The Academy's atmosphere had shifted for Zod. He could feel the weight of unseen eyes on him as if the air itself held whispers from the shadows. The Vahlin Circle was real, and they were watching him. Every duel, every spell he cast, and every step he took—it all felt like part of some larger game being played around him.
But Zod wasn't a pawn. The Arcanum System was his guide, and through it, he had power beyond what the Circle could anticipate. He would uncover their plans and use it to his advantage.
As he made his way through the Academy halls, Zod couldn't shake the feeling that the more he unraveled about the Circle, the closer he came to something vast and dangerous. Yet, the system continued to push him forward.
---
System Notification: Quest update—Investigate the Vahlin Circle's activities within the Academy. Reward: Time Magic Tier 3 and further Spatial Magic mastery.
---
The Arcanum System had been steadily unlocking more complex and rare abilities, making Zod a mage far beyond the level of most of the Academy's students. But the deeper he ventured into the system's challenges, the more he realized how much he didn't yet know.
Time Magic had been his latest acquisition, and with it, Zod had begun to slow and even manipulate time in small bursts. However, unlocking Tier 3 of this magic promised something far greater—full control over time itself, if only for brief moments.
Spatial Magic had also proved valuable, allowing him to manipulate space around him, creating pockets or warping locations. It had already saved him in sparring matches where quick reflexes weren't enough. And now, the system hinted that mastering this would take his abilities even further.
But first, the Circle.
---
The Academy's vast library had provided Zod with the first clues about the Vahlin Circle, but the information had been fragmented, buried in ancient texts. If the Circle was truly as powerful and secretive as Master Graven had suggested, then their presence in the Academy was likely hidden under layers of bureaucracy or in the minds of those who knew how to keep their secrets.
The only way to proceed was to investigate further—and that meant finding someone with direct ties to the Circle.
Zod's thoughts turned to Master Rellis, one of the more reclusive and enigmatic instructors at the Academy. Rellis had a reputation for dabbling in ancient magics and rarely interacted with students outside of his required lessons. Rumors suggested that he had connections to old magical orders, though no one dared to ask him directly.
If anyone knew about the Vahlin Circle, it would be Rellis.
---
Zod waited until nightfall. The Academy's towering buildings cast long shadows over the grounds, the cool night air heavy with the scent of magic. Zod moved quietly, his presence hidden by a subtle weave of shadow magic that made him nearly invisible as he made his way toward Rellis's quarters.
---
Zod approached the door to Master Rellis's study, the soft glow of candlelight spilling out from the edges. He hesitated for only a moment before knocking, his hand steady despite the weight of what he was about to ask.
The door creaked open, revealing the tall, thin figure of Rellis. His sharp features were illuminated by the flickering light behind him, casting long shadows across his face.
"Zod," Rellis said, his voice smooth and almost amused. "I wondered when you would seek me out."
Zod's eyes narrowed slightly. "You expected me?"
Rellis stepped aside, allowing Zod to enter the study. The room was lined with shelves filled with ancient books, scrolls, and artifacts—most of which were far older than anything in the Academy's library.
"I've been aware of your... progress," Rellis continued, gesturing for Zod to sit. "The youngest son of House Elandor, progressing through the Academy faster than any of his peers. But you are not here to talk about your studies, are you?"
Zod sat, his gaze steady. "I've uncovered information about a group called the Vahlin Circle. I believe they're watching me. Testing me. And I think you know something about them."
Rellis's expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—recognition, perhaps, or interest. He leaned back in his chair, considering Zod's words.
"The Vahlin Circle," Rellis said slowly, "is a name that hasn't been spoken in many years. They are, as you suspect, an ancient order. Their goal has always been to control the flow of magical power, ensuring that those with potential are guided—or, in some cases, removed from the equation."
Zod's jaw tightened. "So they're interested in me because of my power."
Rellis nodded. "Yes, and because they believe you have the potential to disrupt the balance they've maintained for centuries."
Zod's mind raced. The Arcanum System had been pushing him toward this, guiding him to unlock more powerful magic. But why was the Circle so invested in maintaining balance? What were they afraid of?
"And you," Zod asked carefully, "what is your connection to them?"
Rellis smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in it. "I was once considered for membership in their ranks, long ago. But I chose a different path. One that allows me more freedom than the Circle's rigid structure would permit."
Zod's eyes narrowed. "Then why help me? You could easily report this conversation back to them."
Rellis leaned forward, his expression darkening. "Because, Zod, I see in you what the Circle fears. You are not bound by their rules or their vision of the world. You have the potential to surpass them—to become something greater than they could ever hope to control."
Zod felt a surge of something—determination, power. The Arcanum System was already making him stronger, and now, Rellis's words confirmed what he had suspected. The Circle wasn't just watching him; they were trying to shape his destiny.
But Zod wasn't interested in being shaped. He would forge his own path.
---
System Notification: Progress 70% complete. Investigate the Vahlin Circle further.
---
Rellis stood, moving to one of the shelves and pulling down an old, weathered scroll. He handed it to Zod, his gaze steady.
"This is the last I will offer you," Rellis said. "The Circle's secrets are dangerous, and they will not take kindly to you prying further into their affairs. But if you wish to know more, this will help you."
Zod accepted the scroll, his eyes flicking over the intricate runes that lined its surface. It was old—ancient, even—but he could feel the magic embedded within it. This scroll would provide answers, but it would also bring him closer to the Circle's attention.
"Thank you," Zod said quietly, his gaze meeting Rellis's. "I won't forget this."
Rellis's lips curled into a faint smile. "Be careful, Zod. Power like yours will always attract attention—some of it more dangerous than you can imagine."
---
Back in his chambers, Zod carefully unrolled the scroll, the runes glowing faintly in the candlelight. The text was written in an ancient language, one that would have been difficult for most to understand. But the Arcanum System provided the knowledge Zod needed, deciphering the text as he read.
The scroll detailed the Vahlin Circle's origins, their rise to power, and their long history of manipulating magical users across the realms. But there was something more—something hidden between the lines.
They weren't just concerned with power. They were searching for something, something tied to ancient magic. And Zod was part of their plan.
---
System Notification: Quest updated—Investigate the Circle's true goal. Reward: Time Magic Tier 3 unlocked.
---
The final piece was falling into place. The Vahlin Circle was after something far greater than just maintaining balance. They were seeking control over a power that could shift the entire magical world.
Zod's fists clenched. Whatever their plans were, they involved him—and he wouldn't let them dictate his fate.
He was ready for whatever came next.