Chapter 9: Treading Carefully

The days following the Trial of Elements were filled with a sense of accomplishment—and unease. Kaelen’s performance had been careful, just impressive enough to avoid suspicion, yet subtle enough to hide his true strength. However, he felt the council’s eyes on him more sharply than ever, especially Magister Lorn’s. They were watching, and he knew that any misstep could mean exposing himself far too early.

Despite his measured display, he’d learned something valuable from the trial: the skills he had so far were limited, and his control still had gaps that needed to be addressed. His Dark element was powerful, but it drained his energy heart quickly, and every time he tapped into his deeper abilities, he could feel the strain it placed on him. He was also painfully aware of how far he had to go before he could take on the council and survive.

Still, he was close to reaching the Novice Peak in his Dark element. Just one more advancement, and he’d gain access to his first skill as a true Novice. The skill would likely be simple, but it would mark a step up in control and offer him more options as he maneuvered around his increasingly wary rivals and instructors.

Late-Night Reflections

Kaelen continued his nightly training in the Tower of Shadows, careful to avoid detection as he worked to absorb Dark particles and expand his energy heart. One evening, he took a rare break, settling in the tower’s dimly lit study, where ancient scrolls and relics lined the shelves. He was drawn to an old, worn book titled On the Nature of Dark Energy, the pages yellowed but filled with insights from mages long past.

As he read, he found a passage that resonated with his own experiences:

“Dark energy is a force that binds and absorbs. Unlike other elements, it feeds off both the user and their surroundings, requiring caution and restraint to wield effectively. In pursuit of strength, remember that Dark energy can consume not only your enemies, but also yourself.”

The words were a warning—a reminder of the dangers inherent in his power. But he felt more resolved than ever to master it, to learn the extent of his control before it slipped beyond him. His energy heart pulsed faintly, the familiar presence of his Dark particles steadying him.

He took a moment to view his progress in his status window.

[Status Window]

Name: Kaelen

Energy Heart Rank: Novice (Dark, Middle)

World Particles:

•Dark: 2400/3000 (Next Rank: Novice Peak requires 3000 particles)

•Light: 700/1000

•Space: 540/1000

•Mind: 460/1000

Skills:

•Dark Element Skills:

•Shadow Veil (F)

•Dark Pulse (F)

•Dark Shroud (E)

•Umbral Grasp (E)

•Nightcaller (D)

He was almost there. A few hundred more Dark particles, and he’d reach Novice Peak. With his new skill would come a boost in control, allowing him to manage his energy heart with less strain.

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Whispers and Rumors

The next morning, Kaelen kept to his routine, attending classes and blending into the background. However, the academy buzzed with whispers about the Trial of Elements. He caught snippets of conversations as he passed groups of students in the halls.

“Did you see how Kaelen fought?” one of them murmured. “They say he’s got some rare talent for Dark energy.”

“I heard he kept up with Calder,” another said, “and that Magister Ronn praised him.”

Kaelen kept his head down, resisting the urge to react. The last thing he needed was for more attention to pile up. But as he approached his next class, he noticed a familiar figure leaning against the wall, arms crossed: Calder.

Calder’s expression was as smug as ever, but Kaelen could see the flicker of frustration in his eyes. “Enjoying your moment of glory, are you?” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Kaelen forced a neutral tone. “I’m here to train, not to seek glory.”

Calder’s smirk faded slightly. “Careful, Kaelen. Strength can make you dangerous, but pride? Pride will get you killed.”

Kaelen felt a chill. Calder’s words held a veiled threat, one that lingered even as he walked away. Kaelen clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. If Calder thought he could intimidate him, he would find that Kaelen was more resilient than he appeared.

A Warning in the Shadows

That night, as Kaelen entered the Tower of Shadows, he found someone waiting for him—Magister Varyn. The older mage was a shadowy figure himself, his gaze unreadable as he watched Kaelen approach.

“Kaelen,” Varyn said, his voice low. “Your performance at the trial has impressed many… perhaps too many.”

Kaelen inclined his head respectfully. “I appreciate your guidance, Magister.”

Varyn’s gaze sharpened. “There’s a fine line between growing stronger and exposing yourself. The council has taken note of your talents, and they will be watching carefully. One misstep, and you may find yourself facing more than rivals.”

Kaelen kept his expression calm. “I understand, Magister. I will be cautious.”

“Good.” Varyn studied him for a moment. “There are whispers that the council is seeking students for certain… experiments. Gates beyond our understanding, energies that no mage has yet mastered. If you are approached, tread carefully. Not everyone returns the same.”

Kaelen’s heart pounded. The council’s interest in the gates had always worried him, but Varyn’s warning gave it a new urgency. He had no intention of becoming one of the council’s experiments.

“Thank you, Magister. I’ll remember your advice.”

With a nod, Varyn turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kaelen alone with his thoughts. The council’s ambitions were dangerous, and he would need to proceed with even greater caution.

Reaching Novice Peak

The days that followed were quiet, Kaelen working hard to maintain his routine and absorb Dark particles whenever he could. Every free moment was spent in meditation, feeling the steady expansion of his energy heart as it inched toward the next rank. His focus remained unwavering; he would reach Novice Peak and unlock his next skill, gaining the edge he desperately needed.

Finally, on a night when the academy was silent, he felt his energy heart shift. A surge of power pulsed through him, his energy heart expanding as he crossed the threshold to Novice Peak. The familiar sensation of new strength settled within him, his Dark energy feeling more controlled, more precise.

His status window shimmered, revealing his progress.

[Status Window]

Name: Kaelen

Energy Heart Rank: Novice (Dark, Peak)

World Particles:

•Dark: 0/5000 (Next Rank: Adept Start requires 5000 particles)

•Light: 700/1000

•Space: 540/1000

•Mind: 460/1000

New Skill Unlocked:

•Dark Element Skills:

•Shadow Veil (F)

•Dark Pulse (F)

•Dark Shroud (E)

•Umbral Grasp (E)

•Nightcaller (D)

•Midnight Cloak (C) - A protective cloak of shadows that absorbs attacks, enhancing defense against physical and magical strikes for a limited time. Effectiveness increases with rank.

He studied the new skill, Midnight Cloak, feeling its presence settle within him. It was a defensive ability, something he had been lacking. The cloak would allow him to absorb attacks, shielding him from damage in combat. It wasn’t an aggressive skill, but it was exactly what he needed to balance his offense and defense.

With his Dark energy now at Novice Peak, he could feel a heightened control, a fluidity in his movements that allowed him to summon shadows more efficiently, and his energy heart felt stronger, more resilient. He would be able to train with less strain, pushing his limits even further.

An Unexpected Mission

The following morning, Kaelen’s quiet resolve was interrupted when he was summoned to the council chambers. He kept his expression neutral as he entered, noting the tense atmosphere. Magister Lorn, along with a few other council members, regarded him with calculating eyes.

“Kaelen,” Lorn began, his voice cold but measured. “We have a mission that requires a skilled Dark mage. An unstable gate has opened on the outskirts, and we need a team to investigate and contain it.”

Kaelen’s heart skipped. The council’s interest in the gates had always been shadowed in secrecy, but he couldn’t afford to refuse. This mission was an opportunity to learn more about the council’s intentions—and to prove his strength without revealing too much.

“I understand, Magister,” Kaelen replied. “I’ll prepare immediately.”

Lorn nodded approvingly. “You will leave tonight. We expect a full report upon your return.”

As Kaelen left the chamber, he felt the weight of the council’s gaze on his back. This mission was more than a test; it was a warning, a reminder that the council’s eyes were on him. But Kaelen felt his resolve harden. He would complete the mission, gain strength, and learn everything he could.

With his newly acquired skill, Midnight Cloak, he felt more prepared than ever. This was only the beginning, and he would continue forward, hiding in the shadows until he was ready to emerge.

And when that day came, he would be unstoppable.