Chapter 83: Echoes of the Past
The academy returned to its normal buzz after the tremor. Yet, an unsettling quiet fell between Yun-ho and his friends as they gathered in a secluded corner of the academy gardens. Anya, her expression grim, spread out a collection of old scrolls she'd borrowed from the forbidden section of the academy's library.
"I've been searching for clues about the shadow we encountered," she said, flipping through a yellowed page. "There's something familiar about its aura. This isn't just some random enemy."
"Do you know who it is?" Nova asked, her arms crossed, impatience creeping into her voice.
Anya hesitated. "Not exactly, but I found references to a powerful entity... something that shouldn't exist. It's ancient, a remnant of an older time, one deeply tied to the history of the Constellations."
Yun-ho leaned forward, brow furrowed. "Go on."
"This entity is tied to the creation of the Heart of Darkness," she revealed. "I think the shadows are being controlled by something—or someone—who wants to use the Heart for more than just destruction. They want to reshape the balance of power."
Ethan's usual bravado faltered, his voice low. "So it wasn't just a test?"
"No," Anya said, voice barely above a whisper. "It's a signal. The war hasn't begun yet, but we're being watched."
As they processed her words, a new tension settled over the group. Each of them had been preparing for the next challenge, but they now understood it was going to be bigger than anything they'd faced. As much as they had trained and fought, they were still far from understanding the true stakes.
Just then, the headmaster, Professor Kael, entered the courtyard, his eyes sharp and focused. "I've been watching your progress," he said without introduction. "You've gotten stronger, but you're not ready for what's coming. There's more at play than even I suspected."
The group shared a nervous glance.
"You'll need to leave the academy soon," Kael continued, "and go to where this shadow originates—deep in the ruins of the first Constellation academy, where our powers were born."
"Leave?" Nova questioned, frowning. "Just like that?"
"Your exams are trivial compared to this," Kael said. "I'm giving you access to the academy's archives—study what you need. Once you enter the ruins, the truth will unfold. Be prepared."
Yun-ho, Nova, Ethan, and Anya all felt the weight of their new mission settling on them. The academy was no longer the safe haven it once seemed; it had become just a stepping stone to something far more dangerous.
As Kael departed, a cold breeze swept through the courtyard, reminding them of the dark forces lurking just beyond the walls.