The academy grounds were eerily quiet as Priyam made his way to the library. The encounter with the mysterious noble had left him on edge, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Headmaster Alaric's warning echoed in his mind: *Trust no one.* But how could he survive in a world where even his allies seemed to have their own agendas?
The library was a towering structure of stone and glass, its shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. Priyam had come here to learn more about the Void, hoping to uncover the truth behind his summoning. If he was going to protect himself, he needed to understand the forces at play.
As he entered the library, he was greeted by the familiar sight of **Astrid von Eisenberg**, the silver-haired scholar who had taken an interest in him. She was seated at a table, surrounded by books and notes, her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.
"Priam," she said, looking up from her work. "What brings you here?"
Priam hesitated, then sat down across from her. "I need your help. I want to learn more about the Void."
Astrid's golden eyes gleamed with interest. "The Void? That's a dangerous subject. Why the sudden interest?"
Priam told her about the encounter with the mysterious noble and Headmaster Alaric's warning. Astrid listened intently, her expression growing more serious with each word.
"I see," she said when he finished. "The Void is a force beyond our understanding. It is said to be the source of all magic, but it is also a realm of chaos and destruction. Those who seek to control it often meet tragic ends."
Priam frowned. "So, what does that mean for me? Why was I summoned?"
Astrid leaned forward, her voice lowering. "There are legends of beings known as Voidwalkers—individuals chosen by the Void itself. They possess the ability to manipulate its power, but they are also hunted by those who fear or covet their abilities."
Priam's heart raced. "You think I'm one of these Voidwalkers?"
Astrid adjusted her glasses. "It's possible. The binding seal on your hand is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's as if the Void itself is trying to communicate with you."
Priam stared at the mark on his hand, the runes glowing faintly. "What should I do?"
Astrid's expression softened. "For now, be careful. There are those who would use you for their own gain. But if you truly are a Voidwalker, you have the potential to change the fate of this world."
---
**The First Test**
The next day, Priyam's training took a more intense turn. Evelyne had arranged for him to participate in a mock battle against a group of first-year students. The goal was to test his combat skills and mana control in a real-world scenario.
The battlefield was a large, open field surrounded by trees. Priyam stood at one end, his heart pounding as he faced his opponents. They were a diverse group, each wielding different types of magic. Priyam could feel their mana radiating through the air, a reminder of how outmatched he was.
Evelyne stood at the edge of the field, her arms crossed. "Remember, Priyam, this is not just about winning. It's about survival."
Priam nodded, his grip tightening on the wooden practice sword he had been given. He took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. The runes on his hand glowed faintly, and he felt a surge of power.
The battle began with a flurry of spells. Fireballs, ice shards, and gusts of wind flew toward Priyam, forcing him to dodge and weave. He managed to deflect a few attacks with his sword, but it was clear he was outmatched.
One of the students, a boy with short black hair and a cocky grin, lunged at Priyam with a burst of speed. Priyam barely had time to react, blocking the strike with his sword. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, and he stumbled backward.
"Not bad," the boy said, his grin widening. "But you're still just a commoner."
Priam's frustration boiled over. He focused on the energy within him, channeling it into his sword. The runes on his hand glowed brighter, and the sword began to emit a faint golden light.
With a shout, Priyam swung the sword, releasing a wave of energy that knocked his opponent off his feet. The other students stared in shock, their attacks faltering.
Evelyne's eyes widened. "Impressive. But don't get cocky."
Priam didn't have time to celebrate. The other students regrouped, their attacks coming faster and harder. Priyam fought valiantly, but he was quickly overwhelmed.
As the battle came to an end, Priyam lay on the ground, his body aching and his breath ragged. He had lost, but he had also proven something to himself. He wasn't powerless. Not anymore.
---
**A New Ally**
After the battle, Priyam was approached by **Luna von Nacht**, the shy beastkin girl he had met earlier. She had watched the fight from the sidelines, her golden eyes filled with admiration.
"You were amazing," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "I've never seen anyone fight like that."
Priam smiled weakly. "Thanks. But I still lost."
Luna shook her head. "You held your own against five opponents. That's not something just anyone can do."
Priam's smile widened. "I guess you're right."
Luna hesitated, then reached into her bag and pulled out a small, intricately carved pendant. "Here. This is a charm for protection. I thought you might need it."
Priam took the pendant, his heart warming at the gesture. "Thank you, Luna. That means a lot."
Luna's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. "It's nothing. Just... be careful, okay?"
Priam nodded. "I will."
---
**The Gathering Storm**
As the days passed, Priyam's abilities continued to grow. He trained tirelessly, determined to master the power within him. But the shadow of the mysterious noble loomed over him, a constant reminder of the danger he was in.
One evening, as he was returning to his dormitory, he noticed a figure lurking in the shadows once again. This time, he was ready.
"Show yourself," he said, his voice firm.
The figure stepped forward, revealing the same tall, slender man from before. His cold, calculating eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"You're learning," the man said, his voice smooth but menacing. "But you're still out of your depth."
Priam's fists clenched. "What do you want?"
The man smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I want to see how far you can go. The Void has chosen you, but can you handle its power? Or will it consume you?"
Before Priyam could respond, the man turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows once again.
Priam stood there, his heart racing. The man's words echoed in his mind, a chilling reminder of the challenges ahead.
---
**End of Chapter 6**