Episode 20 – Whispers of the Halls
The sun rose over Vanguard Hall, golden light spilling across the sprawling academy. Clover walked through the corridors, still feeling the buzz from yesterday's exercise yard victory. The clatter of students and distant training sounds filled the air, but today felt… different.
Elara Talon walked beside him, her calm gaze scanning the hall. "Vanguard isn't the only wing," she said. "There are other halls—Obsidian, , and Aether hall Each has its own rules, its own… energy." and students
Clover tilted his head. "Other halls? You mean… other students too?"
"Yes. And some you'll want to avoid… at least until you understand them." Talon's lips twitched faintly, almost a smirk. "You're stepping into a much larger world than you think."
As they passed a pair of training rooms, faint murmurs reached them—students sparring, laughing, some shouting instructions. One shadow flickered past the doorway, tall and purposeful, but Clover didn't get a good look. The figure vanished before he could focus.
Aurora, flickering faintly in his mind, whispered, Energy… something new… watching.
Clover shivered slightly. The academy suddenly felt bigger, deeper, and… more alive than before. Somewhere beyond these halls, someone—or something—was waiting.
Talon stopped at a large, ornate door. "This is where today begins. Step carefully, Yeager. Eyes open. You'll need them.
Clover nodded, gripping Aetherfang. His pulse quickened. The adventure was only just starting.
The last bell had rung hours ago, and Vanguard Hall was quieting down. Shadows stretched long across the polished floors as students trickled toward their rooms. Clover walked down the hallway, shoulders relaxed but senses alert, The golden glow of the late afternoon sun spilled through the high windows, catching dust in its beams. Clover's mind wandered back to the exercise yard—Kade, Branson, Elizabeth… the day had been intense. And now, finally, a moment of peace… he hoped.
From around a corner, a familiar voice called out, sharp and grating:
"Oi, newbie! Pay your respects! Cash… or kind!
Clover glanced up. Jax "Knuckles" Durrant, leaning lazily against the wall, knuckles gleaming under the light, grinned menacingly.
Clover froze for a second, then simply shrugged and pulled out his earpiece, tapping it into his ear.Tomorrow… you're dead," he muttered under his breath, his tone calm but laced with deadly promise.
Ty, leaning against a pillar with his holo-camera already up, burst into barely contained laughter. "Wait… wait… he actually said it! Did you hear that, boss? This is GOLD!
Jax's confident grin faltered. "Wait… wha—he can't be serious!" He rubbed his knuckles nervously, noticing Clover's unbothered demeanor.
Clover adjusted his grip on Aetherfang, eyes forward. "I said what I said," he murmured, walking past Jax with the calm of someone who knew exactly what he was capable of.
Ty laughed even harder, the sound echoing down the empty hallway. "Oh man… this is going to be fun. Tomorrow's going to be legendary."
Jax muttered, still rubbing his hand, "New kid… he's… different.
Clover didn't look back. A small smirk tugged at his lips, Aurora flickering faintly in his mind, unseen. Let him try, she whispered softly. We'll handle this together… quietly.
The hallway stretched ahead, silent except for Ty's occasional chuckle, Jax's muttered frustrations, and Clover's calm, steady footsteps. Night was falling over Vanguard Hall, and somewhere in the shadows, trouble—and opportunity—was already waiting chaotic,
Ty strutted down the hallway, chest puffed out, a wild grin plastered on his face. "Alright, newbie! Time to learn respect! You're gonna regret ignoring me!" His laughter echoed, loud and obnoxious, as Jax leaned against a locker, smirking. "This is gonna be good," he whispered, pulling out his holo-camera. Clover adjusted his earpiece, muttering under his breath, Tomorrow… you're dead. He kept walking, completely unfazed by Ty's dramatic flair.Ty charged like a man possessed, swinging wildly with his fists, yelling, "Pay… your… respect!" Clover sidestepped, calm as ever, while Ty spun around and accidentally smacked a locker. The metallic BANG! echoed through the hall.
Not giving up, Ty grabbed a nearby trash can lid, twirling it like a knight preparing for battle. Clover simply ducked under the spinning disaster as Ty's momentum sent him stumbling backward, arms flailing like a cartoon character. Jax stifled laughter, recording every ridiculous moment.
Ty, now desperate, grabbed a pile of papers from a nearby bulletin board, flinging them like ninja stars. Clover walked straight through the paper storm, muttering, "Really… this is your plan?" Meanwhile, the papers ricocheted off Ty's head, sticking to his hair and shoulders. Students peeking from side doors were barely holding in laughter.
"Not done yet Ty yelled, diving for a chair, swinging it as if it were a broadsword. Clover leapt aside with a graceful step, and the chair sailed past Ty, clanging against the wall and sending him tumbling to the floor. He groaned, rubbing his back as if the universe had personally betrayed him.
He scrambled to his feet, tossing training cones and even a stray broom toward Clover like some kind of over-the-top cartoon villain. Clover, blissfully calm, dodged every projectile. One cone bounced off the wall and bonked Ty squarely on the forehead. Jax lost it, laughing so hard he almost fell off the locker ledge.
Ty tried sneaking up from behind, planning the ultimate surprise tackle. Clover instinctively sidestepped—Aurora, unseen and hovering just nearby, nudging his reflexes subtly. Ty barreled into a locker with a THUD, sending magnets, posters, and random papers flying everywhere. The hallway looked like a battlefield of comedy.
Finally, Ty, panting and red-faced, charged with a final battle cry, swinging wildly in desperation. Clover tapped him lightly on the shoulder with his wooden sword, and Ty collapsed flat on his back, groaning like a defeated cartoon hero. The students in the hallway were doubled over with laughter.
Ty sat up slowly, glaring, muttering, "I… I'm fine… next time… I'll get you…" His threats were met with more giggles, even from Jax, who shook his head. Ty had fully humiliated himself, and the "lesson in respect" had turned into a legendary comedy show.
Meanwhile, Clover, entirely oblivious, dusted off his sleeves and adjusted his ear piece , Although he has fast reflexes due to training in Ryker time Chamber Aurora presence boost us reflexes some how bcoz of her nature
Clover pushed open the door to his dorm, exhaustion settling into his shoulders.. He dropped his bag onto the chair and fished out the small telephone on the wall.
"Hi, Mom," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Clover! How was your first day?" Camilla's warm tone flowed through the line.
"It was… okay. A bit overwhelming," he admitted, rubbing his temple.
"Hmm…" His mother's voice softened. "Your sister, Clara… she's been sad today. Fell asleep early. Haven't you seen Shage ? Clover shook his head, even though she couldn't see him. "No, Mom. This school is… huge. I haven't run into him yet.
"I see. Make sure you settle in and get some rest, okay?" Camilla's voice was gentle but firm.
"I will, Mom. I'll see you later."
He hung up and leaned back, Outside, the faint bustle of students moving between wings reminded him that life at Vanguard Hall didn't stop.
A soft tap echoed through the room. Clover sat up, frowning.
"Hello? Who's there?
A folded note slipped under the door, accompanied by a polite knock. "Um… is this… your room?" a familiar, calm voice asked.
Clover froze. He bent down and picked up the note, unfolding it carefully. The handwriting was elegant and precise. His mind stuttered. Is she really talking to me? He'd heard rumors—Elizabeth Hemsworth, 5 million followers online, the girl everyone watched—but now she was here, leaving him a note personally.
He read it:
"Congratulations on your fight today. I didn't expect such skill. Keep honing it."
Clover blinked. "She… she's really talking to me?" His heart skipped, and a strange warmth spread through his chest.
He looked out the door toward the hallway, still half-expecting this to be some kind of prank. But no, the note was real.
Before he could dwell on it further, another knock came—this one more solid, commanding, yet familiar.
clover. It's me. Your uncle—Shage.
Clover's eyes widened. A mix of relief and anticipation surged through him. He straightened, gripping the edge of the desk. The moment stretched, the quiet hum of the dorm fading to nothing but the sound of his own heartbeat.
He reached for the handle, and…