The next day, the academy was loud.
Students filled the halls. Voices were everywhere.
"Did you hear about the dungeon?"
"Monsters stronger than normal appeared!"
"Someone said a sword student saved everyone!"
Eiden walked through the crowd, silent.
He didn't like attention.
But now, eyes followed him.
Some looked with respect.
Some with fear.
Some with jealousy.
---
Kai stood at the training yard.
His arm was bandaged.
He looked at Eiden.
Their eyes met.
Kai looked away first.
"He really saved me…" Kai mumbled. "But how?"
He didn't understand.
Eiden had no sword medals. No record. Nothing special.
But he moved like a master.
No... like a ghost.
---
Inside the classroom, Sera waved.
"Eiden! Come sit here!"
He walked over and sat beside her.
Len also joined. He smiled nervously.
"You were amazing yesterday," Sera whispered. "Really… thank you."
Eiden didn't smile.
He just nodded.
"I only did what was needed," he said softly.
---
Elara entered the room.
She walked straight toward Eiden.
Her eyes were sharp.
"Tell me," she said, "who taught you sword techniques like that?"
Everyone went quiet.
Even the teacher paused.
Eiden met her gaze.
"No one," he answered.
She frowned.
"That's impossible."
Eiden tilted his head.
"Then prove it."
---
Class started.
But Elara kept glancing at him.
She didn't trust him.
Too perfect.
Too calm.
And that move—the wind slash. It wasn't normal swordplay.
Did he… use magic?
---
After class, Sera followed Eiden.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
He looked at her.
"I'm fine."
She smiled. "You always act strong."
Eiden looked at the sky.
It was cloudy.
"Being strong is the only way to survive," he said.
Sera's smile faded a little.
"…You sound like someone who's seen a lot."
---
Later that night, Eiden trained alone.
He stood in the forest behind the academy.
His sword moved like water.
Then he stopped.
He closed his eyes.
Mana flow… 40% stabilized. Body is adapting.
He drew a circle in the air with his hand.
A tiny flame appeared.
Then vanished.
His mana control was improving.
I must stay hidden. No flashy spells. Not yet.
---
Suddenly, a rustle.
Eiden turned fast.
But no one was there.
He narrowed his eyes.
"Someone's watching," he whispered.
But the feeling disappeared.
---
Far away, on top of a tree, a figure in a black cloak smiled.
"So… the Ghostblade trains in secret," they said.
"He's more than just a sword student."
They vanished into the shadows.
---
Back in his room, Eiden sat by the window.
He held a small notebook.
Inside were names.
Monster types. Spell theories. Sword patterns.
And one goal at the top:
"Reach Peak Again—But Feel This Time."
He looked at his hand.
The same hand that once held power enough to burn kingdoms.
Now small. Weak.
But full of life.
---
"I'm not Arkanos anymore," he whispered.
"I'm Eiden now."
A new start.
A new path.
But in the distance, thunder rolled.
Darkness was coming.