⚔️ Chapter 64 –
"Even stars cast shadows. And some shadows learn to bleed."—The Forgotten Archives of Crosnic Verse
🎭 Scene 1: Sinjai Academy Battle Arena – Match Day
Thousands of students filled the grand stadium. Floating screens displayed live feeds from the battleground.
Aeren, Anshi, and their teammate Kairos (a calm strategist from Class 2 with wind-based skills) stood before the portal gate, waiting for teleportation.
Match: Team 13 vs. Team 5
The announcer's voice echoed:
"Team 5 is led by Leira Nox, Silver-tier Seeker with Shadow Wraith control, and backed by two Bronze-level twins—specializing in illusions and mid-range burst strikes."
Aeren clenched his fist.
I can't show too much. Not yet. But… I can't let us lose either.
⚔️ Scene 2: The Battle Begins
The battlefield was an abandoned village simulation, cloaked in artificial night. Fog curled through the empty streets. The perfect setting for Leira's team.
"Stay close," Anshi whispered. "Don't wander alone. They'll pick us off."
Suddenly—shadows struck.
Dark tendrils whipped toward Kairos. He deflected with a burst of air, but two shadow wolves closed in.
Aeren leaped sideways, dodging an ambush—but barely.
He activated his mind analysis. Pattern… timing… there!
He caught the enemy's rhythm and whispered:
"Kairos! Wind burst—5 meters left!"
Kairos obeyed—and blew away a hidden attacker.
The twins were stunned.
How did he know!? they both thought.
But Aeren didn't answer. His eyes glowed faintly—his ability pulsing.
🧠 Meanwhile: Hidden Skill Awakens
Suddenly, Aeren felt something… off.
One of the illusions wasn't fake.
A real blade was aiming at Anshi's back.
He turned just in time—pushing her away.
The blade grazed his shoulder.
"Tsk. Should've killed her," whispered a masked student in black robes.
Aeren's mind snapped.
This wasn't part of the match.
He read the intruder's mind—and saw it.
"Eliminate Anshi quietly. Leave no trace. For the future of the Order."
Aeren's eyes widened.
"This isn't just a battle… this is an assassination."
He leaped forward—using no weapon—just speed and instinct.
The assassin parried—but suddenly froze.
Why… can't I move? My body… it's not listening…
Aeren's powers interfered with his mind. Temporarily.
"You shouldn't have come for her," Aeren said darkly.
With a single punch—amplified by a strange surge of distorted energy—the attacker crashed into the simulated wall.
The illusion shattered. He was forcibly teleported out by emergency override.
🕵️ Scene 3: The Aftermath of the Duel
Team 13 won.
But the faculty was in chaos.
An attack during the competition?
It wasn't a glitch. That blade was real. And only someone from inside could've allowed it.
"Security breach in simulation chamber," one Diamond-tier teacher muttered. "Send the report to High Command."
Anshi, still catching her breath, looked at Aeren.
"You… knew he was coming. How?"
Aeren didn't answer.He looked at his palm.
The second symbol had appeared—The Crest of Reflection.
🩸 Scene 4: Inside the Order's Hidden Chamber
Mr. Vael smashed his desk.
"Failure?! He defeated a Level 2 assassin while unranked?! What is this boy?"
Behind him, a voice spoke.
"Perhaps we shouldn't try to kill him too soon."
A cloaked woman stepped forward. She wore black scales on her gloves.
"Perhaps… we recruit him."
Vael glared.
"And let him remember who he is?"
The woman smiled.
"Let him remember. Then we break him from the inside."
🧬 Scene 5: Nightfall – Secret Message from a Hidden Room
That night, under the moon, Aeren received a message on his academy tablet.
"You've been selected for the Advanced Seeker Integration Program. Report at midnight to Tower 7. Come alone."
It wasn't from the academy.
And somehow… he already knew.
This was the start of something bigger.
"I'll go," Aeren whispered. "I want to know… who I am."
🕯️ End of Chapter 64