Dimension Eclipse – Chapter 7
The air inside the Rift was tense, heavy with silence, as if something had gone terribly wrong. The faint trace of aura energy that once connected the students through their tags had vanished.
Miss Alina worried, muttering under her breath, her face pale
"Something is wrong… the aura inside the name tags it's completely gone. I can't feel them anymore!"
Clutching her chest in panic, she quickly glances around before dashing toward Teacher Siwo
Miss Alina voice trembling, urgency in her tone
"Damn it… I need to inform the teachers immediately. Something unusual is happening here."
Teacher Siwo standing near the entrance, arms crossed, calm at first
"It's been quite some time. It looks like the students should be arriving soon…"
But before he can finish, Alina rushes to him, panting heavily, eyes wide with panic
Miss Alina:
"Sir! Something's wrong!"
Teacher Siwo frowning, confused by her alarm
"What happened, Miss Alina? Why do you look so shaken?"
Miss Alina in panicked
"The aura energy of Team 1's students has disappeared."
Teacher Siwo shocked, eyes narrowing
"What?! How is that possible? Weren't you with them?"
Miss Alina nodding rapidly, voice trembling
"Yes! I stayed close, just as you instructed. I kept my distance but maintained my link through their tags I could feel their energy… but suddenly… it just vanished. Gone. As if they disappeared completely!"
Teacher Siwo clenching his fists, grim expression
"Shit…"
Another teacher, Bekiyon, overhears and rushes closer
Teacher Bekiyon anxious
"What happened?"
Teacher Siwo voice sharp, commanding
"Immediately gather all the students! And bring the S-class students directly to me!"
Teacher Bekiyon hesitating, confused
"But what's going on? What's the emergency?"
Teacher Siwo grim, eyes darkening
"It looks like we've been dragged into another serious trouble…"
Teacher Bekiyon gritting his teeth, frustrated
"Dammit! Seriously? Again?! It's only been a few months since the Runes incident and the students have barely recovered, and now this?"
Teacher Siwo cutting him off, voice stern
"We don't have time for complaints. Do as I said now!"
He turns back to Alina, his tone softer but still tense
Teacher Siwo:
"Miss Alina, show me. Where was the last place you sensed their energy?"
Without delay, Siwo and Alina rushed to the location where the missing students' energy was last detected, their expressions grim and heavy with concern.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Rift, a group of students found themselves trapped and overwhelmed.
Kaede nervous, sweat dripping down his forehead, clutching his arms
"Damn it… what kind of mess have we gotten ourselves into this time?"
Fernando trying to sound steady, though tension flickers in his voice
"Don't panic. We'll find a way out… no matter what."
Jessica frustrated, glaring at the blocked passage
"Yeah, easy for you to say. The path we came throughbit's completely blocked by rocks now!"
Shru eyes darting around, anger mixed with fear
"And where did all these monsters come from? They weren't here before!"
Kaede thinking back, eyes narrowing as he recalls
"When that guardian appeared, I noticed something… he was bound by artifact chains. That probably means… it couldn't leave the mansion."
Fernando turning sharply, suspicious
"Are you sure about that?"
Kaede shaking his head, biting his lips
"I'm not completely sure, but if Litch could have come out, we would have already been dead by now."
Shru groaning, leaning against a cracked wall, exhaustion in her eyes
"Ugh… we just barely survived the Runes incident a few months ago, and now we're stuck in another Rift problem? I'm so tired of this…"
Emma hugging herself tightly, her voice trembling
"I… I'm scared. Just look at those monsters. They're way too strong…"
Fernando gritting his teeth, assessing the situation
"Those smaller ones they're at least D-rank. Weakest, yes, but still dangerous. Fortunately, some of us are already at D-rank peak. We can handle them."
Shru nodding toward the distance, fear in her eyes
"The real problem is that rock monster. It feels like a C-rank… at least."
Jessica fist clenched, trying to pump courage into herself
"Come on, if we all attack at once, we can definitely take down a C‑rank monster."
Fernando snapping at her, frustrated
"Don't be reckless, Jessica! If it was just one, maybe we can. But there are many! Our best chance is to stay hidden beneath these ruins for now."
Jessica stubborn, biting her lips
"But they'll sense our aura sooner or later. We can't hide forever."
Kaede calming her, raising his hand:
"Not so easily…"
Golden-yellow aura slowly began flowing from Kaede's body, faintly glowing as it seeped into the ground beneath them. He active his third-category power, drawing a glowing circle under everyone's feet.
Jessica eyes widening in amazement:
"Wow, Kaede… you've learned to use your third-category power… and that too so precisely?"
Kaede scratching his head with a nervous smile, trying to downplay it:
"Ah… it's not that great. I still don't have full control over it."
Fernando grinning, patting his shoulder:
"Kid, even that much is impressive. At least you can manage it."
Jessica smirking, teasing Fernando:
"And what about you, Fernando? Didn't you use your second-category power inside the mansion with almost full control?"
Fernando shrugging, sighing:
"That was only for a short time. None of us have complete mastery yet. We only awakened our powers a few months ago. Full control is… still far off. But if someone does manage it this early… it means they're either exceptionally talented, or their will to surpass everyone else is unbreakable."
While some students were struggling to hide, others were fighting among themselves—unaware of the greater danger lurking in the Rift.
Shirou and Noxy had clashed. Their aura energies were so dense that the weaker monsters disintegrated the moment they drew close. Sparks of destructive power filled the air with every movement.
Shirou grinning arrogantly, dodging swiftly, his voice sharp:
"Looks like you've learned to control your third-category powers pretty well."
Noxy smirking, taunting, eyes glowing with purple aura:
"Of course. But you, Shirou… you still haven't mastered yours, have you?"
Shirou dashed across the rocky terrain, leaping from boulders and dodging Noxy's relentless strikes with uncanny agility.
Shirou with a sarcastic smile:
"Maybe you're right." or maybe not
Noxy taunting, pressing the attack:
"Come on! How long are you going to keep running? Just accept defeat and let me crush you already!"
Shirou smirking arrogantly, eyes blazing:
"Didn't I already tell you? You're not qualified enough to defeat me."
Noxy dark grin, unleashing his power:
"Let's see, then. AAhh.. Third-category power… Energy Bursttt!"!!!!
At his words, purple aura erupted, swirling violently and trapping Shirou within its radius.
Noxy raising his hand, eyes glinting with malice:
"Let's see how you escape this! Now—burst!"
Shirou eyes widening, muttering in frustration:
"Damn it… I can't dodge this…!"
A massive explosion engulfed the area, shaking the surroundings with its power.
Scene Shift
Alina – "I felt their energy here last time… right at this spot."
She furrows her brow, unease flickering across her face as she recalls the residual aura she sensed.
Teacher Siwo – "Wait a second… the aura energy here is unstable."
He pauses, eyes narrowing at the readings on his instruments.
Teacher Siwo – suddenly alarmed "Could it be… what I'm thinking… No, it can't be!"
His voice trembles slightly, betraying his inner panic.
At that moment, someone approaches from behind.
Miss Lerry – entering, calm but serious"Yes… you're thinking correctly. There are hidden Runes inside this Rift."
She glances at Siwo with a knowing expression, as if confirming an invisible danger.
Teacher Siwo – "Shit… but how is this possible? This is… a rare phenomenon."
He runs a hand through his hair, worry lines deepening.
Miss Lerry – ""You're right, but now this has already happened to us."."
Her tone is grave but steady, the weight of experience in her words.
Both Rifts and Runes are referred to as dimension cracks, although in terms of structure and danger ranking, they are quite different from each other. However, since both are dimension cracks, in extremely rare cases their dimensional wavelengths can interact with each other. This usually happens due to the existence of forbidden Runes. When this occurs, a Rift and a Rune can become connected, although only a small part of the Rune actually enters the Rift, and even that part remains inactive.
But if, by some means, a forbidden Rune becomes active, then the entire area under the Rune becomes highly dangerous. Everything within it effectively gets cut off from the Rift. In such situations, the survival rate depends on the level of the Rune. The level of a forbidden Rune is always between B and S, which means that for D-level students, the chances of survival there are extremely low."
Miss Lerry – "I don't understand… just a few months ago, there was an incident, and now this happens again?"
She clenches her fists, anxiety bubbling beneath her professional exterior.
Teacher Siwo – "Teacher Siwo "Calm down, Miss Lerry. As you know, all these students have come to this academy so that in the future they can serve the Empire. That's why they must learn to keep themselves alive even in such dangerous situations.
Anyway, as you know, in future exams and tests, students' lives can also be at risk. Right now, these students haven't even seen much. You also know that every year, many students join our academy, but only a few manage to graduate, and some die along the way. That's why when they joined the academy, they already accepted the possibility of death in their future.
I hope you understand what I'm saying. This is the truth for every academy, for every warrior."."
His gaze is sharp, a mix of authority and worry.
Miss Lerry – "Yes… but these students are still inexperienced. And this isn't even a final exam. Our duty is to protect them for now."
She straightens her back, determination flickering in her eyes.
Teacher Siwo – "I know."
Miss Lerry– "mis Alina Have you sensed anything unusual yet?"
Her voice is tense, hoping for some reassurance.
Alina – "No… not yet. I can't feel anything at all."
She bites her lip, frustration crossing her face.
Teacher Siwo thinking to himself "This means the Rune has already been activated. In this situation, hoping that all the students will return alive would be foolish. We must be prepared for the consequences
Scene Shift
Shru – "Ugh… how long do we have to stay hiding here? I'm starving."
She fidgets, leaning against a rock, clearly restless.
Fernando – "Calm down a bit. Teachers and the S-class students will arrive to help us soon."
He tries to maintain composure, scanning the surroundings carefully.
Kaede – "Don't worry, Shru. Once we get out of here, I'll treat you."
His voice carries a soft, reassuring tone.
Shru – "Awww… thanks, little brother."
She smirks, her tension easing slightly.
Emma – "Guys… this is okay, but look behind us. The other students… they seem really scared."
Her eyes dart nervously, her voice tinged with concern.
The group of students is visibly panicked they've been thrust into another dangerous situation. This time, the fear is stronger: if the Litch finds them before help arrives, they might all die.
Fernando – "Relax, everyone. Don't panic. For now, we are safe…"
His voice is calm but firm, trying to instill courage.
A girl stammers nervously: "Fer…nan…do… Fernando…"
Fernando spins around abruptly.
Fernando – "What is it?"
His expression tightens as he sees the threat.
A Rock Monster charges toward them, sensing their presence.
"Shru: Hey Kaede, what happened to your Concealed?"
Her tone mixes urgency with concern.
Kaede – "I… I'm sorry. I don't have full control over my powers yet. I think I overused my energy."
His voice is tense, a bead of sweat running down his temple.
Jessica – "Everyone, fall back! Move!"
Her command cuts through the panic.
The Rock Monster swings its massive arm. But Jessica reacts instantly, channeling her powers through energy balls, destroying its hands in a dazzling display of force.
Jessica – "Come on, guys! Do something, now!"
Fernando – grim "Shit… looks like we'll have to fight. Everyone, retreat! Shru, you can fight, right?"
Shru – "Yes! I'm ready!"
She sets her stance, her body radiating confidence and aura energy.
Fernando — "Good. Now listen, everyone: Jessica, Shru and I will provide cover so you can sneak away and reach a safe place. Kaede, for now I'm putting you in charge of them — lead them along the right path."
Kaede – nervous, confused "I… me?
A guy — skeptical, arms folded, voice low so only nearby students can hear "Fernando — are you sure about this? Is that weak kid really going to be able to lead us? Students from his own class always bully him."
A few students glance at Kaede with doubtful expressions; a nervous whisper spreads through the group.
Guy 2 — leaning forward, worry creasing his brow "Yeah. If he panics and makes a wrong decision, we'll all be in serious trouble."
Others shift uneasily, checking exits and clutching their gear. Jessica's jaw tightens; Shru gives Kaede a quick, protective look. Fernando's face goes hard as he weighs their words.
"Here's your line with added details, keeping Fernando's personality and the tense situation intact:
Fernando — snapping, his voice echoing sharply over the murmurs "Enough! All of you, shut your nonsense right now. If you want to stay alive, then follow what I'm telling you!"
He steps forward, glaring at the group, his aura flaring slightly with authority. The students fall silent under his intense stare.
"I trust him And you're going to have to trust him too, whether you like it or not."
His tone leaves no room for argument, and the nervous whispers die away. Jessica gives a firm nod beside him, and Shru adjusts his stance, ready to cover them. Kaede looks stunned for a moment but clenches his fists, trying to steady his breathing.
Kaede — voice trembling, eyes dropping "But Fernando… do you really think I can do this? Actually, I don't… I—"
Fernando cuts him off without hesitation.
Fernando — sharp, stepping closer, overriding the murmurs "Listen, Kaede I don't know why you don't trust yourself, but out of all of them, you're the most reliable to me. Please help us."
Fernando looks at Kaede with eyes full of trust.
Kaede understands that look. For the first time in his life, someone has placed so much faith in him.
A memory of Kaede's past flashes before his eyes.
A guy — mocking, sneering "See? He's still weak. Come on, man — we can't always save you."
A girl — dismissive "Yeah, I told you. He's useless. When I first met him with Luna and Alex, I thought he'd be strong — but he's nothing."
(Present — Kaede stands silently, listening to those old taunts echoing in his head.)
Kaede — quietly, gathering himself "Yes… because of some reasons, my confidence had completely vanished. I thought I wasn't worthy of anyone's trust. But this time I'll try again."
Kaede –– resolute, straightening his shoulders "Alright I'm ready.
Following Fernando's orders, all the students start moving forward cautiously, keeping low and staying close together.
From behind, Fernando, Jessica, and Shru provide cover, engaging the monsters fiercely. Clashing weapons and bursts of aura energy light up the path as they fight, ensuring the others can move safely. The roar of the monsters and the shouts of the students echo through the area, but Fernando's team holds the line, blocking attacks and keeping the group protected as they advance
The students follow Fernando's instructions, moving cautiously while Fernando, Jessica, and Shru cover them from behind, taking down smaller monsters as they advance.
Kaede – "We have to get out of here quickly. Damn… there's no safe spot nearby. I have to try something… Kaede, Aura Enchantment!"
His eyes glow brightly as aura energy radiates outward, spreading across the area. He strains, sweat pouring, already at his limits.
Kaede – "Yes! I found it! Listen everyone, there's a river a short distance from here. We need to reach the other side!" of the river
A student – "But why? Is there something on the other side of the river that can save us?
Kaede – "If we cross, these normal monsters they have no brains they can't follow us by swimming. As for the bigger ones… they'll dive under the water to wait, giving us a little time. We can even hide in the forest afterward; aura detection there is extremely difficult."
His face shows pain but also determination, every word strained with effort.
Fernando – "Kaede is right. Follow his lead!"
Suddenly, a Rock Golem attacks Fernando directly.
Fernando – "Shit! It's rank C! If it hits me…" I will definitely... .di...
Suddenly someone appears
Shru reacts instantly. Charging her guns, she draws in massive amounts of aura energy from the surroundings, amplifying their destructive power.
Shru – "Alright… Turbo Charge!"
A blinding wave of energy explodes from her guns, obliterating the Golem into pieces.
Fernando – astonished"Wow… that attack was incredible! You literally took down a C-rank monster in one shot!"
But Shru staggers, blood trickling from her nose, showing she overexerted herself.
Jessica – "Are you okay?"
Shru – wiping blood, gritting teeth "I'm fine… just… used a bit too much energy."
Fernando – "For now, the immediate danger is gone. Everyone, fall back slowly."
The students begin moving toward the river, unaware that someone is watching them.
Litch observes them through a crystal ball, a chilling smile spreading across his face, eyes glinting with dark amusement.
And so, Chapter 7 ends with the students escaping immediate danger, their hearts pounding, unaware of the eyes that follow them… and the greater threat looming over them.