The room froze at Julius's words.
Kill? Lives? What did he mean? The question echoed in everyone's mind.
His severe tone softened as he added, "Relax. I'm not asking you to kill people, Abyssal Shades will suffice."
Despite his reassurance, the students were still rattled. A boy hesitantly raised his hand, his voice shaky as he asked, "Um... sir, how does killing Abyssal Shades increase our power as Star-class Soul Weavers?"
Julius nodded, acknowledging the smart question. "Good question. But the answer is, it doesn't. Killing Shades by itself won't make you a Star-class Soul Weaver. What's important is what you collect from them: Soul Shards."
A murmur spread through the class as realization dawned. One of the students quickly followed up, "But... can't you just buy Soul Shards from others? People who already have them?"
