The academy's training hall was enormous, a vast dome supported by glowing runes that shimmered faintly across the walls. The hum of mana filled the air, steady and alive, as if the place itself breathed with energy.
Arven stood near the entrance, watching students sparring on separate platforms. Blades clashed, bursts of mana exploded, and instructors shouted commands from a distance. Every movement felt alive with purpose and power.
So this is where everyone sharpens their strength… he thought, eyes tracing the flow of energy through the hall.
"Arven!"
He turned to see Kael waving at him enthusiastically from one of the practice circles, Lyra standing nearby with her arms crossed, her golden hair reflecting the light.
"Took you long enough," she teased.
Arven smirked. "Sorry for not running to get hit in the head first thing in the morning."
Kael laughed. "You'll thank me after this. Come on, let's see how well you can control that mana now."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "Don't break the floor this time, Kael."
"No promises," Kael replied, his grin widening as he stepped into the circle.
As they faced each other, the mana around them responded, activating the runes beneath their feet. A faint golden light spread from the floor, forming a transparent barrier around the training zone.
Kael raised his hand, and light mana surged from his body, radiant and pure. It condensed into a massive two-handed greatsword, glowing with golden brilliance. The intensity of his mana forced some nearby students to take a step back.
Arven exhaled slowly, his own mana swirling to life — a darker aura, heavy and cold. The shadows around him thickened, forming a faint silhouette of a weapon that flickered in and out of shape.
"Still unstable?" Kael asked.
Arven smirked faintly. "Maybe I just like keeping you guessing."
Kael chuckled. "Then stop talking and fight."
Kael charged first, his greatsword cutting through the air in a blinding arc. Arven ducked under the swing, the blade slicing past him and sending a gust of warm air across his face.
He retaliated with a quick burst of dark mana — the energy lashed out like a whip, but Kael's light flared, dispelling it with ease. Their clash sent ripples through the barrier.
"Still think you can beat me?" Kael called, his tone half-mocking.
Arven grinned. "Wouldn't be fun if I didn't."
They exchanged a flurry of strikes, light and shadow colliding with each impact. Sparks of mana burst outward, illuminating their movements. The students who had gathered nearby whispered in awe.
"That's the new guy from Class S."
"His mana feels strange… like it's fighting itself."
"Still, he's keeping up with Kael."
Kael pressed forward, his swings wide and powerful. Arven, faster and lighter, dodged and countered with sudden bursts of dark energy. Each movement pushed him closer to losing control — the power within him twisted, unstable and alive.
Stay calm… keep it steady…
Kael's sword came down again, glowing like the sun. Arven met it with his unstable weapon — the impact triggered a violent shockwave.
A deep hum echoed through the hall. The runes beneath them flickered, and for a brief second, the light dimmed.
Then came the change.
A strange wave of grayish mana burst outward from Arven's position, silent but heavy, shaking the air itself. The radiant light of Kael's sword faltered, its golden glow swallowed by a colorless haze.
Kael stepped back, stunned. "What the—? That wasn't dark mana…"
Arven stared at his hands. The shadows were gone — replaced by a faint silver light, dim yet strangely calm.
This isn't mine…
Before either of them could say another word, the great doors of the hall opened with a sharp creak.
"Enough."
Professor Aria Greenish walked in, her long green hair swaying gently as mana pulsed around her like waves of wind. Her emerald eyes glowed with authority.
"All students, stop immediately," she commanded, her voice firm but even. "Training is over for today."
Kael lowered his sword reluctantly. "Professor, we didn't—"
"Now, Kael," she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The hall fell silent. One by one, the students began to leave, murmuring about what had just happened. Kael gave Arven a puzzled look before heading out with Lyra.
"You really attract trouble, don't you?" Kael muttered with a grin as he passed.
Arven didn't answer. He was still staring at his hands, the faint silver glow fading away.
As the last of the students left, the runes along the walls pulsed weakly once more. The air felt heavier, almost aware.
Arven lifted his gaze toward the empty ceiling. A chill ran down his spine.
That presence… it was watching me.