The academy grounds buzzed with energy as students moved between classes, their voices blending into a constant hum of activity. Bolt Ashborn walked through the halls, lost in thought. His mind wasn't on class. It wasn't on the defeated Crimson Fang. It wasn't even on the multiple faction leaders who had tried to recruit him before he formed Celestial Tempest—his own faction, his own path.
No, his thoughts were consumed by something far greater.
The War God.
The memory of that divine presence still lingered in his mind. A voice like rolling thunder had echoed through his dreams, warning him that he had already been helped three times and could only be aided seven more times. Ten chances total. That was all the War God could offer him.
And now, standing beneath the academy's towering stone archways, Bolt couldn't shake the feeling that he was running out of time.
He clenched his fists, feeling the flicker of elemental energy pulse beneath his skin. Fire, water, wind, earth, lightning—he had them all. But mastery? That was a different story.
"You're frowning again," Akane said, stepping beside him. Her violet eyes studied his expression. "That usually means something's bothering you."
"I'm fine," Bolt muttered.
Akane scoffed. "Liar."
Bolt sighed but didn't respond. He didn't know how to explain what had happened—how could he tell anyone that he had been chosen by a god?
Before he could dwell on it, a loud voice interrupted.
"Hey, Celestial Tempest!"
Bolt turned, spotting Darian Gage jogging up to them. With his sharp grin and cocky attitude, Darian had fit right into their faction immediately. He excelled in Earth and Metal manipulation, making him one of the most durable fighters in the academy.
"You're both heading to class, right?" Darian asked, brushing dust off his uniform. "Because I heard something interesting."
Akane crossed her arms. "Spit it out, Gage."
"Word is, the top-ranked faction is scouting us."
Bolt narrowed his eyes. "You mean Obsidian Creed?"
Darian nodded. "Yeah. The strongest faction in the academy. I overheard some seniors talking about how their leader, Magnus Voss, is keeping an eye on us after what happened with Crimson Fang."
Akane clicked her tongue. "They didn't care about us before. Why now?"
"Because Bolt wiped the floor with Crimson Fang in one move," Darian said. "That kind of power doesn't go unnoticed."
Bolt didn't respond. He already knew people were watching him. The question was why.
As they approached the academy's training grounds, the War God's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, deep and resounding.
"You are not ready."
Bolt froze mid-step.
"You barely grasp the power within you. For now, you may only wield one percent of it."
His breath hitched. One percent?! He had already felt unstoppable, and yet the War God was saying he had barely scratched the surface?
"Master it, or be consumed by it."
The voice faded, leaving a sharp ringing in his ears.
Akane and Darian stopped ahead, noticing his hesitation.
"You good, Bolt?" Darian asked.
Bolt forced himself to nod. "Yeah."
But inside, he was anything but.
A fraction of his power. That's all he had been using? That meant he was holding back without even knowing it.
If he didn't take control of it soon… what would happen when he unleashed it all?
As Bolt tried to calm his thoughts, a sudden explosion shook the academy.
BOOM!
A shockwave of crimson energy tore through the training grounds, shattering windows and sending students scrambling for cover. The sky itself seemed to darken, as if something ancient and malevolent had awakened.
Bolt turned sharply—just in time to see a cloaked figure standing in the wreckage.
A deep, rumbling voice echoed across the battlefield.
"I've finally found you, Wa
rborn."
Bolt's heart pounded.
Who was this?
And why did they know his secret?