The academy grounds were quiet in the early morning. Broken stones and scorched patches of earth from the previous day's trials still littered the fields. The students were tense, aware that the Riftsoul attacks could return at any moment. Arjun Vale walked among them, the mark on his wrist glowing softly. The Broken Sky System pulsed like a heartbeat, guiding him, waiting for the next challenge.
Harshil approached, his sword slung over his shoulder, eyes sharp. "Vale… you've grown faster than anyone expected. But don't let it go to your head. The real tests aren't over yet."
Arjun nodded silently. He could feel the fragments inside him vibrating, restless. The system had more to teach, and he intended to learn everything.
From the shadows, Punya's pale eyes glimmered. "He's evolving too quickly," she whispered to Godly. "If Ruin notices… everything could change sooner than we expect."
Godly's expression remained unreadable. "Let him grow. Observation is key now."
Suddenly, the air trembled. A massive rift tore open above the academy, much larger than the previous encounters. Shadow poured forth, swirling violently. From within emerged a horde of Riftsouls, far more powerful and coordinated than before. Their forms were sharper, their energy darker, and their intent more intelligent.
> "Ultimate fragments detected… danger: extreme," the system warned.
Arjun's mark flared brightly, fragments of light spinning around him. He adjusted his stance, preparing for battle. Harshil positioned himself beside him, while other Rank A and S students formed defensive lines.
The first wave of Riftsouls charged. Their speed was overwhelming, but Arjun's movements were instinctive, precise. He absorbed fragments mid-strike, each one enhancing his reflexes and energy control. Shields formed automatically, arcs of light intercepted attacks, and his weapons extended seamlessly from the spinning fragments.
Harshil shouted, coordinating their defense. "Vale! Cover the flank! I'll handle the center!"
Arjun moved like a storm of light, intercepting every strike, redirecting energy, and countering with arcs that shattered the creatures. For every Riftsoul absorbed, he felt his power increase, yet the system whispered urgency:
> "Observation ongoing… evolution required. Prepare for ultimate test."
From above, Drave watched silently. "Excellent… but not enough. Power alone does not ensure victory," he murmured. His gaze lingered on Arjun, measuring, evaluating, and subtly testing his reactions.
The largest Riftsoul emerged, its size dwarfing the others. Its energy pulsed with a terrifying aura that warped the air. Arjun's mark reacted violently, tendrils of light swirling around him. He could feel the system pushing him, urging him to evolve beyond his current limits.
The massive creature lunged. Arjun extended his hands instinctively, and a wave of energy clashed against the attack. Sparks flew, and debris scattered across the field. The ground cracked under the force of their collision.
Harshil attempted to flank the creature, but it moved with a speed that defied expectation. Arjun reacted instinctively, spinning in midair, forming a vortex of fragments that absorbed the incoming strikes and countered simultaneously. The energy arcs wrapped around the Riftsoul, forcing it back.
Punya whispered from the shadows, "He's awakening faster than anticipated. The Broken Sky System is responding to his potential."
Godly nodded silently. "Yes. But Ruin is observing. Soon… he will interfere."
The final clash came quickly. Arjun's fragments surged, forming shields, weapons, and arcs that moved with him as extensions of his will. He struck the massive Riftsoul from multiple angles, and energy fragments collided with shadow in a dazzling explosion. When the smoke cleared, the Riftsoul was gone, reduced to shards of light absorbed into the system.
Arjun staggered slightly, exhausted but victorious. His mark glowed brighter than ever. Around him, the students stared in awe. Even Harshil's expression reflected disbelief and respect.
Drave descended silently beside him. "You've survived chaos… but the true challenges are only beginning. Remember, Vale, control is as vital as power."
Punya stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "The system is evolving with you. But the real enemy is beyond these walls. Ruin is not idle."
Godly's calm voice echoed, "And he's watching. Every step you take… he observes."
Arjun clenched his fists. The fragments spun around him like a storm of light and energy. The system pulsed urgently:
> "Prepare… evolution threshold exceeded. Danger imminent."
As the academy slowly recovered from the battle, Arjun understood one thing clearly: the power he was gaining came with responsibility, danger, and choices that would shape not just his future, but the fate of everything around him.
And far above the academy, a shadow flickered in the distance, watching, waiting, and calculating.
> "The Fragment awakens… but the Broken Sky is only beginning to fracture."