The dawn of the final day of the fencing festival brought a sense of anticipation to everyone at the academy. Colorful banners fluttered in the wind, while students and teachers gathered to watch the final matches. However, for Eveline and her friends, that day was not just about competition — it was the prelude to something much greater, something bubbling beneath the surface.
Eveline looked around, observing the crowd that gathered around the main arena. Her eyes, however, were focused on something else. Since her conversation with Lord Reginald, she knew the true enemies were lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Today is the day," Alaric said, crossing his arms beside her. He was calm, but Eveline could see the tension in his shoulders. "We have to be ready for anything."
Aria, with a worried expression, nodded. "The duels are the perfect distraction. If something is going to happen, it will be today, with the whole academy focused on the festival finals."
Eveline didn't respond immediately, concentrating on the competitors preparing for the first duel of the day. She knew her own skills would be tested again soon, but her mind was divided. She needed to win, but she also needed to uncover who was manipulating the shadows.
When the starting signal for the festival sounded, a duel began in the arena, but the real conflict was in the minds of those who knew what was to come. Eveline narrowed her eyes, feeling Umbra's presence even stronger than before. The shadows around her seemed denser, more tangible.
"It's coming," Umbra whispered, her voice echoing in Eveline's mind. "The real duel is not between swords, but between light and darkness. Are you ready to face what's to come?"
---
The matches continued, and soon it was Eveline's turn to enter the arena. The audience cheered enthusiastically, aware of her skill and impressive track record so far. But Eveline didn't see the applause; she only saw the path ahead, the immediate duel, and the hidden truth she needed to unravel.
Her opponent was Rael, a student known for his speed and agility, but Eveline didn't feel the usual pressure of facing him. For her, that match was just another step toward the true confrontation.
As the duel began, the swords gleamed as they clashed. Rael attacked with quick, precise movements, trying to destabilize Eveline, but she stood firm, each blow parried with equal precision. The crowd roared with each exchange, but Eveline was focused only on the rhythm of the fight.
Then, in a moment of clarity, she sensed something. There was a strange presence in the field. A movement in the shadows, almost imperceptible to anyone not looking for it. Eveline instinctively dodged, taking Rael down with a swift, precise strike that ended the duel before he could react.
The audience erupted in applause, but Eveline had no time for celebration. Her eyes were fixed on the shadows beyond the arena, where something seemed to be moving. Something was about to happen.
---
Shortly after the match ended, Eveline left the arena, quickly joined by Alaric and Aria. "Did you see?" Alaric asked, breathless, as if he too had noticed the strange movement.
"Yes," Eveline replied seriously. "Something is happening. The shadows are more present than ever. We need to go to the council now."
"Do you think they're behind this?" Aria asked anxiously.
"I don't know if it's the entire council, but someone is manipulating these forces, and I won't wait to find out what they're planning. If we wait any longer, it may be too late."
They hurried to the restricted area where the academy council met, slipping through the bustle of the festival unnoticed. However, upon reaching the entrance, they were blocked by two guards.
"What do you think you're doing?" one of the guards asked, his expression stern.
"We have important information for the council," Eveline said, trying to stay calm. "It's urgent."
The guards exchanged suspicious glances, but before they could respond, a deep voice echoed from behind them. "Let them in."
It was Lord Reginald, the head of the academy, emerging from the shadows. His imposing presence made the guards step back, allowing Eveline and her friends to pass.
"I knew you wouldn't be able to stay out of this," Reginald said as he led them through the silent corridors. "But the question is: are you prepared for what you will face?"
Eveline felt the weight of those words, but stood firm. "We are ready. We know something dark is happening at the academy, and we want answers."
Reginald stopped in front of a large, heavy door adorned with ancient symbols. He slowly pushed it open, revealing a room lit by torches, where the rest of the academy council was gathered. The severe, calculating gazes of the councilors assessed them from head to toe.
"Miss Eveline," one of the councilors began, his voice laden with authority. "You have gone too far in your investigations. This matter is not something students like you should understand."
But before Eveline could respond, a dark presence filled the room. The torches flickered, and the temperature seemed to drop. Eveline felt a pressure in her chest, and then she heard Umbra's voice, stronger than ever.
_"It's time," Umbra whispered. "The shadows you sought are here. But remember, Eveline, not all enemies are in plain sight. Choose wisely whom you will face."
Suddenly, one of the councilors, an elderly man with a stern face, stood up abruptly. "You brought this upon us!" he shouted, as his shadow began to distort unnaturally. "The darkness you feared... now it will manifest!"
Eveline watched in horror as the shadow of the man transformed into a monstrous figure, his human features vanishing in a whirlwind of darkness. The other councilors recoiled in shock, but Eveline knew this was the moment she had been waiting for.
"Now, Eveline," Umbra whispered in her mind. "Now you will see the true power of the shadows. And you will have to decide: will you face them, or will you use them?"
The shadow monster lunged forward, and Eveline drew her sword, feeling the weight of the choice that hung over her. The decisive battle was about to begin.