The night was thick with an unnatural fog, curling through the floating towers of Eclipse Academy. Even the lanterns struggled to pierce the gloom, their light bending strangely around the ancient stones. Arakio stood atop the central balcony, staring at the city below. His hands itched once more, the gnawing hunger inside him stirring faster than ever.
Jiho and Riko approached silently. "You've been quiet all evening," Jiho said softly.
"I'm… thinking," Arakio admitted. "The hunger… it's growing. Faster. I feel like I'm losing control."
Riko smirked, ever confident. "Then learn to feed it without letting it feed on you. You're not alone in this, you know."
Ayakio, standing at the edge, placed a small hand on his shoulder. "I believe in you, brother. No matter what."
Arakio nodded, feeling a surge of resolve. Bonds gave strength—but raw power still demanded mastery.
The Shadows Stir
Suddenly, the air vibrated. The horizon split as a dark portal tore open in the sky. From it emerged a figure clad in shifting shadows, exuding an aura that made even Kairo and Toren step back instinctively.
"So… the boy has awakened," the figure said, voice like grinding stone. "Bhuk… the hunger that even gods fear. Very well. Let us see if you are worthy."
Arakio's heart raced. He had felt his power grow rapidly in the academy trials, but this… this presence was something entirely different. A multiverse-level threat, unseen by anyone in the academy before.
First Encounter
The shadow figure struck before anyone could react, shattering the balcony and sending students sprawling. Arakio's Aura Blade manifested instinctively, glowing jaggedly, slicing through the incoming attacks. Each swing fed the hunger inside him, making the blade stronger but his aura more unstable.
Kairo shouted, "Arakio! Focus! Don't let it consume you!"
Jiho cast protective wards, keeping other students safe, while Riko rushed forward, throwing tactical attacks to distract the enemy.
Arakio realized quickly: this enemy wasn't just strong—they could manipulate shadows, distort reality, and read the flow of battle instinctively. It was unlike any creature he had faced.
Power Evolution Stage 3
The hunger surged violently. Arakio's aura expanded, golden and violet light intertwining, forming a vortex around him. His Aura Blade split into multiple forms, responding to every threat simultaneously. Each strike tore through the enemy's shadows—but each strike also left him unsteady, balancing on the edge of total instability.
For the first time, Arakio spoke aloud, voice firm, eyes blazing:
"I will not fall. I will not be weak!"
The shadows recoiled slightly. The enemy hissed, sensing the boy's potential. "Impressive… but this is only the beginning."
Academy Secrets Hint
From the highest tower, the headmaster observed silently, his expression unreadable. Symbols floated around him, glowing faintly.
"The boy touches the threads of the multiverse… Bhuk power is awakening faster than expected. Yet, the true test has only begun. Soon, he will face what even gods fear."
He looked down at the battlefield, noting Arakio's friends' roles in stabilizing him. "Yes… bonds are as important as power. But will they be enough?"
Aftermath
The shadow withdrew through the portal, leaving only whispers:
"The world bends… the hunger grows… I will return."
Arakio collapsed to his knees, exhausted but alive. His friends gathered around him, supporting him physically and emotionally. The academy was safe… for now.
But deep inside, Arakio knew: this was only the beginning of a war that spanned worlds, a battle that would demand everything he had—and everything he was yet to become.
Chapter 6 Summary / Cliffhanger
Arc villain hinted / first encounter: multiverse-level threat, shadow figure
Stage 3 Awakening: Arakio's Aura Blade evolves, multiform, massive power surge
Friend bonds critical: Jiho, Riko, Ayakio help stabilize him
Academy secrets teased: headmaster observes, multiverse threads & hidden knowledge hinted
High stakes established: world and multiverse-level consequences, future battles looming
Cliffhanger: Shadow figure retreats,