Prologue: Rayan's Morning Regret
"HELLO, IT'S ME, RAYAN. I JUST WOKE UP AND I DON'T FEEL LIKE WAKING UP ANYMORE. THIS ISN'T THE WORLD I WAS HOPING FOR!!"
I blinked at the morning light filtering through my window—too bright for tired eyes. Four weeks of false peace had done nothing to quiet the what-ifs in my mind. What if I and my friends hadn't been torn from our old lives? Would we be safe, even if dull, among familiar streets? I tightened my grip on the Timeless Blade's hilt, its runes pulsing like a heartbeat I couldn't still. Another rift might open today. Another nightmare could begin.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, boots already laced from restless sleep. There was no room for regret now; duty called.
I. The Great Assembly
The morning air was cool and crisp as banners fluttered at half-mast across the courtyard. Headmaster Elira Vance stood upon the marble dais, robes billowing like storm clouds. Before her, the combined forces of the Arcania Adventurer's Academy and the Guild of Arcania formed neat ranks—academy guards in gleaming plate, guild members in varied leathers and silks, weapons at the ready.
"Today," Elira's voice rang like tempered steel, "we stand together to protect this Academy and the realm it nurtures."
She glanced at Guildmaster Rhea of the Silver Gauntlets, whose eyes reflected the shimmer of time-ward runes carved into the courtyard floor.
Rhea inclined her head. "Containment beyond time wards is my specialty. We will not see another rift open under our watch."
A murmur rippled through the ranks—relief mingled with unease, for though the four-week lull had felt peaceful, everyone sensed that calm was merely the breath before the storm.
II. Shoulder to Shoulder
The academy walls echoed with the clatter of morning patrols as guild members slotted seamlessly beside veteran guards. Rayan walked at the head of a unit, the Timeless Blade sheathed at his hip. At his side, Cezar flexed wolf ears, tail flicking as he exchanged banter with a guild scout.
"Try not to trip over those robes," Cezar teased a Silver Gauntlet recruit.
The recruit grinned, eyes bright. "I'll leave the tripping to the humani—er, academy folk."
A few cadets scowled at the outsiders, but Tonio intercepted them with a gentle bow.
"Learning comes in many forms. Today, we learn from each other."
Yeon drifted aside, tracing runes in the dust with a blood-inked fingertip. His crimson sigil pulsed faintly—a reminder that every silent classroom carried the echo of battle.
III. Four Weeks of Classes A. History of the Abyss
In the lecture hall, Professor Zura stood before towering tapestries of past demon invasions. Her silver finger swept across a mosaic map of faded parchment and glowing ley lines.
"These breaches come in cycles," she murmured. "Arcania endures each time—but notice these coastal rifts coincide with ancient pacts long since broken."
Cezar raised a hand. "You mean the Varronian sea spirits?"
A noblewoman from Varron nodded. "Our ancestors bound the Leviathan. The bargain shattered centuries ago—now its hunger stirs beneath the waves."
Rayan exchanged a wary glance with Tonio. Every piece of lore pointed to an ancient power waiting to awaken.
B. Arcane Theory & Mana Control
Madame Velari's workshop hummed with arcane energy. Crystals glowed, parchments fluttered as students coaxed mana threads between their fingers.
"Blood magic surges," Velari observed, eyes on Yeon's pulsing sigil. "Master Yenchun—guide your power with intention, not impulse."
Yeon snorted, rolling crimson-stained sleeves. "I'll do my best, teacher."
Across the room, Rayan carefully trapped a tiny mote of frozen time in a glass orb—each shimmer a heartbeat paused.
C. Sword & Combat Drills
On the sunlit yard, Tonio directed cadets through shield walls and thorned entanglements. Opposite him, Cezar in wolf form sparred with a guild lightning-bearer, claws glowing with violet sparks.
"Stance firm!" Tonio called. "Earth anchors blade and vine!"
Cezar sidestepped a crackling strike. "Easier taught than practiced!"
From the delegation of Elyndor, a tall swordswoman stepped forward, challenging Rayan to a friendly bout. Their blades sang in harmony—his mastery of timing against her fierce precision.
D. Cultural Exchange
In the grand hall, envoys from Elyndor and Varron displayed gifts: Elyndor's flame-forged steel, Varron's pearl-inlaid charms.
An Elyndorian envoy praised, "Your time wards are a marvel, Headmaster. May our scholars study them?"
Elira inclined her head. "Shared wisdom multiplies strength—but trust is forged, not given."
Beneath the courteous smiles, whispers of political ambition wove through the crowd.
IV. Guild Demonstration
Guildmaster Rhea stepped forward, twin blades of phase-steel shimmering at her hips.
"Phase-Steel Strike," she announced. In a blink, the blades sliced through a reinforced ward wall, leaving a clean rift of rippling air.
Gasps filled the courtyard.
Even Yeon whispered, "Magic beyond blood."
Rhea sheathed her weapons, gaze sweeping the students. "Preparedness wins wars. Remember this day."
V. Beneath the Surface
Under flickering lanterns in the Hall of Scrolls, the four convened around the Timeless Blade laid flat on ancient stone.
"Look at this," Rayan whispered, tracing the pommel rune's glow. "It's pulsing—like it senses something stirring below the waves."
Tonio's vine-wreathed hand trembled. "The Leviathan's seal… it calls to the blade."
Yeon placed a fingertip on the rune; it burned ice-cold. "It's awakening."
A distant tremor rattled the scrolls. Silence claimed the chamber.
VI. Cliffhanger: The Calm Before
At first light, harbor guards felt the ground shudder. From the depths, a colossal silhouette breached the water—scales etched with ancient runes, eyes glowing like molten obsidian.
Cezar's howl split the mist. "By the kennels of the gods… it begins again."
Rayan drew the Timeless Blade, its runes igniting in fierce azure flame. "Stand ready. The true trial starts… now."
"Again..." Sigh
Do the Gods really hate me that much?!
End Of Chapter 23