Chapter 84: Shadows of the Past
The academy grounds were quieter than usual as Yun-ho, Nova, Ethan, and Anya walked through the sprawling courtyard. The tall spires of Eternity Academy reached toward the sky, their tips gleaming in the fading sunlight. The air was crisp, carrying with it a sense of anticipation as the semester was fully underway.
Yun-ho glanced around at the cobblestone pathways, watching students go about their day. But something tugged at the back of his mind—an uneasiness he couldn't shake. The recent encounter with the Wraith had left them all rattled, but for Yun-ho, there was an added weight. The Heart of Darkness pulsed faintly inside him, an ever-present reminder of the power—and danger—it held.
"Do you think that thing will come back?" Anya broke the silence, her voice hesitant. She had been quieter since the battle, her usual confidence dimmed. Her fingers traced the hilt of the dagger at her side, a subtle habit she'd developed since awakening her star in Apus.
Nova sighed, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Who knows. But if it does, we'll be ready. We've faced worse."
Ethan shot a glance at Yun-ho, his eyes shadowed. "I hope you're right, but something about this… feels different."
Yun-ho nodded in agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. His connection to Orion had deepened since unlocking his second star, but Ophiuchus remained dormant. The silence from his second constellation was unsettling. He didn't know what it meant, but the more he thought about it, the more he wondered if it had something to do with the Heart of Darkness.
As they made their way toward their next class, the grand doors of the academy loomed before them. Inside, the halls bustled with students, their laughter and chatter echoing against the stone walls. The contrast between the lively atmosphere and the tension within their group was striking.
Once in class, they were greeted by the soft-spoken Professor Anselm. He was an enigmatic figure, always calm and composed, but there was a certain intensity behind his eyes. Today, he spoke of the ancient battles between the constellations, how conflicts shaped the world they now lived in.
"These histories may seem distant, but the constellations carry those memories within them," Professor Anselm said, his voice steady. "The stars that grant you power are not without their burdens."
Yun-ho's thoughts drifted as the lecture continued, his mind drawn to the weight of his own burdens—the secrets he carried, the growing darkness within. He exchanged a glance with Nova, who seemed to notice his unease. She didn't press him on it, but her gaze lingered, full of questions she wasn't yet ready to ask.
By the time the lecture ended, the sun had nearly set, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. As they exited the hall, Ethan, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly stopped.
"I know we've been through a lot lately, but… I need to talk to you, Yun-ho. Privately."
Yun-ho raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Nova. She shrugged, sensing the tension in Ethan's voice. With a quick nod, Yun-ho followed Ethan toward a secluded spot in the courtyard, his mind buzzing with questions.