With one sentence, Nia flipped the entire atmosphere.
Moments ago, Zayne had been the center of admiration.
Now, he was the target of open ridicule.
Zayne, why put yourself through this?
Omar from Redwood High let out a long sigh, sounding genuinely pained.
If I am not mistaken, Norton must have told you to rush your leveling the moment you entered the novice realm. You poor boy you have been used. Norton traded your lifespan for the school's glory!
Norton's face froze.
The accusation hit far too close to the truth.
Nonsense! What ridiculous accusations. How could I possibly risk a student's life?
Whether it is nonsense or not, why not let Zayne answer? If no one pushed him, I refuse to believe a healthy young man would gamble his own life purely for fun.
Many around them exchanged looks, doubt flickering in their eyes.
Even Norton felt cold sweat along his spine.
Slander! This is slander! He is slandering me!
Norton protested loudly, but Omar ignored him.
His gaze locked onto Zayne, sharp and expectant.
Zayne, tell us the truth. You have my word, no one will dare retaliate. Did Norton urge you to rush your level inside the novice realm?
He had wanted an opportunity to knock Norton down for a long time.
If Zayne confirmed the accusation today in front of everyone, Norton's reputation would collapse instantly.
Norton stiffened.
The truth was he had indeed urged both Zayne and Nia to level quickly and even provided each with a ring.
If Zayne revealed that here, in front of parents, teachers, and other schools
Norton's gaze turned faintly murderous as it landed on Zayne.
Zayne lifted his head.
And for a heartbeat, Norton stopped breathing.
Everyone watched him, hungry for the truth.
No one forced me. I leveled of my own will.
Zayne's calm tone broke the tension instantly.
Norton nearly collapsed from relief.
Satisfied for the moment, Norton exhaled.
Omar, however, was far from satisfied.
Zayne, do you even believe that yourself?
Zayne looked straight into Omar's eyes.
If you had become a Forbidden Spellcaster, what would you choose?
Would you spend your life being cautious, terrified of dying, clinging to safety?
Or would you choose to burn brightly for a brief moment and leave a blaze behind?
I choose the latter.
Zayne clenched his fists.
I would rather be a hero for three minutes than a coward for a lifetime.
His declaration struck the crowd silent.
Some of the same people who had mocked him moments ago now showed faint traces of respect.
Others still scoffed inwardly.
Dead is dead, whether you die quietly or die dramatically.
Omar opened his mouth, then closed it again. He had no argument.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
A calm applause rose.
Astrachior Zora regarded Zayne with amused approval.
Ambition well stated. No matter what, Zayne has achieved level sixteen. He is undeniably the highest ranked student to emerge from this novice realm. That is fact. He is first place.
Once Astrachior voiced support, few dared continue criticizing.
No one wanted to offend the most respected figure in Old Shipyard Port.
Except Nia.
Father! Who told you he is first? Once Shadowcaster comes out, his level will absolutely not be lower than Zayne's!
Oh? Is that so? Which remarkable youth is this Shadowcaster?
Astrachior looked toward the gathered principals.
They all exchanged baffled glances and shook their heads.
None had ever heard the name.
Ugh, forget it! You will know when he comes out! He is the real prodigy!
Nia's conviction bordered on religious fervor.
If you hold him in such esteem, then I truly am curious to meet him.
Astrachior smiled gently. He then pulled out a card and handed it to Zayne.
Zayne, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Astrachior Zora, Nia's father. If you ever need assistance, you may contact me.
The moment their eyes met, Zayne felt a jolt run through him.
For a second, he had the chilling illusion Astrachior could see through every secret he had.
Thank you, Astrachior. I will take my leave first.
Zayne accepted the card and avoided meeting those penetrating eyes again.
Very well. Go home and rest. We will meet again soon.
Astrachior's tone was light, but Zayne felt that last sentence echo uncomfortably.
He turned and walked off quickly.
Zayne, remember to come back in three days for the Academy Trial! Norton called after him.
Three days from now, the real competition would begin.
Once Zayne left, many others were ready to go as well but stopped themselves.
Nia had insisted there was someone even more remarkable than Zayne.
Who would not want to see what kind of monster could surpass a level sixteen SSS class?
A level sixteen student was already unheard of. If someone had beaten him
Would that person be level twenty?
The crowd waited eagerly.
Nia stared unwaveringly at the portal.
Sunset bled across the horizon.
The novice realm's door slowly closed.
All students had now been transported out.
People exchanged confused looks, then turned to Nia.
Wasn't there supposed to be someone stronger than Zayne?
Where was he?
Nia's face drained of color.
Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
She had watched every person exit.
Shadowcaster should have appeared.
Unless
She froze.
Unless he slipped out during the moment she was distracted by Zayne's arrival?
That damned Zayne!
It must be his fault again!
The realization ignited her frustration.
No one dared approach her, not with her temper and not with Astrachior standing beside her.
Feeling deceived, the spectators quietly dispersed.
What is wrong, Nia? Where is the prodigy you spoke of? Astrachior asked gently as they walked home.
Dad, even you do not believe me? That man named Shadowcaster is real! He even saved your daughter's life!
Nia's explanation tumbled out.
Astrachior listened, half amused, half helpless.
So that is why you left the novice realm early? You just wanted to identify him?
Yes
Nia's voice was barely a whisper.
Astrachior adjusted his glasses.
A faint glimmer flashed behind the lens.
Nia, have you considered one possibility?
What if Zayne is the Shadowcaster you have been searching for?