2025-08-30 23:11:17
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Chapter 71
Draven woke up with a strange certainty in his mind. He needed a sword. A real sword, not just the standard practice blade the academy provided.The pendant had been warm all night, vibrating with memories of warriors who'd wielded legendary weapons. He could feel their techniques at the edge of his consciousness, but they required proper steel to execute correctly.He dressed quickly and headed downstairs to find his friends. Jin was already in the common room, reading through a thick textbook on earth magic theory."Morning," Jin said without looking up. "You're up early.""I need to go into the city today," Draven said. "Want to come?""What for?"Sent"I need to find a blacksmith. I want to get a proper sword made."That got Jin's attention. He looked up from his book. "A sword? What's wrong with the academy weapons?""They're practice blades. Good for training, but not for real combat. I need something that can channel my fire magic properly.""Since when do you channel fire magic
Chapter 70
Draven was walking back from his afternoon classes when he heard footsteps behind him. Heavy, deliberate steps that seemed to be matching his pace.He turned around and found himself face to face with Maximilian Stormcrest. Third on the Wall of Recognition, water element specialist, and someone Draven had only seen from a distance before.Maximilian was tall and broad-shouldered, with the kind of build that suggested he spent as much time on physical training as magical studies. His dark blue hair was swept back from his face, and his eyes were an unsettling pale green that seemed to look right through people."Draven Ashworth," Maximilian said, "Finally. I've been wanting to meet you.""Have you?" Draven replied carefully. "Why?"Maximilian stepped closer, and Draven caught a whiff of something like ocean spray mixed with ozone. The scent of powerful magic."Because I can smell it on you," Maximilian said, his pale green eyes studying Draven's face intently. "The strength. It's comi
Chapter 69
The next morning brought a return to routine. Draven attended his classes, tried to focus on magical theory, and mostly succeeded in pushing the strange dreams to the back of his mind. But during lunch, restlessness crept in."I'm going to skip afternoon study hall," he told his friends as they finished eating. "Need some physical activity.""Want company?" Jin asked."Nah. Just need to clear my head."He made his way to the training grounds, hoping some solo sword practice would help settle his thoughts. The main practice areas were busy with other students, so he headed to the older grounds on the far side of campus.These training areas had been built decades ago and were mostly unused now except by students who wanted privacy or quiet. The equipment was older but well-maintained, and the isolation was perfect for working through complicated feelings.Draven was halfway through a series of basic sword forms when he heard the sound of steel on steel from the next field over. Someone
Chapter 68
Draven jerked awake in his bed, heart pounding and sweat covering his face. For a moment, the dream felt so real he could still hear the clash of weapons and smell the smoke from burning magic.Shadow Moon infiltrators. A battle in the courtyard. Running through the night with enemies chasing them.He sat up and looked around his room. Everything was normal. His desk, his books, his academy uniform hanging on its hook. Sunlight streamed through the window, and he could hear other students talking in the hallway.Just a dream. But it had felt more real than any dream he'd ever had.He touched the pendant under his shirt. It was warm, but not the burning heat of danger. Just the gentle warmth it always carried.A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts."Draven?" Jin's voice called out. "You awake? We're supposed to meet for dinner, remember?"Right. They'd planned to have a proper meal together after returning from the Frozen Caverns. A celebration of sorts, now that they were back
Chapter 67
The courtyard exploded into chaos. Real academy guards poured in from every entrance, their magic blazing as they engaged the Shadow Moon infiltrators. But the fake guards had been ready for this - they scattered with practiced efficiency, using the confused students as cover."This way!" Master Thorne shouted, grabbing Draven's arm and pulling him toward the administration building.But their path was blocked by two infiltrators who moved like dancers, their weapons cutting through the air in perfect sync."Shadow twins," Sera said grimly. "Trained together since birth. They fight as one mind.""How do we beat them?" Jin asked."We don't. We survive them."The twins attacked without warning, their movements so coordinated they seemed like extensions of the same person. Draven tried to summon his Flower Blade technique, but the suppression field kept it weak and flickering.Master Thorne stepped forward, his sword meeting their assault. But even his skill was barely enough to keep up
Chapter 66
Master Thorne's sword was in his hand before the fake guard finished speaking. "Academy security!" he shouted. "We have infiltrators!"But his call was answered by silence. The real guards were nowhere to be seen."I'm afraid your security is otherwise occupied," the fake guard said pleasantly. He was a middle-aged man with gray hair and kind eyes that didn't match the threat in his voice. "We've been planning this for quite some time.""How many of you are there?" Thorne demanded."Enough." The man gestured, and more figures emerged from hiding spots around the courtyard. They wore academy uniforms, but Draven could see the subtle differences - weapons that were too well-maintained, movements that were too precise, eyes that missed nothing."What do you want?" Sera asked, though she already knew the answer."You, Princess. Your mother is eager to discuss your recent choices.""I'm not going anywhere with you.""I'm afraid that's not up for debate." The man nodded to his companions. "
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