The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Halewick Academy's grand halls, casting soft light across the bustling students. But today, all eyes were subtly fixed on one particular pair as they moved through the academy corridors: Dark and Lara. With each step, Lara clung to Dark's arm, her radiant smile contrasting sharply with Dark's usual quiet and understated demeanor.
Whispers rippled through the students like an undercurrent, curious glances thrown their way by everyone who passed.
Student 1: (whispering) Is that... Dark? With Lara? How did that happen?
Student 2: (grumbling) It doesn't make sense. He barely passes his classes. She could have anyone she wanted.
Student 3: (muttering, jealous) She's clinging to him like he's some hero. Why him?
Dark tried to ignore the stares, his face a mask of indifference as he let Lara lead him through the hallways. To him, the stares and whispers were just part of the act, just background noise to the real mission that kept him in this world. But Lara seemed oblivious or simply unbothered, her cheerful demeanor radiating an air of defiance, as if daring anyone to question her choice.
Cron, Tier, Leona, and Gilmuar lingered nearby, close enough to keep an eye on Dark but careful not to draw attention to themselves. They watched the dynamic between Dark and Lara with varying expressions—Cron smirking, Leona looking slightly bitter, and Tier and Gilmuar sharing quiet nods, a silent recognition of their friend's unusual but undeniable bond with the academy's "princess."
A group of noble boys, well-known for their arrogance and competitiveness, noticed Dark and Lara and exchanged dark looks, jealousy flaring in their eyes. They huddled for a moment before one of them, emboldened by his friends' murmured encouragements, stepped into Dark's path.
Jealous Noble Boy: (sneering) So, this is the academy's famous weakling? Seems like you've got a bit of a... royal escort today.
Lara's gaze turned icy, and she took a step closer to Dark, tightening her grip on his arm.
Lara: (firmly) Be careful with your words. Dark is with me. And you know what that means.
The noble boy faltered, his sneer wavering as he took in Lara's fierce gaze. But he quickly masked his uncertainty, trying to regain his composure in front of his friends.
Jealous Noble Boy: (smirking) Just surprised, that's all. Didn't think someone as... powerful as you would bother with someone who's... (mockingly) barely passing his classes.
Cron, watching from a distance, crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing slightly. He exchanged a look with Tier, a silent agreement passing between them, but they stayed back, letting Dark handle the situation his way.
Dark's eyes met the noble boy's, a flicker of something dangerous beneath his calm exterior. He didn't need to respond; the intensity of his gaze alone was enough to silence the boy's mockery. But Lara wasn't one to let insults slide.
Lara: (smiling coldly) Funny how you're concerned with Dark's "weakness." Last I checked, none of you had the courage to approach me yourselves.
The noble boy's friends exchanged nervous glances, clearly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. With a scowl, the boy took a step back, muttering something under his breath as he retreated with his entourage, throwing one last glare in Dark's direction.
Dark felt a faint smirk tug at his lips as they left, and he leaned slightly toward Lara.
Dark: (quietly) You didn't have to do that, you know.
Lara shrugged, her smile softening as she looked up at him.
Lara: (whispering) I wanted to. Let them talk. They don't know you like I do.
Cron, watching from the side, gave Dark a nod of approval, a small but significant gesture from someone who had been with Dark through countless battles. Leona, however, looked away, her expression clouded with a mix of frustration and jealousy. Tier noticed and gave her a gentle nudge, offering a quiet reminder to keep her feelings in check.
As they continued walking, Lara leaned in closer, her head resting lightly on Dark's shoulder as they strolled down the hallway. Students continued to watch them, some with admiration, others with thinly veiled envy. Even some of the professors gave them curious glances, clearly surprised by the unlikely pairing.
A group of students, gathered at the corner, murmured among themselves, their voices barely audible but thick with jealousy and intrigue.
Student 4: (whispering) Look at them. I don't understand it. Why would she choose him? He's... he's nobody.
Student 5: (sighing) Maybe there's more to him than we see. You know, they say he might have some hidden power.
Dark overheard them but chose to ignore the whispers, focusing instead on Lara's quiet presence beside him. He knew that appearances meant little to him; what mattered was the mission he was undertaking in this era. Yet, the warmth he felt from Lara's companionship was undeniable, a subtle reminder of the life he could live if he ever chose to let go of his solitary path.
As they reached the academy's main courtyard, Cron and the others gave Dark subtle nods before slipping away to explore the nearby village, respecting Dark's moment with Lara but staying close in case they were needed.
Lara stopped, turning to face Dark, her eyes bright with a mixture of affection and curiosity.
Lara: (softly) Dark, do you ever wonder... why we're here? I mean, together, in this strange place, this time?
Dark looked at her, a rare softness in his gaze.
Dark: (quietly) Sometimes. But maybe... it's exactly where we're meant to be.
Lara smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from his face, oblivious to the curious stares that continued to follow them. To her, nothing else mattered in that moment but the person standing in front of her.
The distant echo of the academy bell rang, signaling the start of the next class, and Lara reluctantly released his arm.
Lara: (teasing) Go on, my "weakling." Try not to blow up any classrooms today.
Dark chuckled, a rare sound that made Lara's smile widen.
Dark: (smirking) I'll do my best.
As she walked away, Dark felt a sense of calm settle over him, a rare moment of peace in the otherwise chaotic world he inhabited. But as he turned back toward his path, he felt Vorax's presence ripple within him, a quiet reminder that his true purpose here was far from over.
Vorax: (thinking) You know, Dark... this act of yours is becoming more convincing. Almost makes me believe you're really just a weakling in love.
Dark: (thinking, amused) Almost, Vorax.
Dark continued walking down the academy's long, stone corridor, his posture slouched just enough to look unremarkable. He was a master at this game—keeping his head low, letting his steps fall a bit too loudly, his gaze darting around with a hint of nervousness, just like any "weak" student might do. It was all part of his act, one he maintained diligently every day to stay invisible among his peers.
Hours pass by.
As he moved through the crowd, whispers followed him, hushed voices, murmurs of disbelief and jealousy. The students' curiosity burned as they watched him, baffled by the fact that he, a supposed nobody, was dating Lara, the most powerful and influential student in the academy.
Student 1: (whispering to another) I don't get it. What does she see in him? He's practically a ghost here.
Student 2: (snickering) Maybe she's trying to "reform" him. I mean, look at him—no magic, no skills... it's pathetic.
Dark pretended not to hear them, though he couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement. He knew what they thought of him, and he welcomed it. Underestimating him was their mistake, one that granted him the freedom to act in the shadows.
As he reached the courtyard, he saw Cron and the others nearby, subtly positioned to watch over him. Cron gave Dark a quick nod, a silent show of support, while Tier and Leona kept their gazes trained on the other students. Leona's expression, however, held a hint of something darker—an unspoken jealousy whenever she looked at Lara clinging happily to Dark's side.
Lara, as usual, was oblivious to the whispers and stares. She held onto Dark's arm with a bright smile, her demeanor cheerful and carefree. Her obvious affection for him only seemed to deepen the mystery around their relationship, stirring more speculation among the students.
Lara: (grinning) Dark, are you coming to watch the dueling trials later? I heard they're going to be intense this time!
Dark looked at her, letting a faint, almost shy smile cross his face—a practiced expression that fit his "weakling" persona perfectly.
Dark: (softly) Maybe... if they don't mind someone like me watching.
Lara laughed, brushing off his comment.
Lara: (playfully) Oh, who cares what they think! You're with me. Besides, it'll be fun. Just because you don't duel doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, right?
Dark nodded, feeling the stares intensify around them. His classmates couldn't wrap their heads around the dynamic between him and Lara, and he could sense the frustration simmering in their glares. A few of them looked as if they wanted to approach, but with Lara so close to him, they dared not.
They walked together through the academy grounds, Lara chatting animatedly about her classes and the latest academy events, while Dark offered quiet, minimal responses. He didn't need to say much; Lara's presence was enough to shield him from suspicion and keep most people at bay.
Later that afternoon, Dark slipped away from the crowded corridors and into the secluded corners of the academy. He navigated through the library's twisting aisles, finding a quiet spot away from prying eyes. Here, he could drop his mask for a brief moment, feeling Vorax's presence settle more comfortably within him.
Vorax: (thinking) You know, if it weren't for our... arrangement, I'd say you're wasting your potential playing this role.
Dark: (thinking, amused) It's not a waste if it keeps us hidden. They're too busy watching "weak Dark" to even notice the real power lurking behind the scenes.
He spent some time reading through ancient tomes and obscure scrolls, learning spells and secrets far beyond what his peers could handle. It was a quiet ritual he enjoyed, gathering knowledge and expanding his arsenal while everyone else remained blissfully ignorant. Even here, though, he kept his expression neutral, appearing as if he struggled to understand the complex texts, should anyone happen to glance his way.
As evening approached, Dark made his way to the edge of the academy grounds, where the shadows grew thicker under the setting sun. Here, he allowed Vorax to emerge slightly, feeling the symbiotic power ripple through his body as tendrils of darkness wrapped around his hands, melding with his form.
Dark: (thinking, a thrill sparking within him) Ready for tonight?
Vorax: (excitedly) Always. These fools don't know what roams their precious academy grounds when the sun sets.
The "phantom" of Halewick Academy—the legend he and Vorax had carefully built over time—was both a deterrent to troublemakers and a mysterious symbol to those who sought justice. Tonight, he planned to continue his silent vigil, watching over the academy's boundaries, ensuring no malevolent forces disturbed the fragile balance he maintained.
He moved through the shadows, unseen and unheard, observing the academy from the outside, making sure his friends were safe within. The world knew of the phantom, but few understood its true purpose, or the darkness that dwelled within it.
End Of Arc 3 Chapter 5.