Chapter 85: The Looming Eclipse
The academy halls echoed with the quiet murmur of students returning to their routines, oblivious to the growing storm beneath the surface. Yun-ho, Nova, and Ethan walked through the corridors, their usual banter subdued. Yun-ho's thoughts lingered on the *Heart of Darkness* within him, its presence like a constant whisper at the back of his mind.
"Hey," Nova said, breaking the silence, "I've been thinking about the last mission. Do you think we've really stopped the threat?"
Yun-ho's gaze flickered toward her. "We've stopped a threat, but something tells me this isn't over."
Ethan, walking alongside them, had been quieter than usual. His attention was divided between Yun-ho and Nova, an unspoken tension between the three. The air between them had changed, subtle but noticeable. Ethan, ever the loyal friend, couldn't shake the creeping jealousy that had begun to gnaw at him.
Suddenly, the corridor darkened, the sunlight dimming unnaturally. A familiar chill swept through the academy, and before the group could react, a figure emerged from the shadows—a wraith, cloaked in dark mist, eyes glowing like dying embers. The hall emptied as students rushed away in fear, but Yun-ho and his group stood firm.
"You think you've won," the wraith hissed, its voice echoing unnaturally, "but this is only the beginning. The Eclipse approaches."
Yun-ho narrowed his eyes, gripping the hilt of his sword, which gleamed faintly with its azure hue. The Heart of Darkness pulsed within him, responding to the presence of the wraith, almost urging him to strike.
"The Eclipse?" Ethan questioned, stepping forward, his fists glowing with power. "What are you talking about?"
"The true darkness lies ahead. You have yet to face it. But soon... very soon, you'll understand the futility of your efforts."
Yun-ho tightened his grip on the sword, the temptation to unleash his power bubbling just beneath the surface. He could feel the relic on his back—the Crimson Reaper, his heroic-grade chain sickle—itching to be drawn, as if it too sensed the malice before them.
Nova, her voice calm but firm, addressed the wraith. "What is the Eclipse? Who's behind this?"
The wraith's form flickered, its dark mist swirling ominously. "You'll find out soon enough. But by then, it will be too late for your world."
With those parting words, the wraith vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a lingering sense of dread. The three stood in silence, the weight of the encounter heavy on their shoulders.
"We need answers," Yun-ho finally said, his voice low. "And we need to find them fast."
As they walked back to their dorms, Ethan lagged behind, glancing at Nova and Yun-ho walking closely ahead. His jaw clenched slightly, but he said nothing, burying his feelings once again.
In the distance, dark clouds gathered on the horizon. The Eclipse was coming.