Novels by Yoko Kim

Chapter 7: The Abyssal BreachThe ground beneath Eldrion’s boots didn’t just shake; it screamed. It was a sound of tectonic plates grinding against something that shouldn’t exist—a visceral, soul-shuddering groan that seemed to rise from the very center of the world."What is that?" Arabelle’s voice cracked, her previous dignity forgotten as she stumbled toward him. "Eldrion, the fountain! Look at the fountain!"Eldrion didn't need to look to know what was happening, but he did anyway. At the center of the courtyard, the Great Fountain of Arcanis—a monument that had stood for four centuries—was being swallowed by a jagged, pulsing crack in reality. The water didn't spill; it vanished into a vacuum of sickly violet light."Get back, Arabelle! Now!" Eldrion roared, grabbing her arm and pulling her behind a stone pillar."Is this... is this an earthquake?" she gasped, her eyes wide as she stared at the sky. The moon was being eclipsed by a swirling vortex of indigo clouds that bled purpl

Chapter 6: The Unexpected DateThe note from his future self was still a cold weight in his pocket, but the moon was already high. Eldrion didn't have the luxury of a crisis. He had a duel to attend.He slipped into the gardens behind the library, the scent of crushed mint and damp earth filling his nose. The old dueling hall loomed ahead, but a figure was already waiting by the moon-dial."You actually showed up," Arabelle said, stepping out from the shade of a weeping willow. Her silver hair looked like spun starlight in the gloom. "I half-expected you to be halfway to the border by now.""And miss a chance to be humiliated by the Ice Queen of the North?" Eldrion leaned against a stone pillar, his breath hitching slightly. "Not a chance. Besides, my room is drafty. I needed the walk."Arabelle didn't smile. She walked toward him, her footsteps silent on the grass. "Let’s skip the jokes, Eldrion. I’ve spent the last three hours in the archives. I looked up every recorded instance of

Chapter 5: Shadows in the StacksEldrion didn’t go to the infirmary. He didn’t have time for a healer to poke at his "allergies" and realize his mana circuits were shaped like a forbidden geometry. Instead, he waited for the sun to dip below the spires, turning the sky the color of a bruised plum.He stood at the edge of the library’s shadow, leaning against a gargoyle that looked as tired as he felt."Okay, lungs, settle down. We walked three flights of stairs. We aren't dying yet," Eldrion muttered, pressing a hand to his chest. "Seriously, this body is a joke. I’ve had more stamina as a ghost."He looked up at the massive oak doors of the Great Library. They were reinforced with silver ley-lines, glowing with a faint, rhythmic blue light."Standard Grade 4 containment wards," he whispered, a smirk twitching on his lips. "The Academy thinks they’re so clever. They really think a bit of enchanted silver is going to keep people out. It’s almost cute."He held up a finger, a tiny spark

Chapter 4: Basic Combat for ArchmagesThe training grounds of Arcanis Academy were a sprawling expanse of scorched earth and reinforced stone, designed to withstand the blunders of three hundred overeager teenagers. As the morning mist burned off, Professor Virelia Magestone stood at the center of the arena, her arms crossed over a leather breastplate that looked as though it had survived several dragon breaths."Listen up, you lot! Magic isn't just about glowing orbs and fancy speeches in the Colosseum," Virelia barked, her voice carrying across the field like a crack of thunder. "If you can’t move your feet while moving your mana, you’re just a very expensive target. Today, we focus on foundational kinetic redirection. Watch."She didn't use a staff. With a sharp, sudden stomp of her boot, the ground groaned. A slab of granite the size of a dinner table tore itself from the earth, spinning in mid-air before slamming into a practice dummy fifty yards away."Whoa," a boy standing next

Chapter 3: The Glass ShardsThe Grand Colosseum was a masterpiece of architectural arrogance. Tiered marble benches rose toward a domed ceiling etched with the constellations of the First Era, and at the center of the sand-covered arena stood a solitary obsidian pedestal. Atop it sat the Eye of Truth—a swirling, translucent orb the size of a wagon wheel."Move it, Mysthaven. You're blocking the view of someone who actually matters."Eldrion didn't need to turn around to recognize the voice. It was oily, dripping with the kind of unearned confidence that only came from being born into a family with a private mountain of mana stones."Zephriel Arcanis," Eldrion said, finally glancing over his shoulder. "I see you’re still wearing enough gold to fund a small war. Isn't it a bit heavy for someone with such a fragile ego?"Zephriel, a tall boy with golden hair slicked back to a blinding sheen, sneered. He was surrounded by a small clique of sycophants who laughed on cue. "Better a heavy eg

Chapter 2: Ghosts of the PastThe staircase of the Mysthaven estate creaked under Eldrion’s feet as he descended, his cloak billowing behind him like a dark cloud. He didn’t look back at Elara’s confused face. He had a schedule to keep, even if that schedule only existed in his memory of a future that hadn't happened yet.At the bottom of the stairs, a tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair stood blocking the exit. Lord Alaric Mysthaven stared at his son, his arms crossed over a chest plate that hadn't seen battle in a decade."And where do you think you’re going with that trunk, Eldrion?" Alaric’s voice was like grinding stones. "The morning meal isn't even cold yet.""I’m going to the Academy, Father," Eldrion said, not breaking his stride. "Early. Very early."Alaric stepped into his path, a heavy hand landing on Eldrion’s shoulder. "The letter says the first of Harvest. That’s three weeks away. You haven't even finished your basic mana circulation exercises. You’ll b