The Academy grounds stretched endlessly before Eren, bathed in the silvery light of the moon. The sprawling courtyard, lined with towering statues of past heroes, seemed almost ethereal in the quiet of the night. For most students, this was a time for rest, but for Eren, it marked the beginning of his true work.
He adjusted his hood, ensuring his face remained concealed. His dual identity was a delicate balance—by day, he was a promising new recruit at the Academy, blending seamlessly with the crowd. By night, he became the masked wielder of Tebu, venturing into the shadows to unravel the mysteries of his power and the world around him.
Tonight, his destination was the Hall of Records, a restricted area rumored to house ancient texts and artifacts. If the grimoire's whispers were true, something of great importance was hidden there, something that could aid in his evolution.
"The shadows are your allies," the grimoire murmured, its voice smooth and unyielding. "Use them wisely."
Eren crouched low, his senses heightened. The guards patrolled the area in pairs, their footsteps echoing faintly. He waited, timing his movements with precision. When the moment came, he slipped through the shadows, his presence barely more than a whisper in the wind.
The entrance to the Hall loomed before him, its heavy wooden doors etched with intricate carvings. A faint glow emanated from the runes, a magical barrier meant to keep intruders out.
"This is where most would falter," the grimoire said, a hint of amusement in its tone.
Eren placed a hand on the door, feeling the pulse of the magic. It resisted him, its energy crackling like static, but he focused, channeling the grimoire's power. The runes flickered, their light dimming before they vanished entirely. The door creaked open, revealing a staircase spiraling into the depths below.
The air grew colder as he descended, the walls lined with shelves of ancient texts and relics. The weight of history pressed down on him, each step a reminder of the knowledge and power that lay hidden here.
His eyes scanned the room, searching for anything that stood out. Then, he saw it—a pedestal in the center of the chamber, atop which rested a dark crystal. Its surface shimmered, reflecting an otherworldly light.
"This is it," the grimoire whispered, its excitement palpable. "A fragment of the Abyss. Take it, and you shall ascend."
Eren hesitated. The crystal's energy was overwhelming, its darkness pulsating like a heartbeat. He could feel it pulling at him, promising strength beyond his imagination. But at what cost?
As he reached for it, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"Who dares trespass here?"
Eren spun around, his hand instinctively going to his dagger. A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in the Academy's uniform. It was a professor—an elder with piercing eyes and an air of authority.
"You have no idea what you're meddling with, boy," the man said, his tone sharp. "That artifact is not meant for the likes of you."
Eren's grip tightened on his weapon. The grimoire's voice hissed in his mind.
"Do not falter. He is but an obstacle. Remove him."
"No," Eren muttered under his breath. "I'm not a killer."
The professor's eyes narrowed. "You're conflicted. Good. That means there's still hope for you."
But hope wasn't what Eren sought. He needed power—power to protect his sister, power to survive.
The crystal pulsed, as if sensing his resolve. Darkness swirled around it, lashing out at the professor, who raised his hand to conjure a barrier.
Eren used the distraction to move, his instincts guiding him. With a surge of energy, he reached for the crystal, his fingers closing around its cold surface.
A wave of darkness exploded outward, engulfing the room.
---
When the dust settled, Eren stood alone. The professor was gone, his fate unknown. The crystal's energy coursed through Eren, merging with the grimoire's power. His vision swam, fragments of knowledge flooding his mind.
"The path ahead grows clearer," the grimoire said. "You are one step closer to true mastery. But beware, Eren. The world will not understand you. They will fear you. And fear breeds destruction."
Eren clenched his fists, the weight of his choices pressing down on him. He had gained power, but at what cost?
As he emerged from the Hall, the first rays of dawn painted the horizon. The world seemed unchanged, oblivious to the darkness that now simmered within him.
But Eren knew better. The storm was coming, and he would be at its center.