The morning bell rang through the F-Class wing like a distant echo, muffled by the thick stone walls. I woke with a start, the cot creaking under me. No dreams again—just that nagging voice in my head, whispering fragments I couldn't catch.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. The room was as cold and dim as last night, the mana-lamp flickering weakly. No window meant no natural light, but the faint glow from the runes in the wall told me it was day.
Single dorm. Isolation. But at least no one to bother me.
I pulled fresh clothes from the wardrobe—a simple tunic and pants, nothing fancy. The old ones were dusty from the road, so I changed quickly, folding them neatly back in. The few supplies from Valenridge stayed on the desk—notebook, dried food, the rest in the drawer. Everything in its place.
Celestite Fang lay on the nightstand. I picked it up, unsheathing it briefly. The blade shimmered in the dim light, violet flecks dancing like stars.
So beautiful. Celestite Fang. My companion in this madness.
I sheathed it and fastened it to my belt. The weight was comforting.
Breakfast was in the common mess hall—a long, low-ceilinged room with wooden tables and benches. The food was basic: porridge, bread, some watery fruit. F-Class recruits sat in small groups, whispering about the core test yesterday.
I grabbed a tray and found a corner seat, alone. Whispers followed me—"That's the late one." "Undefined affinity? He's done." "Weird hair—think it's dyed?"
I ignored them, eating quickly. Stay invisible. But how, when everyone already knew my name?
The first class was in a nearby room—Basic Mana Theory. I arrived early, slipping into the back row. The room was small and sparse, with desks scarred from years of use, a chalkboard at the front etched with faint runes. No windows here either—just mana-lanterns casting a dim blue glow.
Students trickled in—F-Class mostly, a mix of commoners like me. No nobles here. The whispers started again as they noticed me.
Professor Thorne entered, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Settle down. Today, we cover the fundamentals of mana and core mechanics. Pay attention—this is the foundation of everything you'll do here."
He launched into the lecture, voice clear and precise.
"Mana is the vital energy of Elyndria. It flows everywhere—through the air, the ground, Ley Lines, even food and water. Your mana-core absorbs it, refines it, and circulates it through your meridians to power spells, skills, and physical enhancement."
He drew a diagram on the board—simple circles connected by lines. "The core is like a heart for mana. Awakening is the first activation, usually between twelve and sixteen. After that, you climb the realms: Novice, Adept, Expert, Master, Grandmaster, Legendary or Sovereign. Each breakthrough expands capacity, improves control, and sometimes unlocks new affinities."
He tapped the board. "Affinities are specializations—Light for healing and control, Shadow for stealth and decay, Divine for rare bloodlines, Elemental for fire, water, earth, wind. Bloodlines give stronger affinities and faster growth. Commoners rarely get past Adept without exceptional talent or luck."
His eyes swept the room. "Undefined affinity is rare—and dangerous. Without a clear path, mana can become unstable. Proceed with caution, or you'll burn out."
His gaze lingered on me for a second. Or did it?
Paranoia crept in. The four eyes from yesterday—they were back. I could feel them, boring into my back like drills. Not the casual glances from classmates. Sharper. Intent.
Who are they? Why me?
I didn't turn. Couldn't risk it.
Prof. Thorne asked questions—most got them wrong. "What limits mana regeneration?" One student mumbled "Core capacity." Prof. Thorne shook his head. "Environment. Ley Lines, mana-rich food, meditation. Core size matters, but location matters more."
He called on me. "Vale. What happens when a core is overdraw?"
I answered quietly. "Leaks. Fatigue. Headaches. Full destruction is permanent."
Prof. Thorne nodded. "Correct. But you said it softly. Speak up next time."
The class dragged on. Prof. Thorne explained core damage—overdraw causes leaks, full destruction means "utterly fucked." Minor damage heals with elixirs or rituals, but a shattered core is permanent.
Every word was familiar. Too familiar.
This is straight from the novel. Chapter 4 or 5, the theory lesson. Word for word.
My heart raced. Prof. Thorne drew diagrams—meridians, core ranks, breakthroughs.
"Affinity determines your path," he said. "Light users like royals excel in leadership. Shadow in stealth. Divine for those with godly blood. Undefined? Rare—and dangerous. Proceed with caution, or you'll burn out."
The class ended with a final warning: "Tomorrow, practical exercises. Bring your cores—don't waste my time."
I left, the four eyes still lingering. They followed me down the corridor, steady and unblinking.
Outside, the crowd thinned. I tried to slip away, but a voice called out.
"Vale."
I turned. Silas Ardent stood there, arms crossed, looking almost apologetic.
"Hey," he said. "That was... rough yesterday. The test. The whispers."
I nodded. "Yeah."
Celine appeared beside him, her silver hair catching the light. "You okay? The core test can be brutal for F-Class. Especially when it's public."
"I'm fine," I said, keeping it short.
Taren Voss pushed through, smirking. "Undefined? That's new. Thought commoners at least had something. Or are you just special in a bad way?"
Celine shot him a look. "Taren."
He shrugged. "Just saying. Good luck climbing, Vale."
Silas lingered. "Don't let them get to you. You made it here. That's something."
Celine nodded. "He's right. The academy isn't fair, but it's not impossible. If you need help... well, you know where to find us."
I gave a small nod. "Thanks."
They walked off, but the feeling didn't fade. The four eyes were still there—watching from a distance.
I headed toward the library, but before I could reach the steps, someone stepped into my path.
It was Elira Voss—the girl from the carriage.
She stopped, arms folded, looking at me with that same mix of curiosity and superiority from day one.
"Vale," she said. "You're hard to miss."
I stopped. "Elira."
She tilted her head. "I saw you in the auditorium. Late. Undefined. People are already talking."
"Yeah," I said. "They are."
She studied me for a second. "You're being followed."
My pulse jumped. "What?"
"Two girls—look older than us—at least like most of us" She looked me up and down, but her gaze stayed lastly on my eyes, like a subtle hint" probably third-years, They've been watching you since yesterday. One with short brown hair, the other with red. They were in the back row during roll call. And just now, they were outside your class window."
I felt the chill again.
The four eyes.
"Why?" I asked.
Elira shrugged. "No idea. But they don't watch just anyone. Be careful. The academy has eyes everywhere."
She stepped aside. "That's all. Good luck, commoner."
Then as she was about to walk away
"Wait" i said.
She glances back at me over her shoulder "mhm? Is there anything else?"
"Thank you" i said. "For warning me.. even though i already knew someone was watching me, but i didn't know who" looking at her with a small smile "so thank you"
She looks back at me over her shoulder, but waves me off, but i saw a small smile creeping over the corner of her lips.
She walked off without another word.
I stood there, watching her walk away but the feeling of being watched stronger than ever.
I headed to the library, the one place I might find answers without drawing attention.
The library was huge—shelves towering like trees, books glowing with faint mana. I found a quiet corner in the back, pulling out Forbidden Runes of the Abyss.
The book was heavier in daylight. I opened it, reading about the Abyss—endless void, corrupted energy twisting mana.
Void Essence. Sounds like what they call corrupted mana here. But the book says it's more...
A shadow fell over the page. I looked up.