, to the final phase of your entrance exam. This is your ultimate test of strength, strategy, and survival. Your objective is simple: claim and defend one of the three Keystones scattered throughout the battlefield. Each Keystone has a timer, and when the timer goes off, whoever is in possession will obtain the points. Points are also obtained by defeating other contestants. The three teams with the most points at the end of the exam will pass.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Ajal furrowed his brow, watching the shimmering map that materialized in front of him. Small, glowing dots marked the general locations of the Keystones, scattered across the sprawling urban wasteland. Yumiko leaned in beside him, the faint jingle of her bell breaking the tense silence. ¡°Only three teams pass, huh? Sounds cutthroat already.¡±


    The voice continued. ¡°To claim a Keystone, your team must physically place your emblem, which is located on your arm, on its energy core, activating it. Once activated, the Keystone will emit a signal visible to all other teams on the holographic map. Defend it well, examinees. For once it is claimed, it and you will become a target.¡±


    ¡°So, once we claim one, everyone¡¯s going to know exactly where we are,¡± Jean muttered. ¡°They¡¯re setting us up for a full-on siege.¡±


    The voice didn¡¯t relent. ¡°Keystones are powered by durable divinity cores, capable of sustaining significant damage before being destroyed. A destroyed Keystone will nullify the ability to gain points from it. However, they can also be stolen if another team successfully replaces your emblem. Victory requires not just offense, but tactical defense.¡±


    Yumiko crossed her arms. ¡°Great. So, it¡¯s a free-for-all, and we¡¯re basically painting a big bullseye on ourselves. Lovely.¡±


    ¡°To pass this test you must survive, adapt, and Become Limitless. The match will end when only three teams remain, or when time expires."


    Yumiko slightly titled her head in thought. "It kinda looks like they are giving us options. So, we going after other teams or the keystones?"


    Jean furrowed his brow, his skepticism evident as he weighed their options. "You heard what the examiner said¡ªwe''re up against all the other teams and the clock. And we still have no idea where our final teammate is. Hiding out and snatching Keystones at the last second might be our safest bet," he proposed, his tone laced with a strategic, cautious edge.


    Yumiko, however, shook her head, her disagreement clear. "Playing it safe is fine, Jean, and I won''t stop you," she replied, her voice steady as she locked eyes with him. A hint of mischief played at the corners of her mouth. "But think about the risk in waiting until the last moment. Besides," she added, a playful smile now fully forming, "missing out on all the action doesn''t sound like much fun, does it?"


    Arc, deep in thought, lightly scratched her cheek with her pinkie, considering their predicament. "There''s a way to balance both approaches," she finally said, her voice calm and reasoned. "Our priority should be finding our last teammate. Along the way, we deal with any enemies we encounter. And if we happen upon a Keystone, then that becomes our focus."


    "I''m on board with that plan," Yumiko quickly agreed, nodding her approval.


    Jean sighed, a reluctant acceptance in his posture. "It''s a bit of a loose plan, but with time not on our side, we can''t afford to keep debating." He looked around at his teammates. "Any final suggestions, Ajal?"


    Ajal, his gaze distant as he surveyed the city, shrugged nonchalantly. "Nah," he replied, his voice carrying an easygoing confidence. "I''m good with whatever."


    United in their resolve, Team Z advanced into the heart of the desolate Arkphis City. Their journey was hindered by the remnants of urban decay, with every step a challenge against the relentless march of nature and the ruins of civilization. Buildings, once symbols of human achievement, now stood as jagged monuments to destruction, their skeletal remains creating an obstacle course of concrete and steel.


    The city, overtaken by wild growth, presented a surreal landscape. Vines and foliage clung to and wound through the fractured facades, draping over edges and spilling onto the streets, a green tide swallowing the city''s past glory. The once bustling roads were now but labyrinthine paths, choked with debris and the encroaching embrace of the earth.


    An oppressive silence hung over the area, broken only by the muffled sounds of their movements¨Cthe soft crunch of gravel underfoot, the occasional shift of rubble¨Cand the distant, faint echoes of conflict, hinting at the presence of others in this forsaken arena.


    The stark, quiet desolation was almost a living entity, its breath a cold whisper against their skin, its gaze following their every move. The air was thick with the weight of unspoken stories, each ruined building a chapter of a narrative long silenced.


    It was within this heavy atmosphere that Team Z suddenly found themselves face to face with an unexpected encounter. Emerging from a narrow passage between two crumbled edifices, they came upon the ruins of a once-majestic highrise, now nothing but a pile of rubble and twisted metal.


    At the base of this fallen giant, an extraordinary scene unfolded. Dominating the space was a creature of immense size, its form casting a daunting shadow across the broken ground. It towered over four smaller figures, their bodies dwarfed by its massive stature. The creature, an amalgamation of raw power and primal fury, stood like a sentinel from a bygone era, its presence a palpable force that seemed to resonate through the very ground.


    Even from their vantage point, Team Z could feel the aura of menace emanating from the beast. Its eyes, dark and hollowed by shadows, gazed unseeing into the distance, its maw parted to reveal rows of jagged teeth, like the blades of ancient swords worn down by years of carnage.


    The creature''s form, reminiscent of an ape, yet warped and mutilated beyond comprehension, stood in stark contrast to the fragility of humanity. As Team Z cautiously observed from their position, the creature shifted, its movements deliberate and heavy. Its massive head swung from side to side, nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air, as though scenting for something unseen. The motion was primal, reminiscent of ancient predators whose domain was unchallenged.


    For a heart-stopping moment, the beast seemed to be merely part of the desolate scenery, an oddity in the landscape of ruin. But then, abruptly, its head snapped up, its eyes locking onto Team Z''s location. The shift in its demeanor was palpable; it transformed from a creature passively surveying its territory to one that had identified something of interest.


    Its gaze, intense and unsettling, bore into them, piercing the distance with a predatory focus. The creature''s eyes, deep-set and keen, held a glint of intelligence that belied its brutish form. It stood perfectly still for a moment, as if calculating, assessing the threat or opportunity that Team Z represented.


    The air seemed to thicken with tension, the silence now charged with a new, electric quality.


    "It''s an avatar." Arc explained. "The master is the boy on its right."


    "Very perceptive, but I can tell you are an Avatar yourself." The boy responded. "Though not nearly as intimidating."


    Arc rolled her eyes and looked over at Jean.


    "Shall we?" Arc asked.


    "Might as well." Jean replied. "Don''t take too long, remember we have a time limit."


    They both moved out into the clearing together, drawing the attention of the monster to them as they prepared to fight.


    "Ajal, why don''t you stay back with Yumiko? After we take care of this, I have an idea on how to find our last member." Jean stated as they approached the group.


    Ajal paused, "You sure you can take that thing? It''s pretty tough looking."


    "They''ll be fine." Yumiko reassured him. "Let''s take care of the other three."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Jean and Arc surged forward toward the daunting creature before them. Their movements were a blur, a testament to their agility and speed, carrying them across the ravaged landscape in mere moments. The air itself seemed to part for them, their approach as swift as a falcon''s dive.


    Before their adversaries could even register their approach, Jean was already in the thick of battle. His fist, coiled with pent-up energy, rocketed forward, striking with the precision of a seasoned warrior. The impact against the lean youth was thunderous, resonating through the air like a drumbeat of war. The youth''s body was propelled backward with such force that he became a fleeting shadow, crashing into the gnarled trunk of an ancient tree with a bone-jarring crunch.


    Meanwhile, Arc''s assault was a dance of deadly grace. She aimed a high, arcing kick at the monstrous avatar''s leg, a strike meant to cripple and incapacitate. However, the creature, unfazed by her speed, countered with a swift, brutal swipe, its massive limb connecting with her abdomen. The impact sent Arc tumbling across the ground, a whirl of motion, but she turned her momentum into an opportunity, springing back to her feet with feline agility.


    As Ajal and Yumiko engaged the other enemies, Arc''s battle with the behemoth raged on. She leaped into the air, narrowly evading the creature''s sweeping tail, her body twisting elegantly in mid-flight. The monster reared to strike once more, but Arc''s reflexes were quicker. She spun, a cyclone of force, and delivered a crushing heel kick to its jaw. The blow landed with a sickening crack, forcing the creature to stagger back, its balance wavering.


    Team Z watched, a mixture of awe and anticipation in their eyes, as the gigantic foe teetered precariously. Arc, relentless in her attack, bombarded the creature with a barrage of kicks and punches, each strike a blur of speed and power. Finally, under the relentless onslaught, the beast crumbled to its knees with a ground-shaking thud, defeated.


    Arc paused, her breathing steady despite the fury of her assault. Her eyes then shifted to the creature''s master, a cold determination in her gaze.


    "Wait!" Jean''s voice cut through the tension as he approached the boy sprawled on the ground. "What info can you give us?" His tone was firm, demanding, as he leaned in closer.


    The youth, struggling for breath, managed a weak response. "About what?"


    "Anything ¨C the keystones, our missing teammate, other teams," Jean pressed, his eyes searching the boy''s face for any hint of deceit.


    Ajal and Yumiko, having overcome their own opponents, joined the pair. Yumiko''s voice dripped with disappointment. "You got knocked out by Jean with a single punch. How did you even pass the first round?"


    "Hey! My Right Jab of Power is considered one of the Epochal Tenets!" Jean protested, puffing his chest out with pride.


    Arc looked at him, her expression unchanging. "Master Jean, such grandiose claims are not becoming."


    "Why can''t you ever back me up?" Jean complained, throwing his hands up in exasperation.


    Ajal, interrupting the banter, asked, "What are Epochal Tenets?"


    Arc responded, her voice calm and informative, "They are ten legendary skills known for turning the tides of history. They''re incredibly powerful, not something you''d use in a standard entrance exam."


    Ajal pondered aloud, "Interesting. I wonder if he has a skill on there."


    Yumiko leaned in closer to Ajal, her curiosity piqued. "Whose skills are you talking about?"


    "My teacher. He''s a kinda strong, so I figured he might have one of these Epochal Tenets."


    The youth''s voice, laced with a mix of fear and annoyance, cut through the air sharply. "Hey!" he called out, his tone demanding attention. "Are you going to finish me off or what? Your banter is driving me nuts."


    Jean, his focus snapping back to the captive, fixed the boy with a steely gaze that brooked no argument. "Spill what you know then, or I might just have Arc read you the entire ''Divinitas''," he threatened, his voice low and unyielding, hinting at a consequence far worse than physical harm.


    The boy''s eyes widened, a flicker of genuine panic crossing his face as he weighed his options. "Okay, okay, no need for drastic measures! Look, the nearest Keystone is southwest from here, in a collapsed subway system," he blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in haste. "We just came from there."


    Jean''s eyebrows rose in suspicion. "You were there but didn''t try to claim it?" he probed, his tone skeptical.


    "With that monster guarding it? No chance," the boy replied, a shiver running through his frame at the memory.


    "What monster?" Jean pressed, his curiosity piqued.


    The boy opened his mouth to reply, but was abruptly silenced by a swift chop to the neck from Yumiko. His body slumped, unconscious but unharmed.


    Jean let out an exasperated sigh, turning to face Yumiko. "Really? Was that necessary?" he chided, a hint of frustration in his voice. "He might have had more to tell us."


    Yumiko simply offered a shrug, her smile suggesting innocence, but her eyes twinkling with mischief. "He gave us everything we needed," she retorted nonchalantly.


    Ajal''s grin widened at the idea of a new challenge. "Sounds like we''re going monster hunting then," he declared, with a hint of excitement in his voice.


    Jean surveyed the group, his gaze lingering on each member before he gave a slow, decisive nod. "Alright, we have a destination. Let''s get moving, team!" His voice carried a note of leadership.


    "Master Jean, I would advise against assuming you''re the leader of this group," Arc interjected, her tone even but firm.


    "How am I not the leader? I''m the strategist, and you three are the muscle!" Jean retorted, a touch of defiance in his voice. "That''s how it works in video games. Everyone knows that."


    Arc let out a heavy sigh, her patience wearing thin. "You do realize that not every situation parallels a video game, right?"


    Yumiko piped up, "Shouldn''t Ajal be the leader, though? Being an inheritor and all, it kind of makes sense."


    "His status as an inheritor has nothing to do with¡ª" Jean started to argue but was abruptly cut off.


    Without any warning, an object rocketed towards them at breathtaking speed, narrowly missing them before crashing into a nearby pile of rubble. Dust billowed into the air as a figure emerged from the debris. "I''m going to kill that bitch," he muttered, his dog tags jangling noisily around his neck as he stood up. He shook off the dirt and rocks, fixing his gaze on the group with a look of sheer contempt.


    "And just who the hell are you guys?" the newcomer demanded, his voice laced with hostility.


    Ajal, undeterred by the aggression, smiled at the man. "Dude, nice shoes! I have a pair just like those back home!"


    "Yeah, it''s really impressive how you kept them so clean during the exam," Yumiko added, eyeing the newcomer''s footwear.


    Jean, however, was visibly worried and quickly ushered Ajal and Yumiko back. "Ajal, Yumiko, don¡¯t just approach aggressive strangers like that!"


    The figure paused for a moment at the mention of Ajal''s name. In a swift motion, he shattered the glasses that rested on his face, revealing a gun which he promptly aimed at Ajal''s head. "Ajal?" he sneered. "Damn, guess I owe that lizard a favor. The name''s Ezekiel, remember it, Reaper." His voice was cold, and his intent deadly clear.

 Chapter 9: Seperation

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 Chapter 10: The Pieces in Play

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 Chapter 11: A New Threat

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 Chapter 12: Ezekiel vs The Archer

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 Chapter 13: Ajal vs Molly vs Emil

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 Chapter 14: Exam Finale

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 Chapter 15: Those Who Passed

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 Chapter 16: Upperclassmen

    The moment the students stepped out of the grand hall, a roar of applause greeted them. The streets of Arkphis City pulsed with energy, a chorus of cheers echoing through the air. Crowds lined the roads, waving banners emblazoned with team names, while confetti, shimmering like tiny stars, drifted lazily in the sunlight. Pride radiated from every corner of the capital, as if the city itself were alive with celebration.


    Yumiko shielded her eyes against the bright light, squinting at the jubilant masses. ¡°Well, this is¡­ unexpected.¡±


    ¡°I could get used to this,¡± Jean said with a wide grin, waving at a group of kids holding a crudely painted ¡°Team Z¡± sign. ¡°Feels like I¡¯m a celebrity already!¡±


    ¡°Master Jean, please compose yourself,¡± Arc chided, though the faint curve of her lips betrayed her amusement.


    The main street was a festival of sights and sounds: musicians played raucous tunes, street vendors handed out sweets to grinning children, and bursts of fireworks painted streaks of color across the sky. The capital had thrown itself into the celebration with abandon, but even amidst the clamor, a new spectacle stole the students¡¯ attention.


    At the far end of the boulevard, enormous reptilian creatures stood waiting. These weren¡¯t mere beasts¡ªthey were hybrids of flesh and mechanics, their muscular frames fused seamlessly with plates of bronze and carved stone. Their tails swept low like pendulums, their legs sturdy as tree trunks, and their backs were fitted with domed carriages large enough to carry a dozen people. Though towering and fearsome, the creatures moved with an eerie elegance, their low growls thrumming through the air like a distant storm.


    ¡°What the hell are those?¡± Kiera blurted, her eyes wide.


    ¡°These are your rides,¡± Lucius announced, perched smugly on the shoulder of one of the creatures. The black cat¡¯s tail swished lazily as he spoke. ¡°Meet the Basalt Drakes. Efficient, eco-friendly, and, most importantly, not picky eaters. So, try not to annoy them.¡±


    Rayven leaned over toward Kiera, her grin sharp as ever. ¡°Maybe they¡¯ve got a booster seat for you, huh?¡±


    ¡°I am going to murder you,¡± Kiera hissed, her face bright red as she lunged for Rayven, who ducked behind a laughing Zee for cover.


    Miki clapped her hands sharply, drawing everyone¡¯s attention back. ¡°Alright, enough bickering. These drakes will take you to Arkphis Institute¡ªthe floating campus. Fil and I will stay here to handle the final paperwork.¡±


    ¡°Floating campus?¡± Ajal asked, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of the skyline beyond the towering buildings.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see soon enough,¡± Miki replied with a small smile.


    The students approached the drakes cautiously, their massive frames even more imposing up close. The creatures knelt with surprising grace, their domed carriages unfolding to reveal plush, spacious interiors. The strange blend of organic and mechanical was even more apparent here¡ªthe creatures¡¯ movements were smooth and fluid, as though technology had merely enhanced their natural abilities instead of replacing them.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna lie. This is cooler than I thought,¡± Zee admitted, climbing into a carriage and claiming a seat near the window.


    Vail followed, his eyes darting warily to the drake¡¯s sharp claws. ¡°Better not be cramped in here,¡± he muttered.


    Rayven stuck her head in after him, grinning mischievously. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Vail. Plenty of legroom for you.¡±


    Vail froze mid-step, his face twisting into indignation. ¡°Legroom?! Are you calling me¡ªoh, never mind,¡± he groaned as Rayven dissolved into laughter behind him.


    Once everyone was settled, the drakes began their march. Their footsteps reverberated like distant thunder, the sound fading as they left the bustling streets behind. The vibrant cityscape soon gave way to rolling hills and endless skies.


    For a while, the students rode in relative silence, the rhythmic motion of the drakes almost soothing. But as the horizon stretched out before them, a breathtaking sight emerged, stealing their words.


    Rising above the treetops was the floating campus of Arkphis Institute. Its bronze-plated base shimmered, and waterfalls cascaded from its edges, disappearing into the clouds below. Sprawling gardens covered its surface, alive with vibrant flowers and towering trees, while pristine white spires stretched toward the heavens. Smaller floating platforms orbited the main structure, connected by translucent bridges that glowed faintly in the sunlight.


    Beneath the floating campus lay Campus City, nestled among the trees. Quaint cottages and cobblestone streets dotted the forested expanse, lakes sparkling like mirrors beneath the warm sun. The city was a patchwork of life and tranquility, a seamless blend of nature and civilization.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Jean whispered, pressing his face against the window. ¡°That¡¯s the school?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the school,¡± Miki confirmed through the comm system. ¡°The floating part is the main campus¡ªwhere you¡¯ll train, study, and, if you¡¯re lucky, become legends. The city below is for living, shopping, and unwinding.¡±


    ¡°This¡­ is insane,¡± Kiera said, her usual scowl replaced by genuine awe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable,¡± Garth chimed in, his voice gruff. ¡°You¡¯re starting at the bottom¡ªliterally. Your dorms are in the woods surrounding the city.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yumiko whined. ¡°You¡¯re telling me I don¡¯t get to live up there?!¡±


    ¡°Not unless you prove you belong,¡± Lucius replied with a smirk. ¡°The best students earn their place on the floating campus¡ªor even claim their own territory. For now, you¡¯ve got a cozy little cabin waiting for you.¡±


    The drakes began to ascend, their bronze plates glowing faintly as propulsion systems activated. The carriages remained steady, gliding smoothly through the air. As they drew closer, the finer details of the floating campus came into focus: the lush gardens, the sound of rushing waterfalls, the intricate carvings lining the spires. It was a place that seemed suspended outside of time¡ªa perfect fusion of nature, magic, and innovation.


    Ajal leaned against the window, his lavender eyes scanning the picturesque landscape below. The cottages and forests looked almost surreal, like they¡¯d been plucked from a storybook. But his thoughts drifted as a voice from his past echoed in his mind.


    Kaito¡¯s voice.


    "Arkphis Institute isn¡¯t just a school. It¡¯s the school. The place where ordinary people become legends. If you¡¯re there, Ajal, it means you¡¯ve got something. It means you¡¯re ready to take on the world¡ªor maybe even change it."


    Ajal¡¯s grip on the windowsill tightened. He was here now. After all the training, the exams, and the doubts, he¡¯d made it. And yet, as he stared at the majestic floating campus, a quiet voice in the back of his mind still wondered: Am I ready for this?


    The carriage shuddered as the drake landed softly on a bronze-plated pad that emerged from the side of the floating campus.


    "Welcome to Arkphis Institute," Garth said. "Now, get your butts off my drake."


    "Well, I guess that''s our cue," Zee said, rising to her feet and offering a hand to Rayven.


    Jean and the others stepped out of the carriage and onto the landing platform. The surface was surprisingly smooth, the metal plates perfectly level and free of any imperfections. It was almost unnaturally clean, as if it had never been used before.


    Jean and the others stepped out of the carriage onto the landing platform. The surface beneath their feet was startlingly smooth, the metal plates polished to perfection, gleaming under the light with not a single imperfection in sight. It was almost unnaturally pristine, as if it had been designed to impress rather than endure use.


    "Wow," Cassian breathed, his wide eyes scanning the view beyond. The breathtaking expanse of the campus spread out before them¡ªthe towering main building shimmering in the sunlight and the verdant forest below it alive with subtle movement. "It''s... beautiful. Don¡¯t you think, Molly?"


    He turned toward her, hoping to share the moment, but Molly¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift. Her grip on Jolly remained firm, her face emotionless. ¡°It is,¡± she said quietly, her gaze lingering on the grand structure ahead, though her voice lacked any warmth or awe.


    Lucius leapt nimbly from the carriage, his fur gleaming as he positioned himself in front of the students. ¡°Alright, kiddos,¡± he began with his usual playful tone. ¡°See that path over there?¡± He motioned with a flick of his tail toward the wide, paved walkway leading up to the towering main building. ¡°Just follow it, and your upperclassmen will be waiting to guide you to your dorms in the forest below. Once you¡¯re there, settle in, rest up, and tomorrow morning, meet in your classroom. Got it?¡±


    Jean raised his hand hesitantly, as though still sitting in a classroom.


    ¡°Uh... yes, Jean?¡± Lucius said, tilting his head with a bemused expression. ¡°You do know you can just talk, right? You¡¯re not in high school anymore.¡±


    Jean coughed awkwardly before speaking. ¡°You mentioned that the top students get access to territories and better dorms. What does that mean, exactly?¡±


    Lucius¡¯s whiskers twitched as he chuckled. ¡°It means exactly what it sounds like. Once you reach the Top Three among all currently enrolled students, you gain the authority to claim land owned by the school. These territories are far away from the main campus and often in important or strategic locations. If you¡¯re lucky¡ªor skilled enough¡ªthey can even be incredibly valuable. But here¡¯s the kicker: you¡¯re fully responsible for their defense and prosperity. That¡¯s why only the best of the best earn the privilege.¡±


    Ezekiel, standing at the edge of the platform, leaned precariously over the railing, peering down at the campus city far below. Garth, grumbling, was desperately pulling at his arm, trying to drag him back to safety¡ªand failing miserably. Without looking away from the dizzying view, Ezekiel called out, ¡°What happens if there¡¯s not enough land left to claim?¡±


    Lucius sighed, clearly exasperated. ¡°You kids and your endless questions... but fine. If all the land''s been claimed, you¡¯re free to scout and claim your own wherever you see fit. However,¡± he added with a sharp glint in his feline eyes, ¡°once you go outside the school¡¯s official holdings, the responsibility is entirely yours. The school won¡¯t step in unless things escalate beyond a duel or it becomes a major conflict.¡±


    Jean¡¯s curiosity hadn¡¯t waned. ¡°So... what happens if someone tries to steal your land? Like, what if another student comes after it?¡±


    Lucius smirked knowingly. ¡°If someone challenges your claim, you¡¯d better be ready to defend it. Disputes over territories are resolved through sanctioned battles. If you lose, the land becomes theirs. That¡¯s the reality of being at the top¡ªit¡¯s a constant fight to stay there.¡±


    Garth, still struggling with Ezekiel, let out a frustrated huff. ¡°Can someone please help me pull him back before he falls?¡±


    Ezekiel looked over his shoulder. ¡°Relax, old man. I¡¯m just getting a look at where I want my future territory.¡±


    Garth groaned, muttering something about ¡°brats these days¡± as the group began making their way toward the path, the towering main building of Arkphis Institute looming ever closer.


    The group continued along the path, the towering main building of Arkphis Institute drawing closer with each step. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as the new students took in their surroundings. The conversations began as scattered murmurs, but as they walked, the initial hesitation started to fade.


    Ajal found himself slowing his pace, falling in beside Vail, who was walking with his hands stuffed in his coat pockets. After a moment of silence, Ajal decided to speak up. ¡°So,¡± he began, glancing over, ¡°you guys were the ones that passed early, right?¡±


    Vail looked up, clearly surprised by the question. ¡°Huh? Us?¡± he asked, blinking a couple of times. ¡°No way. I thought you were the team that passed early. You¡¯re an Inheritor, aren¡¯t you? I figured you¡¯d just power through the whole exam like it was nothing.¡±


    Ajal let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Not even close. We barely made it.¡±


    From up ahead, Lucius turned his head with a sly grin. ¡°That whole ¡®team passing early¡¯ thing?¡± he said, his voice dripping with amusement. ¡°Yeah, that was a lie. The principal made it up to make you all fight harder. Pretty effective, methinks.¡±


    Ajal turned his attention back to Vail. ¡°Either way, you guys racked up 100 points in a pretty short amount of time, so you must be pretty strong, huh?¡±


    Vail scoffed. ¡°Short? Short?!¡± His voice rose, and his eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m too small? That someone my size couldn¡¯t get into Arkphis?¡±


    Ajal blinked, thrown off by the sudden outburst. ¡°What? No, I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Because if that¡¯s what you¡¯re implying,¡± Vail continued, his voice growing louder, ¡°then let me tell you something. Being ¡®small¡¯ makes me faster, sharper, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Vail,¡± a familiar voice interrupted. Zee was walking just behind them, her expression one of barely contained amusement. ¡°He didn¡¯t say that. I think you misheard. Again.¡±


    Vail froze mid-rant, his expression shifting to one of realization. ¡°...Oh.¡± He cleared his throat, straightening his coat. ¡°Ahem. My bad. Thanks for the compliment, I guess.¡±


    Ajal chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I think?¡±


    Behind them, Zee strolled up to Ezekiel, who was walking near the edge of the path, his eyes fixed on the scenery below. ¡°So, future top student, huh?¡± she teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow. ¡°Do we all get to bow when you take your throne?¡±


    Ezekiel smirked, tilting his head slightly toward her. ¡°You can start practicing now if you want.¡±


    Zee threw her head back with a laugh, her afro shaking with the motion as her voice rang out. "Yeah, let me know how that works out for you."


    Ezekiel turned his attention back to the view, his smirk widening. ¡°Won''t need to.¡±


    Not far behind the group, Yumiko had struck up a conversation with Rayven, her keen eyes scanning her companion¡¯s outfit with an approving grin. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve gotta ask,¡± Yumiko began, gesturing toward Rayven¡¯s boots, ¡°those shoes. Those are Stygian Soles, right? Like the high-end, limited-edition kind that costs enough to make anyone cry. How¡¯d you manage to snag a pair?¡±


    Rayven¡¯s lips quirked into a sly grin as she glanced down at her glossy, chunky black boots, each adorned with subtle silver accents. ¡°Oh, these?¡± she replied casually, as if they weren¡¯t worth a small fortune. ¡°I just came across some money. Let¡¯s leave it at that.¡±


    Yumiko raised an eyebrow, intrigued but clearly not buying the vague response. ¡°Uh-huh. ¡®Came across some money.¡¯ That doesn¡¯t sound sketchy at all.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t say anything illegal!¡± Rayven shot back with mock indignation, her grin widening. ¡°What about you, though? You¡¯ve got some serious style yourself, even if you lean more on the sporty side. Those joggers? Custom, I bet.¡±


    Yumiko smirked, tugging at the hem of her loose red jacket. ¡°You know it. I like to keep it functional but clean. Gotta look good while dodging death and all that.¡±


    Rayven chuckled, her dark eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°I respect it. But if we¡¯re being honest, I could totally see you pulling off something edgy¡ªlike leather, maybe even spikes. You¡¯d kill it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± Yumiko crossed her arms, leaning in slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. Maybe next time you¡¯ll let me raid your closet for inspiration. Those nails, though¡ªblack with purple swirls and studs? You¡¯re definitely flexing on everyone with those.¡±


    Rayven held up her hands proudly, showing off her nails with a smirk. ¡°Gotta keep the vibe alive. You into nails too, or is it just clothes?¡±


    ¡°Both,¡± Yumiko admitted with a grin. ¡°But I don¡¯t have the patience to do something that detailed. I¡¯d probably smudge the polish two seconds in.¡±


    Rayven laughed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll hook you up sometime. Consider it a deal. I¡¯ll add some studs to yours too¡ªyou look like you could use a bit of an edge.¡±


    ¡°Bold of you to assume I¡¯m not edgy already,¡± Yumiko shot back, her grin challenging.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    The two continued their banter, their voices carrying a mix of friendly rivalry and budding camaraderie as the group pressed on toward the main building.


    A little farther back, Jean and Arc were walking beside Molly, who clutched Jolly tightly to her chest. Jean hesitated, his usual confidence faltering as he tried to find the right words. Finally, he spoke. ¡°Hey, Molly,¡± he said softly, his tone uncharacteristically serious. ¡°I just... I wanted to say I think I understand how you feel. If I lost Arc, I¡¯d feel the same way.¡±


    Molly¡¯s grip on Jolly tightened, but she didn¡¯t respond.


    Jean glanced at Arc, who gave him a small nod of encouragement. ¡°I know it doesn¡¯t mean much,¡± he continued, ¡°but... don¡¯t be angry at Ajal. He wasn¡¯t trying to hurt you. He was just¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Molly interrupted, her voice steady but cold. ¡°I know he wasn¡¯t trying to hurt me. But that doesn¡¯t mean I have to forgive him.¡±


    Sosira, walking a few paces ahead, turned her head slightly, her crimson wraps swaying with the motion. ¡°Molly ain¡¯t wrong,¡± she drawled, her accent thick and unpolished. ¡°Ajal was just doin¡¯ what he had to. But hate¡¯s a funny thing. Once it gets in, it¡¯s mighty hard to let go.¡±


    Molly finally looked up, her eyes meeting Sosira¡¯s. ¡°Exactly,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I understand why he did it. I do. It doesn''t change that I will never forgive him.¡±


    Jean opened his mouth to say something else, but Arc gently placed a hand on his arm, shaking her head. He nodded, letting the conversation end there.


    As they walked, the group began to spread out slightly, the natural flow of conversation weaving its way through the students. Cassian, who had been quietly observing Ajal and Vail¡¯s exchange, finally chimed in. ¡°So, Ajal,¡± he said, walking up beside him, ¡°how does it feel being the center of attention? You¡¯ve got the whole Inheritor thing going for you, after all.¡± he chuckled awkwardly.


    Ajal let out a small laugh. ¡°Honestly? It¡¯s a lot of pressure. I still don''t know what exactly an Inheritor is.¡±


    Cassian nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Well, for what it¡¯s worth, you¡¯ve got my vote of confidence. Anyone who can handle Molly and someone else same day is okay in my book.¡±


    Ajal chuckled, glancing over at Molly, who was walking silently a few paces behind them. ¡°Thanks, I think.¡±


    Cassian noticed Ajal¡¯s demeanor and shifted uncomfortably. ¡°Sorry,¡± he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I¡¯m not great at talking to people. I always end up saying the wrong thing.¡±


    Ajal gave him a reassuring pat on the back, gently nudging him forward. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize for being yourself, man.¡±


    Cassian exhaled a small sigh of relief, placing a hand over his chest as if a weight had been lifted. Then, with a faint smile, he slid his hands back into his pockets¡ªnot out of shyness this time, but for a sense of ease.


    As the path began to curve upward, the students caught their first glimpse of the main building up close. Its towering structure was even more awe-inspiring than it had appeared from the carriages, the intricate architecture blending natural and futuristic elements seamlessly.


    Standing at the base of the building were five upperclassmen, their presence commanding attention even from a distance. The figure in the center immediately drew the eye¡ªa girl with jet-black hair that transitioned into shimmering gold at the tips, each strand catching the light like threads of sunlight. Above her head floated a glowing halo, ethereal and captivating, adding an otherworldly air to her already commanding presence. She stood tall, her posture radiating confidence and authority.


    The students exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and nervousness buzzing through the air. As they approached the upperclassmen, the conversations quieted, and the weight of the moment began to settle over the group.


    ¡°Well,¡± Lucius said, his voice breaking the silence, ¡°looks like the welcome committee¡¯s here. Try not to embarrass yourselves, kiddos.¡±


    Ajal glanced at his teammates, who were also looking around, each of them exchanging smiles of reassurance. The only exception was Ezekiel, who avoided making eye contact, clearly trying to mask his embarrassment. Zee caught his awkward behavior and couldn¡¯t help but giggle softly.


    As the group came to a stop, the atmosphere shifted. The girl with the shimmering halo stepped forward, her eyes scanning the new students like a hawk surveying its prey. Her movements were precise, almost calculated, as if she were assessing their worth with every passing second. When her gaze locked with Ajal''s lavender eyes, her expression sharpened, her lips pressing into a thin line. Without hesitation, she strode forward, her sandals clicking softly against the smooth platform until she was mere inches from him.


    The tension was electric. Her golden halo seemed to pulse faintly as she reached up with one hand, grabbing it like a weapon. The faint shimmer of light around it grew brighter, hinting at the power she was readying to unleash. Ajal instinctively braced himself, his grip tightening on his scythe.


    Before anything could escalate further, two figures moved with practiced speed. The girl with twin braids and a fan at her side grabbed the halo-wielder¡¯s arm firmly, holding her back with a surprising strength. ¡°Ophelia,¡± she said in a calm but commanding voice, ¡°this is not the time.¡±


    At the same time, a panda-like figure leaped forward with surprising agility, placing himself squarely between Ajal and the halo-wielder. His black shield, strapped securely to his back, shifted slightly as he held out his hands, palms forward. ¡°Whoa, whoa! Everyone take a deep breath! We¡¯re not here to duel, are we?¡±


    Ajal stumbled back a step, more out of surprise than fear, as the panda gave him a quick glance over his shoulder. ¡°Hey, buddy, maybe don¡¯t piss off number one ranked student on your first day?¡± His tone was lighthearted, but his words carried a note of genuine caution.


    The panda-like figure, standing slightly taller than most of the students, was a striking sight. His fur was a vivid contrast of snowy white and jet black, with an intricate pattern of glowing cyan lines tracing up his arms, neck, and around his crimson eyes, almost like veins of energy. The black fur around his eyes extended outward into jagged marks, almost resembling war paint, giving him a playful but fierce edge. His frame was notably lean¡ªalmost wiry¡ªhis slender figure suggesting speed and agility rather than brute strength. Despite his skinny build, there was an unmistakable precision to his movements, the kind of grace that only came from rigorous training.


    Riku¡¯s outfit mirrored the refined elegance of his demeanor. He wore a sleek, high-collared tunic made of crisp white fabric, its surface adorned with intricate red embroidery in swirling patterns that hinted at a culture of artistry and discipline. The design evoked an ancient aesthetic, one that celebrated both beauty and utility in equal measure. The tunic¡¯s seams were fastened with decorative red loops, and its slightly flared hem swayed lightly as he moved. Beneath it, a fitted black undershirt peeked out, paired with black gloves that hugged his slender fingers. A polished silver belt secured his tunic, and strapped to his back was a black shield¡ªsimple in design but exuding an aura of quiet strength. The shield shimmered faintly, as if it held secrets far beyond its unassuming appearance.


    Tied to his hair was a small red string, holding together a tuft of snowy fur at the side of his head. The string fluttered slightly with his movements, a detail that added a touch of playfulness to his otherwise composed look. His crimson eyes sparkled with mischief, a sharp intelligence lurking beneath the surface.


    The girl with twin braids, on the other hand, was an entirely different presence. Her dark navy school uniform seemed traditional at first glance, with its pleated skirt and sailor-style collar, but subtle details set her apart. The sleeves of her uniform were slightly rolled, revealing glimpses of an elaborate tattoo on her forearm, a swirling design of roses and thorns that climbed up to the base of her neck. A closed black fan with silver detailing hung from her waist, clipped securely to her belt. Her glasses framed dark blue eyes, which gave away little emotion, though they carried a quiet authority. Her demeanor was poised, her movements precise as she stood firmly, a picture of calm restraint. Black socks pulled to mid-calf and practical sneakers completed her look, blending tradition with functionality. Despite her composed exterior, there was a quiet steeliness to her presence, an unspoken promise that she was not someone to be underestimated.


    The girl with the halo¡ªOphelia, as the braided one had called her¡ªsnapped her gaze to the panda and the braided girl. ¡°Get out of my way,¡± she demanded, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. The halo in her hand shimmered again, as if ready to obey her command.


    The braided girl¡¯s grip on Ophelia¡¯s arm tightened slightly, though her expression remained composed. ¡°No,¡± she said simply, her voice unyielding. ¡°You¡¯re not doing this. Not here.¡±


    The panda, meanwhile, turned his attention back to Ophelia, leaning slightly closer with a teasing grin. ¡°Come on, Ophi. You¡¯re gonna scare the poor newbies. Let them breathe a little before you flex all that Inheritor power.¡±


    Ophelia¡¯s amber eyes narrowed at him, but after a long, tense moment, the glow of her halo dimmed slightly. With a frustrated sigh, she released the halo, letting it float back into place above her head. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered, though the edge in her voice suggested she wasn¡¯t entirely pleased with being restrained.


    The braided girl finally let go of Ophelia¡¯s arm, her serene expression unchanging. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said softly, though whether it was directed at Ophelia or the panda was unclear. She took a step back, her fan swaying lightly at her hip as she moved.


    The panda clapped his hands together, the sound breaking the remaining tension like a stone shattering glass. ¡°Alright! Crisis averted! Now, how about some introductions before someone gets vaporized?¡±


    Ophelia shot him a glare but didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked back to the center of the upperclassmen, her golden-lined jacket flaring slightly with the motion. The light of her halo dimmed further, returning to its faint, pulsing glow.


    As the tension began to ease, the panda turned back to Ajal, flashing him a friendly grin. ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally, bud. She¡¯s just got a flair for the dramatic.¡± He extended a hand toward Ajal. ¡°I¡¯m Riku, by the way. Nice to meet ya.¡±


    Ajal hesitated for a moment before shaking Riku¡¯s hand. ¡°Ajal,¡± he replied, his voice steady despite the chaotic encounter. ¡°Thanks for stepping in.¡±


    ¡°Anytime!¡± Riku said cheerfully, patting Ajal¡¯s shoulder before stepping back to rejoin the other upperclassmen. The braided girl offered Ajal a brief nod of acknowledgment before following suit, her quiet presence a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.


    Ophelia, now standing at the center of her group once more, glanced back at Ajal one last time. Her amber eyes burned with the same quiet intensity as before, a silent promise that this wasn¡¯t the last time their paths would cross. For now, though, she remained silent, letting the moment pass as the group of upperclassmen waited for the new students to compose themselves.


    The group stood in tense anticipation, the five upperclassmen facing them like an impenetrable wall of experience and power. Breaking the silence, the panda-like figure stepped forward, his glowing crimson eyes filled with mischief, and a grin spreading across his face.


    "Alright, fresh meat, let¡¯s get started," Riku said, slinging the heavy black shield from his back and planting it upright beside him with an audible thud. The polished surface shimmered faintly, radiating an otherworldly aura. "Name¡¯s Riku. Third-ranked student at this fine academy. My Gift?" He patted the shield proudly. "This bad boy right here lets me become the ultimate defense. Nobody¡¯s getting through me."


    Kiera raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "The hell does that even mean?" she asked, irritation clear in her voice.


    Riku just laughed, his sharp teeth glinting as he tilted his head. "Guess you¡¯ll find out someday, huh?"


    Kiera¡¯s eye twitched, and her fists clenched at her sides. "Oh, you¡¯re one of those guys, huh? Real helpful," she muttered, already imagining a dozen ways to knock that smug grin off his face.


    Ajal, seeing Kiera¡¯s brewing frustration, stepped forward slightly, trying to diffuse the tension. Before he could say anything, the tall boy with short, snow-white hair casually stepped forward, drawing all eyes to him.


    "Shallow," the boy said, his voice cool and smooth, his demeanor relaxed but confident. His silvery hair was cut in a textured, slightly messy style, and a small black cross earring dangled from his ear, swaying faintly as he moved. His tan complexion was marked by faint tattoos that crept up his neck and disappeared beneath the collar of his light gray jacket. The jacket itself was loose-fitting, its utility-style design accented with multiple straps and pouches. Paired with tapered cargo pants and thick-soled sneakers, his outfit gave off an effortless streetwear vibe.


    He held up his hands, revealing silver rings on each finger, glinting faintly in the light. "Gift¡¯s these rings. Each one holds a different pheromone I can release when I take it off. Mix and match, and you¡¯ve got yourself some pretty wild effects." His lips curved into a sly smirk. "Let¡¯s just say, I can make you feel¡­ whatever I want you to feel."


    Yumiko, ever curious, tilted her head. "Whatever you want? Sounds like a party trick."


    Shallow gave her an exaggerated wink. "Oh, it¡¯s a party trick, alright. Just hope you¡¯re never on the wrong end of it."


    Cassian shifted uncomfortably, muttering, "That¡¯s definitely unsettling."


    The braided girl stepped forward next, her dark blue eyes scanning the group with a calculating intensity. "Bellona," she said simply, her voice low and measured, as she rested a hand on the closed fan tucked into her waist. "Second-ranked student. My Gift?" She flicked the fan open in a fluid motion, revealing its jagged black-glass blades that gleamed dangerously. "This isn¡¯t just a fan. These shards are sharper than they look, and I can control them however I want. Shape them, break them apart, send them flying. So, don¡¯t make me lose my patience." Her tone was calm, but the sharp edge to her words made it clear she meant business.


    Rayven let out a low whistle. "So, you¡¯re basically a walking blender."


    Bellona remained stoic. "Call it what you want. Just stay out of its way."


    Before anyone could respond, the cheerful boy in the teal beret practically skipped forward, his wide grin lighting up his face. "Heya! Name¡¯s Marlow," he chirped, giving a small salute. His bright, mismatched eyes¡ªa mesmerizing mix of green and blue¡ªsparkled with excitement. Perched comfortably on his shoulder was a sleek black bird, its beady eyes darting around curiously. The bird let out a soft caw, as if in agreement with its master.


    Marlow¡¯s style was just as vibrant as his personality. His teal beret, adorned with feathered embellishments that jutted out dramatically on one side, sat slightly askew on his head. His wavy turquoise hair spilled out from beneath it, framing his freckled face. His layered outfit combined casual comfort with a sense of adventure: a white hoodie with frayed edges peeked out beneath a long green coat, and around his neck hung an assortment of necklaces and charms, each clinking softly with his movements. His dark jeans were held up by a loose, leather belt, and his worn boots were scuffed, evidence of constant activity.


    "These little beauties here?" He patted the twin daggers hanging at his sides. "They let me transmute whatever I stab. Turn rock into steel, wood into fire, you get the idea. Pretty useful, huh?"


    Ajal raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You¡¯re like a walking alchemy kit?"


    "Exactly!" Marlow said, spinning one of the daggers playfully before sheathing it. His gaze flicked to Ajal¡¯s hair, and his grin widened even more. "Hey, quick question. Do all Inheritors have black hair with funky-colored ends? Or is that just you?"


    Ajal blinked, caught off guard. "Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know? I¡¯ve never met another Inheritor until now."


    Cassian chimed in, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "Now that he mentions it, Ophelia¡¯s hair is kinda similar to yours. Black roots with gold tips."


    "Wait, wait, wait," Yumiko interrupted, her eyes wide with surprise. "You mean to tell me that¡¯s not just dyed? I thought the whole dark circles under your eyes thing was makeup too!"


    Ajal groaned, "Why does everyone keep saying that?"


    Before the teasing could escalate, Ophelia stepped forward, her golden-tipped hair gleaming in the sunlight. Her amber eyes glinted with quiet authority as she addressed Cassian directly, her voice sharp and unyielding. "Watch how you speak about me, Cassian," she warned, her tone laced with cold steel. "You don¡¯t get to talk about me as if we¡¯re equals."


    Cassian froze, unsure of how to respond.


    Ophelia turned to the rest of the group, standing tall as her golden halo faintly pulsed above her head. "Yes, I am an Inheritor," she declared, her voice clear and commanding. "But don¡¯t make the mistake of thinking I¡¯m anything like him." Her gaze locked onto Ajal, and the disdain in her expression was palpable. "I am Ophelia Everhart, the Inheritor of Life and the number one ranked student at this academy."


    The weight of her words settled over the group like a heavy fog, stifling any response. Ajal''s expression remained unreadable, though his mind churned. Ophelia... The name tugged at the edges of his memory, a faint echo of familiarity he couldn¡¯t quite place.


    Ophelia let the silence linger for a moment before stepping back into line with the others, her golden-lined jacket flowing elegantly with the movement.


    "Right! Now comes the fun part where we show you to your dorms¡ªdown there!" Riku said, his tone overly delighted as he gestured dramatically toward the forested area below the floating campus. "Just follow us, if you will!"


    Shallow let out a quiet laugh, his smirk growing as he turned alongside the rest of the upperclassmen. The laugh was subtle, but Ezekiel picked up on it immediately, narrowing his eyes and staying on edge. Something about this was off.


    The students followed in silence, save for the soft hum of Marlow, who seemed completely at ease, hands behind his head as if this were a casual stroll through the park. As the group reached the edge of the floating campus, the new students came to a halt, staring down at the sprawling forest below them.


    "Uh¡­" Jean broke the silence, taking a hesitant step back from the edge. "So, how exactly do we get down there?"


    "Easy!" Riku replied, clapping a hand on Jean''s back with a grin. "Like this!" With no further warning, Riku shoved Jean off the edge.


    Jean''s panicked scream filled the air as he plummeted.


    "Master Jean!" Arc¡¯s voice rang out, her tone sharp with urgency. She shot Riku a glare that could pierce steel before jumping after Jean without hesitation.


    The remaining students froze, their eyes wide with confusion and disbelief. Before Yumiko could voice the obvious question, Ophelia calmly walked up behind her and, with no ceremony, pushed her off the edge. Yumiko''s indignant yell trailed as she fell, "WHAT THE¡ª!"


    Ajal turned to Ophelia, his mouth halfway open to demand an explanation, but was immediately met with her sandal slamming squarely into his face. "Off you go," she said coolly, sending him hurtling after Yumiko.


    Ezekiel spun around, instantly activating his Gift as his glasses transformed into dual pistols. "Alright, that¡¯s enough of¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a sudden burst of gas hit him square in the face, rendering his body limp and numb. He staggered back, unable to move.


    "Sorry, pal," Shallow said, slipping his rings back onto his fingers. "Can¡¯t have you blowing holes in the campus." With a casual shove, Shallow pushed Ezekiel over the edge as well.


    Meanwhile, Marlow, still humming, looked entirely unbothered as the chaos unfolded around him. He turned to Bellona, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, Bellona, did you handle the other two teams yet?"


    Bellona, ever composed, adjusted her glasses with a slight push of her finger before giving him a casual thumbs-up. From somewhere in the distance, the fading screams of the remaining exam passers confirmed her success.


    Amidst the cacophony of falling students, Kiera¡¯s unmistakable voice rang out. "I¡¯M GOING TO KILL YOU ALL FOR THIS!"


    Riku burst into laughter, leaning over the edge to yell after them. "Relax! Didn¡¯t I say I¡¯m the ultimate defense? Trust me!"


    With practiced ease, Riku unhooked his shield from his back and hurled it forward in a perfect arc. The black shield cut through the air with precision, curving gracefully toward the group of falling students. As it reached the lowest point of its descent, the shield flipped upside down, glowing brilliantly with an otherworldly blue light. Its size expanded rapidly, morphing into an enormous, rounded surface.


    The students screamed in unison as they braced for impact, but instead of crashing into hard ground or even the shield itself, they landed softly. The surface had transformed into something akin to a fluffy cloud, firm enough to support them but with a gentle give that cushioned their fall.


    Ajal sat up, disoriented, and pressed his hand against the surface beneath him, his fingers sinking slightly into the cloud-like material. "What¡­ even is this?"


    The glow of the shield pulsated faintly as Riku called down from above, his voice carrying an infuriating cheer. "See? I told you! You¡¯re safe with me! Ultimate defense, remember?"


    Yumiko rubbed her head, grumbling under her breath as she sat up. "Well, wasn''t expecting that."


    Jean lay sprawled across the shield¡¯s surface, his eyes spinning comically and his mouth hanging open in exaggerated shock. He groaned weakly and turned his head toward Arc, who had landed gracefully on her feet beside him. "That was so unnecessary," he muttered, his voice wobbling like he¡¯d just been through a whirlwind. "He¡¯s lucky we didn¡¯t die!"


    Arc simply adjusted her collar, brushing off imaginary dust as she replied coolly, "Master Jean, composure. You¡¯re alive, and that¡¯s what matters. For now."


    Kiera, meanwhile, was still fuming, her arms crossed as she stomped in place. "When we get back up there, someone is getting their ass kicked. I don¡¯t care who."


    Vail glanced over at her. "Relax, the only thing that matters right is that we''re all ok."


    "DO I LOOK OKAY?!" Kiera snapped.


    Ezekiel, now regaining feeling in his limbs, sighed heavily. "I should¡¯ve known these people were unhinged. We¡¯ve officially joined the circus."


    "Yeah, and they¡¯re the ringmasters," Ajal added dryly, shaking his head as he tried to regain his bearings.


    Marlow¡¯s voice chimed in from above, cheerful as ever. "I don¡¯t know, guys. I thought it looked kind of fun. Like a roller coaster, but, y¡¯know, without any of the safety precautions."


    Yumiko shot him a glare. "That¡¯s not helping, bird boy."


    The black bird on Marlow¡¯s shoulder let out an amused caw, tilting its head as if it were laughing too.


    As the glowing shield slowly descended toward the forest below, carrying the students closer to their dorms, Riku stood at the edge of the floating campus above, grinning like a kid who¡¯d just pulled off the prank of the year.


    Bellona crossed her arms, her voice calm but firm as she addressed him. "You really enjoy making enemies, don¡¯t you?"


    Riku shrugged, his grin widening. "Hey, it builds character."


    Shallow chuckled, shaking his head as the upperclassmen turned and walked away, leaving the new students to process their chaotic introduction to life at Arkphis Institute.

 Chaper 17: Inheritor

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 Chapter 18: Akrphis Institutes 99th Class

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 Chapter 19: Precursor

    Lucius paused on the desk, his golden eyes sweeping across the room, taking in each student with an unnervingly intelligent gaze. He flicked his tail sharply, the chains around his paws clinking softly as the light caught them.


    "Let¡¯s start with introductions, shall we? As I told you all before, I am Lucius, your counselor, or ''homeroom teacher'', so to speak. Some of you may already know me as the wise, charming, and all-around handsome legend of this institution." His voice oozed with exaggerated self-confidence, and it was impossible to tell how much of it was sarcasm. "For those of you unworthy enough to have not heard of me, consider this your lucky day. You¡¯ll have the privilege of learning under the best."


    Jean leaned toward Arc with a whisper. ¡°He¡¯s a talking cat with chains and a hat. Are we sure he is qualified?¡±


    Arc tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyes still closed. ¡°Master Jean, he is a cat of great refinement. You should take notes.¡±


    Lucius cleared his throat loudly, cutting through the chatter, and grinned¡ªat least as much as a cat could. "And, of course, there¡¯s her."


    Before anyone could ask, the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees, and an eerie, mist-like energy began to swirl into existence beside Lucius. It coiled and shifted like a living entity, gradually forming a tall, ethereal shape. What emerged was an imposing Avatar¡ªa feminine figure wreathed in tendrils of thick, purple mist that rolled and flowed like smoke. Her silhouette was sharp and striking, with ornate, armor-like features and glowing violet cracks that pulsed like veins of energy. Long, jagged horns curved out from her head, and her face was a void of swirling mist with no features except for two piercing purple eyes that burned with faint amusement.


    The class collectively tensed as the presence of the avatar filled the room, the purple haze curling menacingly near the desks as though testing its audience.


    Lucius gestured dramatically to her with one paw. ¡°This is my Gift¡ªMistress Nyx.¡±


    "How flattering," the Avatar purred, her voice smooth and resonant, echoing as though it came from far away. The mist that made up her body coiled upward like tendrils of smoke before reforming again. Her glowing eyes narrowed slightly in what seemed like mild amusement.


    Lucius ignored her sarcasm, leaping gracefully from the desk and landing neatly on the floor below. ¡°We have¡­ an understanding, Mistress Nyx and I,¡± he said with a proud air, straightening the oversized witch hat on his head. "You see, unlike most Gifts, she is special. She is a living, breathing extension of my will. And, of course, she¡¯s madly in love with me.¡±


    Nyx¡¯s mist swirled violently in response, a shadowy claw forming from her arm and swiping through the air above him. Lucius leapt back just in time, narrowly avoiding the strike. "I¡¯ll incinerate your stupid hat," Nyx threatened, though there was an unmistakable teasing lilt to her words.


    "Now, now!" Lucius said quickly, feigning offense as he tipped the brim of his hat lower. "Violence is not the answer, my dear. At least not until I need to use you as a weapon."


    The mist swirled again, and Nyx seemed to loom taller, the light in her eyes darkening. "Please stop talking."


    Before anyone could process her words, Nyx¡¯s form collapsed inward, the swirling purple mist shrinking and condensing with frightening speed. In the blink of an eye, she reshaped into a long, wicked-looking scythe, with the shaft forged of dark, smoke-like metal and the blade a gleaming crescent of solidified violet energy. The weapon hovered in the air for a moment before dropping directly into Lucius¡¯s waiting jaws.


    He caught it effortlessly, the scythe looking oddly fitting in the mouth of a small black cat. The room was so quiet you could hear the faint buzz of the blade¡¯s energy vibrating in the air.


    Lucius turned his head, tilting the scythe ever so slightly as the glowing blade cast a ripple of violet light across the floor. ¡°See?¡± he said, the words muffled slightly by the handle in his mouth. ¡°Perfect harmony.¡±


    Ajal stared, wide-eyed. "Did that cat just¡­ flirt with his own weapon?"


    Jean leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand. ¡°This school gets weirder by the minute.¡±


    Lucius casually dropped the scythe, and in a swirl of mist, Nyx reformed beside him. Her arms were crossed now, and though her face was featureless, her entire posture radiated irritation. "You¡¯re lucky I tolerate you," she muttered.


    ¡°And you¡¯re lucky I¡¯m charming,¡± Lucius countered smugly, before turning back to the class. ¡°Any questions?"


    Lucius surveyed the room with a smug grin, his tail flicking lazily behind him as he waited for any brave souls to speak up. A hesitant hand shot into the air¡ªYumiko¡¯s.


    ¡°Uh, yeah,¡± she said, her head tilting slightly. ¡°Why¡­ are you a talking cat?¡±


    The class murmured in agreement, several students nodding. Even Ezekiel raised an eyebrow, clearly curious.


    Lucius let out an exaggerated sigh, his witch hat dipping slightly as he shook his head. ¡°Ah, the eternal question. Why, Lucius, are you a feline of unparalleled intellect and unmatched charisma?¡± He glanced at Nyx, who rolled her glowing eyes. ¡°Alas, it¡¯s a tale for another time, one filled with intrigue, betrayal, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Unbearable narcissism,¡± Nyx interrupted dryly, her mist-like body rippling with mock exasperation.


    ¡°Quiet, you.¡± Lucius huffed, then straightened his hat. ¡°Anyway, as much as I¡¯d love to regale you with my tragic backstory, I have a very important meeting to attend. Places to be, people to dazzle.¡±


    The students exchanged skeptical glances as Lucius leapt gracefully onto the desk. ¡°Before I go, two quick things: First, the due date for your initial payments is at the end of the month. Don¡¯t be late.¡±


    ¡°Payments?¡± Ajal¡¯s voice rose in alarm.


    ¡°Yes, yes, payments,¡± Lucius replied, waving a paw dismissively. ¡°Surely you didn¡¯t think this institution runs on goodwill and sunshine? We have facilities to maintain, and my hat doesn¡¯t fluff itself, you know.¡±


    Before anyone could protest further, he continued. ¡°Second¡ªand this one¡¯s far more entertaining for me¡ªyou¡¯ll have to solve a small test before you¡¯re allowed to leave this room. Consider it a bonding exercise.¡±


    The air grew tense as the students glanced at one another, unsure of what was coming.


    Lucius smirked, his golden eyes glinting mischievously. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s nothing too taxing¡ªunless, of course, you refuse to communicate. Good luck!¡± With a final, dramatic flick of his tail, he and Nyx vanished in a swirl of violet mist.


    The door to the classroom clicked audibly, and the sound of a heavy lock engaging echoed through the room.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Ezekiel muttered, immediately walking over to the door and jiggling the handle. ¡°Yep. We¡¯re locked in.¡±


    Before anyone could panic, the sleek screens embedded in their desks flickered to life, displaying a form. The title at the top read ¡°Gift Roster Test¡±, followed by rows of names and corresponding Gifts. Some rows were partially filled out, with names but no Gifts or Gifts but no names.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Yumiko asked, leaning closer to her screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s a roster,¡± Jean said, scrolling through the form on his desk. ¡°Looks like we have to match each person to their Gift. Some of the info¡¯s already filled in, but a lot of it isn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°And some of it¡¯s wrong,¡± Ajal pointed out, squinting at his screen. ¡°I don¡¯t even see my name on here.¡±


    Yumiko frowned. ¡°Mine¡¯s here, but it just says ¡®Transformation¡¯ under Gift. That¡¯s so vague!¡±


    Jean sighed, tapping his chin. ¡°This is obviously some kind of teamwork exercise. We¡¯re supposed to figure out everyone¡¯s Gifts by talking to each other.¡±


    Rayven, from her seat near the middle, propped her head on her hand and smirked. ¡°Oh, great. A forced social activity. My favorite.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful,¡± Ezekiel said dryly, returning to his seat. ¡°Let¡¯s hope nobody lies just to mess with us.¡±


    Ajal leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh as he scanned the room. ¡°Well, we¡¯re not getting out of here until we finish this thing. Might as well start talking. My name¡¯s Ajal, and my Gift is this scarf around my neck.¡± He tugged at the fabric slightly for emphasis. ¡°It turns into a scythe and lets me, uh, harness the power of death or something like that.¡±


    The room went silent, and Ajal blinked at the sea of blank stares directed his way.


    ¡°Did I¡­ say something wrong?¡± he asked, looking genuinely confused.


    Yumiko snorted before covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. ¡°No, you¡¯re fine. It¡¯s just, uh¡­ everyone already knows that.¡± She grinned. ¡°Inheritors are kinda a big deal. You¡¯re basically famous, y¡¯know?¡±


    Ajal¡¯s face twitched in mild embarrassment. ¡°Well, great,¡± he muttered, leaning back in his chair again. ¡°That¡¯s good to know.¡±


    Yumiko hopped to her feet, her energy instantly shifting the atmosphere. ¡°But hey, you starting us off is better than nothing!¡± She grinned brightly, striking a playful pose. ¡°My turn! Name¡¯s Yumiko, and my Gift lets me transform into a cat-person hybrid. When I¡¯m shifted, I can run way faster, think faster, and, oh yeah, I¡¯m way stronger, too.¡± She flexed her arm dramatically for emphasis before plopping back into her chair, clearly pleased with herself.


    Jean leaned forward, his voice picking up energy as he spoke. "Guess I''ll continue the trend of Team Z going first. I''m Jean," he said with a casual wave before gesturing dramatically toward Arc. "And this is Arc, my Avatar. She¡¯s got inhuman strength, speed, and¡ª"


    He leaned in further, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "¡ªand unparalleled beauty! She''s a force of nature, an unstoppable¡ª"


    "Master Jean," Arc interrupted sharply, her calm voice cutting through his building excitement. Her expression remained composed, but her closed eyes somehow radiated disapproval. "That is enough."


    Jean froze mid-gesture, realizing he had gotten carried away. He cleared his throat awkwardly, straightened his posture, and gave a sheepish grin. "Sure, my bad. I got a little ahead of myself," he admitted, settling back in his chair. Turning to Ezekiel, he gestured with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "Your turn now."


    Ezekiel sat slouched in his seat, the front two legs of his chair dangling in the air as he leaned back casually. His arms were crossed, and his expression was one of utter disinterest. Under his breath, he muttered, "Are all Avatar masters weirdos obsessed with their Avatars?"


    Arc¡¯s gaze flicked toward him momentarily, but she didn¡¯t respond, maintaining her dignified silence.


    For a long moment, Ezekiel seemed content to ignore the group entirely, but then he let out an exasperated sigh, finally giving in. "Ezekiel," he said, his tone flat and unbothered. Adjusting the square black-framed glasses on his nose, he added, "These glasses turn into a pair of handguns."


    Beside him, Zee had her head resting on her arms, her face turned toward Ezekiel with a sly grin. "C¡¯mon, Zeke, there¡¯s gotta be more to it," she teased, her voice lilting with amusement.


    "If there is," Ezekiel replied without even glancing at her, "there isn¡¯t a reason for you to know."


    Zee let out a soft laugh, closing her eyes as her grin widened. "Whatever you say," she said, her tone light and teasing.


    There was a small pause before the next person spoke. Vail stood up from his chair, his movements smooth and deliberate, and gave a courteous bow to the rest of the class. "Vail Noct," he introduced himself, his voice calm but commanding. He raised the small vial of red liquid hanging from his neck. "Like Yumiko, I''m a transformation type. When I take a sip from this vial of blood, I turn into a vampire. Outside the usual physical enhancements¡ªspeed, strength, agility¡ªI can manipulate my blood. I can turn it into projectile weapons or simple tools. However, its greatest benefit is its healing factor. Using it, I can heal any wound, and there''s no need to worry about blood types¡ªit seems to automatically detect and adapt to whoever it¡¯s entering." He paused briefly, his expression neutral. "I can also grow big bat wings, but I try not to."


    With a nod, Vail returned to his seat and waited patiently for the next student to speak.


    "Alright, let¡¯s do this," Rayven said, springing to her feet with a dramatic flair and brushing her hair out of her face. Her eyes sparkled with confidence, and a smirk tugged at her lips as she surveyed the room. "Name¡¯s Rayven," she began casually, hoisting a large, menacing pink chainsaw from behind her chair. She rested it effortlessly on her shoulder, the weight seemingly insignificant to her. "My Gift is this bad girl right here. I call it Pink Death. It works like a normal chainsaw, but the more I rev it, the more powerful my next attack becomes. Downside is, I can¡¯t move all that much while revving, so that¡¯s where my buddy Kiera comes in to cover me!"


    "Don¡¯t call me ¡®buddy,¡¯ Rayven," Kiera said sharply, rolling her eyes. She shrugged off her jacket, revealing a karate belt tied tightly around her right arm. Sliding it off, she held it up for everyone to see. "This is my Gift. Whenever I tighten it, I can detect the weak spots in anyone I¡¯m looking at."


    Jean raised an eyebrow from his seat. "Why was it on your arm and under your jacket?"


    Kiera shot him an unimpressed look. "To hide it, obviously. It¡¯s stupid to just let the enemy see your Gifts." She turned her attention to Zee, who was still slouched over her desk, her head resting on her arms. "Wake the hell up¡ªit¡¯s your turn."


    Zee let out a soft laugh, the sound muffled by her arm. She sat up slowly, stretching her arms above her head before pulling a small whistle from her pocket. "Yeah, yeah," she said, her voice drawn out and lazy. "Whenever I blow this, I can kind of control the wind a bit."


    "A bit? That¡¯s it?" Ezekiel asked, his tone dripping with skepticism.


    Zee smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "If there¡¯s more, there isn¡¯t a reason for you to know."


    Ezekiel clicked his tongue in irritation and leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath. "This class is unbelievably annoying."


    The room fell silent again as the remaining students glanced at each other, silently deciding who would go next. Finally, Sosira broke the silence, her voice flat and no-nonsense. "Name¡¯s Sosira. I control these wraps around my body." She gestured vaguely at the cloth wrapped around her arms. "I can make them longer, tighten them around stuff¡ªwhatever I want. Nothing fancy."


    Cassian stood up next, his movements hesitant as his eyes darted nervously around the room. "Uh, hey. I¡¯m Cassian. I¡¯m¡­ not great with people," he admitted with an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head. "My Gift is this." He tugged down his sleeve, revealing a sleek bracelet. "It lets me control gravity. I¡¯m, uh, not very strong or skilled with it yet, but I hope I can be useful to everyone here."


    He quickly sat back down, his face slightly flushed. Next to him, Molly¡¯s fist tightened, her knuckles white with tension.


    "Molly¡­" Cassian said softly, glancing at her with concern.


    "I know," she snapped, cutting him off.


    Molly stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Her gaze locked onto Ajal with an intensity that made him look away.


    Without breaking her glare, she spoke through gritted teeth. "I¡¯m Molly. My Gift¡­" She hesitated, the words sticking in her throat. Her hand drifted to the lifeless doll strapped to her waist. "My Gift was an Avatar named Jolly." She took a deep breath before continuing. "She let me copy the Gifts of anyone she or I touched." Her voice wavered slightly on the last word, but she quickly composed herself, sitting back down with a stony expression.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    The room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.


    Finally, Cassian spoke again, his tone lighter as he pointed toward the last member of Team A. "Oh yeah! That¡¯s Jing."


    Jing gave a small wave, his expression calm.


    Cassian scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "He can¡¯t speak, but from what I¡¯ve gathered, his Gift is, uh¡­"


    Ezekiel cut in with a sigh, not bothering to hide his impatience. "His bow lets him shoot arrows that can manipulate sound. He can make things quiet or make noises seem like they¡¯re coming from somewhere else. That sound about right, mute?"


    Jing nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.


    The room was silent as the students finished filling out their forms, each hitting the glowing "Submit" button on their screens. A soft click echoed through the classroom as the door¡¯s lock disengaged, followed by a slow creak as the door swung inward.


    "I guess class is over?" Yumiko said, tilting her head, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and disappointment.


    Vail, standing near the window, tapped his foot rapidly against the stone floor, irritation evident in his expression. "I flew everyone up here for our first day, and it¡¯s this short? What a joke."


    The students began gathering their belongings, chairs scraping against the floor as they rose. Ajal slung his bag over his shoulder and walked toward the door but stopped as he passed Molly.


    ¡°Molly, I¡ª¡±


    "Go. Away," she interrupted bluntly, her voice sharp and cold. Before he could say another word, she grabbed Cassian by the arm, dragging him out of the room. Cassian stumbled along awkwardly, his bag partially unzipped as papers and small items tumbled out behind him. He scrambled to collect his things while trying to keep up with Molly¡¯s determined pace.


    Ajal sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Just keep trying," Sosira said from her seat, her tone unusually soft. She stood and gave him a sidelong glance. "We¡¯ll try to help on our end."


    Ajal gave a small nod, appreciating her words despite the lingering frustration. He turned toward the door where Yumiko was waiting, waving him over with a bright smile. The rest of Team Z stood behind her, ready to leave. He fell into step with them as they made their way out into the hallway.


    As they walked through the long corridor, the light from the tall windows casting shifting patterns on the floor, Ajal broke the silence. "So, what¡¯s with the whole payment thing? I mean, do we really have to pay just to be here?"


    Jean let out a heavy sigh, his usual dramatic flair subdued. "My fears, realized," he said, his voice laden with exaggerated despair.


    "What do you mean by that?" Ajal asked, glancing at him.


    "There was a note when we first showed up to the dorm," Yumiko explained. "It mentioned monthly dorm fees and that ''additional charges'' would apply."


    ¡°Additional?¡± Ajal raised an eyebrow, not liking the sound of that.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jean answered, sounding increasingly glum. "Things like meals, supplies, and transportation¡ªlike those Drakes we just rode. All of it adds up."


    "That¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about?" Ajal asked, a little surprised.


    Jean threw his hands into the air dramatically. "Of course! I was hoping they¡¯d go easy on us since we¡¯re just starting out, but nooo. We¡¯re already drowning in fees!"


    "It doesn¡¯t matter," Ezekiel said bluntly, walking a few paces ahead of the group. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, his tone cool and indifferent. "We¡¯ll figure it out back at the dorms. Split four ways, it shouldn¡¯t be too bad."


    ¡°Although,¡± Yumiko added thoughtfully, ¡°we¡¯ll probably have to get part-time jobs down in Campus City to cover everything.¡±


    At that, the four of them groaned in unison, their collective dismay filling the hallway.


    Arc, walking silently beside Jean, allowed herself the faintest of smiles. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was clear she found their despair over the prospect of working just a little amusing.


    ?


    The grand council chamber of Arkphis Institute was as intimidating as it was magnificent. Towering arched windows lined the circular room, casting long beams of multi-colored light across the polished black marble floor. The walls were inscribed with ancient runes that shimmered faintly, a testament to the magic woven into the very foundation of the building. At the center of the chamber stood a massive circular table, similar in shape to an enormous ring. Its dark, polished wood gleamed under the ambient light, with inlaid obsidian accents engraved with the symbols of every Gift known to humankind. Principal Culpa and the rest of the teachers were seated in the chairs that surrounded the table.


    Inside the hollow center of the table sat a woman in a simple chair, but her presence was anything but simple.


    Her skin, the color of deep, rich mahogany, caught the light from the stained glass windows, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Long, jet-black hair spilled over her shoulders in smooth, glossy waves that framed her angular face, and her sharp, almond-shaped eyes seemed to gleam with a mix of amusement and defiance. Her full lips were curved in a slight, knowing smile that dared anyone to challenge her.


    She wore a pale pink dress that clung to her figure, the soft, delicate fabric a stark contrast to the cold, unyielding steel of the handcuffs encasing her wrists. The restraints, forged from gleaming Lumithril, shimmered faintly with a bluish hue, the intricate runes engraved on their surface pulsing steadily as they drained the divine energy from her body. Chains attached to the cuffs extended to the chair¡¯s armrests, anchoring her in place, but they shifted subtly, almost serpentine, as if alive.


    Despite the weight of the restraints, the woman sat with her legs crossed and her chin tilted ever so slightly upward, exuding an air of effortless confidence. Her posture screamed control, even in captivity.


    Lucius leapt onto his seat with a casual flick of his tail, his golden eyes landing on her. Nyx hovered beside him, the violet mist of her form coiling faintly around the edge of the table.


    "Aisha, was it?" Principal Culpa asked calmly, but with authority. She sat opposite her at the table, her hands clasped loosely as she surveyed her.


    "You already know my name, what''s the point in asking?" Aisha replied, her tone casual and playful.


    "You might be in chains, but you are still our guest," the principal replied, her tone even. "We have manners here."


    Aisha laughed, a light and melodic sound that belied the tension in the room. "Guest? You really believe you''re treating me like a guest?" She glanced pointedly at her restraints, then raised an eyebrow. "I don''t remember your guests getting shackled."


    "What does The Cult want?" Fil asked bluntly, his sharp gaze drilling into Aisha. "And don¡¯t play dumb. We have access to a recording of the exam."


    Aisha didn¡¯t flinch under his glare. Instead, she let out a light, melodic laugh that echoed through the chamber. Her amusement seemed almost genuine, which only made it more unsettling.


    "You seem to have a new air of confidence, Aisha," Lucius interjected, his tail swishing lazily as he perched on the edge of his chair. His golden eyes glinted with a sharpness that betrayed his casual demeanor. "Quite different from when Ezekiel had you cornered."


    At the mention of Ezekiel¡¯s name, Aisha¡¯s confident mask faltered for a split second. Her fingers twitched, a reflexive motion that did not go unnoticed by the room¡¯s keen observers. The fear that flashed across her eyes was brief but unmistakable, and Lucius¡¯s grin widened ever so slightly.


    "My, my," he drawled, his tone laced with mock sympathy. "Touchy subject, is it? Ezekiel really left an impression, didn¡¯t he?"


    Aisha¡¯s smirk returned, though now it seemed forced. "Cute," she said, her tone tight. "Is this where you try to rattle me? Good luck with that, kitty."


    Principal Culpa raised a hand, silencing the room. Her calm, measured gaze fixed on Aisha. "Enough," she said firmly. "Aisha, this could go one of two ways. You can tell us what we want to know now, or we can escalate this to measures you won¡¯t enjoy."


    Aisha rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair as far as her restraints would allow. "Oh, I¡¯m trembling," she said dryly, the sarcasm dripping from her voice.


    Principal Culpa¡¯s expression remained serene, but there was an edge to her tone as she spoke the next words. "Nagi."


    The room grew heavy, the air thickening with an almost tangible pressure. The light filtering through the stained glass windows seemed to dim, and a deep red mist began to seep from the floor in the center of the room. The mist coiled and twisted, gathering until it solidified into a figure.


    Nagi emerged with unnerving silence, their presence commanding and otherworldly. The figure was adorned in a striking black and red kimono, its flowing fabric alive with intricate floral patterns that seemed to shift and ripple as if responding to their every move. Two crimson horns jutted from their disheveled black hair, which framed a pale face that was both haunting and elegant.


    But it was the mask they held in one hand that drew immediate attention. The demon-like mask, painted in deep red with fierce white fangs and intricate carvings, exuded a foreboding energy. The mist clinging to Nagi¡¯s form curled around the mask as though it were an extension of their very being, its tendrils licking the air with slow, deliberate menace.


    Aisha¡¯s earlier bravado crumbled ever so slightly as her gaze locked onto Nagi. Her fingers gripped the arms of her chair, her knuckles whitening against the dark metal.


    "What¡­ what the hell is that?" Aisha asked, her voice trembling with uncharacteristic fear as her eyes darted toward Nagi.


    Nagi didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he shifted his gaze to meet hers directly, his crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath the ominous mask.


    Aisha froze, a shudder coursing through her body as if her very soul had been gripped by an unseen force.


    ¡°I apologize for bringing you here so abruptly,¡± Principal Culpa said, her tone calm but authoritative.


    Nagi inclined his head slightly in a graceful bow. "No apologies are necessary, Principal. As the leader of the Spectral Choir, it is my duty and honor to serve both you and Arkph¡ª"


    ¡°Okay, we get it, Nagi,¡± Fil interjected, his tone dripping with irritation. He leaned back in his chair, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Do you really need to go through your whole speech every single time?¡±


    Nagi¡¯s glowing eyes flicked toward Fil, his expression obscured by the mask but the intensity of his gaze unmistakable. Fil stared back, his lips curling into a defiant smirk as a tangible tension began to fill the room. The oppressive atmosphere thickened, like the precursor to a storm.


    Clap.


    The sharp sound broke through the moment, pulling everyone''s attention. It was Miki, her hands still together from the single clap.


    ¡°Alright, you two,¡± she said, her voice firm yet playful. ¡°Let¡¯s not turn this into a staring contest. Fil, try not to be so angry all the time, and Nagi¡­¡± She raised an eyebrow at the masked man. ¡°I hate to admit it, but Fil has a point. Maybe we don¡¯t need the speech every time?¡±


    ¡°Tch,¡± Fil muttered, rolling his eyes. ¡°Who the hell made you boss?¡±


    Nagi, however, gave a courteous bow toward Miki, his voice calm and measured. ¡°Of course, Lady Miki. And, as always, it is a pleasure to see you.¡±


    Miki smiled faintly, clearly used to his theatrics.


    Garth, who had been silent the entire time, propped his head up on one hand, his fingers drumming against his cheek. His gaze shifted lazily toward Principal Culpa, who watched the exchange with an amused smile.


    ¡°Principal?¡± Garth asked, his tone dry but urging.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, we should move on,¡± Principal Culpa replied, clasping her hands on the table as she turned her attention back to Nagi. ¡°Nagi, who was responsible for overseeing that area during the entrance exam?¡±


    Nagi straightened, his posture impeccably composed. ¡°Myself and Ueda, Principal,¡± he said. ¡°If you are referring to this girl specifically¡­¡± His crimson eyes flicked toward Aisha, who shrank slightly under his gaze, though she masked it with a smirk. ¡°¡­it was Ueda who witnessed her fight. I was instructed to focus on the Inheritor.¡±


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, visible just below the mask. ¡°Although, it seems he noticed my presence during the exam. A sharp one, that boy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, being around Kaito will certainly help with that,¡± Principal Culpa agreed, her tone thoughtful. ¡°Now, where is Ueda? I would prefer to have a witness to the battle present for full transparency.¡±


    Aisha, still visibly struggling to keep her composure under Nagi''s oppressive presence, managed to speak up, though her voice wavered slightly. ¡°Why not just play the recording? Do we really need to drag someone else into this?¡±


    Nagi didn¡¯t so much as glance at her, his attention solely focused on Principal Culpa. ¡°Ueda is away at the moment,¡± he replied, his voice calm and measured. ¡°I believe he is still escorting Ethan and Evelyn to their home.¡±


    A subtle but audible sigh of annoyance escaped Culpa as she leaned back in her chair. ¡°Fine. We have no choice. My apologies in advance, Garth.¡±


    Garth stood up with a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Well, I signed up for it, so not much room to complain, is there?¡± His attempt at humor earned only a few faint smirks around the table, though it didn¡¯t seem to faze him.


    Without any wasted movements, Garth¡¯s eyes began to glow a vivid cyan. One by one, the same eerie glow overtook everyone else¡¯s eyes in the room.


    The scene before them faded away, replaced by a third-person playback of the fight between Ezekiel and Aisha. The recording felt visceral, the events playing out with a clarity that made it feel like they were standing right there on the battlefield.


    They watched as Aisha made her initial move, utilizing her ghostly Avatar to possess and manipulate the massive tree, its roots ripping through the ground with terrifying speed and force. They saw her offer Ezekiel an alliance, her words dripping with calculated charm. And then, the tide of the battle turned¡ªthey saw Ezekiel¡¯s precise, unrelenting counterattacks, his sharp wit, and unyielding determination.


    Finally, the playback showed Aisha¡¯s defeat. Her ghost Avatar retreated in failure, leaving her vulnerable, and the fight ended with Ezekiel picking up the mysterious card she had dropped.


    The vision ended abruptly, the cyan glow fading from everyone¡¯s eyes as they returned to the council chamber. Garth sat back down heavily, a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead from the exertion.


    Aisha was slumped in the chair, her breaths coming in sharp, ragged gasps. Sweat beaded down her face, mixing with a faint trickle of blood escaping her nose. Her wide, trembling eyes darted around the room, the residual shock from the playback etched into her expression. "What... the hell was that?" she muttered under her breath.


    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Miki said softly, tilting her head with mild concern. ¡°It seems her mind couldn¡¯t handle having her senses overridden like that.¡±


    Fil, however, showed no such sympathy. ¡°That was a view from one of the drones,¡± he stated bluntly, leaning back in his chair with a cold edge to his voice.


    Aisha turned her head toward him slowly, as if her body were fighting every movement. Despite her weakened state, she managed a faint, mocking laugh. "You still won¡¯t get anything out of me with that," she said, her voice a rasp. "For all I know, that recording¡¯s edited."


    Principal Culpa¡¯s calm voice cut through the tension. ¡°Yes, you could very easily make that assumption, which is why I would have preferred Ueda to be here. If we could tap directly into his memories, you¡¯d have no choice but to face the truth. Garth can¡¯t edit human perception. But let me ask you this: What reason would we have to fabricate any of this?¡±


    Aisha¡¯s desperation bubbled over, her voice rising as she snapped back, ¡°How the hell am I supposed to know?! Everyone who goes to this school is a damn monster! You people probably do this for fun!¡±


    Her chains rattled loudly as she writhed in frustration, struggling against the restraints. With sheer desperation, she managed to lift herself partially out of the chair, but her movement was halted as Nagi suddenly appeared in front of her, his presence immediate and suffocating.


    Their eyes met, and Aisha froze. Her voice faltered, the words she had intended to shout dying in her throat. All that escaped her lips was a barely audible sound, more a whimper than a word. Her entire body went still, trembling as she stared into his unreadable gaze. There was something about Nagi that struck a deep, primal fear in her¡ªa fear of the unknown, the unfathomable. Whatever composed him, it was beyond her understanding.


    Aisha sank back into the chair, her strength fading as the shackles clinked softly against the metal frame.


    ¡°Just cooperate,¡± Nagi said quietly, kneeling to her level. His voice, calm yet commanding, carried a weight that lingered in the air. He placed a steady hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. ¡°I promise you, I won¡¯t let The Cult hurt you.¡±


    Her head lowered, her hair casting shadows over her face as silence filled the room.


    Principal Culpa cleared her throat, breaking the tension. ¡°The main reason we showed you that recording,¡± she began, her tone deliberate, ¡°was to find answers to two critical questions. First: What does The Cult want with Ajal and the Inheritors? And second: What was the card Ezekiel picked up? Is he in danger? If you answer these questions, I can guarantee your safety here at Arkphis. The Cult will not touch you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s three questions, Principal,¡± Lucius quipped with a sly grin, earning a weary sigh from Nyx, who hovered nearby, her mist curling lazily in the air.


    An uneasy silence followed, thick with tension.


    Fil groaned, his patience clearly fraying. ¡°Look, we¡¯re trying to be nice to you here. If you won¡¯t cooperate, then¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Aisha¡¯s voice was quiet but firm, cutting Fil off.


    Miki, Nagi, and Garth let out audible sighs of relief, while Principal Culpa smiled faintly, the tension in her posture easing.


    ¡°Nagi, release her chains,¡± Culpa ordered calmly.


    Aisha¡¯s head shot up, her eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°Are you sure?¡± she asked, her voice sharp with skepticism. ¡°You¡¯ve seen my Gift. I could possess this whole building.¡±


    Nagi let out a low chuckle as he began undoing the shackles, his movements precise and unhurried. ¡°These cuffs siphoned a significant amount of Divinity from you. You won¡¯t be fighting anyone for at least three days. Besides,¡± he added, his tone dipping into something darker, ¡°there isn¡¯t a soul in the world who could take on all the teachers of Arkphis¡ªnot even the Grand Church.¡±


    The sound of the final shackle unlocking echoed in the chamber. Aisha rubbed her wrists, her expression a mixture of defiance and caution as she glanced around the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re playing a dangerous game,¡± she muttered, though her tone carried a note of resignation.


    ¡°And you¡¯ve just begun yours,¡± Culpa replied smoothly, her smile unwavering.


    Aisha inhaled sharply, like she was about to scream, but instead, a torrent of words tumbled out of her mouth in a rushed, incoherent mess. "Listen! You were wrong from the start! I¡¯m not a member of the Cult¡ª"


    ¡°Whoa, slow down, kid!¡± Lucius interrupted, his tail twitching as he leapt up on the table.


    ¡°Aisha, calm yourself,¡± Culpa said, her voice steady but firm, though her fingers gripped the edge of the table tightly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t calm down!¡± Aisha shot back, her words trembling with panic. ¡°My time is up¡ªI felt it start as soon as that recording ended.¡±


    ¡°What started?¡± Fil demanded, his voice sharp as he leaned forward in his chair, his hand already curling into a fist.


    Aisha¡¯s breathing quickened, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Please, believe me when I tell you this: They sent three of us into that exam.¡±


    The room fell deathly silent, every teacher¡¯s eyes widening at her words.


    ¡°One of them,¡± she continued, her voice growing more desperate, ¡°was the dead examinee that I possessed with my Avatar. But I never met the third one. All I know is¡­¡± She paused, her breath catching in her throat. ¡°They passed your exam.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Fil¡¯s fist slammed against the table with a deafening thud, the force reverberating through the room.


    Garth¡¯s cyan-lit eyes flared as he frantically scanned for answers, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair.


    ¡°We need more information, Aisha,¡± Culpa urged, her calm voice cracking ever so slightly. Beads of sweat trickled down her temples, betraying her outward composure. ¡°Anything else you can tell us?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Aisha whispered, her voice barely audible as tears streaked her face. ¡°There isn¡¯t time.¡± Her gaze shifted to Nagi, and for the first time, there was no fear in her eyes¡ªonly raw desperation. Her expression silently screamed, Help me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she said, her voice trembling as she clung to her last shreds of hope. ¡°You said no one could beat you guys, right?¡±


    Nagi¡¯s reply was immediate, his voice unwavering. ¡°Yes. On my honor, you¡¯ll be safe. Whoever¡¯s doing this to you will pay.¡±


    Her tears flowed harder, but a faint, almost peaceful smile formed on her lips. ¡°That¡¯s enough for me then,¡± she said quietly.


    A moment later, her body convulsed. Blood poured from her eyes, turning her tears into crimson streaks. Her nose became a fountain, and blood seeped from the corners of her mouth and ears, staining her dress and pooling on the polished floor. She dropped to her knees, the sound of her body hitting the marble echoing softly through the chamber as she fell.


    ¡°Aisha!¡± Miki screamed, rushing toward her.


    The teachers leapt from their chairs, converging around her in the center of the room.


    Aisha¡¯s body trembled, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. She looked up at them one last time, her expression haunting yet resolute. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, her voice a fragile thread. ¡°Don¡¯t let him win.¡±


    With those final words, her body went limp, collapsing forward. She remained on her knees, her lifeless frame frozen in a hauntingly upright position.


    The room descended into an unbearable silence, the weight of her words and the tragedy that had just unfolded pressing down on everyone. Even the usually unflappable Fil was at a loss for words, his clenched fists trembling at his sides.


    Principal Culpa closed her eyes briefly, her composure slipping just enough to reveal the anguish etched on her face. The sound of dripping blood filled the chamber, each drop a grim reminder of the scene before them.


    ¡°She was¡­ scared,¡± Miki finally said, her voice shaking as she knelt beside Aisha¡¯s still form. ¡°She wasn¡¯t lying. She was terrified.¡±


    Lucius¡¯s tail swished slowly, his golden eyes narrowed as Nyx hovered silently beside him. ¡°Whoever ¡®he¡¯ is,¡± he murmured, his voice low and venomous, ¡°we¡¯ll find him. And he¡¯ll regret this.¡±


    The teachers stood frozen, the magnitude of what had just transpired settling into the air like a heavy, suffocating fog. None of them spoke, but the unspoken vow was clear: Aisha¡¯s death would not be in vain.

 Chapter 20: Next Steps

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Well," Jean said, stretching his arms as he stood. "Let¡¯s head to Campus City tomorrow. The sooner we get these jobs, the sooner we start making money."


    The others nodded in agreement, and with that, everyone began to disperse to their rooms for the night.

 Chapter 21: Tinkers Haven

    The smell of oil, burnt metal, and something faintly sweet¡ªlike overheated wiring¡ªhit Jean the moment he pushed open the door to Tinker¡¯s Haven Repair Shop. A small bell above the door jingled, its sound oddly sharp, like it had been engineered to be just a bit more precise than your average shop bell. Jean paused in the doorway, breathing in the heady mix of mechanical chaos and possibilities. He grinned. This is my kind of place.


    The shop was a cozy labyrinth of cluttered workbenches, shelves crammed with tools, and half-disassembled gadgets. Mechanical arms dangled from the ceiling, their joints locked in mid-repair like sleeping spiders. Along one wall, an old industrial forge burned faintly, its soft, ember-like glow providing an odd warmth to the room. A mismatched collection of clockwork toys, drones, and arcane-looking devices sat in glass cases by the counter, some ticking, others humming faintly as if alive.


    ¡°This is delightful,¡± Arc said, stepping in behind Jean, her gaze sweeping over the shop. Her voice carried its usual serene cadence, but there was a faint undertone of curiosity that Jean picked up on. She folded her hands neatly in front of her and tilted her head, her ever-immaculate maid uniform strikingly out of place amid the grease-streaked chaos of the shop.


    ¡°Delightful?¡± Jean repeated, raising an eyebrow as he walked further inside. ¡°Arc, this is a paradise. You¡¯re looking at years of ingenuity right here. Pure innovation!¡± He gestured dramatically at a pile of old gears and springs spilling out of a cracked wooden crate.


    ¡°...It looks like a mess,¡± Arc replied, her tone polite but firm.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful mess,¡± Jean corrected, his fiery orange eyes gleaming with excitement. ¡°Every genius has a workshop like this. It¡¯s practically a rule.¡±


    ¡°Master Jean, it would serve your credibility better if you didn¡¯t refer to yourself as a genius so often,¡± Arc said gently, her lips curling into the faintest of smiles.


    Jean sighed dramatically, resting a hand over his chest as if her words had wounded him. ¡°Arc, you wound me. Can¡¯t a guy have a little confidence in his craft?¡±


    Before Arc could respond, a loud clang rang out from the back of the shop, followed by a string of muffled curses. Jean¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Looks like someone¡¯s in the middle of something interesting.¡±


    ¡°Or something hazardous,¡± Arc remarked, glancing toward the source of the noise.


    A moment later, a figure emerged from behind a wall of hanging tools and cluttered shelves. The man looked to be in his late forties, his hair streaked with silver and his beard neatly trimmed. His overalls were covered in oil stains, and a pair of bulky goggles rested atop his head, leaving faint marks on his weathered face. He carried a small drone in one hand, its wings bent at odd angles, while the other hand gripped a wrench that looked just shy of being a blunt weapon.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± he asked, his gruff voice carrying a hint of curiosity as he glanced between Jean and Arc. His sharp gray eyes narrowed slightly when they landed on Jean¡¯s goggles. ¡°You a tinkerer, or just a kid with a fancy pair of specs?¡±


    Jean¡¯s grin didn¡¯t falter. ¡°Tinkerer, inventor, aspiring genius,¡± he replied, holding out his hand. ¡°Jean Gearwright, at your service.¡± His tone was casual, but there was a slight bite to his words when he said his last name, as though he¡¯d rather spit it out than say it.


    The man raised an eyebrow but shook Jean¡¯s hand with a firm grip. ¡°Gearwright, huh? Heard of a Claude Gearwright once¡ªbrilliant engineer. Any relation?¡±


    Jean¡¯s grin flickered, but he quickly recovered. ¡°Unfortunately,¡± he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°That would be my father. I guess you¡¯ve heard about how perfect he is.¡± He rolled his eyes and added under his breath, ¡°Lucky me.¡±


    That seemed to pique the man¡¯s interest. He gave a short nod of approval. ¡°Huh. Figures. Name¡¯s Merrick, owner of this fine establishment.¡± He gestured vaguely to the shop around them. ¡°You¡¯re here about the job?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Jean said, puffing out his chest slightly. ¡°I figured this is the perfect place for someone with my talents.¡±


    Merrick chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that, kid. Talents don¡¯t mean much if you can¡¯t keep up.¡± He turned his attention to Arc, giving her an appraising look. ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°I am Arc, Master Jean¡¯s Avatar,¡± she replied with a graceful bow. ¡°I do not intend to interfere with his duties, but I shall remain nearby to ensure his safety.¡±


    ¡°Safety?¡± Merrick repeated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You think fixing busted machines is dangerous?¡±


    ¡°With Master Jean involved, there is always a non-zero chance of calamity,¡± Arc said, her tone as calm as if she were discussing the weather.


    Merrick barked a laugh, clearly amused. ¡°I like her. Alright, kid, let¡¯s see if you¡¯re worth keeping around. Follow me.¡±


    He led them to a cluttered workbench near the back of the shop. A disassembled drone lay in pieces on the table, its parts neatly organized into small trays. Merrick gestured to it with the wrench. ¡°This is your test. Put it back together. You¡¯ve got thirty minutes.¡±


    Jean¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Piece of cake.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky,¡± Merrick warned. ¡°It¡¯s not a standard model. Modified for high-altitude surveillance. The wiring¡¯s tricky, and if you don¡¯t calibrate the sensors right, it¡¯ll fry itself as soon as you power it on.¡±


    Jean rolled up his sleeves, his confidence unwavering. ¡°Challenge accepted.¡±


    Arc stepped to the side, clasping her hands in front of her as she watched silently. Merrick crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby wall, his sharp eyes observing Jean¡¯s every move.


    Jean cracked his knuckles and got to work, his hands moving with practiced precision as he sorted through the parts. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what we¡¯re dealing with here¡­¡±


    Jean was already lost in his task, muttering under his breath as he sifted through the disassembled drone parts. His goggles glinted in the warm light of the workbench, and his hands moved with a surety that spoke of years of practice.


    Merrick watched him for a moment, his sharp gray eyes narrowing as he appraised Jean¡¯s approach. The kid was good¡ªhe could see that already¡ªbut there was a tension in the way he worked, a certain energy that felt more like he was proving something than simply solving a problem.


    Turning his attention to Arc, Merrick leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. ¡°So,¡± he began, his voice low and casual, though his gaze remained probing. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with him and his old man?¡±


    Arc tilted her head slightly, her composed expression giving nothing away. ¡°I am not certain it is my place to speak of such matters.¡±


    Merrick raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. ¡°Seems like it¡¯s not exactly a secret. The way he said ¡®unfortunately¡¯ made that pretty clear. What¡¯d Claude do? Push him too hard? Ignore him? Or is it the usual ¡®famous dad casts a long shadow¡¯ thing?¡±


    Arc¡¯s serene demeanor flickered ever so slightly. She folded her hands in front of her, glancing toward Jean, who was now fully absorbed in soldering a tiny wire. ¡°Master Jean¡¯s relationship with his father is¡­ complicated,¡± she admitted softly. ¡°Though if I were to summarize it, it stems from Claude¡¯s pride and Master Jean¡¯s desire to prove himself. I also take blame for Master Jean''s feelings towards his father.¡±


    Merrick¡¯s smirk widened, his curiosity deepening. ¡°Claude Gearwright, huh? Big name. Inventor of the Nova-core Engine, designer of half the tech we use today. Hard act to follow, I guess.¡±


    Arc nodded. ¡°Indeed. Claude Gearwright is a man of immense renown. His achievements have shaped the modern world in ways few others could. But his brilliance is matched by his pride, and he expects nothing less than perfection¡ªfrom himself, and from those around him.¡±


    ¡°And Jean¡¯s not a fan of being held to that standard, I take it?¡± Merrick asked.


    ¡°That is an understatement,¡± Arc replied, her tone calm but firm. ¡°Master Jean resents his father deeply, though he would never say so outright. To him, Claude¡¯s standards were not just high¡ªthey were impossible. And his failure to meet those standards¡­ wounded him.¡±


    Merrick glanced at Jean, who was now hunched over the drone, his focus so intense it bordered on obsessive. ¡°So what happened? When did things fall apart?¡±


    Arc hesitated, her golden eyes softening as she gazed at her master. ¡°The turning point came three days before his eighteenth birthday.¡±


    ***


    The room was a marvel of architecture and innovation, a sprawling hall with towering arched ceilings made of reinforced glass that offered a breathtaking view of the endless blue sky above. Sunlight poured in, catching on the polished metal surfaces of intricate machines and prototypes displayed on long tables that stretched across the room like rivers of invention. The hum of conversation filled the air, a low, constant buzz punctuated by the occasional laugh or the sharp clink of glassware from servers moving between the clusters of guests.


    This was the Annual Summit of Technological Visionaries, an exclusive gathering of the world¡¯s most brilliant inventors and engineers. It was a place where ideas were exchanged, deals were struck, and legacies were cemented.


    And at the center of it all, surrounded by admirers, stood Claude Gearwright.


    He was a tall man with an imposing presence, his silver hair neatly combed back and his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the holographic display he was demonstrating. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, a testament to both his wealth and his meticulous attention to detail. As he spoke, his voice carried the confidence of someone who had nothing to prove¡ªsomeone who knew he was the smartest person in the room.


    Standing a few feet away, trying not to let his father¡¯s shadow swallow him whole, was Jean.


    Dressed in a slightly rumpled blazer that didn¡¯t quite fit right and a pair of goggles perched on his head, he looked every bit the scrappy upstart in a room full of polished professionals. His fiery orange hair was its usual untamed mess, and his expression was a mix of annoyance and defiance as he watched his father bask in the attention.


    He didn¡¯t want to be here.


    This was his father¡¯s world, not his.


    But he had no choice.


    ¡°Ah, Jean! There you are!¡±


    The voice was rich and booming, cutting through the hum of conversation like a knife. Heads turned, and Jean resisted the urge to flinch as all eyes in the room suddenly focused on him.


    His father¡¯s voice. Claude Gearwright.


    Jean forced himself to walk toward the center of the room, where his father stood surrounded by some of the most influential minds of the modern era. The air around them seemed to hum with the weight of their collective brilliance.


    ¡°Everyone, this is my son,¡± Claude said, resting a hand on Jean¡¯s shoulder as he arrived. The gesture looked friendly enough to the onlookers, but Jean could feel the weight of it¡ªfirm, controlling, like it was meant to pin him in place. ¡°In three days¡¯ time, he¡¯ll turn eighteen, and we¡¯ll finally see what Gift he has been blessed with.¡±


    A murmur of excitement rippled through the small crowd, a few of the gathered inventors stepping closer with curious smiles.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°What do you think it¡¯ll be, Jean?¡± one of them asked, a man with sharp features and a notepad tucked under his arm. ¡°Something to match your father¡¯s brilliance, no doubt!¡±


    Jean didn¡¯t answer immediately. His eyes flicked toward his father, whose smile was calm and poised, but whose fingers dug slightly into his shoulder¡ªa subtle reminder to watch his words.


    Before Jean could open his mouth, Claude answered for him.


    ¡°It will undoubtedly be a Gift that supports me,¡± Claude said smoothly, his voice carrying just the right amount of certainty to make it seem like a foregone conclusion. ¡°After all, the Gearwright legacy is built on teamwork. Every great leader has the right tools to support them, and Jean¡¯s Gift will surely reflect that.¡±


    Jean clenched his fists at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. The faint murmur of agreement from the crowd only fueled the frustration building in his chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that,¡± Jean said suddenly, his voice sharp enough to cut through the polite conversation around him. His fiery orange eyes burned with determination as he stepped forward, out of his father¡¯s grasp. ¡°My Gift doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m going to change the world with my inventions.¡±


    The murmurs stopped. A few of the gathered inventors exchanged uncertain glances, their polite smiles wavering.


    Claude¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He continued to smile, his perfectly calm demeanor giving nothing away to the onlookers. But to Jean, the subtle shift in his father¡¯s eyes¡ªsharp, calculating¡ªwas unmistakable.


    It sent a shiver down his spine.


    Claude clasped his hands behind his back, tilting his head slightly as he addressed his son. ¡°And what need is there to do that,¡± he said lightly, ¡°when my inventions already change the world?¡±


    The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. To the others, it probably sounded like a father playfully teasing his son, maybe even offering a challenge. But to Jean, the weight of the words was suffocating.


    ***


    ¡°And that,¡± Arc said softly, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, ¡°was just one of the many moments that created the rift between them.¡±


    Merrick let out a low whistle, scratching the back of his head as he processed her words. ¡°I can see why he¡¯d be pissed,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°Kid¡¯s got ambition. Can¡¯t blame him for wanting to step out of his father¡¯s shadow.¡±


    Arc didn¡¯t respond immediately. Her lavender eyes softened, her gaze fixed on Jean as he worked, oblivious to the conversation happening behind him.


    Merrick tilted his head, his curiosity deepening. ¡°And where do you come into all this?¡±


    Before Arc could answer, Jean straightened up from his workbench, pushing his goggles up onto his forehead. ¡°Done,¡± he said simply, holding up the now fully repaired drone.


    Merrick leaned over the drone, carefully inspecting every component, every joint and wire. His fingers moved with practiced precision, lifting a wing here, tapping a small metallic piece there. Finally, after a few long moments, he straightened up, letting out a low whistle.


    ¡°Well, kid, I¡¯ll be damned. It¡¯s perfect. Not a single flaw,¡± Merrick said, his deep voice tinged with genuine admiration.


    Jean, who was leaning casually against the nearby workbench, smirked and crossed his arms. ¡°Of course it is. You¡¯re talking to a genius inventor here.¡±


    Merrick chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Confidence, huh? Gotta love that about you.¡± He adjusted the goggles strapped to his forehead before leaning against the bench himself, his arms crossed as he sized Jean up. ¡°So, what¡¯s your school schedule like? Gotta figure out when you¡¯re free so I know when I can put you to work around here.¡±


    Jean shrugged, casually twirling a screwdriver in his hand. ¡°All the classes are in the morning. So, really, every day works for me.¡±


    Merrick let out a booming laugh, clapping Jean on the shoulder. ¡°Ambitious, aren¡¯t ya? Gonna run yourself ragged if you keep that pace up, kid. But hey, good on you.¡± He paused, his expression softening into something more curious. ¡°So, Jean... why¡¯d you come to Arkphis? What¡¯s the big reason? Bet it¡¯s got something to do with Claude, huh?¡±


    Jean blinked at the mention of Claude, then grinned, shaking his head. ¡°Nope. Not even close.¡±


    That caught Merrick off guard. His brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Really? Then why?¡±


    Jean¡¯s grin softened into something more genuine. ¡°Arc.¡±


    Merrick tilted his head, intrigued. ¡°Arc, huh? Your Avatar?¡±


    Jean nodded, his eyes shifting toward Arc, who stood silently nearby, ever composed and ever watchful. ¡°She wanted to come here. She thinks being at Arkphis will bring her closer to... whatever her purpose is. She never says it outright, but I can feel it. She¡¯s searching for something. So, if she¡¯s going to figure it out, then I¡¯ll be right there with her. That¡¯s why I came here.¡±


    For a moment, Merrick didn¡¯t say anything. His sharp eyes flicked to Arc, studying her with a newfound intensity. Then, almost as if a realization clicked into place, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°Well, well... I think I¡¯m starting to put the pieces together now,¡± Merrick said, his voice low and contemplative.


    Jean¡¯s brow furrowed, confused. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Merrick waved him off, his grin growing wider. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing. Just me rambling. C¡¯mon, follow me¡ªI¡¯ve got something to show you.¡±


    Curiosity piqued, Jean followed Merrick down a narrow hallway cluttered with tools, parts, and half-finished projects. At the end of the hall was a door, which Merrick pushed open with a creak.


    Inside was a dimly lit room, filled with shelves stacked high with blueprints, gears, and strange glowing crystals. But the centerpiece of the room was a metal table, and lying atop it was a figure¡ªa female body.


    Jean froze. At first glance, the body looked human, but the sheen of polished steel and the faint hum of power emanating from it made it clear that it was entirely mechanical. Every detail was painstakingly crafted, from the delicate fingers to the smooth, streamlined joints.


    ¡°What... is that?¡± Jean asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Merrick stepped closer to the table, his gaze fixed on the mechanical body with something bordering on reverence. ¡°It¡¯s a work in progress,¡± he said, his voice quieter now. ¡°An automaton. Not just any automaton, though¡ªthis one will be my final masterpiece. The pinnacle of everything I¡¯ve ever worked on. A fully autonomous being with free will, emotions... a soul, even.¡±


    Jean¡¯s eyes widened as he took a step closer. ¡°A soul?¡±


    Merrick chuckled. ¡°Figuratively speaking. The tech to give something like this true humanity doesn¡¯t exist¡ªyet. But that¡¯s where you come in, kid.¡±


    Jean turned to Merrick, eyebrows raised. ¡°Me?¡±


    Merrick nodded, his expression serious. ¡°I need your help to finish this. You¡¯ve got the spark, the drive, and the skill to make this more than just a machine. I¡¯ve seen the way you work, Jean. You¡¯ve got that same crazy ambition I had when I started. So, what do you say? You ready to help me make history?¡±


    Jean¡¯s gaze stayed fixed on the automaton, his mind racing as he tried to process what he was looking at. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the automaton¡¯s inner components, which gave off an almost eerie sense of dormant life.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Jean finally asked, his voice low and cautious. He turned to Merrick, his fiery orange eyes searching for answers. ¡°And... why me? Why do you think I can help with something like this?¡±


    Merrick didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back against the worktable, crossing his arms as if weighing his words carefully. His sharp eyes shifted toward Arc, who stood silently in the corner, her expression as unreadable as ever.


    ¡°Let me ask you something first,¡± Merrick said, his voice steady. ¡°What does Arc mean to you?¡±


    Jean blinked, caught off guard by the question. He glanced over at Arc, his gaze softening.


    ¡°She means everything to me,¡± Jean answered without hesitation. His voice carried a weight that Merrick didn¡¯t miss. ¡°She¡¯s my partner, my friend... hell, sometimes she¡¯s the only one who believes in me. Without her...¡± He trailed off, clenching his fists. ¡°Without her, I don¡¯t know where I¡¯d be.¡±


    Merrick smiled faintly, as though he¡¯d been expecting that answer. ¡°I thought so,¡± he murmured, almost to himself.


    ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± Jean asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.


    Merrick straightened up, his tone taking on a rare seriousness. ¡°If something ever happened to her¡ªif she were taken from you, let¡¯s say¡ªwhat would you do to get her back?¡±


    Jean¡¯s expression darkened, and his hands instinctively tightened into fists. ¡°I¡¯d do anything,¡± he said firmly. There wasn¡¯t a hint of hesitation in his voice.


    Merrick nodded slowly, his own gaze hardening. ¡°Exactly,¡± he said, his voice carrying a weight that matched Jean¡¯s. ¡°That¡¯s what you do when you lose someone who means the world to you. You do anything to get them back.¡±


    Jean frowned, his fiery orange eyes darting back to the automaton on the table. A thought began to take shape in his mind, one that made his stomach churn uneasily.


    ¡°Did you...¡± Jean started, his voice faltering slightly. ¡°Did you lose someone? Is that why you¡¯re building this? To... rebuild them?¡±


    Merrick let out a low chuckle, but there was no humor in it. ¡°No, kid,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m not rebuilding anyone. I¡¯m bringing them back from scratch.¡±


    Jean¡¯s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. ¡°What?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Merrick¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He pushed himself off the worktable and walked over to the far corner of the room, where a heavy curtain hung from the ceiling. With a quick motion, he swept the curtain aside, revealing a strange, imposing machine.


    The device was unlike anything Jean had ever seen. It was tall and cylindrical, its metallic surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. Inside, suspended in a glowing, viscous liquid, was a faint orb of light that pulsed gently like a heartbeat. The light seemed almost alive, its golden glow casting shifting patterns across the walls.


    Jean stared at the machine, his mind struggling to make sense of what he was seeing. ¡°Is that...¡±


    ¡°A soul,¡± Merrick said simply, his voice matter-of-fact.


    Jean¡¯s stomach twisted into knots. He took a step back, shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s... impossible. You can¡¯t just... hold a soul like that. That kind of research has been outlawed for years.¡±


    Merrick turned to face him, his expression unreadable. ¡°I know,¡± he said quietly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to perfect this automaton. When I¡¯m done, no one will ever know it¡¯s not a real human. Not even the Institute.¡±


    Jean¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the glowing machine. His mind raced with questions, doubts, and the faint, creeping feeling that he had just stumbled into something far bigger than himself.


    Merrick ran a hand through his graying hair, his gaze fixed on the glowing machine in the corner. His voice softened as he spoke, though the intensity in his words remained. ¡°I chose you, Jean, because you¡¯ve got the will¡ªand the experience¡ªto see this through. You¡¯ve built things that shouldn¡¯t work but do. You¡¯ve defied expectations, whether people believed in you or not. And most importantly...¡± Merrick¡¯s voice wavered ever so slightly, ¡°I know you¡¯ll understand why this matters.¡±


    Jean¡¯s brows furrowed, his fiery orange eyes narrowing. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± he asked, his tone cautious.


    Suddenly, Merrick surprised him. Without warning, the older man dropped to his knees, lowering his head until his forehead nearly touched the floor. ¡°I¡¯m begging you, Jean. Please, help me finish this. I don¡¯t have anyone else.¡±


    Jean froze, the sight of the once-imposing man humbled before him taking the wind out of his usual confidence. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself, unsure of what to say. ¡°Merrick... why is this your final masterpiece?¡± he asked quietly.


    At Jean¡¯s question, Merrick slowly rose to his feet, brushing the dust off his pants. He didn¡¯t meet Jean¡¯s gaze at first. Instead, he turned back to his cluttered desk, his hands rifling through piles of blueprints, scribbled notes, and folders. Papers flew everywhere as he muttered under his breath, his movements frantic.


    ¡°Where the hell is it...?¡± Merrick grumbled. Finally, his hand shot out, grabbing a folder from the bottom of a precarious stack. He flipped it open, revealing a single medical record, its edges frayed and its surface stained with what looked like coffee and grease. He thrust it toward Jean without a word.


    Jean hesitated, then took the folder. His eyes scanned the document, his sharp gaze quickly zeroing in on the relevant section. His breath caught when he saw the words: ¡°Stage 4 terminal glioblastoma. Prognosis: 1 month remaining.¡±


    Jean¡¯s fingers tightened around the paper, his expression darkening. ¡°You¡¯re dying,¡± he said flatly.


    Merrick let out a bitter chuckle. ¡°Sharp as ever, kid.¡±


    Jean glanced up, his voice low. ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re in such a rush.¡±


    Merrick nodded, leaning heavily against the workbench as though the weight of his confession had drained what little energy he had left. ¡°There¡¯s a fireworks festival at the end of the month,¡± he said, his voice softer now. ¡°She... never saw fireworks in her life. Not once.¡± His lips quirked into a sad smile. ¡°I want my last memory to be seeing them with her. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Arc, who had been silent this entire time, stepped forward. Her calm, steady voice cut through the tension in the room. ¡°Who is ¡®her¡¯?¡±


    Merrick looked up, his sharp eyes glistening with emotion. He hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging. ¡°She¡¯s my wife¡¯s daughter. Not mine by blood, but for the last five years of her life, I was her father.¡±


    Jean¡¯s eyes softened slightly, but he didn¡¯t interrupt. He could sense there was more Merrick needed to say.


    ¡°She was just a kid when her mother died,¡± Merrick continued, his voice cracking slightly. ¡°Her real father... he was never in the picture. So, I took her in, raised her like my own.¡± He ran a hand through his hair again, his fingers trembling. ¡°She was... bright. Too bright for this world. Always asking questions, always dreaming about building things. Just like her mom.¡±


    Merrick paused, his jaw tightening as a shadow crossed his face. ¡°But I failed her,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°There was an accident in the shop. A machine I was working on... malfunctioned. It shouldn¡¯t have. I should¡¯ve double-checked everything. But I didn¡¯t. She...¡± He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. ¡°She was standing too close. It exploded. She didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    Jean and Arc stood in stunned silence, the weight of Merrick¡¯s words sinking in like stones.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spent every day since that accident asking myself what I could¡¯ve done differently,¡± Merrick said, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. ¡°This... this automaton is my way of making it right. If I can bring her back¡ªher soul, her essence¡ªit¡¯s not just for me. It¡¯s for her. To give her the chance to live the life she should¡¯ve had.¡±


    Jean looked down at the medical record in his hands, then back at the glowing machine in the corner. His mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. He wanted to reject the idea outright¡ªworking with souls was illegal, immoral even. But the raw pain in Merrick¡¯s voice, the sheer desperation in his eyes... Jean couldn¡¯t ignore it.


    Finally, Jean let out a slow breath and extended his hand. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his voice steady and resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll help you. We¡¯ll have it done by the end of the month.¡±


    Merrick blinked, his expression shifting from surprise to relief. He clasped Jean¡¯s hand tightly, his grip firm despite the tremor in his fingers. ¡°Thank you, kid,¡± he said, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Jean nodded, his fiery orange eyes burning with determination. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    Just then, the chime of a bell echoed from the front of the shop, signaling a customer¡¯s arrival. Merrick wiped at his eyes quickly, regaining his composure as he motioned for Jean to follow him. ¡°Duty calls,¡± he said with a small smile.


    The two of them stepped into the main area of the repair shop, where a middle-aged man stood waiting near the counter. He was holding a broken clock, its gears dangling precariously from the frame. His eyes widened when he saw Jean trailing behind Merrick.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± the customer said, his tone skeptical. ¡°Since when do you have a helper, Merrick? I thought you worked alone.¡±


    Merrick chuckled, clapping Jean on the back. ¡°Not anymore,¡± he said proudly. ¡°I finally found a good one.¡±


    Jean grinned, brushing his goggles up onto his forehead. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± he said confidently. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±

 Chapter 22: Reverie Atelier

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

 Chapter 23: Operation Pandas Thunder

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

 Chapter 24: A Letter Home and A Journey to the Past

    The sun hung low over Crater Village, casting a warm, golden light over the sprawling farmlands that framed its outskirts. Rows of crops stretched endlessly into the horizon, and the faint hum of buzzing insects filled the air with a peaceful rhythm. Near the edge of the village, a dirt path led to the Ruoc family farm, where a figure was already making his way toward the wooden fence that marked the road.


    Theo adjusted the wide-brimmed hat on his head, shielding his violet eyes from the afternoon glare. His well-worn boots kicked up small puffs of dust as he walked with an easy gait, whistling a cheerful tune. Up ahead, the village¡¯s familiar mail carrier waved a hand from his perch on an old, creaky wagon.


    ¡°Afternoon, Theo!¡± the mail carrier called, his voice tinged with the gruffness of age. He reached for a small bundle of envelopes and handed them down. ¡°Got something special in here for ya¡ªa letter from Ajal! Bet you¡¯re excited to hear from him, huh?¡±


    Theo grinned as he took the mail, his fingers brushing over the slightly crumpled letter addressed in the unmistakable scrawl of his younger brother. ¡°We sure are,¡± he said, his voice warm. ¡°Thanks, Mr. Tress.¡±


    The old man tipped his hat with a chuckle before snapping the reins on his horse, the wagon creaking as it rolled away down the road.


    Theo waited until the wagon was out of sight before tearing open Ajal¡¯s letter, his anticipation growing. As soon as he unfolded the paper, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh. The handwriting was absolutely atrocious, uneven and jagged, as if Ajal had scrawled it out in a hurry¡ªor perhaps mid-battle, knowing his brother¡¯s chaotic tendencies.


    ¡°Big responsibility, huh?¡± Theo muttered with a chuckle, shaking his head. ¡°Still can¡¯t hold a pen to save your life.¡±


    The letter itself was classic Ajal¡ªequal parts excitement, complaints, and fiery enthusiasm. He detailed his reactions to Arkphis, the chaos of his new life, and the peculiarities of his teammates. There were even a few clumsy doodles in the margins of what Theo assumed were supposed to be dragons or explosions. But what made Theo laugh the hardest was the not-so-subtle rant halfway down the page:


    ¡°HEY THEO, HOW COME YOU DIDN¡¯T TELL ME YOU WENT TO ARKPHIS?! YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS CRAZY PLACE! WHAT ELSE ARE YOU HIDING?!¡±


    Theo chuckled, folding the letter neatly in half before casually ripping it into pieces. As the shredded paper fell to the ground, he sighed and smirked to himself. ¡°You¡¯ll find out eventually, little brother.¡±


    Before he could linger on the thought, a loud voice rang out from the direction of the farmhouse.


    ¡°Theo! Do you have the mail or not?!¡±


    Theo turned to see Katria, standing on the porch with her hands on her hips, her jet black hair glinting in the sunlight. Even from a distance, her expression was clear¡ªimpatient and demanding, like always.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯ve got it!¡± Theo called back, tucking the remaining envelopes under his arm as he started back toward the house.


    As he reached the porch, Katria skipped down the steps to meet him, her curious eyes scanning the bundle in his hands. ¡°Anything from Ajal?¡± she asked, her tone a mix of excitement and expectation.


    Theo shook his head, his grin turning teasing. ¡°Nope. Looks like your favorite brother forgot about us again.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Katria¡¯s face immediately flushed with frustration, her hands balling into fists. ¡°I swear, I¡¯m gonna march down there myself and beat some sense into him! How dare he not write to his family!¡±


    Theo laughed, ruffling her hair despite her protests. ¡°Relax, kid. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s got a lot on his plate. You should forgive him just this once.¡±


    Katria huffed, crossing her arms with a pout. ¡°Fine. But if he doesn¡¯t write soon, I¡¯m dragging him back here myself.¡±


    Theo chuckled, patting her head one last time as they walked back toward the farmhouse. ¡°Fair enough, sis. Fair enough.¡±


    ?


    Ajal stood in the middle of the bustling streets of Campus City, clutching a folded piece of paper in one hand. The noise of the city surrounded him¡ªstudents laughing, street vendors calling out their wares, the faint hum of vehicles in the distance. It was lively, chaotic, and almost overwhelming, but Ajal¡¯s focus remained fixed on the directions scrawled in Professor Lucius¡¯s handwriting.


    ¡°For a cat, his handwriting isn¡¯t bad,¡± Ajal muttered to himself, glancing at the neatly written instructions. ¡°Not as good as mine, though. Definitely not.¡± He smirked at his own comment before folding the paper and slipping it into his pocket.


    After winding through a maze of streets, he finally arrived at his destination. A neon sign hung above the building, casting a warm, retro glow: Eclipse Diner.


    The sign was mesmerizing, its letters gilded with a metallic sheen that seemed to ripple like sunlight reflected on water. Behind the text was an intricate mosaic of celestial symbols¡ªstars, moons, and a radiant sunburst etched in gold and silver. It almost felt like stepping into a legend, a place that whispered stories of the bygone Golden Age when Gods walked among mortals.


    ¡°Hey,¡± a voice called out.


    Ajal turned to see Cassian and Molly approaching. Cassian offered a small wave, his nervous smile already showing hints of strain. Molly, as expected, looked like she¡¯d rather be anywhere else.


    ¡°You here for the job?¡± Cassian asked, his voice soft but friendly.


    Ajal nodded. ¡°Yeah, Professor Lucius recommended to me.¡±


    Molly groaned under her breath, folding her arms tightly. ¡°Just my luck,¡± she muttered.


    Cassian glanced at her, then back at Ajal. ¡°Molly,¡± he said gently, though his voice wavered, ¡°maybe we can, uh, at least pretend to get along? You know, just for work?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not pretending anything,¡± Molly snapped. ¡°Faking isn¡¯t in my personality.¡±


    Ajal smiled awkwardly. ¡°I take it you¡¯re both here for the job, too?¡±


    Cassian nodded quickly. ¡°Yeah. I, uh, I¡¯m looking forward to working with you, Ajal.¡±


    Ajal stepped ahead and held the door open for them. Cassian offered a quiet but genuine, ¡°Thanks,¡± while Molly ignored him entirely as she walked past.


    The inside of the diner was breathtaking. It didn¡¯t resemble the retro diners of the past but instead looked like something plucked straight from the heavens. The walls shimmered with a faint, golden glow, their surfaces carved with intricate patterns that depicted scenes of divine creation¡ªfigures of celestial beings shaping mountains, rivers, and stars. The floor was a polished obsidian black, reflecting the radiant murals above like a mirror.


    The tables were sleek and circular, each one topped with what looked like translucent crystal. Beneath the glass, constellations flickered softly, their stars shifting ever so slightly like a living map of the heavens. The chairs were crafted from smooth, dark wood, their backs adorned with golden inlays of mythical creatures¡ªphoenixes, gryphons, and hydras.


    The workers were dressed to match the ethereal theme. Their uniforms were white with gold accents: crisp, tailored shirts with flowing sashes and stylized collars that mimicked the shape of wings. Each employee wore a brooch at their chest shaped like a sunburst, faintly glowing as if imbued with Divinity itself.


    As the three of them stood there, Ajal suddenly realized how heavy the air felt. It wasn¡¯t oppressive in a physical sense, but it was thick¡ªdense with an invisible energy that seemed to seep into every corner of the room. His chest felt tight, and each breath came slower than the last. Even moving his legs felt like wading through deep water.


    ¡°Is it just the three of you?¡± a waitress asked as she approached. She was moving swiftly, her steps light and effortless despite the overwhelming weight of the atmosphere.


    Ajal struggled to respond, the words catching in his throat. After a moment, he managed to rasp out, ¡°We¡¯re here for the job.¡±


    The waitress smiled warmly. ¡°Follow me,¡± she said, her voice calm and steady.


    The three followed, each step becoming harder than the last. Ajal glanced at the waitress in awe. ¡°How is she moving so easily in this¡­?¡± he thought to himself, beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. Molly¡¯s scowl deepened, and even Cassian looked paler than usual.


    By the time they reached the back, all three of them were breathing heavily, sweat dripping down their faces. The waitress stopped at a door and gestured for them to enter. Inside, the air felt only slightly lighter, though the tension didn¡¯t fully fade.


    Sitting behind a desk cluttered with papers and a steaming mug of coffee was Phil, the diner¡¯s owner. His sharp, golden eyes scrutinized them, his beak set in what could only be described as a perpetual scowl. The eagle Especia radiated authority, his broad shoulders and imposing stature making the small room feel even smaller. His denim jacket was rolled at the sleeves, revealing feathered arms that flexed subtly as he leaned back in his chair.


    The first thing Phil said to them was, ¡°Leave.¡±


    Ajal blinked in confusion. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡±


    ¡°You heard me,¡± Phil said, his voice as sharp as his beak. ¡°If you can¡¯t handle this much Divinity, you won¡¯t last an hour here. Save yourselves the embarrassment and go.¡±


    Molly immediately bristled, her fists clenching at her sides. ¡°Excuse me?!¡± she snapped, stepping forward. ¡°Who do you think you are¡ª?¡±


    Cassian quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back with trembling hands. ¡°M-Molly, please,¡± he stammered, his feathers ruffling with anxiety. ¡°Let¡¯s not¡ªuh¡ªmake a scene, okay?¡±


    Ajal glanced at Cassian and chuckled faintly. ¡°You''re really shy outside of school, huh?¡±


    Cassian flushed, avoiding eye contact as he muttered, ¡°Yeah, interacting with strangers isn''t my thing. I''m working on it, though.¡±


    Phil raised an eyebrow at their exchange, clearly unimpressed. ¡°This place isn¡¯t for the weak,¡± he continued, his tone unyielding. ¡°The Divinity flowing through this diner isn¡¯t something just anyone can handle. It¡¯s rooted in the Gods¡¯ creations, and if you can¡¯t adapt, you¡¯ll break.¡±


    Ajal tilted his head, ignoring the insult and focusing on Phil¡¯s words. ¡°So that¡¯s what it was,¡± he murmured. ¡°The weight we felt¡ªit¡¯s from the Divinity here?¡±


    Phil¡¯s sharp gaze shifted to him, and he nodded once. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    The waitress from earlier stepped forward, addressing Phil with a tone that was both firm and pleading. ¡°Phil, we really need the help. You know we¡¯re short-staffed.¡±


    Phil sighed, rubbing the bridge of his beak. ¡°Not my fault people can¡¯t handle the effects of the diner,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Then let them handle deliveries,¡± the waitress suggested. ¡°It¡¯ll keep them out of the diner most of the time and lighten the load for the rest of us.¡±


    Phil¡¯s piercing eyes studied the trio for a moment before he let out a sharp huff. ¡°Fine,¡± he said finally. ¡°Deliveries it is.¡±


    The three of them were led out the back door, where they collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath. The open air was a relief, the weight of the Divinity lessening significantly.


    Phil reappeared a moment later, holding three neatly folded uniforms in his clawed hands. He handed one to each of them, his expression unreadable. ¡°Put these on. You¡¯re representing my diner now, so look the part.¡±


    Molly held up her uniform, squinting at the celestial embroidery on the sleeves. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with this diner anyway?¡± she asked, her tone still sharp.


    Phil folded his arms, his sharp gaze fixed on Molly. ¡°Eclipse Diner,¡± he began, his tone calm but firm, ¡°isn¡¯t just some ordinary restaurant. It¡¯s a callback to the Golden Age¡ªback when the Gods lived alongside all the beings of the Midrealm.¡±


    Ajal tilted his head. ¡°Midrealm?¡± he repeated.


    Phil¡¯s piercing eyes shifted to him. ¡°You know, everyone living here¡ªhumans, Especias, Drapabarn, The Forgotten. All of you. Thought you Arkphis kids would¡¯ve come across the term by now.¡±


    Ajal nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That does make more sense than just saying ¡®humans.¡¯¡±


    Phil waved off the tangent and continued. ¡°I¡¯ve got a friend. His Gift allows him to trap any type of energy¡ªElectric, kinetic, divine, you name it¡ªinside constructs of his creation. For Eclipse Diner, he created a box around the building that traps Divinity. It recreates the same atmosphere that existed during the Golden Age, back when the Gods¡¯ presence saturated every corner of the world.¡±


    Cassian nervously adjusted his glasses and raised a hand slightly, like he was asking a question in class. ¡°Um¡­ w-who¡¯s your friend? That¡¯s a pretty¡­ uh¡­ impressive feat.¡±


    ¡°His name¡¯s Zagaka,¡± Phil answered, his voice casual but carrying weight.


    The three teenagers exchanged glances, each of them silently trying to place the name.


    ¡°Never heard of him,¡± Ajal admitted, crossing his arms.


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Molly said, frowning.


    Cassian shook his head. ¡°Nope.¡±


    Phil shrugged, clearly unconcerned by their lack of recognition. ¡°Not surprising. He¡¯s not the type to seek out fame.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s curiosity got the better of him. ¡°But¡­ how did people even live in that kind of atmosphere? It feels like we¡¯re being crushed just standing here.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Phil let out a deep chuckle, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. ¡°Midrealmers¡¯ bodies adapt quickly. Back in the Golden Age, it wasn¡¯t a choice¡ªit was a necessity. Similar to how your eyes adjust to light, the body adapts to Divinity. Not nearly as fast, obviously. There are also methods to lessen the strain, which is why the customers here aren¡¯t passed out on their tables.¡±


    Cassian¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Methods? Like what?¡±


    Phil gave him a pointed look. ¡°Divinity locking, for one. You stop the atmospheric Divinity mixing with your Intrinsic Divinity too much and you won''t feel that pressure as much. There are other methods as well, of course.¡±


    ¡°Divinity locking,¡± Molly repeated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°We haven¡¯t learned anything about that yet.¡±


    Phil¡¯s expression hardened, his gaze flicking between the three of them. ¡°You¡¯re Arkphis students and haven¡¯t learned Divinity locking yet? What the hell are they teaching you up there?¡±


    The three exchanged uncertain glances.


    Phil sighed heavily, shaking his head. ¡°Never mind. You¡¯ll figure it out soon enough. But for now, get changed. You¡¯re completing a delivery before you leave.¡±


    A waitress burst out of the kitchen, her golden brooch catching the light as she carried a small but intricately carved delivery box. The polished surface was adorned with faintly glowing runes, the lines of energy pulsing like a heartbeat. She handed it to Phil, who held it effortlessly in one clawed hand before extending it toward Cassian.


    ¡°Here. Take it,¡± Phil said.


    Cassian hesitated but stepped forward, carefully reaching for the box. The moment it touched his hands, it dropped straight to the ground with a deafening thud, cracking the floor beneath it. Cassian let out a startled yelp, his glasses nearly falling off as he stumbled back.


    ¡°W-what the hell?!¡± he stammered, staring at the box like it had betrayed him.


    Phil smirked faintly. ¡°Forgot to mention¡ªthat box is heavy because it¡¯s forcing you to use Rye, one of the Nine Steps.¡±


    ¡°The Nine-Steps?¡± Ajal asked, furrowing his brow. ¡°Why?¡±


    Phil leaned against the wall, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°The Nine-Step System was used far more prominently during the Golden Age. This diner¡¯s workers only use the Nine Steps, no Gifts at all. It¡¯s a requirement.¡±


    Ajal turned to Cassian, his tone light but teasing. ¡°I take it you don¡¯t know any of the Nine Steps yet?¡±


    Cassian shook his head rapidly, his nervous wings twitching. ¡°Nope. Not a clue.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Ajal admitted with a shrug.


    Molly rolled her eyes, sighing loudly. ¡°You two are hopeless.¡± She stepped forward and lifted the box with relative ease, balancing it on her hip as though it weighed nothing.


    Phil gave a curt nod of approval. ¡°Good. The address is written on the box. Make sure it gets there in one piece.¡±


    Ajal glanced at the address, his face scrunching in irritation. ¡°Seriously? It¡¯s back up on campus?¡±


    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Molly said flatly, already walking toward the exit.


    Ajal groaned, dragging a hand down his face. ¡°Great. Back up to campus, then back down here. This is going to be such a pain.¡±


    ?


    The rhythmic flapping of wings filled the air as the Basil Drake carriage carried Ajal, Molly, and Cassian through the skies of Campus City. The soft, golden glow of evening sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm hues over the three students, all now dressed in the Eclipse Diner¡¯s uniforms.


    Molly crossed her arms, glaring down at the outfit. The uniform consisted of a sleek black shirt with golden trim, a matching vest adorned with the diner¡¯s crescent-moon emblem, and tailored slacks. The material shimmered faintly with traces of embedded Divinity, hinting at its unique craftsmanship.


    ¡°This outfit sucks,¡± Molly muttered, tugging at her sleeves.


    Cassian, sitting stiffly beside her, looked over and gave her an awkward smile. ¡°I think it looks good on you.¡±


    Molly froze for a split second before her face flushed faintly. She quickly turned away, scowling. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Sitting across from them, Ajal watched the exchange with a knowing smirk. His violet eyes darted between the two, his expression amused.


    ¡°What are you smiling about, idiot?¡± Molly snapped, her blush deepening. ¡°It¡¯s gross. Stop it.¡±


    Ajal shrugged casually, resting his chin in his hand. ¡°Nothing. Just enjoying the ride.¡±


    Molly narrowed her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s already annoying enough that we have to work together. Don¡¯t make it worse with that smug face of yours.¡±


    Cassian nervously raised his hands, trying to mediate. ¡°H-he was just smiling, Molly. Let¡¯s not¡­ y¡¯know, get worked up.¡±


    Ajal waved him off. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Cassian. I¡¯m used to her yelling by now.¡±


    Molly grumbled under her breath, leaning back in her seat.


    For a moment, the atmosphere in the carriage seemed to settle, the steady clatter of wheels providing a brief sense of calm. But Ajal¡¯s gaze shifted, his usual lighthearted demeanor fading. His voice turned serious as he spoke.


    ¡°Molly,¡± he said, breaking the silence, ¡°back when we fought¡­ were you using Rye?¡±


    Molly didn¡¯t respond immediately, her jaw tightening as she looked out the window.


    ¡°Molly,¡± Cassian said softly, his tone pleading.


    With a frustrated sigh, Molly finally turned back to them. ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t using Rye.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of anger flashing across his face. ¡°Why not?¡± he asked, his tone sharp.


    Molly crossed her arms, her expression defiant. ¡°Because it wouldn¡¯t have been fair. Why would I go all out against someone who can barely use their Divinity?¡± She leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t need to push myself just to stroke your ego, Ajal.¡±


    Ajal clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. ¡°It¡¯s not about my ego! You don¡¯t get it, do you? I¡¯m jealous of you¡ªboth of you!¡±


    Both Molly and Cassian blinked, their confusion evident.


    ¡°Jealous?¡± Molly repeated, her tone skeptical. ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    Ajal leaned back, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his hair. ¡°You both have something I don¡¯t¡ªa dream.¡±


    Molly stared at him, her expression unreadable, while Cassian glanced between them, unsure of what to say.


    ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± Molly asked, her voice sharp.


    Ajal met her gaze, his eyes steady and sincere. ¡°My point is because of that, no matter how much you hate me, I look up to you.¡±


    Molly¡¯s expression twisted, her anger bubbling to the surface. ¡°You look up to me?¡± she said, her voice dripping with disbelief. ¡°Don¡¯t give me that shit!¡±


    Cassian instinctively shifted closer to Molly, ready to restrain her if her temper got the better of her.


    But Ajal pressed on, his voice unwavering. ¡°You¡¯re someone who knows what they want. You have a goal, a purpose, and the drive to chase it. That¡¯s something I admire. And that¡¯s why I don¡¯t want you to hold back¡ªagainst anyone.¡±


    Molly¡¯s fists tightened, her nails digging into her palms.


    Ajal leaned forward, his violet eyes burning with determination. ¡°How much do you want to be a hero, Molly?¡±


    ¡°More than you could ever know,¡± Molly snapped, her voice trembling with raw emotion.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t hold back,¡± Ajal said firmly. ¡°Not just for your sake, but for the sake of the people you want to be a hero for. You can hate me as much as you want¡ªI don¡¯t care. But hate me with everything you have.¡±


    The carriage fell silent.


    Molly¡¯s eyes widened slightly, her usual fire momentarily extinguished by Ajal¡¯s words. Even Cassian seemed stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to process the moment.


    Ajal leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms and gazing out the window as though the conversation had already ended.


    Molly stared at him, her anger mingling with something she couldn¡¯t quite identify. She wanted to yell at him, to tell him he was wrong¡ªbut the words wouldn¡¯t come.


    When the carriage finally landed on the Campus, Molly wordlessly hopped out first, the weight of the box making her arms strain slightly but never faltering. Ajal and Cassian followed, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path.


    As they approached the address, the towering silhouette of the dormitory came into view. The building was nestled behind an ornate gate, its iron bars etched with flowing, elegant patterns that glowed faintly with traces of Divinity. The path leading up to the gate was paved with smooth stone and flanked by meticulously pruned hedges. Small floating lanterns bobbed gently above the greenery, their warm light casting a soft glow across the area.


    Molly adjusted her grip on the box, her expression neutral but her pace steady. Cassian lagged slightly behind, nervously tugging at the hem of his shirt as his eyes darted around, clearly out of his comfort zone.


    When they reached the gate, two upperclassmen standing guard turned their attention to them. Their sharp eyes quickly landed on Ajal, and their lips curled into amused smirks.


    ¡°What are you three doing here?¡± one of them asked, his tone casual but tinged with amusement.


    Molly shifted the box slightly. ¡°Delivery from Eclipse Diner,¡± she said bluntly, her tone curt.


    The second upperclassman nudged his friend with a grin. ¡°Wait, is that Ajal?¡±


    The first one chuckled, clearly amused. ¡°Oh, man. Good luck, buddy.¡±


    They stepped aside, one of them waving his hand to activate the gate. With a soft hum, the ornate iron bars parted, allowing the trio to pass.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Cassian muttered nervously as they entered.


    ¡°No idea,¡± Ajal replied, his voice low but annoyed.


    The path beyond the gate was even more extravagant. Vibrant flowers lined the stone trail, their petals shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Small ponds scattered across the area reflected the soft glow of the floating lanterns, their surfaces so still they looked like glass. The entire area exuded an almost surreal tranquility, yet neither Ajal nor Molly seemed impressed.


    ¡°Fancy,¡± Cassian muttered under his breath, though his nervousness was still evident.


    Molly, still carrying the box, didn¡¯t comment, her focus on reaching the dorm. Ajal walked ahead, his expression unreadable, though his pace quickened slightly.


    When they finally arrived at the dorm¡¯s large wooden door, Ajal stepped forward and knocked firmly.


    ¡°Coming!¡± a familiar voice called from inside.


    A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Ophelia, now dressed in a casual outfit that contrasted her usual grandeur. She wore a loose cardigan over a sleeveless top, paired with flowing pants that gave her a laid-back, effortless elegance. Her black hair with blonde ends framed her face perfectly, and her halo was faint, almost unnoticeable in the soft glow of the evening.


    The moment her golden eyes landed on Ajal in his Eclipse Diner uniform, her lips twitched, barely suppressing a laugh.


    ¡°Oh, this is perfect,¡± she said, finally giving in to a giggle. ¡°Buying lunch for everyone was worth it just for this.¡±


    Ajal¡¯s brows furrowed, clearly annoyed. ¡°I thought your territory was at the edge of the country, not on campus,¡± he shot back.


    Ophelia leaned against the doorframe, still smirking. ¡°It is. My classmates are keeping an eye on things for me. This dorm? It¡¯s actually under Bellona¡¯s territory.¡±


    Before Ajal could reply, another figure appeared behind Ophelia. Bellona stepped into view, her stern expression a stark contrast to Ophelia¡¯s playfulness. She wore her usual dark, reserved attire, her braided hair neat and her glasses perched perfectly on her nose. Without a word, she bonked Ophelia on the head with her fan.


    ¡°Stop being a nuisance,¡± Bellona said coolly.


    Ophelia rubbed her head, pouting slightly.


    Bellona turned to Ajal, her tone polite but firm. ¡°I apologize for her behavior. Thank you for the delivery.¡± She reached for the box, which Molly handed over without hesitation.


    As Bellona carried the box inside, Ophelia stepped forward, holding out a 5 Dinari bill with an exaggerated flourish. ¡°Here, consider this a tip,¡± she said, smirking.


    Ajal stared at the bill, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Thanks,¡± he muttered sarcastically, snatching it from her hand.


    Ophelia grinned, clearly enjoying herself.


    Without another word, Ajal turned and stomped off, his irritation evident. Molly and Cassian followed, though Molly shot Ophelia a glare on her way out.


    As they walked away, Ophelia¡¯s gaze lingered on Cassian for a moment, her expression briefly thoughtful. She shrugged and disappeared back into the dorm.


    Cassian, glancing nervously at Ajal, finally asked, ¡°Why does she get under your skin so much?¡±


    Ajal sighed, his footsteps heavy against the stone pathway. ¡°I don¡¯t know. She just does.¡±


    Molly raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because she¡¯s the Inheritor of Life, and you¡¯re the Inheritor of Death. Could be some instinctual dislike or something.¡±


    Ajal shrugged. ¡°Nope. It¡¯s because she¡¯s annoying, plain and simple.¡±


    He unfolded the 5 Dinari bill in his hand, and as he did, a small piece of paper fluttered to the ground.


    Ajal picked it up, frowning. It was a hand-drawn map of the campus with a small ¡°X¡± marked at a specific spot. At the bottom, written in messy handwriting, were the words:


    ¡°Meet here ASAP, loser.¡±


    Ajal sighed, his annoyance growing. ¡°Of course.¡± He crumpled the note and stuffed it into his pocket, continuing to walk.


    Cassian tilted his head. ¡°Are you just going to ignore that?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ajal replied flatly. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to listen to her right now.¡±


    Cassian hesitated, his hands fidgeting nervously. ¡°But¡­ what if it¡¯s important? Shouldn¡¯t you at least check it out?¡±


    Ajal stopped and turned to him, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Why do you care so much?¡±


    Cassian scratched the back of his neck, his gaze darting away. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I guess I¡¯m just curious.¡±


    Ajal stared at him for a moment before sighing in defeat. ¡°Fine. But if this turns out to be a waste of time, I¡¯m blaming you.¡±


    The trio followed the map; the sun dipping below the horizon as they made their way to the marked location. By the time they arrived, the campus was bathed in moonlight, the stars twinkling above.


    They stood in front of a large pond, its surface so still and reflective that it looked like a mirror. The surrounding trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their silhouettes casting long shadows.


    Ajal stared at the pond, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him. ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been here before,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Molly crossed her arms. ¡°Well, she¡¯s not here. Can we leave now?¡±


    Ajal tapped his foot impatiently. ¡°She better not be messing with us. Phil¡¯s gonna be mad that we didn¡¯t go straight back.¡±


    ¡°The bird probably forgot we even left.¡± Molly commented.


    ¡°Fair point,¡± Ajal admitted.


    A voice suddenly cut through the air, light and teasing. ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±


    The trio turned to see Ophelia standing beside them, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Her casual demeanor only added to their irritation.


    Ophelia tilted her head, her halo faintly glowing. ¡°Why are they here?¡± She gestured to Cassian and Molly.


    Ajal scowled. ¡°Why are you late?¡±


    Ophelia smiled sweetly. ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t. I just wanted to inconvenience you a little.¡±


    Cassian, fidgeting nervously, finally spoke up. ¡°I-I was just curious, so I tagged along¡­¡±


    Molly rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m just keeping an eye on him.¡±


    Ophelia sighed, "Whatever, you two meeting him won''t make a difference."


    Ajal furrowed his brow as he turned to Ophelia, confusion written all over his face. ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®him¡¯?¡± he asked, his tone sharp with curiosity.


    Ophelia didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she rolled her eyes and gave him a hard shove, sending him tumbling backward into the lake.


    ¡°What the¡ª?!¡± Ajal¡¯s shout was cut off by a loud splash.


    Molly and Cassian froze, their jaws dropping in shock.


    ¡°Did you just¡ª¡± Molly began, but before she could finish, Ophelia leaped gracefully into the water after Ajal, the halo above her head shimmering faintly as it followed her descent.


    Under the surface, the water felt oddly warm. Ajal blinked, his surroundings blurring momentarily before everything shifted. He found himself lying on his back, staring up at the sky¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t the same sky he¡¯d seen just moments ago.


    A massive tree loomed above him, its trunk ashen grey and its sprawling branches adorned with vivid blue leaves that glowed faintly, casting the area in an otherworldly light. Ajal pushed himself to his feet, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar yet hauntingly beautiful forest.


    ¡°No way¡­¡± he muttered, his voice barely audible as realization hit him. ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡±


    Ophelia¡¯s voice rang out, snapping him from his thoughts. ¡°Quit gawking and hurry up. He¡¯s waiting.¡±


    A wide grin spread across Ajal¡¯s face, one filled with excitement and disbelief.


    Behind him, Cassian¡¯s timid voice broke through. ¡°Who¡¯s waiting?¡±


    Ophelia whipped around, her expression startled. Her golden eyes widened as she saw Cassian and Molly standing not far behind Ajal, looking just as drenched as he was.


    ¡°What the hell are you two doing here?!¡± Ophelia barked.


    Cassian rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°You weren¡¯t coming back up, so¡­ we jumped in after you.¡±


    Molly crossed her arms and frowned. ¡°Seriously, who¡¯s waiting for you? What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    Ophelia groaned, dragging a hand down her face. ¡°Ugh. He¡¯s a loudmouth show-off with way too much free time,¡± she muttered.


    Molly¡¯s eyes narrowed, unimpressed. She turned to Ajal for a better answer. ¡°Well?¡±


    To her dismay, Ajal just nodded in agreement with Ophelia, his grin refusing to fade. ¡°She¡¯s not wrong,¡± he said, though his voice carried an unmistakable note of anticipation.


    Molly frowned but said nothing.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Ophelia said, heading deeper into the forest. ¡°Might as well show you now that you¡¯re here.¡±


    The group followed her, weaving through the glowing trees and faintly luminescent undergrowth. Ajal¡¯s excitement grew with every step, his gaze darting from the towering trunks to the forest floor that seemed to pulse faintly with light. Cassian, meanwhile, kept glancing around nervously, and Molly, despite her scowl, couldn¡¯t hide her curiosity.


    The trees began to thin, and the group stepped into a clearing. Molly and Cassian both froze at the sight before them. Massive white spikes jutted out of the ground in a circular formation, towering high into the sky. They gleamed faintly under the eerie blue light, their sharp tips piercing the heavens. At the center of the clearing was a dark cave, its entrance framed by the towering spikes.


    ¡°What¡­ is this place?¡± Cassian whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Neither Ajal nor Ophelia answered. The two of them strode forward with purpose, Ajal¡¯s smile growing wider with each step.


    The cave was dark, the air cool and damp. The faint sound of dripping water echoed softly around them as they ventured deeper inside. Ahead of them, a faint glow illuminated the darkness¡ªa single figure sitting cross-legged in the center of the cavern.


    Cassian slowed, his hands clenching nervously at his sides. ¡°This¡­ feels wrong,¡± he muttered.


    Molly squinted at the figure. ¡°Who the hell is that?¡±


    The figure shifted slightly, the faint glow catching the outline of maroon hair. His posture was rigid, his presence exuding an air of mystery as he remained perfectly still.


    Ajal let out a tired sigh. ¡°Really?¡±


    Ophelia rolled her eyes and casually spun her halo on her finger. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it flying, the glowing ring bouncing off the cavern walls. As it struck the crystals embedded in the stone, the entire cave lit up with a brilliant, shimmering glow.


    The once-ominous figure in the center of the room was revealed in full¡ªKaito, sitting in a beanbag chair with a forced, overly serious expression. His maroon hair was slightly tousled, and his attempt at looking ominous immediately fell apart as his eyes darted toward the now-glowing walls.


    ¡°Hey! Who turned on the lights?!¡± Kaito said, scrambling to adjust his posture. He leaned back casually in the beanbag chair, trying to reclaim his composure.


    Ophelia pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°You¡¯re insufferable.¡±


    Kaito ignored her, a wide grin spreading across his face as his eyes landed on Ajal. ¡°Well, well. Long time no see, kid.¡±


    Ajal couldn¡¯t hold back his smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while,¡± he replied, his voice filled with genuine excitement.

 Chapter 25: Secrets and Stakes

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