The academy's courtyard was unusually quiet that morning, as if the entire campus was holding its breath. Eren stepped out of his dorm, the crisp air brushing against his face. The tension in the atmosphere was palpable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen.
The council's warning from days earlier still echoed in his mind, but Eren had more pressing matters to attend to. The whispers about his magic were spreading faster than he anticipated. Rumors had a way of growing like wildfire, and in an institution where power defined status, curiosity could easily transform into hostility.
---
As he made his way to the lecture hall, a figure stepped into his path. It was Marcus, a towering third-year known for his combat prowess and arrogance. His presence alone was enough to draw a small crowd, students gathering at a safe distance to watch the impending confrontation.
"Eren," Marcus said, his voice loud enough to ensure everyone heard. "I've been hearing interesting things about you."
Eren stopped, his expression unreadable. "And?"
Marcus smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You've been getting a lot of attention lately. I figured I'd see what all the fuss is about."
Eren sighed inwardly. He didn't have time for this. "I'm not interested in whatever you're planning."
Marcus chuckled. "Oh, but I insist. A friendly sparring match. Nothing too serious."
The crowd murmured in excitement, and Eren could feel their eyes boring into him. Declining would only fuel the rumors that he had something to hide, but accepting meant risking exposure.
"Fine," Eren said, his voice calm. "But don't blame me if you can't keep up."
---
The training grounds were quickly cleared for the impromptu match. Marcus unsheathed his sword, a gleaming blade that radiated energy. Eren, meanwhile, stood motionless, his expression betraying no emotion.
"Whenever you're ready," Marcus said, grinning.
Eren raised his hand slightly, summoning a shadowy blade that materialized in his grasp. The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, a mix of awe and unease rippling through the onlookers.
Marcus lunged first, his sword slicing through the air with precision. Eren sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and controlled. He countered with a quick slash of his shadow blade, forcing Marcus to retreat.
The duel intensified, Marcus attacking with brute strength while Eren relied on speed and strategy. It didn't take long for the difference in their fighting styles to become apparent. Marcus's strikes were powerful but predictable, while Eren's movements were calculated, each step a deliberate choice.
"You're better than I expected," Marcus admitted, his tone begrudging.
Eren didn't respond, his focus unwavering. He could feel the grimoire's whispers at the edge of his consciousness, urging him to unleash more power, to dominate his opponent. But he resisted, relying solely on his skills.
In a final exchange, Eren disarmed Marcus with a swift maneuver, sending his sword clattering to the ground. The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and stunned silence.
Eren stepped back, dismissing his shadow blade. "Are we done here?"
Marcus picked up his sword, his expression a mixture of frustration and respect. "Yeah… we're done."
---
Later that evening, Eren sat in his dorm, replaying the duel in his mind. The crowd's reaction, the whispers that followed him wherever he went—it was all becoming too much.
The grimoire lay on his desk, silent for once. Eren stared at it, his thoughts a chaotic mess. The power it offered was undeniable, but the cost was something he wasn't willing to pay. Not yet.
A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. He opened it to find Selene standing there, her arms crossed.
"You're making quite the name for yourself," she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
"I didn't ask for any of this," Eren replied, closing the door behind her.
Selene shrugged. "Doesn't matter. The fact is, you're in the spotlight now. And if you're not careful, it's going to get you killed."
Eren frowned. "What do you want, Selene?"
"To help," she said simply. "You're strong, but strength alone won't save you. You need allies, people you can trust."
"And you think I should trust you?"
Selene smirked. "You don't have to trust me. But you'd be a fool to push everyone away. The council, Marcus, the other students—they're all watching you. If you don't play your cards right, they'll tear you apart."
Eren considered her words, his expression unreadable. "I'll think about it."
"Good," Selene said, heading for the door. "Just don't wait too long. The academy isn't as safe as it seems."
---
As midnight approached, Eren found himself standing on the rooftop of the dormitory, staring out at the moonlit campus. The events of the day weighed heavily on him, but he knew this was only the beginning.
The gathering storm was coming, and Eren was determined to be ready for it.