The halls of Eclipse Academy were alive with whispers and the hum of power. Arakio walked through them with Jiho, Riko, and Ayakio by his side, every step echoing off the black-and-white stone walls. The academy was larger than he had imagined, floating high above the city, with classrooms, training arenas, and libraries that seemed endless.
Today was no ordinary day—it was the Rivals' Challenge, where students faced off against the academy's top performers. Only those who could withstand the pressure would earn recognition, and more importantly, grow stronger.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Riko warned, her eyes narrowing. "The top students here aren't like your little trial beast from yesterday."
Arakio swallowed hard. His hands itched. The hunger inside him stirred—the same gnawing force that had awoken last night.
The first rival appeared: a tall boy with piercing green eyes, aura crackling like electricity. Kairo, the strategic prodigy, smirked at Arakio.
"Ah, so you're the 'trash' who caused a stir yesterday," he said. "Let's see if that luck lasts."
The arena formed around them, walls of shimmering light and shadow locking everyone in. Arakio's heart pounded, his mind racing.
The battle began. Kairo struck first, fast and precise, forcing Arakio to dodge instinctively. Each movement sent shivers through his body—the power inside begging to be released.
"Remember what I told you," Jiho shouted from the sidelines. "Control it, don't let it control you!"
"Arakio!" Riko added, "Focus!"
The shadow inside him surged, and without thinking, Arakio's Bhuk power flared. Energy tore from his palms, creating jagged slashes that struck Kairo's aura. The prodigy staggered, impressed despite himself.
But the power came at a cost. A wave of instability coursed through Arakio. His vision flickered, and his aura shifted unnaturally—gold and violet twisting together. He could feel the hunger demanding more, more energy, more challenge.
"You… you're stronger than I thought," Kairo muttered, pushing back. Sparks of electricity collided with Arakio's raw force, shaking the arena.
The fight was brutal, a test of strategy, power, and endurance. Jiho and Riko cheered him on, Ayakio watching anxiously, feeling every tremor of her brother's rising power.
In the final moment, Arakio unleashed a controlled surge, sending Kairo to the ground—but not without effort. Breathing heavily, he realized something crucial: his power grows with his resolve, but every use risks instability.
As Kairo rose, a smirk formed. "Not bad, trash. Maybe you're worth watching after all."
From above, the headmaster observed, his eyes cold, calculating. "Interesting… the boy grasps the first stage of his potential, yet his control is fragile. He will either break or surpass expectations."
Outside the arena, whispers spread among students: "Did you see him? That's the new prodigy…"
But Arakio didn't hear them. He could only feel the hunger, the pull inside him, stronger than ever. And deep in the shadows, an ominous presence stirred, sensing the boy who had begun to awaken fully.
Chapter 3 Summary / Cliffhanger
Top students / rivals introduced: Kairo as first rival
Arakio's training and first serious battle: demonstrates Bhuk power under pressure
Power growth vs instability: hints of his limits & potential danger
Friends Jiho, Riko, Ayakio support him, strengthening emotional stakes
Headmaster's interest intensifies; ominous presence hints at future threat