The morning sun rose over Aetherion Academy in muted gold, filtered through the remnants of crimson clouds from the previous day's chaos. The air was heavy, charged with tension, and a faint hum resonated through the grounds — a vibration that only Kaelith could sense. Lyra stayed close, her small frame tucked against his side, her heartbeat synchronizing with the pulsing energy of the Heart within he
> [System Status – Nyxion Activ
[Anger: 85/100
[NP: 12,300
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Nyxion's voice purred in his m
> "They watched yesterday, little pawn. They feared… and they envied. But the real test… begins now. Portals are opening… unseen, unmeasured. Do you feel it
Kaelith's jaw tightened. "I feel it… and we prepare. Nothing will touch Ly
The academy grounds were alive with whispers. Nobles, upper-years, and instructors watched from balconies and towers, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension. Kaelith's reputation, once that of a commoner boy, had grown beyond measure overnight. Every glance, every whisper fed the God of Negative Emotions within hi
> [NP Earned: 450 – Public Fear & Respect Detecte
A Rift Ope
A deep rumble shook the Academy. Shadows lengthened unnaturally across the courtyard, the earth trembling beneath the sheer force of something massive stirring beyond sigh
> [System Alert: Portal Detection – Multiple Coordinates – NP Gain Potential: 600
Kaelith's eyes scanned the horizon. There, in the distance, shimmering like molten mirrors suspended midair, were portals — three in total, each radiating a distinct color: cerulean, violet, and blood-red. The air around them distorted, twisting space and light in impossible w
Lyra whispered, trembling: "Brother… those… those are portals? What are they
Kaelith placed a hand over her head, his aura flickering around them both. "I don't know… yet. But we'll find out. Stay close
> [Heart Influence Passive – Increasing Synchronizatio
The silver light from the Heart intertwined with the shadows of his aura, forming a protective barrier. Kaelith's senses expanded. Through the portals, he could perceive figures moving: warriors, beasts, and creatures he had never seen, each radiating hostility and curiosity in equal meas
The First Wa
Before Kaelith could approach, a figure emerged from the cerulean portal — tall, clad in swirling azure robes, their eyes glowing with ethereal intensit
> "Kaelith Veyr…" the figure's voice was melodic but edged with command. "You dare ascend beyond your rank? This world does not forgive the insolent
Kaelith's Shadow Veil wrapped around him, coiling and pulsing as he responded: "I ascend because I must. No one will harm my sister… no o
> [NP Earned: 350 – Emotional Defiance Detecte
The figure drew a slender staff, unleashing streaks of blue light. The first wave of combat had begun. Kaelith moved like liquid shadow, his Shadow Dagger flashing with every calculated strike. The figure's magical assaults collided with his darkness, sending sparks of energy into the
Lyra's protective spells flared unpredictably, her Heart syncing with his aura. The first wave of attacks became a dance of offense and defense, each movement amplifying Kaelith's N
> [NP Earned: 60
[Shadow Bind – Level IV Active
Strategy Over Streng
Kaelith assessed his opponents. Direct confrontation would be costly. Instead, he focused on using the environment, weaving shadows into tendrils that bound the figure's staff and redirected energy toward nearby columns, collapsing them in controlled burst
> [System Notification: Environmental Manipulation – NP Gain Potential 200
The cerulean figure faltered, staggered by the unexpected tactics. Kaelith's eyes glowed faintly, shadows and silver energy intertwining around him. Lyra mirrored his movements, protective wards forming seamlessly in sync with his a
> [NP Earned: 400 – Enemy Hesitation Detecte
The portal pulsed violently, indicating the next wave was preparing. Kaelith's mind raced — three portals, three distinct waves, each capable of overwhelming them if not handled carefu
> [System Alert: Portal Energy Rising – NP Gain Potential: 90
The Violet Assau
From the violet portal emerged creatures that defied conventional anatomy. Multiple limbs, elongated torsos, and heads that shifted constantly, their forms semi-transparent, shadowed by void energ
> [NP Earned: 500 – Emotional Density Hig
Kaelith's pulse quickened. These were not ordinary adversaries; their negative emotions radiated in chaotic waves, feeding his system faster than the previous w
Lyra's aura flickered as she prepared shielding spells. Kaelith whispered, "Mirror me. Flow with me. Do not fight alone
> [Heart Influence Passive – 35% Synchronization Boos
The battlefield became chaotic. Shadows spiraled from Kaelith's feet, ensnaring limbs and necks of the void creatures. Tendrils of silver energy from the Heart intertwined, striking with precision. Each attack absorbed the creatures' malice, converting it into
> [NP Earned: 80
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Emotional Fusion Pu
As the second wave intensified, Kaelith felt a surge of anger rising — the God of Negative Emotions stirring at full potential. His anger bar crested at 99/10
> [System Alert: Anger Threshold Reached – Berserk State Optiona
Lyra's small hands pressed against his chest instinctively, the Heart quivering violently. "Brother… don't! Not y
Kaelith hesitated. Fifteen years of his lifespan lay at the edge of temptation, but strategy and patience were stronger than raw power. He let the fusion work naturally, absorbing the negative energy while maintaining contro
> [NP Earned: 1,200 – Emotional Surge Absorptio
The void creatures faltered under the combined weight of his aura and Lyra's synchronized energy. Shadows and silver tendrils immobilized them, and Kaelith pushed forward, each step deliberate, every motion a calculated absorption of ene
> [System Status: God of Negative Emotions Level 1 Active – NP: 14,50
To Be Continued – Chapter 19 Part
The blood-red portal pulsed ominously in the distance. Kaelith knew the final wave awaited there. The ground trembled as molten light shimmered around it, signaling an enemy far beyond the Academy's elite — perhaps the first emissary of forces that had been watching from the distant portals for millenni
> [System Alert: Final Portal Energy Detection – Maximum Threa
[NP Gain Potential: 1,500+
Kaelith's jaw hardened. "No hesitation. No mercy. We survive… and we ri
The mist swirled, the air thickened, and the distant observers pulsed with anticipation. Nyxion purred darkl
> "The game accelerates… little pawn. The crimson and void converge. Witness… and command
Kaelith's eyes reflected molten light, silver aura, and deep shadows. Lyra pressed her small hand to his chest, her heartbeat steadying
> [System Status – Shadow Veil Fully Activ
[Anger: 99/100
[NP: 14,500
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
The chapter ended with Kaelith stepping toward the final portal, shadow and Heart energy coiling around him like a storm — the calm before the inevitable, earth-shattering confrontat
The blood-red portal pulsed like a heartbeat, massive and menacing, stretching the very air around it. Shadows and molten light swirled together, rippling outward as if the portal itself were alive, hungry, and aware of Kaelith's presence. A low, grinding hum vibrated through the Academy grounds, shaking the stone floors beneath his fee
> [System Alert: Final Portal Energy – Extreme Threat Detecte
[NP Gain Potential: 1,500+
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Lyra's hand trembled against Kaelith's arm. "Brother… it's… it's massive. I… I've never felt anything like
Kaelith's eyes narrowed, shadows coiling around his form, silver tendrils of the Heart shimmering along them. "Then we adapt. Stay behind me, mirror every move… trust me
> [Heart Influence Passive – 50% Synchronization Boos
[Shadow Veil Fully Active
The first figures emerged from the portal — massive beasts, fused with molten crystal and blackened muscle, radiating a terrifying aura. Their eyes glowed red with pure malice. Each step left scorch marks and fissures in the ground. The air around them shimmered with negative energy, ready to be absor
> [NP Earned: 1,000 – Enemy Emotional Density Detecte
The First Cla
Kaelith stepped forward, tendrils of shadow spiraling at his feet, absorbing residual fear and tension from nearby observers. His Shadow Dagger gleamed faintly, pulsing with silver energy from the Hear
> [Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activatio
The closest beast roared, charging at him like an unstoppable wall of fury. Kaelith sidestepped with fluid precision, wrapping its leg in shadow tendrils and redirecting its momentum into a nearby column. The impact shattered the stone, and energy from its rage and frustration funneled directly into Kael
> [NP Earned: 80
[Anger: 98/100
Lyra mirrored his movements, creating protective barriers and minor counterattacks in tandem. Each strike synchronized with Kaelith's aura, subtly enhancing the fusion's eff
> [NP Earned: 500 – Heart Synchronization Activ
The battlefield erupted into chaos. The remaining beasts lunged, claws and molten spikes tearing through the air. Kaelith moved with liquid precision, each motion absorbing and redirecting negative energy. The shadows and silver pulses wrapped around him like a storm, binding, neutralizing, and amplifying his po
> [NP Earned: 900 – Mass Emotional Absorptio
Tactical Geni
Kaelith assessed the battlefield, calculating the threats. The red portal pulsed erratically, likely signaling more powerful waves still approaching. He needed control, not sheer forc
He summoned shadow tendrils to immobilize three of the larger beasts while Lyra created energy traps that amplified his strikes. Then, combining Shadow Bind with precise dagger slashes, he shattered the beasts' emotional resistance, absorbing their fear, rage, and hatre
> [NP Earned: 1,200 – Emotional Density Pea
[Anger: 99/100
Nyxion's voice purred in his m
> "Do you feel it, little pawn? Every fear, every hatred… every despair. It feeds you, strengthens you… the world bends to the shadow
Kaelith's aura flared violently. Shadows and silver pulses merged in a tempest, immobilizing the remaining enemies temporarily. He glanced at Lyra, who nodded faintly, her aura syncing perfectly with
> [System Notification: Shadow Veil & Heart Fusion – Maximum Efficiency Activ
The Red Portal Guardi
Then it stepped forth — the final guardian, emerging from the blood-red portal. Towering, armored in obsidian fused with crimson energy, it radiated authority and hatred in equal measure. Its gaze met Kaelith's, and the air vibrated with the weight of its presenc
> "Kaelith Veyr… you dare stand before me? You, who consume shadows like a starving wolf… today, your insolence ends
Kaelith tightened his grip on the Shadow Dagger, shadows coiling around him like living snakes. Lyra's small hands glowed, the Heart thrumming violen
> [NP Earned: 1,500 – Extreme Emotional Threat Detecte
The guardian struck first, swinging a massive, spiked gauntlet infused with molten energy. Kaelith ducked, Shadow Veil absorbing part of the impact while tendrils coiled around the weapon, redirecting its force into the gro
> [NP Earned: 80
[Anger: 100/100 – Berserk Threshold Reached
The Temptation of Negative Sur
Kaelith's mind teetered at the brink. Fifteen years of lifespan lay at the edge of temptation. To unleash Negative Surge would annihilate the guardian in moments, but the cost was permanent. Lyra's voice echoe
> "Brother… don't! Not yet
He hesitated, then instead drew deeply on the Heart fusion, combining strategy and precision. Every shadow, every pulse, every protective ward was calculated. He immobilized the guardian's arm, striking at its weak points with silver-infused Shadow Dagger slashes, draining its negative energy without full activation of Negative Su
> [NP Earned: 1,200 – Controlled Absorptio
The guardian staggered, its aura flickering under the weight of accumulated NP. Kaelith remained calm, a storm of shadows and silver energy swirling around
> [System Status – God of Negative Emotions Level 1 Fully Activ
[NP: 18,200
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Lyra's Role Intensifies
Seeing the guardian's attacks increasing in intensity, Lyra stepped forward, chanting protective and restraining spells. Her aura flared violently, synchronized perfectly with Kaelith's Shadow Vei
> [Heart Influence Passive – Maximum Efficienc
[NP Earned: 700 – Emotional Amplification
Together, they became a living entity: one shadow, one heartbeat, one unstoppable wave. The guardian's strikes became slower, predictable, its malice feeding directly into Kaelith's sys
> [NP Earned: 600 – Enemy Emotional Drai
Final Gamble
The guardian roared, swinging both arms to create a molten shockwave. Kaelith calculated the timing — then used a combination of Shadow Veil, Heart Pulse, and environmental traps to redirect the shockwave back at the guardian, not to kill but to destabiliz
> [NP Earned: 900 – Complex Tactical Executio
[Anger: 98/100
Lyra's voice rang in unison with his heartbeat: "Now, broth
Kaelith extended a tendril of shadow infused with Heart energy, wrapping around the guardian, immobilizing it completely. Every ounce of fear, hatred, and malice the guardian emitted surged into Kaelith, amplifying his NP to unprecedented level
> [NP Earned: 1,500 – Maximum Absorptio
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
The guardian fell to its knees, defeated but alive. The blood-red portal flickered violently, as if signaling the arrival of an even greater force — the watchers from other dimensions observing every act
Aftermath
Kaelith and Lyra stood in the center of the courtyard, shadows and silver energy still coiling around them. The remaining enemies hesitated, then fled, overwhelmed by sheer power and aw
> [System Notification: Final Portal Wave Cleare
[NP Earned Total: 6,900
[NP: 25,100
Kaelith opened the Shop Menu, scanning available items with his newly accumulated
> [SHOP: Negative Points Currenc
– Lesser Lifespan Potion: 950 N
– Escape Rune (50m): 600 N
– Forbidden Combat Manual – "Seven Fangs": 2,000 N
– Emotional Catalyst Gem: 3,500 N
– Shadow Sigil Enhancement – 4,800 N
– Rare Artifact: "Abyssal Core" – 15,000 N
> [NP: 25,
Lyra looked up at him, awe in her eyes. "Brother… we… survived. And you… you're incredib
Kaelith's eyes reflected molten portals in the distance, shadows wrapping around him like a storm. "We survived… but this is just the beginning. They watched. They will send more. Stronger… and more cunning
Nyxion purred darkl
> "Excellent… little pawn. The crimson and void have tested you… and you have prevailed. But the real trials… have only just begun
The final portal shimmered one last time before closing, leaving a faint scar across the Academy grounds. The world had shifted. Observers had watched. Kaelith and Lyra had risen. And the game… had only just be
> [System Status – God of Negative Emotions Level 1 Fully Activ
[NP: 25,100
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
The chapter ended with Kaelith standing tall, Lyra at his side, shadows and Heart energy swirling in perfect harmony. Far-off portals shimmered in molten light, a promise of battles, growth, and revelations yet to c
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---d]m.ra."?"ind:]]]e]r. ended with Kaelith stepping toward the final portal, shadow and Heart energy coiling around him like a storm — the calm before the inevitable, earth-shattering confrontation.