Chapter 9: The Lieutenant of Shadows
The floating towers of Eclipse Academy trembled under the residual shock of the invasion. Students hurried through the halls, recovering wards and energy barriers, but the real threat loomed closer than anyone expected.
A dark rift appeared above the central arena, pulsating with shadow energy. From it descended a figure cloaked in black flames—Xyther, the elite lieutenant of the shadow figure, a being whose power dwarfed even the strongest students' expectations. Multiple eyes glowed along his body, each one radiating menace and calculation.
Arakio's hands itched; hunger surged violently inside him. This was the first true opponent he would face beyond the academy's trials, and every instinct screamed that this fight would push him beyond Stage 4 limits.
The Call to Battle
"Kairo! Take the left flank! Lyric, Selene, support the rear! Riko, Jiho, Ayakio—stay close!" Arakio shouted. His voice carried authority, commanding the battlefield with confidence and instinct.
The students responded instantly, forming a coordinated defense. Even seasoned council members were forced to recognize the leadership emerging from the once 'trash' boy.
Xyther's laughter echoed, a low, grinding sound. "So… the boy who awakens the Hunger. Let us see if your control is as strong as you claim."
With that, Xyther launched forward, shadow flames erupting from his body, distorting space with every movement.
Stage 4 Refinement & New Aura Blade Abilities
Arakio's aura flared violently, golden and violet intertwining in a vortex around him. His Aura Blade split into three distinct forms simultaneously:
Blade of Hunger – a massive sword for direct strikes
Whip of Shadows – flexible, agile, able to control multiple targets at once
Shield of Light – protective barrier absorbing and redirecting energy
Arakio moved like lightning, the hunger inside him now fully integrated with control, guiding his strikes and defense. Every swing, block, and counterattack pushed Xyther back, yet the lieutenant adapted, forcing Arakio to think faster, move smarter, and fight harder.
Friendship Bonds in Action
Jiho channeled protective wards, creating safe zones for students while disrupting Xyther's shadow manipulation.
Riko coordinated counterattacks, predicting openings Arakio could exploit.
Ayakio's energy amplified Arakio's aura subtly, providing a stabilizing effect he didn't fully realize yet.
Together, they were more than just allies—they were catalysts, helping Arakio sustain Stage 4 for prolonged combat without instability.
Emotional Climax
Xyther cornered Arakio, shadows clawing in from all directions. Hunger surged uncontrollably, threatening to consume him.
"Feed… destroy… dominate…" it whispered.
But Arakio's mind flashed to his friends, his sister, and the academy students relying on him. He gritted his teeth, pushing the hunger into precision and purpose.
"Not… like this!" he shouted. The aura exploded, brighter than ever. His Blade of Hunger struck true, severing Xyther's extended shadow limbs and forcing the lieutenant to stagger.
For a brief moment, the battlefield fell silent—the academy held its breath. Arakio had not only survived, he had proven his control over Stage 4 while commanding the battlefield with strategy and emotion.
Cliffhanger & Villain's Plan
Xyther retreated, shadows melting into the rift.
"This boy… he is strong, far stronger than expected. But the Hunger… it is unstable. Soon, he will push too far. Soon, he will be mine," Xyther hissed.
The rift sealed, leaving only whispers of future chaos.
Arakio collapsed briefly, breathing heavily, feeling both exhaustion and exhilaration. Jiho, Riko, and Ayakio rushed to his side.
"Are you okay, Arakio?" Jiho asked softly.
Riko smirked, exhausted but proud. "That was… insane. You actually did it."
Ayakio hugged him tightly. "I knew you could."
But deep inside, Arakio felt a foreboding pull—a warning that the next battle would not be against a single lieutenant, but against forces that could shake the multiverse itself.
Chapter 9 Summary / Cliffhanger
Direct confrontation with arc villain's elite lieutenant: Xyther
Stage 4 refinement: new Aura Blade abilities, full control integration
Academy collaboration: friends crucial for stabilization and strategy
Emotional climax: hunger integrated with purpose, bonds as power
High stakes & cliffhanger: Xyther retreats, villain's plan progressing, multiverse-level threat imminent