Ethan's footsteps echoed against the stone walls of the academy's underground training facility. The dim glow of enchanted torches barely illuminated the cavernous space, casting long shadows across the polished floor. He exhaled, stretching his arms as he prepared for another round of solo training.
The events of the past few days still lingered in his mind—Eline's failed assassination attempt, her strange attachment to him, and the growing tensions within the academy. Though he didn't fully understand her sudden change of heart, he didn't have time to dwell on it.
The academy was shifting. Ever since Aldric's death, the power balance had been disrupted, and Ethan could feel the storm brewing. The factions were becoming more aggressive, and whispers of revenge against him had started circulating.
And Ethan welcomed it.
He clenched his fists, veins tightening against his skin. His passive abilities were developing at a steady pace, and he knew that more challenges would only push him further.
As he raised his fists to start a sparring session, a voice cut through the silence.
"I was wondering when I'd find you alone."
Ethan turned sharply, his body tensing. From the shadows emerged Lucien Graves, one of the elite students in the academy and a known loyalist to Aldric's faction. With jet-black hair and piercing gray eyes, Lucien had an air of authority that demanded respect.
Behind him stood three other students—members of the faction that had once supported Aldric.
Ethan sighed. Here we go.
"If you're looking for a fight, I won't hold back," Ethan stated coldly, cracking his knuckles.
Lucien chuckled. "A fight? No, Ethan. I want something else. I want justice."
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Justice?"
"You killed Aldric," Lucien continued, stepping forward. "And while the academy may turn a blind eye to it, his followers won't. You may think yourself untouchable, but you've made a grave mistake."
Ethan smirked. "Is that so?"
Lucien's expression darkened. "This is your last chance. Join us—acknowledge Aldric's death as a mistake and swear allegiance to our faction."
Ethan's amusement faded, his eyes growing colder. They still think I can be controlled.
He stepped forward, his presence alone forcing the three behind Lucien to flinch. "And if I refuse?"
Lucien smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Then you won't be leaving this place in one piece."
A moment of silence hung between them.
Then, Ethan moved.
His body blurred, closing the distance between them in an instant. His fist shot forward, striking Lucien square in the gut. The impact sent Lucien staggering backward, eyes wide in shock.
Before the others could react, Ethan pivoted and struck another opponent with a powerful elbow to the ribs. The crack of bone echoed through the hall.
The remaining two hesitated. They had underestimated him.
Ethan exhaled, his body relaxed despite the tension in the air. Too slow. Too weak.
Lucien recovered, wiping blood from his lip. "So that's your answer."
He raised his hand, and in an instant, all three of his allies activated their abilities. Ethan saw flashes of energy forming—a fire user, a wind manipulator, and a speed enhancer.
Lucien himself unsheathed a dagger infused with dark energy.
"You'll regret this," Lucien muttered before launching forward.
Ethan smiled. "I doubt it."
And with that, the underground hall exploded into chaos.
To be continued…