Chereads / Grave Bound Rising / Chapter 3 - Shadows beneath the light

Chapter 3 - Shadows beneath the light

The city of Aster was a sprawling metropolis, its towering stone walls visible from miles away. Beyond those walls lay bustling markets, towering spires of the noble districts, and the ever-present clamor of people trying to make their way in the world.

John Snow stood on a dirt road leading to the city gates, a tattered cloak covering his body. His heart raced as he stared at the massive wooden doors, reinforced with iron and guarded by soldiers clad in gleaming armor.

He adjusted his hood, ensuring his face was well-hidden. His goal was clear: to blend in, learn more about this new world of Hunters, and, most importantly, hide his identity as a Necromancer.

[Objective: Enter Aster City]

Tip: Avoid suspicion. Conceal your abilities.

"Blend in," John muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the guards checking travelers at the gate. "Yeah, easier said than done."

The cloak did little to mask his ragged appearance—torn clothes, scuffed boots, and the faint glow of his new Ring of Shadows. He looked like a wandering vagrant, but that was better than looking like a rogue Hunter.

As he approached the gate, the guards stopped him.

"Halt," said the taller of the two, his spear angled just slightly in John's direction. "What's your business in Aster?"

John hesitated, his mind racing for an answer. "I'm... looking for work," he said finally, keeping his voice low. "Heard the city's got plenty of opportunities."

The shorter guard snorted. "Work, eh? You don't look like much of a laborer." He gestured at John's shabby clothes. "You sure you're not here to cause trouble?"

John forced a laugh. "Trouble? No, sir. Just trying to survive, same as anyone else."

The taller guard eyed him for a moment longer before stepping aside. "Go on, then. Don't cause any trouble, or you'll regret it."

John nodded, slipping past the gates and into the city.

A New World

The streets of Aster were a chaotic symphony of sound and movement. Merchants shouted about their wares, children darted between carts, and the smell of roasted meat mingled with the tang of forge smoke.

John kept his hood up as he weaved through the crowd, his eyes scanning his surroundings. This was a far cry from the quiet cemetery and dark forest he had left behind.

Everywhere he looked, there were signs of the Hunter world: posters advertising dungeon-clearing jobs, shops selling enchanted weapons, and groups of armed individuals boasting about their exploits.

John stopped in front of a noticeboard plastered with flyers. One caught his attention immediately.

Aster Academy of Hunters

Enrollment Open!

Train with the best. Learn to survive. Become a Hunter.

Apply at the South Wing of the Academy Grounds.

John's brow furrowed as he read the flyer. The Academy wasn't just a place to learn—it was a hub for Hunters, a place where he could gather information and sharpen his skills. More importantly, it was the perfect cover.

"If I can blend in there," he murmured, "I'll have access to everything I need."

Decision made, John headed toward the south side of the city.

The Academy

The Aster Academy of Hunters was a sprawling complex of marble and stone, its walls lined with banners bearing the sigil of a roaring lion. The main courtyard buzzed with activity as prospective students lined up to register.

John joined the line, keeping his head down as he observed those around him.

Most of the applicants were young, their faces filled with determination or excitement. Some carried weapons, while others wore enchanted gear that practically screamed "rich family."

I'll definitely stand out here, John thought, his unease growing.

When his turn came, he stepped up to a desk manned by a stern-looking woman with round glasses.

"Name?" she asked, not looking up from her papers.

"John Snow," he replied, his voice steady.

"Age?"

"Twenty-one."

"Prior experience?"

John hesitated. "None. Just... basic survival skills."

The woman glanced up, her sharp eyes scrutinizing him. "You don't look like much of a fighter."

John shrugged. "I've had to fight to survive. Isn't that enough?"

She stared at him for a moment longer before stamping his form. "You'll start as a probationary student. Orientation is tomorrow morning. Don't be late."

John nodded and took the parchment she handed him.

Dorm Life

The dormitory assigned to new students was a large, stone building on the outskirts of the Academy grounds. Inside, rows of simple beds lined the walls, each with a trunk for belongings.

John claimed an empty bed near the back, grateful for the relative privacy. As he sat down, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hey, new guy."

John looked up to see a young man with messy brown hair and a friendly smile. He wore simple leather armor and carried a short sword at his side.

"I'm Lucas," the man said, extending a hand.

"John," he replied, shaking it cautiously.

"You don't look like the Academy type," Lucas said, sitting on the bed across from John. "What's your story?"

"Just trying to make a fresh start," John said vaguely.

Lucas chuckled. "Aren't we all?" He leaned back, resting on his elbows. "Word of advice: watch out for the nobles. They think they own this place. And don't get on the instructors' bad side unless you want to spend all day scrubbing toilets."

John nodded, filing the information away. Lucas seemed harmless enough, but John wasn't ready to trust anyone just yet.

Orientation

The next morning, the new students gathered in the Academy's main hall. The room was massive, its vaulted ceiling supported by marble pillars. At the front stood a group of instructors, each radiating authority.

The head instructor, a tall man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward.

"Welcome to the Aster Academy of Hunters," he began, his voice carrying easily across the hall. "You are here because you believe you have what it takes to survive in the most dangerous profession in the world. Some of you will succeed. Most of you will fail."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

"You will be tested," he continued. "Physically, mentally, and emotionally. We will push you to your limits and beyond. Only the strongest and most determined will graduate."

He scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on John for a moment before moving on.

"Your first test begins now. Report to the training grounds."

The Test

The training grounds were a massive open field, lined with weapon racks and obstacle courses. The students were divided into groups and tasked with a series of challenges, ranging from combat drills to endurance runs.

John's group included Lucas, a quiet girl with twin daggers, and a hulking boy who carried a warhammer like it weighed nothing.

The first challenge was simple: sparring.

John was paired with the girl, whose name was Kara. She moved with grace and precision, her daggers flashing as she struck.

John dodged awkwardly, his movements slow compared to her agility. He was forced to rely on his shovel, deflecting her strikes as best he could.

"Not bad for a newbie," Kara said, smirking.

John gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford to reveal his true abilities, but losing every match would draw attention too.

He took a deep breath, focusing on her movements. When she lunged, he sidestepped and brought his shovel down in a controlled arc, tapping her on the shoulder.

Kara stepped back, her smirk widening. "Alright, I'll give you that one."

After Hours

When the day's training ended, John returned to his dorm, his muscles aching and his mind buzzing with new information.

He waited until the other students were asleep before slipping out into the night.

The Academy grounds were quiet, the moon casting long shadows across the courtyard. John found a secluded spot near the outer wall and summoned his undead.

[Skill Activated: Raise Dead]

The skeletons emerged silently, their glowing eyes watching him.

John practiced controlling them, experimenting with different commands and formations. The more he worked, the more natural it felt, as if the Abyss itself were guiding him.

[Skill Leveled Up: Raise Dead (Level 3)]

A faint smile tugged at his lips. He was growing stronger, and soon, he would be ready to face whatever challenges the Academy—and the world—threw at him.

For now, he would play the role of an ordinary student. But beneath the surface, the Gravebound Necromancer was rising.