The moon hung low over the academy, its pale light spilling into the ancient training hall hidden beneath the east wing. This underground chamber, long forgotten by most students, still pulsed with old mana, its walls laced with faded runes and dusty relics.
Max stood at the center of the hall, his body tense. Across from him, Julius Frost paced, arms crossed and jaw clenched. The only sounds were their breaths and the distant hum of mana suppressors lining the walls—ensuring nothing from within leaked out.
"We shouldn't be here," Julius muttered. "If anyone finds out…"
"They won't," Max cut in. "This place is sealed. You know that. You found it."
Julius shot him a glare. "I found it because I was trying to confirm you were the one who killed Jack."
The words hung in the air like a blade.
Max didn't flinch. "And now you know. But you also know why I had to do it."
Julius looked away, his voice quieter. "He was going to expose you. The system, the elements… everything."
"And if he had," Max said, "I'd already be dead."
The truth was raw. Max had kept his powers hidden for weeks, leveling in secret, training until his body gave out. But Jack had seen too much. His arrogance cost him his life.
Now Julius knew too—and that meant there had to be a bond. A contract that ensured mutual survival.
Max reached into his coat and pulled out a mana-sealed scroll. Its edges shimmered with a soft blue light, the language of ancient contracts etched into its surface.
MANA CONTRACT: TERMS OF OATH
Signatory One: Julius Frost
Signatory Two: Max Ardent
Clause 1: Julius Frost shall not reveal that Max Ardent was responsible for Jack Frost's death.
Clause 2: Julius Frost shall not speak of Max's unnatural elemental affinity or his system.
Clause 3: This contract is active until mutual consent or death.
Clause 4: Max Ardent shall aid Julius Frost and his family, if called upon, when he becomes strong enough.
Julius hesitated, his fingers hovering over the scroll. "You're binding me to silence and adding a favor clause."
"I'm not asking for trust," Max said. "Just balance."
Julius narrowed his eyes. "If you break this deal…"
"The contract will kill me. And you," Max replied. "That's the point."
With a resigned breath, Julius pricked his finger and let a drop of mana-infused blood touch the scroll. It glowed instantly. Max followed, placing his palm on it.
[MANA CONTRACT BINDING…]
[LINKING SIGNATURES…]
[CONTRACT COMPLETE.]
A flash of energy coursed through the room, etching faint runes on the skin of both boys—temporary, but unmistakable. A soul oath had been formed.
Max stepped back, exhaling. "It's done."
Julius stared at him. "You're playing a dangerous game, Ardent."
"I'm not playing," Max said flatly. "I'm surviving."
As Max turned to leave, Julius looked at the dissolving scroll and muttered, "One day, they'll come for both of us."
Max glanced over his shoulder. "Then we'd better be ready."