The academy halls were eerily quiet after the match. Kai walked briskly, keeping his head low, his mind a turbulent storm of thoughts. The weight of the stares and whispers from the arena still lingered, making him hyperaware of every step. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had crossed an invisible line—a line that separated obscurity from unwanted attention.
"Tebu," Kai murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible. "That creature… its evolution was unexpected."
The system's voice resonated in his mind, calm and detached.
"Host, the creature evolved as a response to the intensity of the battle. Adaptation is a core principle of Tebu. However, its visibility increases your risk of exposure."
Kai's jaw tightened. He had spent years perfecting his ability to blend in, to remain unseen. But the events of the match had shattered that facade. His thoughts turned to the crowd, to the murmurs of curiosity and suspicion that had followed him as he left the arena.
Reaching the dormitory, Kai slipped into his room, locking the door behind him. The small, dimly lit space was his sanctuary, the only place where he could let his guard down. He sank onto the bed, the tension in his shoulders refusing to ease.
His gaze drifted to the window, where the moonlight cast faint shadows across the floor. Shadows—his power's domain. The creature he had summoned earlier lingered in the corner of the room, its form shifting and flickering like a living shadow.
"You're becoming more defined," Kai muttered, studying the creature. Its claws gleamed faintly in the moonlight, and its eyes—glowing orbs of pale blue—seemed to watch him with a quiet intelligence.
The creature growled softly, a sound that was neither hostile nor comforting.
"Tebu, can this evolution be reversed?" Kai asked, his voice laced with urgency.
The system responded immediately.
"Reversal is possible, but it would weaken the creature significantly. Evolved forms are advantageous for combat but may draw attention in non-combat scenarios. The decision lies with the host."
Kai rubbed his temples, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Every choice he made felt like walking a tightrope, balancing survival against exposure.
A sudden knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. His heart leapt into his throat, and his hand instinctively moved to the dagger hidden beneath his pillow.
"Kai?" a voice called out. It was soft, hesitant.
He recognized it instantly—Lila, one of the few students who had ever bothered to speak to him. She was known for her gentle demeanor, her healing-based system making her a favorite among her peers.
Kai hesitated, his mind racing. Letting her in could be a risk, especially with the creature still present. But ignoring her might raise suspicion.
After a moment's pause, he stood and opened the door a crack. "What is it?"
Lila's eyes widened slightly, her gaze flickering past him to the shadowy interior of the room. "I… I wanted to check on you. That match today was intense."
"I'm fine," Kai said curtly, his tone betraying none of the turmoil within.
She shifted nervously, her hands clasped in front of her. "You were amazing out there, but… people are talking. They're saying your system is—"
"Dangerous," Kai finished for her, his voice sharp.
Lila flinched, and guilt pricked at him. He sighed, softening his tone. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Really."
Her expression wavered between doubt and understanding. After a moment, she nodded. "If you ever need help… you can come to me."
Kai offered a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks."
As she walked away, Kai closed the door, leaning against it with a heavy sigh. Lila's visit had been unexpected, and her words only confirmed his fears. The academy was already abuzz with speculation, and it was only a matter of time before the wrong person took an interest in him.
"Tebu," Kai said, his voice low. "What are the chances that someone recognized the system I'm using?"
The system's response was chillingly blunt.
"Probability is low. The specifics of Tebu remain obscure to most. However, those with knowledge of rare systems may begin to suspect. Host should exercise extreme caution."
Kai's thoughts drifted to the academy's higher-ups, the instructors who oversaw the matches. Their knowledge of systems far surpassed that of the students. If any of them had taken note of Tebu's abilities, his carefully constructed facade could crumble.
A sharp pain in his chest pulled him from his thoughts. He clutched at his ribs, his breathing shallow. The aftereffects of the match were beginning to catch up to him.
"Tebu," he gasped. "Can you heal this?"
The system's voice was unyielding.
"Host's injuries are minor and do not require intervention. Rest is sufficient."
Kai groaned, collapsing onto the bed. The weight of the day pressed down on him, both physically and mentally. As his eyes drifted shut, he couldn't shake the feeling that the match had been a turning point—a moment that marked the beginning of something far greater than he could yet comprehend.
---
The next morning, the academy was alive with activity, the air buzzing with anticipation for the day's matches. Kai moved through the crowds like a ghost, his presence unnoticed by most. But he couldn't ignore the occasional glance, the whispered conversations that seemed to follow him wherever he went.
"Did you see him yesterday? That shadow thing—what was that?"
"I've never seen a system like his. It's creepy."
"Do you think the instructors will step in? It doesn't seem… natural."
Kai's jaw clenched, but he kept his head down, his focus on reaching the library. It was one of the few places where he could find some semblance of peace.
As he entered the quiet space, the scent of aged parchment and ink greeted him. He navigated the rows of shelves with practiced ease, eventually finding a secluded corner.
Pulling out a dusty tome, he began to leaf through its pages, searching for anything that might provide insight into systems like Tebu. But the information was scarce, the text filled with vague references and cryptic warnings.
"Beware the systems born of shadow and void," one passage read. "Their power is great, but their price is greater still."
Kai's fingers tightened around the book. The words resonated with him in a way he couldn't fully explain.
"Tebu," he whispered. "What is the price of your power?"
The system's response was cryptic.
"All power comes at a cost. Host will learn in due time."
The answer sent a chill down his spine.