The bell tower chimed thrice — dusk had settled over the Academy. Most students retreated to their dorms, books in hand, minds filled with hero theories and combat formulas.
Kairen, however, sat atop the outer wall of the training grounds, watching shadows stretch across the stone paths like claws.
> [Skill Activated: Veil of Trust]
[Duration: Passive — always active during speech. Effect: Lies have +70% believability.]
"Convenient," he muttered.
The system responded almost instantly.
> [Deception is a tool. The sharpest blade is the one your enemy doesn't realize is in their back.]
He smirked. "Well said, ZERO."
A light crunch of gravel broke the silence. Elira approached, hesitant, carrying two warm mugs.
"I thought you might like tea," she said with a shy smile.
Kairen raised a brow. Already bringing me drinks? We're moving fast, little cleric.
"Thanks," he said, accepting it. "No holy water inside, I hope."
She giggled. "Why would I poison my only friend?"
Friend.
That word sent a flicker of something — not guilt, but memory — through his chest.
> [Trust Level: 64%]
[Corruption Status: Dormant → Stirred]
Kairen looked at her — too gentle for this world. She was like the white flower that bloomed just before winter killed it.
"Can I ask you something?" he said.
"Of course."
"What would you do if someone good did something terrible... for a reason they thought was right?"
She blinked. "I… I guess I'd try to understand them. Everyone has a reason, right?"
"And if that reason hurt others?"
Her smile wavered, but didn't vanish.
"I'd still try to forgive them. Redemption should always be possible."
> [System Alert: Trait Purity destabilized by 11%]
[New Status Gained: Moral Conflict]
[Corruption Status: Active]
Kairen gently clinked his cup against hers.
"To second chances," he said, voice soft — too soft to sound like the villain he truly was.
She smiled again.
But inside, his mind was already spinning.
> [You have unlocked: Skill Copy – Target: Elira Dorne]
→ Skill Acquired: Minor Holy Shield
→ Light Magic Resistance +15%
Even the light could be bent to serve the dark.
---
Later That Night…
The Academy's underground vault was hidden beneath the library. Students were forbidden from entering — not that it ever stopped Kairen.
He moved like a shadow. His steps silent, his body invisible in the dark. ZERO whispered directions.
> [Target: Forbidden Grimoire – "Mirror of Malice"]
[Effect: Converts a positive trait into a weaponized curse.]
[Warning: High security. Possible encounter: Night Warden.]
Kairen approached the pedestal.
A black-bound book sat there, chained and humming with locked mana.
> [Requirement to unlock: Sin Signature. 1st Sin Registered: Psychological Corruption of Elira Dorne.]
> [Access Granted.]
The chains snapped loose with a hiss.
The book opened, pages fluttering, runes burning red.
> [You have acquired: Malice Sigil: Hopebreaker]
→ Effect: Converts a target's hope into fear. Strength increases with familiarity.
→ Cooldown: 24 hours
Kairen felt the curse settle into his palm like a sleeping viper.
He closed the book, turned, and vanished into the shadows.
---
As he returned to his dorm, Elira's message pinged his communicator crystal:
> "Thank you for tonight. I think… I understand people a little more now."
He stared at the message.
Then typed:
> "You're welcome. I'm always here if you need me."
And sent it — with Veil of Trust active.
---
End of Chapter 3