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# Novel: Echoes of Cursed Time
## Chapter 5: The First Secret… and Whispers of the Past
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Ayan's first days at the Academy passed like a strange mirage. He observed his classmates enthusiastically competing in classroom exercises and solving complex magical problems, while he merely performed averagely, neither standing out nor lagging behind. His sole goal was to remain in the shadows, while his memory acted as a massive search engine, extracting information from the sea of the past that had become his future.
During ancient history classes, where Teacher Lena lectured about the great wars between humans, demons, and vampires, Ayan listened with extreme attention. He wasn't listening for known facts, but rather searching between the lines for hidden clues, forgotten place names, or side events not mentioned in ordinary books. The Academy, with its extensive records, was an invaluable treasure.
"In the year 452 after the kingdom's founding, the northern region witnessed the battle of 'Lost Odyssey,' where massive demonic forces were repelled thanks to the sacrifices of the Holy Knights," Teacher Lena said, pointing to an old map. "It is said that many sacred artifacts were lost in that battle and never found."
Lena didn't know that this passing sentence had ignited a spark in Ayan's mind. The Battle of Lost Odyssey. Ayan remembered that name well. It wasn't just a historical battle; in his previous life, he had come across an old report indicating an incomplete discovery of a "strange artifact" at the battle site centuries later. The report had been quickly withdrawn and dismissed as mere rumor, but Ayan's memory did not fail him.
After class ended, Kai and Zain followed Ayan to the library again. While they were engrossed in reviewing their assignments, Ayan delved into the military history section, searching for any additional records of the Battle of Odyssey. He quickly realized that the official information was superficial. There were gaps, vague references to "special units" and "secret orders."
"I remember this place," Ayan whispered to himself, as he saw an old picture of a ruined fortress in a mountainous area. It was "Odyssey" castle itself, now just deserted ruins.
"Did you find anything interesting, Ayan?" Kai asked, noticing Ayan's excessive focus.
"Nothing important... just some precise details about knight formations," Ayan replied with feigned indifference. He knew he shouldn't reveal anything. His friends were kind, but they weren't ready to bear the secrets of the "Grey Ghost."
As he turned the pages, Ayan caught a glimpse of Aparit in the advanced magic section, flipping through a massive book on "Ancient and Forbidden Magic." Aparit, even at this age, showed an insatiable hunger for knowledge beyond the curriculum. "No wonder he became number one," Ayan thought. "His system isn't just a gift; he uses it intelligently."
In another corner, he saw Daker talking to a group of students, seemingly explaining something with high confidence. Daker was already planting the seeds of his influence, using his charisma and leadership intelligence. "His ambition knows no bounds," Ayan remembered. "He will cause a lot of trouble in the future, and I'll either have to deal with him or avoid him."
Ayan continued to gather information. Every piece, every hint, was added to his mental map. He wasn't looking for immediate power, but for ways to carve his path towards it. He realized he had to strengthen his body first, then look for opportunities to explore the archaeological sites.
In the following days, Ayan began to modify his routine. He would go to the training grounds after school hours, when they were less crowded. He wasn't training in magic yet; his magical abilities were too weak at this age. Instead, he focused on basic physical training that he had neglected in his youth but mastered as a mercenary: long-distance running, strength exercises, and improving reaction speed. His teenage body screamed in pain at first, but the "Grey Ghost's" experience pushed him to continue.
"Every step, every drop of sweat, is an investment in my future," Ayan thought as he finished his night training, under the moonlight. His grey eyes glowed with steel resolve. "The future won't change on its own. I must be the change."
He knew the road was long and arduous, and he had to move with extreme caution. The world was not ready for the return of the Grey Ghost, nor for his secrets.
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