The first rays of dawn painted the city of Kael'Drin in pale gold. Arakio walked the quiet streets, still reeling from the events of last night. His hands itched with the lingering energy of the monster he had faced—the raw hunger that had awakened within him. He didn't understand it yet, but he knew one thing: his life would never be normal again.
Ahead loomed the Eclipse Academy, a massive structure carved from black and white stone, floating slightly above the ground. Students moved through shimmering portals that flickered with light and shadow. Some wielded strange weapons, others manipulated elemental forces. This was a place where the gifted trained—and the weak were left behind.
Arakio's heart thumped. He was neither.
A voice called out cheerfully. "Arakio! Over here!"
Turning, he saw a girl with bright eyes and a confident smile—Jiho. Her hair shimmered in streaks of silver, and a faint magical aura surrounded her. She waved enthusiastically.
"Don't look so scared! You're going to love it here!"
Behind her, another girl, Riko, with sharp features and a rebellious spark in her eyes, leaned against the wall. "Yeah, just try not to embarrass yourself in front of everyone," she teased. "Or I'll make sure you regret it."
Arakio's little sister, Ayakio, ran up beside him, her energy practically glowing. "Don't worry, Arakio! I'll be right next to you. You can do this!"
As they walked through the grand entrance, the academy's headmaster appeared—a tall figure cloaked in shadows, eyes sharp, measuring. He spoke only once, his voice echoing unnaturally:
"Those who enter here seek power, yet few are worthy. The world outside grows dark. Within these walls, you will face your truth. Prepare yourselves."
The first class was a combat trial, designed to test their innate abilities. Arakio's hands shook as he watched others manipulate fire, shadows, and wind. He clenched his fists, remembering the hunger that had awoken inside him.
Suddenly, a sparring creature was released into the arena—a shadow beast, eyes glowing like embers. Students rushed forward, but Arakio froze. The creature's gaze found him. A whisper echoed in his mind:
"Hunger… awaken."
Without thinking, Arakio extended his hand. Energy surged from within, forming jagged, glowing slashes in the air. The beast staggered, recoiling from the raw force. The students gasped; whispers spread: "Who is that boy?"
Jiho ran to his side. "Arakio! That was… incredible!"
Riko smirked, impressed despite herself. "Not bad. Maybe you're not useless after all."
Ayakio hugged him tightly. "I knew you could do it!"
But Arakio felt uneasy. Every time he unleashed this force, a part of him trembled, unstable. Something deep within him hungered, and it wanted more.
The headmaster watched from above, eyes narrowing. "Interesting… very interesting," he muttered under his breath.
As the trial ended, Arakio realized this was only the beginning. The academy, the friends, the challenges… everything was leading him toward something far greater—and far darker.
And somewhere in the shadows, the monsters of the city stirred again, sensing the awakening of a power unlike any they had seen before.
Chapter 2 Summary / Cliffhanger:
Academy introduced: Eclipse Academy, floating & mystical
Friends introduced: Jiho, Riko, Ayakio
Arakio faces first combat trial → demonstrates initial Bhuk power
Hint of power instability + headmaster's interest
Sets stage for next chapter: training, rivalries, and larger threats