The glow of the enchanted lanterns dimmed as the courtyard emptied, the echoes of the duel still lingering in the crisp night air. Eren leaned against a stone pillar, his hood shielding his face as he caught his breath. The crowd's cheers had faded, but the weight of their gazes and whispers lingered, pressing down on him like a tangible force.
Selene stood nearby, her sharp eyes scanning the few stragglers who lingered in the shadows. "You've stirred the pot now," she said, her voice low but tinged with amusement.
Eren didn't reply immediately. His fingers brushed the surface of the shadowy blade, still faintly pulsing with energy before it dissipated into the ether. The grimoire's whispers were subdued for now, but he could feel them coiled in the back of his mind, waiting for a moment of weakness.
"You think they'll come after me?" he finally asked, his tone neutral.
Selene scoffed. "Of course they will. You embarrassed a Drakhan in front of half the academy. His house won't let that slide, even if he does."
Eren pushed off the pillar, his posture straightening. "Then I'll deal with it when it happens."
"You should be more cautious," she said, her voice softening. "You're strong, but strength isn't the only thing that matters here. The academy has its own rules, its own hierarchy. You can't afford to make enemies carelessly."
"I didn't choose this fight," Eren replied, his eyes narrowing. "But if they want me to play their games, I'll play—and I'll win."
Selene studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed and turned to leave. "Just don't get yourself killed," she said over her shoulder. "I'd hate to lose such an interesting project."
Eren watched her disappear into the shadows before heading back to his dorm.
---
The following day, whispers of the duel spread like wildfire through the academy. Everywhere Eren went, he could feel the eyes of his peers on him—curious, envious, wary. Some students avoided him entirely, their steps quickening as he passed. Others stared openly, their expressions a mix of fear and fascination.
In the dining hall, the tension was palpable. Eren sat at the edge of the room, his hood pulled low as he ate in silence. Across the hall, a group of students from House Drakhan huddled together, their hushed voices and furtive glances betraying their intentions.
"They're planning something," a voice said, breaking Eren's solitude.
He looked up to see Kieran, a fellow student with a reputation for being both sharp-witted and morally ambiguous. Kieran slid into the seat across from him, his silver hair catching the light as he offered a sly smile.
"What do you want?" Eren asked, his tone cold.
Kieran chuckled. "Relax, I'm not here to fight. In fact, I think we could help each other."
Eren's eyes narrowed. "I don't need help."
"Maybe not," Kieran said, leaning back in his chair. "But you'll need allies eventually, whether you admit it or not. The Drakhan family doesn't forgive easily, and their reach extends far beyond this academy."
Eren considered his words carefully. He didn't trust Kieran—his reputation as a manipulator preceded him—but he couldn't deny the truth in what he said.
"And what do you want in return?" Eren asked.
Kieran's smile widened. "Nothing for now. Let's just say I'm interested in seeing how far you can go. But when the time comes, I'll let you know."
Before Eren could respond, Kieran stood and walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
---
That evening, Eren returned to his room to find a letter waiting for him on his desk. The envelope was sealed with the crest of the academy, its ornate design glinting in the candlelight.
He opened it cautiously, his eyes scanning the elegant script.
"To Eren Valis,
You are hereby summoned to a private audience with the Council of Instructors. Report to the Hall of Echoes at midnight. Failure to comply will result in immediate disciplinary action."
Eren's grip on the letter tightened. The Council of Instructors was the highest authority within the academy, second only to the headmaster. A summons from them was rare—and never without consequence.
The grimoire stirred at the edge of his consciousness, its whispers growing louder.
"They know," it hissed. "They've seen your power. They fear it."
Eren shook his head, trying to block out the voice. He didn't have time to dwell on what the council wanted. He needed to prepare.
---
As midnight approached, Eren made his way to the Hall of Echoes. The grand chamber was a testament to the academy's history, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes that pulsed faintly in the dim light.
The council members sat in a semicircle at the far end of the hall, their faces obscured by shadows. Their presence was intimidating, but Eren refused to show any sign of weakness.
"Eren Valis," one of them said, their voice echoing through the chamber. "Do you know why you've been summoned?"
"I assume it has to do with the duel," Eren replied, keeping his voice steady.
"That is part of it," another member said. "But more importantly, it concerns the power you wield. The shadowy blade you conjured during the duel—it is unlike any magic we have seen before."
Eren's heart pounded, but he kept his expression neutral. "It's just a tool," he said. "A manifestation of my training."
"Do not insult our intelligence," a third member snapped. "We know there is more to it than that. The question is whether you intend to use it for the academy's benefit—or against it."
Eren met their gaze, his resolve unshaken. "I have no intention of causing harm to the academy," he said. "But I will defend myself if necessary."
The council exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the first member spoke again.
"Very well," they said. "For now, you may continue your studies. But know this, Eren Valis: we will be watching you closely. Any sign of betrayal, and you will face the full weight of the academy's judgment."
Eren nodded, his fists clenched at his sides. He had survived the summons, but the weight of their scrutiny was now heavier than ever. As he left the hall, the grimoire's whispers filled his mind once more, a dark reminder of the battles still to come.