The first light of dawn seeped through the cracks in the horizon as Eren leaned against a stone pillar near the edge of the Academy's training grounds. His body felt heavy, the dark energy from the Abyssal Crystal still coursing through him. It wasn't just physical strain—it was the mental burden of knowing what he had taken.
The Hall of Records had been left in chaos. The professor's fate was still a mystery, but the memory of the man's warning echoed in Eren's mind.
"That artifact is not meant for the likes of you."
He exhaled sharply, trying to center himself. The grimoire's voice had been unusually quiet since the incident, as if it, too, was processing the power they had gained.
"Are you going to sulk forever, or will you learn to wield what you've claimed?" The grimoire finally spoke, its tone as sharp as ever.
"I don't need your lectures," Eren muttered under his breath.
"You misunderstand, Eren. The crystal's power isn't just a tool; it's a responsibility. If you let doubt linger, it will consume you."
Eren's eyes narrowed. The weight of the crystal, now embedded within the grimoire, was a constant reminder of his choice. He had taken it to protect his sister, to survive in a world that seemed intent on breaking him. But the professor's words, his final gaze, haunted him.
What price had he truly paid?
A New Presence
The day's classes at the Academy began with a subtle tension in the air. Whispers of strange occurrences at the Hall of Records had spread like wildfire. Students speculated about an intruder or a rogue artifact, but none seemed to suspect Eren. His carefully constructed façade remained intact, his dual identity shielding him from suspicion.
During combat class, he found himself paired with a new face—a transfer student named Kael. The boy was tall and lean, his sharp features framed by silver hair. His eyes held a glint of curiosity and challenge as he stepped onto the sparring platform opposite Eren.
"Eren, right?" Kael said, twirling a short spear in his hand. "I've heard about you. Top marks in tactical analysis, but you keep a low profile in combat. Care to show me what you're hiding?"
Eren tightened his grip on his wooden practice sword, suppressing the flicker of annoyance Kael's words sparked. "I'm not hiding anything," he said flatly.
Kael grinned. "We'll see."
The instructor signaled the start of the match, and Kael moved first. His strikes were fast and precise, forcing Eren to stay on the defensive. But Eren's movements were calculated, his reflexes honed by more than just training. He anticipated Kael's next move, sidestepping a thrust and countering with a swift strike to the side.
Kael staggered but recovered quickly, his grin widening. "Not bad. But you're holding back."
Eren said nothing, focusing instead on the fight. He couldn't afford to draw attention, not now, not after what had happened at the Hall. But Kael's persistence was relentless, his attacks pushing Eren to the edge.
The grimoire's voice returned, a whisper in the back of his mind. "This one is testing you. Show him why he shouldn't."
"No," Eren replied internally. "I won't lose control."
But Kael's next move caught him off guard. The spear's blunt end struck Eren's shoulder, sending him stumbling. The class erupted in murmurs, and Kael lowered his weapon, his grin turning into a smirk.
"Interesting," Kael said. "You're stronger than you let on. Next time, don't hold back."
Eren clenched his jaw, forcing himself to remain calm. He couldn't let anyone see the darkness brewing beneath his surface.
An Unexpected Ally
Later that evening, Eren found himself wandering the outskirts of the Academy. The forest beyond the training grounds was quiet, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.
He paused near a secluded clearing, the grimoire's voice urging him to train, to harness the Abyssal Crystal's power. But before he could summon his creatures, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"You've been acting strange lately."
Eren turned to see Lyra stepping into the clearing, her golden eyes piercing through the dim light. She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
"What do you want?" Eren asked, his tone sharper than intended.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Relax, I'm not here to fight. I just... noticed something during class today. You're different. Stronger. But there's something else, isn't there?"
Eren looked away, his mind racing. Lyra was observant, too much for her own good.
"You're imagining things," he said curtly.
She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "Eren, I don't know what you're hiding, but whatever it is, it's dangerous. If you need help—"
"I don't need help," he interrupted, his voice cold.
Lyra's expression softened, a hint of sadness crossing her face. "Fine. Keep your secrets. But don't let them destroy you."
She turned and walked away, leaving Eren alone in the clearing.
The Awakening of a Faction
As night fell, Eren returned to his quarters, his mind still troubled. The grimoire's silence was almost unnerving, but he welcomed it, using the quiet to reflect.
But as he sat by the window, staring at the moonlit campus, a realization struck him.
He couldn't do this alone.
The world was vast and filled with dangers, from other system holders to the forces lurking in the shadows. If he was to survive, to protect his sister, he needed allies—not the kind who asked questions or sought the truth, but those who understood the power of darkness and were willing to embrace it.
A plan began to form in his mind. The grimoire stirred, its voice returning with a hint of approval.
"You're finally beginning to understand. Strength lies not only in power but in unity. Build your dominion, Eren. Let the shadows become your shield and your sword."
Eren's lips curved into a faint smile. He would create something unseen, an organization that operated in the darkness, its members bound by loyalty and purpose. Together, they would navigate the dangers of the world, fighting not for justice or vengeance, but for survival and control.
And so, the seeds of his faction were sown.