The morning air at Eclipse Academy was thick with unease. Students gathered on the floating towers, their auras flickering nervously. Rumors of a dark army approaching from the outskirts of the multiverse had spread like wildfire. Even the strongest academy students felt the tension—today, survival would be more than just a test of skill.
Arakio stood at the edge of the main platform, Aura Blade shimmering faintly, hunger gnawing at his core. Jiho and Riko flanked him, Ayakio gripping his arm tightly.
"This is it," Jiho said, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're coming."
Riko smirked, her eyes sharp. "Good. Let's see if the academy can survive a real fight."
Ayakio clenched her fists. "Brother… we'll stay with you. Don't hold back."
Arakio nodded, taking a deep breath. The hunger inside him surged, demanding strength, power, dominance. This time, he would feed it—not recklessly, but strategically.
The Arrival
A portal tore open in the sky, larger than the previous shadow figure's appearance. From it emerged dozens of monstrous minions, shadows twisted with corrupted energy, their eyes glowing red. The academy's walls shimmered as wards and barriers activated, but it was clear: this was no ordinary attack.
Students and teachers prepared for battle. Kairo, Lyric, Selene, and Drax moved strategically, taking positions to defend vulnerable sections. But the sheer numbers of the invaders overwhelmed the initial defenses.
"Arakio!" Toren's voice rang out. "This is your test. Not just strength… but control. You must fight as one with your hunger!"
Stage 4 Manifestation
Arakio stepped forward. Closing his eyes, he embraced the hunger fully, feeling it surge like wildfire. His Aura Blade erupted into multiple forms, glowing brighter than ever, its energy slicing through shadows before they could reach his friends.
The hunger and control merged perfectly this time. Stage 4 had arrived: power no longer unstable, but amplified and adaptable. Every strike, every defensive move was executed with precision and force.
Drax approached aggressively; Arakio parried with twin Aura Blades, redirecting the brute force.
Lyric manipulated ice and wind to attack from a distance; Arakio's blade absorbed and reflected part of the energy, striking multiple minions at once.
Shadow beasts lunged in coordination; Arakio's aura expanded, creating a protective barrier while striking simultaneously.
Jiho, Riko, and Ayakio watched in awe, realizing that Arakio had surpassed their expectations.
Emotional & Strategic Tension
As the battle intensified, Arakio noticed students struggling to hold their ground. The hunger whispered: "Feed… dominate… protect…"
He realized his bonds were part of his power. Every friend he protected, every teammate he coordinated with, strengthened his attacks. Stage 4 was not just raw power—it was synergy, emotion, and strategy fused with hunger.
"Kairo! Take the flank! Lyric, cover the rear! Everyone, stay together!" Arakio commanded, his voice booming over the battlefield.
The Minion Leader Appears
From the center of the invading army, a massive figure emerged—a shadow beast larger than any creature seen before, with multiple glowing eyes and an aura of corrupted multiverse energy. The ground shook as it approached.
Arakio tightened his grip on the Aura Blade. "This… this is the real challenge."
Toren's eyes narrowed. "The boy is ready… but this minion is only the beginning. The shadow figure watches. Soon, the true battle begins."
The shadow beast roared, and the battlefield exploded in a storm of magic, energy, and hunger-driven force. Arakio stepped forward, fully embracing Stage 4, the aura of the Academy's strongest rising to meet the multiverse threat.
Chapter 8 Summary / Cliffhanger
Academy under siege: monstrous minions attack, testing students' strength
Stage 4 full manifestation: Arakio's Aura Blade evolves, hunger fully controlled and amplified
Friendship & strategy: bonds directly empower attacks, teamwork emphasized
Major minion encounter: multiverse-level threat, prelude to arc villain
High stakes & cliffhanger: shadow figure observing, true arc villain plan begins
Next step foreshadowed: Arakio must face challenges beyond the academy, multiverse-level threats loom