[Back at the Academy – Recovery Wing]
Lohan lay on the infirmary bed, bandaged up but alert. His body still ached from the phantom duel, but his mind buzzed with something else entirely.
> [Tower Sync Level: 3%]
[Hidden Trait Unlocked: Godslayer's Mark – Concealed from Detection]
[Special Perk: Resistance to Divine Aura]
He grinned.
"I'm finally back on the path."
---
Elsewhere in the Academy
The campus was in chaos.
Rumors swirled like wildfire. Students spoke of a Gate appearing in the academy, of Lohan and Winter vanishing, and Lohan returning half-dead—but smiling like a man possessed.
"Did he clear a hidden floor?"
"Impossible, he's ranked E."
"Winter Elshade wouldn't protect a nobody…"
---
[Training Field – Later That Day]
Lohan walked in casually, only to be surrounded by a group of elite students.
"Hey," said Darin Valcrest, top of Class B. "We heard you've been hiding skills. That's cheating."
Lohan scratched his ear. "Nah. Just lucky."
"You insult our academy when you lie."
The crowd tensed. Winter stepped out from the crowd, folding her arms.
"If any of you fight him, you'll lose."
Darin sneered. "Is that a challenge?"
Winter smiled faintly. "No. It's a promise."
---
[Professor Council Room – Meanwhile]
Professor Varis slammed a report onto the table.
"His body shows remnants of high-level synchronization. And the energy signatures match ancient Tower floors."
Another professor scowled. "He's hiding something. We need to alert the Hunter Guild."
"Or," Varis said coldly, "we watch. Very closely."
---
[Back in the Dorm – That Night]
Winter sat on Lohan's windowsill, staring out at the moonlight.
"You didn't hesitate when you saw that phantom."
Lohan leaned back in his chair. "No reason to."
"That wasn't your first fight… was it?"
He looked up at her. For a moment, his cold gaze softened.
"No. And it won't be the last."
---
[Celestial Realm – Justine's Chamber]
Justine twirled a blade between her fingers, watching the mortal realm through a divine mirror.
"My dear Master… you're rising again."
She stood and stepped toward the mirror.
"I should prepare a proper welcome."
---