The night at Eclipse Academy was silent, but the silence was deceptive. Lanterns floated along the corridors, casting elongated shadows that seemed to move on their own. Arakio, still reeling from the trial against Kairo, walked with Jiho and Riko, their footsteps echoing through the vast halls.
"Do you think the headmaster even notices what we're doing?" Jiho whispered, her silver hair catching the faint light.
"He notices everything," Riko replied sharply. "He doesn't intervene… not yet. But trust me, there's a reason he's watching you, Arakio."
Ayakio, ever observant, tugged at her brother's sleeve. "He seems… scary. But I think he wants to see if you're strong enough."
Arakio clenched his fists, feeling the familiar gnawing pull of his Bhuk power. "I don't know if I can control it yet… last fight, it almost… it almost overwhelmed me."
Jiho placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's why we're here. You're not alone."
The Mentor's Hint
From the shadows above, the headmaster observed, his cloak blending seamlessly with the darkness. He spoke softly, almost to himself:
"Interesting… the boy grasps power quickly, yet his instability could destroy him—or elevate him beyond all expectations. So much potential… wasted if left unchecked."
He glanced toward the far side of the academy, where mystical symbols floated in the air, glowing faintly. "Perhaps it is time to guide him… indirectly."
Classroom of Secrets
The next day, Arakio entered a classroom unlike any other. The room was circular, with floating black and white tablets that displayed symbols he didn't recognize. A calm, yet commanding figure appeared—Toren, the silent, mysterious boy who seemed older than he looked.
"You have potential," Toren said simply. "But potential without control is dangerous. Follow closely, observe… learn the balance between hunger and restraint."
Arakio nodded, unsure if Toren was friend or foe, but sensing truth in his words.
Stage 2 Awakening
The class was interrupted by a sudden attack—a spectral beast slipping through the academy's magical barriers. Students panicked, but Arakio felt the pull deep inside.
"Hunger… feed."
This time, he didn't hesitate. The energy surged faster, stronger, but with focus. His Aura Blade manifested for the first time—a luminous, shifting weapon extending from his will. The blade sliced through the beast effortlessly, yet he felt no exhaustion—only exhilaration.
Jiho's eyes widened. "That… that was your Aura Blade?"
Riko grinned. "Looks like our trash boy is leveling up faster than anyone expected."
Ayakio cheered. "That's my brother!"
But Arakio's mind was alert. Every surge of power reminded him: the more he uses it, the more unstable he becomes. And somewhere, in the deepest shadows of the academy, eyes watched—calculating.
Chapter 4 Summary / Cliffhanger
Mentor hints & headmaster's interest deepen; he plans to guide Arakio indirectly
Toren introduced: silent, mysterious, first guide outside combat
First manifestation of Aura Blade → Stage 2 of Bhuk power
Friends Jiho, Riko, Ayakio witness his growth, boosting emotional stakes
Spectral threat hints at larger dangers outside academy
Arakio's instability increases → foreshadows challenges ahead