The air around the academy grew heavy with tension, like a brewing storm just waiting to explode. Ethan knew that Aldric's threat wasn't empty. His presence, the assassination attempt in the dungeon, and the shifting gazes of students and faculty alike all pointed to one truth—he was walking on thin ice. But unlike before, he wasn't just some nameless F-rank struggling to survive. He was now a force that refused to be ignored.
As he walked through the academy grounds, whispers followed him like shadows. Students who had once ridiculed him now observed him with wary expressions. Some out of curiosity, others out of fear.
"Is it true? He took down an assassin?"
"I heard the vice president wants him gone."
"Why is the Ice Queen even interested in him?"
Ethan ignored them, his mind already focused on the path ahead. The dungeon encounter had revealed more than just an enemy—it had revealed a conspiracy far beyond what he initially expected.
The Ice Queen's Warning
A knock on his dorm door pulled Ethan from his thoughts. When he opened it, Sylvia Frostheart stood before him, her icy blue eyes sharp as ever.
"Come with me," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Without hesitation, Ethan followed her to a secluded area of the academy, away from prying eyes. The moonlight bathed the garden in an ethereal glow as Sylvia turned to face him.
"You're in danger."
Ethan smirked. "That much was obvious."
Sylvia sighed, her arms crossed. "You don't understand. Aldric isn't acting alone. There are higher powers involved in this."
Ethan's expression hardened. "Like who?"
She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "The Grand Council."
Ethan narrowed his eyes. The Grand Council—the ruling body that governed all Awakened affairs. If they were involved, it meant his existence was more than just an annoyance. It was a threat.
Sylvia stepped closer. "You need to be careful. If you become too much of a problem, they will eliminate you."
Ethan chuckled. "Let them try."
Sylvia frowned. "This isn't a joke, Ethan. I—" she paused before sighing, her gaze softening. "I don't want to see you killed."
For a brief moment, Ethan saw something in her eyes—concern, uncertainty, and something else he couldn't quite place. But before he could dwell on it, she turned away.
"Just be careful," she said before disappearing into the night.
Ethan clenched his fists. The stakes had just risen, and he needed to be ready.
The Silent War
The next few days passed in eerie silence. Aldric had not made another move, but that only meant one thing—he was planning something bigger. The academy, once lively, had grown stiff with tension. Seraphina and Serene remained on high alert, always watching, always waiting.
Ethan spent his time training harder than ever, pushing his body beyond its limits. His passive abilities had grown significantly, but he knew it wasn't enough.
Passive Abilities Progress:
Iron Stride (50%)
Titan's Ascent (30%)
Hemocraft Adaptation (20%)
Each ability was steadily progressing, but he needed something more. Something that could turn the tide when the time came.
The Trap Is Set
On the fifth night after the dungeon encounter, Ethan was walking back to his dorm when he sensed it—a shift in the air. The academy was too quiet. His instincts screamed at him.
Then it happened.
The explosion tore through the night, flames erupting from the eastern wing of the academy. Screams followed, students running in panic.
Ethan's eyes darkened. "So, it begins."
Before he could react further, figures emerged from the shadows—masked figures clad in dark robes, their killing intent suffocating.
A voice rang through the chaos.
"You should have stayed in your place, Ethan."
Aldric stood among them, a smug grin on his face. "Now, you'll pay the price."
Ethan exhaled, cracking his knuckles. "You should have killed me when you had the chance."
Aldric's smirk widened. "Oh, I will."
As the masked figures lunged, Ethan met them head-on.
To be continued…