Chapter 20: Beneath the Council’s Gaze

The following morning, Kaelen prepared to face the council, the weight of the relic tucked within his cloak a constant reminder of their perilous position. He knew that Varyn and the others would scrutinize every word, searching for any trace of deception. The council’s curiosity was only tempered by their hunger for power—something Kaelen and Alden would have to exploit if they hoped to survive.

He met Alden near the council chamber’s entrance, the two exchanging a brief nod of mutual understanding. Both were silent as they entered the chamber, where the council members waited in a semi-circle, cloaked in shadows that only served to amplify the weight of their authority.

Magister Lorn, seated at the center, spoke first. “Kaelen, Alden, your report.”

Kaelen kept his expression impassive, carefully recounting the details of their mission—the creatures, the relics, and the oppressive Dark energy that had filled the high-ranked gate. He spoke of the ancient symbols on the altar, of the stone doorway they’d discovered in the depths, but he withheld the full truth about the relic. The council didn’t need to know everything; they only needed to be satisfied.

Alden chimed in occasionally, offering precise details and supporting Kaelen’s story. They had rehearsed this carefully, ensuring their accounts were both detailed and convincing. Magister Varyn watched them closely, his gaze sharp, as if searching for any sign of deceit.

“And the relics?” Lorn asked, his tone even but expectant. “Did you recover anything of value?”

Kaelen kept his gaze steady. “There was a relic,” he replied, his voice measured. “But its energy was unstable. We used it to stabilize the gateway as we fought the creature guarding it, but it shattered during the battle.”

Lorn’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “How convenient.”

Kaelen’s heart raced, but he kept his face impassive. “The relic was unlike anything we’d encountered. Its power was too volatile to bring back safely.”

Varyn leaned forward, his voice deceptively soft. “You realize, Kaelen, that relics of this nature are highly valuable to the council. Destroying one carelessly is… unfortunate.”

Kaelen met his gaze, choosing his words carefully. “The creatures within the gate were empowered by the relic’s energy. Bringing it back would have risked the academy and its students.”

The council exchanged glances, their expressions carefully guarded. Kaelen could sense their disappointment, but they seemed to accept his explanation, at least for now.

Finally, Lorn nodded, his tone cold but resigned. “Very well. Your next assignment will be announced soon. Until then, continue with your studies.”

They were dismissed, and Kaelen and Alden left the chamber in silence, only allowing themselves to breathe freely once they were far from the council’s watchful gaze.

The Relic’s True Power

That night, Kaelen and Alden gathered in the Tower of Shadows, where they could speak without fear of being overheard. Kaelen carefully unwrapped the relic, its dark surface pulsing with a faint but potent energy. They had only tapped into a fraction of its power, and even then, its influence had amplified their Dark abilities to a level beyond their usual control.

“We can’t rely on it too often,” Alden said, his eyes fixed on the relic. “Using it depletes its energy—and the council will notice if we start advancing too quickly.”

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Kaelen nodded, his thoughts racing. “But if we can learn to control it, to harness its power without exhausting it, we could turn this into an advantage.”

He held the relic in his hand, feeling its energy pulse in rhythm with his own energy heart. There was a subtle pattern to it, a rhythm that he sensed could be controlled if he could understand its essence.

“Let’s try something,” Kaelen murmured, focusing his thoughts on the relic. He allowed his energy heart to connect with it, feeling the shadows coil around him, sharper and denser than before. As he channeled his Dark particles through the relic, he felt a surge of control over his skills, his perception heightening as shadows wrapped around him more precisely.

Alden followed suit, his own energy heart syncing with the relic’s rhythm. Together, they felt a harmony that went beyond mere power—it was as if they were unlocking a hidden pathway within the Dark particles themselves, a channel that amplified not only their abilities but their awareness of each other’s movements and energy.

The status window flickered to life in Kaelen’s mind, reflecting his progress with the relic’s influence.

[Status Window]

Name: Kaelen

Energy Heart Rank: Novice (Dark, Peak)

World Particles:

•Dark: 1800/5000 (Next Rank: Adept Start requires 5000 particles)

•Light: 800/1000

•Space: 580/1000

•Mind: 490/1000

Skills:

•Dark Element Skills:

•Shadow Veil (F)

•Dark Pulse (F)

•Dark Shroud (E)

•Umbral Grasp (E)

•Nightcaller (D)

•Midnight Cloak (C)

New Effect Gained:

•Relic Synchronization - Briefly enhances Dark abilities when connected to high-level relics, amplifying control and perception. Effect duration increases with user rank.

Kaelen released his hold on the relic, feeling the rush of energy settle as his breathing steadied. The synchronization effect was powerful, more potent than anything he’d anticipated. If he and Alden could learn to maintain this connection without exhausting the relic’s power, they would possess an invaluable edge.

“We’ll need to practice,” Kaelen said, a sense of determination in his voice. “If we can perfect this, the council won’t be able to keep us under their control.”

Alden’s eyes held a fierce resolve. “Agreed. We’ll use their own relics against them.”

They continued practicing in the Tower, refining their connection to the relic until they could activate the synchronization effect without drawing too deeply on its reserves. With each attempt, their control grew, and Kaelen felt his confidence building. The relic was their key, a secret weapon the council couldn’t afford to suspect.

A New Mission

Several days later, Kaelen was once again summoned by Magister Lorn, this time with a different directive. He was to lead a group of students in clearing a gate near the academy grounds—an assignment that, while less dangerous than their last mission, was clearly designed to test his leadership skills.

The group assigned to him included Mara, Taron, and Lira, along with two other students Kaelen hadn’t worked with before. As he gave instructions and organized their formation, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was part of the council’s attempt to keep him under surveillance. Lorn had paired him with capable students, likely to observe how he handled them and whether he showed signs of independence.

They set out for the gate, Kaelen leading the way with a calm focus. When they arrived, he noted that the gate was teeming with E-rank creatures, typical for gates close to the academy. The energy was less dense than what he’d encountered in higher-ranked gates, but he could still feel the familiar Dark particles swirling around them.

“Standard formation,” he ordered, glancing at each of his teammates. “Taron, provide support with your flames. Lira, use water shields as needed. Mara, you’re with me up front.”

The students fell into place, each following Kaelen’s instructions with precision. The creatures, humanoid shadows with sharp claws and glowing eyes, advanced toward them, their movements quick but predictable. Taron released a wave of fire, clearing a path as Lira raised a shield, deflecting an incoming strike.

Kaelen and Mara pushed forward, their attacks synchronized. Kaelen activated Dark Shroud, enveloping himself in shadows that absorbed the creatures’ attacks, while Mara’s ice magic slowed the creatures, freezing them in place.

The battle was intense but controlled, and within minutes, they had cleared the gate. Kaelen kept his expression neutral, concealing the satisfaction he felt at his team’s efficiency. He knew Lorn would be watching for any sign of hesitation or weakness.

As they made their way back to the academy, Mara walked beside him, a subtle smile on her lips. “You’ve grown stronger, Kaelen,” she said quietly. “The council has taken note.”

Kaelen gave her a careful nod. “I’m just doing what’s required.”

Mara’s gaze held a glint of curiosity. “Be careful. They see potential in you, but potential can be a double-edged sword. If they sense any defiance, they won’t hesitate to take drastic measures.”

Kaelen kept his tone steady. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll remember it.”

They returned to the academy grounds, each student dispersing as Kaelen felt the weight of Mara’s words settle over him. The council’s attention was both an advantage and a threat—one that he would need to navigate with precision.

Silent Resolutions

That night, Kaelen met Alden in the Tower of Shadows once more, sharing the day’s events. They both understood the unspoken pressure, the council’s gaze weighing on their every move.

“The more powerful we become, the closer we get to freedom,” Alden murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “But we’ll need to stay ahead of them every step of the way.”

Kaelen nodded, his resolve hardening. “We keep gathering strength, mastering the relic’s secrets. One day, we’ll turn their own power against them.”

As they stood in the shadows, Kaelen felt a quiet determination fill him. The council believed they could mold him, control him. But with each relic, each mission, he would inch closer to breaking free of their influence.

And when the time came, he would be ready to challenge the council and claim his freedom.

For now, he would remain in the shadows, sharpening his strength and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.