The morning sun barely pierced the misty air over Eclipse Academy. The previous night's events had left the academy in a tense silence. Students whispered in hushed tones, the shadow of the mysterious visitor still fresh in everyone's mind.
Arakio walked through the halls, Jiho and Riko flanking him, Ayakio close by. His body ached from the surge of power he had unleashed, but more concerning was the gnawing hunger inside him, stronger than before.
Aftermath and Student Politics
The academy's Student Council convened immediately. Kairo stood at the head, now clearly recognized as a top-tier prodigy. Lyric, Selene, and Drax surrounded him, discussing strategies and observing Arakio discreetly.
Selene's eyes narrowed. "He's not just strong… his Aura Blade… it's evolving too fast. That kind of growth is dangerous."
Lyric added coldly, "And reckless. If he loses control, it could destroy the academy itself."
Meanwhile, whispers spread about Arakio's performance in the Ascension Trials, elevating him in the eyes of both allies and rivals. Some envied him; others watched carefully, measuring his potential.
Riko muttered, "Looks like your trash-boy reputation is officially gone, Arakio."
Jiho smiled. "At least now people will take you seriously… but be careful. Some will want to challenge you."
Training Stage 3–4
Toren appeared silently, guiding Arakio to the Chamber of Eternal Reflection, a room that stretched infinitely, filled with shifting light and shadow.
"Stage 3 is only the beginning," Toren explained. "Your Bhuk power feeds on hunger and desire. But Stage 4… requires control over the chaos within you. You must embrace the void and the light simultaneously."
Arakio closed his eyes, drawing on the hunger inside him. The aura swirled violently, golden and violet intertwined. His Aura Blade split into multiple forms, adapting to imaginary threats conjured by Toren.
Hours passed like minutes. Every strike, every defense, every movement refined his power. For the first time, Arakio felt a glimpse of true control—yet the hunger never fully receded. It whispered: "There is more. Always more."
Friendship & Emotional Growth
Jiho and Riko watched from the sidelines, cheering silently. Ayakio hovered nearby, clutching her brother's cloak.
"You've grown so much," Jiho said softly.
"Yeah… but don't push too far," Riko warned. "Even if you're strong, I don't want to see you hurt yourself—or anyone else."
Arakio smiled faintly, feeling a rare warmth. Bonds didn't just stabilize his power—they grounded his mind and heart, giving him a reason to fight, not just survive.
Villain's Plan Hints
Far away, in a shadowed realm, the cloaked figure watched Arakio's training through mystical scrying.
"Interesting… Stage 4 awakening already? Soon, the Hunger will attract even greater threats. The boy's power grows, yet he is blind to the consequences. Let us see how long he can endure before the multiverse bends against him."
A swirling rift appeared behind the figure, showing glimpses of dark armies, monstrous beasts, and otherworldly horrors waiting to descend on Arakio's world.
Chapter 7 Summary / Cliffhanger
Academy aftermath: whispers, student council dynamics, rivals observing Arakio
Power refinement: Stage 3–4 training, Aura Blade mastery, chaos vs control
Friendship & emotional growth: Jiho, Riko, Ayakio crucial for stability
Villain plan hints: multiverse-level threat, dark armies, larger arc foreshadowed
Cliffhanger: Arakio stronger than ever—but the shadow realm stirs, plotting his first real confrontation