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Chapter 18 – Shadows in the Academy
Marcus sighed as he unpacked his belongings, trying to ignore the smug grin plastered across Alexander's face.
"You know, we'd make a good team," Alexander said, stretching casually. "You've got that brooding, 'I'm the last royal' energy, and I've got charm, strength, and—oh yeah—Poseidon's blessing."
"I'd rather be alone," Marcus muttered.
Before Alexander could reply, a dagger slammed into the wall between them—followed by a second.
Both boys turned instantly. An Evernight assassin, cloaked in shadows, emerged through the dorm window, blades drawn, killing intent radiating.
"Not another one," Marcus whispered, drawing his blade.
The assassin lunged for Marcus's neck. He blocked just in time, the Celestial Blade glowing faintly. Steel clashed with shadow, sparks scattering across the room.
Alexander's expression darkened. "Trying to assassinate me? That's rude."
He stepped forward, and the atmosphere shifted. The air grew dense, water vapor rising from the ground.
"Poseidon's Blessing — Rank S: Ocean's Wrath."
A massive torrent of water surged from Alexander's body, forming a serpentine dragon that coiled protectively around him. His once-playful eyes turned cold and serious.
The assassin leapt, attempting to flee—but Alexander raised a hand.
The water dragon roared, slamming the assassin back to the ground. Marcus charged, blade glowing with truth-slicing energy, and slashed across the assassin's chest. The figure screamed, attempting a final strike.
"Enough," Alexander muttered. Water chains formed instantly, binding the assassin in place.
Panting, Marcus stood back-to-back with Alexander.
"You're annoying," Marcus said.
Alexander smirked. "But effective."
They unmasked the assassin, only to reveal a false face—an illusion rune. Before they could react, the corpse self-combusted in blue flames.
Marcus grimaced. "The Evernights are getting bold."
—
Meanwhile, battles erupted across the Academy.
Michael entered his room to find his childhood friend, Selene, perched on the windowsill.
"Why did you disappear from home?" she asked.
Michael replied with empty eyes and a fake smile. "Well, everyone needs a little private time... and a little adventure."
Selene's tone grew serious. "An Evernight assassin is coming to test our potential."
Michael sighed, flopping onto his bed. "Whatever. You can handle it."
"You'll face him with me," she said flatly.
"Ugh… fine."
When the assassin attacked, Selene vanished into the shadows. Michael clicked his tongue. "Took your time."
Selene reappeared behind the assassin, whispering, "You're already dead."
She slashed with twin daggers laced in paralyzing venom, while Michael snapped his fingers, casting an illusion array that bent light and warped space. The assassin flailed, striking at mirages.
"Such a shame," Selene murmured. "You're not even worth studying."
Michael rolled his eyes. "That was your own clan's assassin. Evernight logic is nonexistent. Why'd you even wake me up?"
—
Vesper entered his room and found Cyril lounging inside.
"At least I'm not rooming with a complete idiot," Vesper muttered.
Cyril grinned. "Don't worry, pretty boy—I won't disturb you unless I feel like it."
As they exchanged snide remarks, a shadowy figure burst through the window.
The assassin lunged, but Cyril threw gold coins into the air—each detonating with flash bursts.
Vesper calmly chanted a forbidden spell. His eyes glowed red as he poured liquid mana into a glowing glyph. A twisted homunculus materialized, tackling the assassin with terrifying strength.
"Careful, Vesper," Cyril said lazily. "We want him defeated, not vaporized."
"I almost care," Vesper replied with a wicked smile.
—
After exploring the training grounds, Galahad entered his dorm and found it empty. Suddenly, a voice called out:
"Great. I'm stuck with a loyal dog who follows every order."
Galahad turned to find Ellis Runestone—his least favorite person.
"At least I'm a well-trained dog, unlike a stray without a leash."
Before they could continue, heavy footsteps approached. They knew what was coming.
Inside their room, two assassins attacked.
Ellis fired arrows with inhuman precision, targeting joints and pressure points. Galahad marched forward, his greatsword glowing with sacred light.
"You can't dodge forever!" Galahad roared, slamming his blade into the floor and releasing a shockwave.
Ellis flipped overhead and fired a final arrow between the assassin's eyes. "Teamwork."
Galahad smirked. "Not bad."
—
High above the academy, Lucian Caelum and Seraphina Lysander fought on the skybridge.
Lucian soared atop his griffon, wind slicing through the air. "He's fast," he muttered.
Seraphina clasped her hands in prayer. "Divine Light: Judgment Burst."
A holy spear of light descended from the heavens, exploding near the assassin.
Lucian dove, twin blades infused with aerial mana, spinning like turbines. He clashed mid-air with the target.
The assassin dropped to the ground, stunned.
"I pray for your soul," Seraphina whispered, eyes glowing. "But not your body."
Lucian chuckled. "Brutal. I like it."
—
As night fell, the new generation gathered in the central plaza. Each pair stood victorious—bloodied, but alive.
Valen leaned against a pillar, arms crossed. "Looks like Evernight is testing everyone."
Marcus nodded. "They want to break us before we even begin."
Ellis pointed at Siegfried. "And what were you doing?"
"Protecting Valen, of course!" Siegfried boasted, flexing.
Valen sighed. "I don't need protection from a caveman."
Cyril adjusted her cuffs. "This is going to be… entertaining."
Alexander clapped. "What a way to kick off our Academy life."
Lucian's gaze hardened. "If they're already sending assassins… something worse is coming."
Michael mumbled, half-asleep, "I'm not dealing with this… I just wanna sleep."
Selene stood in silence, shadows dancing behind her.
Vesper remained lost in thought, already dissecting battle theories.
Seraphina raised her eyes to the stars. "This was only the beginning."
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