The quiet hum of the academy's corridors was deceptive, masking the tension brewing beneath its surface. For Kai, it felt as though every step he took was being watched, every breath scrutinized. Reynard's invitation to the Obsidian Circle lingered in his mind like a shadow he couldn't shake.
Why me?
He couldn't help but question the timing. The Obsidian Circle wasn't known for making casual offers, and Reynard's sudden interest in him was suspicious at best.
"Tebu," Kai muttered under his breath. "Did you finish analyzing the Obsidian Circle?"
"Yes, Host," Tebu replied. "The Obsidian Circle operates within the academy under a veil of secrecy. Its members are rumored to engage in restricted research, experimentation, and alliances with entities beyond the known realms. Their ultimate goal remains unclear, but they have been linked to several disappearances and incidents involving forbidden powers."
Kai's heart sank. If the Circle was involved in disappearances, joining them wasn't just dangerous—it could be a death sentence.
But what if it's the only way to survive?
---
The next day, Kai found himself in the library again, buried in ancient texts. The dim lighting and faint scent of parchment offered a temporary reprieve from the chaos in his mind. He had pulled out another section of the Codex of Forbidden Evolutions, hoping for guidance.
"Symbiotic Amplification," he read aloud. "The process enhances both the creator and the evolved creature, but it requires complete trust and synchronization. Any imbalance could result in permanent loss of self."
Kai's hand hovered over the page, his mind racing. He needed power, but at what cost?
Before he could delve further, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Reading something interesting?"
Kai snapped the book shut and turned to see Lyra standing behind him. Her silver hair glimmered faintly in the library's low light, and her piercing eyes seemed to see through him.
"Just studying," Kai replied, trying to sound casual.
Lyra tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You don't seem like the type to study forbidden techniques for fun."
Kai's chest tightened. "How do you—"
"Relax," Lyra said, holding up a hand. "I'm not here to expose you. But you should be careful. People have disappeared for less."
Kai frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I've been where you are," Lyra said softly. "Desperate for answers, willing to take risks. Just… don't lose yourself in the process."
Before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him more confused than ever.
---
As night fell, Kai's unease only grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The air felt heavy, charged with an energy that made his skin prickle.
He decided to head to the training fields, hoping to clear his mind. The cold wind bit at his face as he stepped onto the empty grounds. Shadows danced under the pale moonlight, and the silence was almost deafening.
"Tebu," Kai said. "Initiate training mode."
"Activating training mode. Warning: energy levels are below optimal thresholds."
Kai ignored the warning, summoning his shadow energy. The familiar tendrils wrapped around him, their movements fluid and precise. He began practicing advanced maneuvers, pushing himself harder with each attempt.
But something felt off.
The shadows seemed heavier, their movements sluggish. Kai struggled to maintain control, his breaths coming in short gasps.
"Host," Tebu's voice cut through the haze. "Energy levels are critically low. Continuing this training could result in severe exhaustion."
Kai gritted his teeth. "I can handle it."
Suddenly, the shadows surged, breaking free of his control. They lashed out wildly, striking the ground and tearing through the air. Kai stumbled back, his vision swimming.
"Enough!" he shouted, forcing the shadows to dissipate.
He collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from the effort.
I'm not strong enough.
The realization hit him like a blow. No matter how hard he trained, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was falling behind, that the world was moving faster than he could keep up.
---
A rustling sound caught his attention.
Kai shot to his feet, his senses on high alert. The shadows around him shifted, responding to his unease.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty field.
For a moment, there was silence. Then, a figure stepped into the light.
Reynard.
Kai's fists clenched. "What do you want now?"
Reynard smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Relax, I'm not here to fight. I just wanted to see how our potential recruit is doing."
"I'm not joining your Circle," Kai said firmly.
Reynard chuckled. "You say that now, but you'll change your mind. Everyone does eventually."
Kai's shadows flared, a warning. "Leave, or I'll make you."
Reynard raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Careful, Kai. You don't want to start a fight you can't win."
Kai's heart raced, but he refused to back down. He summoned more shadows, their tendrils coiling around him like serpents.
Reynard sighed. "Fine. If you insist."
In an instant, flames erupted around Reynard, their heat searing the air. The two of them stood locked in a standoff, the tension palpable.
Kai made the first move, sending his shadows hurtling toward Reynard. But the older student was faster, his flames cutting through the darkness with ease.
The clash of elements lit up the training field, their energy crackling in the night. Kai poured everything he had into the fight, but Reynard's skill was undeniable.
"You're out of your depth," Reynard taunted, his flames forcing Kai back. "You should've accepted my offer."
Kai gritted his teeth, refusing to give up. He summoned a surge of shadows, their tendrils forming a protective barrier around him.
But Reynard was relentless. His flames intensified, breaking through the barrier and sending Kai sprawling to the ground.
"See?" Reynard said, standing over him. "You're not ready."
Kai glared up at him, his body screaming in pain.
"Don't worry," Reynard added, his tone almost mocking. "We'll talk again soon. Maybe next time, you'll listen."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kai battered and defeated.
---
Back in his room, Kai stared at the ceiling, his thoughts a whirlwind of anger and frustration.
Tebu, give me a status update.
"Host's physical condition: moderate injuries. Energy levels: depleted. Overall recommendation: rest and recovery."
Kai sighed. He couldn't afford to rest. Not when the stakes were this high.
I have to get stronger, he thought, his resolve hardening. No matter what it takes.