Sorry for taking so long guys. I'll try to have chapter 21 out sooner.

“How goes the plan? Are you all prepared on your side?”

“Not yet, I’ll need another year. What I’m doing is tricky and requires time. What about your side?”

“We’re ready to move out whenever you give the call.”

“Good, good. We make our move soon.”

Arkanon, Veld and Jetark were out on the training grounds, with Jetark and Veld sparring against Arkanon. Two years had passed since Mith’s death. Arkanon was now fifteen years old and his power was growing even higher due to his almost daily training.

“Ah! Damnit Arkanon, stop dodging around and fight me!” Veld complained loudly.

“Veld. Stop trying to chase him by yourself. We need to work together if we want to beat him.” Jetark said.

“You’re just standing back there, watching! Do you plan on staring at him until he dies or somethi-“. Veld was cut off as Arkanon came in and swept his legs out from under him.

Veld landed flat on his back and Arkanon looked down at him with a small smile on his face. “You need to pay more attention to your opponent than bickering with your partner, Veld.”

Veld grinned in response. “And you need to not fall for such simple traps.”

“What?”

Three large rock walls formed around Arkanon, blocking him on most of his sides except for behind him. Jetark moved in on the opened part and trapped Arkanon between him and Veld.

Arkanon chuckled. “Nice, you guys managed to trap me, but can you prevent me from getting out?”

“Veld, now!” Jetark called out.

Almost synchronized, Veld and Jetark shot out a large burst of energy towards Arkanon.

Arkanon raised a hand towards the oncoming attacks, then shot out a burst of lightning towards the two of them. When the energy collided on both sides, it resulted in a large explosion, blowing apart the walls and sending Jetark and Veld flying back. Arkanon was caught in the center and had to endure the blasts from both sides. After the explosion, dust covered the area where Arkanon stood.

Jetark and Veld got up and looked towards where the explosion happened, seeing what became of Arkanon.

Veld couldn’t see any sign of Arkanon and started to worry. “Oh shit, did we go too far?”

A roar could be heard from inside the dust and a gust from inside blew it away. Standing there was Arkanon. His clothes were mostly burnt away and a large part of his flesh was burnt a light pink. The tips of his white hair were singed. Arkanon then fell to a knee and covered the left side of his face, which was contorted in pain.

Jetark and Veld both rushed towards him.

“Arkanon, what’s wrong? Tell us so we can heal you.” Jetark said.

“I’m… I’m fine.” Arkanon said through gritted teeth. “Can you do anything about the burns though? They hurt a little.”

Jetark looked at Veld, to which he nodded. They both placed a hand on Arkanon’s shoulders, and sent energy from their hands to run over Arkanon’s burns. A white sheen covered his body as the combined energy healed the burns.

Arkanon felt a chill go through his body, alleviating the stinging pain. He took a deep breath and stood up, removing his hand from his eye. “Thanks. But also, you two are complete assholes for doing that. Don’t you think that was a little overkill, even for me?”

Jetark spoke up first. “I apologize for that. I subconsciously put a lot of power behind that attack. I didn’t realize it until I shot it.”

Arkanon turned towards Veld and raised an eyebrow. “Veld?”

Veld shrugged his shoulders. “What? That was just a normal attack from me.”

“Veld.” Arkanon was frowning now.

“I don’t like to think that I nearly blew up my friend, so can we move on now?”

Arkanon punched Veld in the shoulder in response.

“Ow, ow! Okay, I’m sorry! Geez!”

“Okay, now we can move on. So what now?”

“I suggest you go back to your cabin to get some clothes first.” Jetark said.

“Some clothes?” Arkanon looked down and noticed that he was nearly naked, wearing only burnt rags. “I think I’ll follow that suggestion.”

“Which one of you is Arkanon Leyan?!” A loud voice called out from behind Jetark and Veld.

The three turned to look at the one talking and they saw a female draconic wearing grey clothes with a staff in her hand walking over to them.

A Val’Kikth was also following behind her trying to talk with her. “Mira, please stop picking fights with people we don’t know. It’s also extremely rude to walk up to people demanding to know which one is who.”

Mira snapped back at the Val’Kikth. “Quiet Cel, I don’t need you lecturing me. I also didn’t demand anything, I merely asked which one of them is Arkanon Leyan.” She looked towards the three and saw Jetark standing there. “Aren’t you the one named Jetark? Can you tell me which one of those two Arkanon is?”

“Can I ask why you wish to know?”

“That’s not your business. Now can you tell me?”

Arkanon stepped out from behind Jetark and Veld. “I’m Arkanon Leyan. What is it?”

The Val’Kikth, ‘Cel’, cried out upon seeing Arkanon nearly naked. “What is wrong with you?! Do you not have a shred of decency? Is it some kind of tradition for you humans to walk around nearly naked? Or are you some kind of pervert?! I should report you to the instructors for indece-“.

Mira grasped ‘Cel’s’ shoulder. “Cel’Mian, shut up now, or I’m going to turn you into scrap metal. Understand?”

Cel’Mian froze with fear and only nodded his head.

“Good. I’m curious though. Where are your clothes, Arkanon?”

“They were burned away in the sparring match we just had.”

“Hm. Now that I know, I challenge you to a duel!”

“I don’t particularly mind a duel, but can you give me a bit of time?”

“Why?”

“Well, for one, I’m nearly naked.”

“Does it bother you that much?”

“Kind of.”

“Then I will fight naked as well!”

Cel’Mian spoke up again. “Mira, that’s ridiculous! How could-“.

“Quiet Cel! Well Arkanon, does that satisfy you?”

“…You didn’t let me finish my reasons. My second reason I don’t wish to fight now is because I’m nearly out of strength. These two behind me nearly burnt me to a crisp, and I had to use a lot of strength to survive.”

“Hmm. Fair enough. Then you decide the time we fight.”

“Is early evening tomorrow good for you?”

“That is fine.”

“Alright, then we’ll meet here tomorrow.”

“Good, see you then.” Mira walked off with Cel’Mian following her.

Veld talked first. “Well, that… was an interesting conversation to watch.”

Jetark followed up. “It certainly was. Arkanon, I feel I must warn you about that draconic, Mira. She’s the strongest student here. I wouldn’t dare fight her because I know that I’d most likely lose. She’s also very good at wielding a staff, which I’m sure she’s beaten a good amount of students with.”

“What’s the point in telling me all this?”

“I’m only telling you because there’s a pretty high chance that you’re going to be beat. I’m only letting you know so you can prepare.”

“I appreciate it, Jetark, but I think I’ll be fine.”

“You say that, yet you also said that you used most of your strength to fend off our attacks. How do you plan on besting Mira if you can barely defend against us two?”

“I lied about using most of my strength. I only said it so that I wouldn’t have to fight naked.”

“You collapsed to a knee and you looked like you were in intense pain. Your appearance then doesn’t match with your words.”

“That was something else. I promise you Jetark, I’ll be fine.”

“Wait. What is it then, Arkanon?” Veld asked. “I’ve noticed that ever since we met Jetark and that fight happened, you’ve had these moments where you acted weird and you would always cover up your left eye. They’ve been happening more and more frequently. There’s something you’re hiding from us. What is it though? Some kind of medical condition or something?”

“I told you, it’s nothing. I’m fine. I’m going to head back and get dressed now.”

Arkanon rushed off, while trying to avoid people to the best of his ability. Unfortunately, he ran Areath along the way.

Areath looked at Arkanon, stupefied. “Arkanon… What the hell are you doing?”

“Can I explain later? I’d rather get some clothes on first.”

“Go. Just go.”

Arkanon continued on his way back. He made it to his cabin without running into anyone else. Now fully clothed, Arkanon sat at his desk while a voice was raging inside his head.

“Do you have some kind of mental deficiency? Our lives were in danger and you dare have the gall to deny me?!” Dark Arkanon cried out in anger.

‘But we came out just fine, didn’t we?’ Arkanon asked.

“Only because I was able to release some power before you managed to push me back in! Without me, you would’ve been seriously injured or maybe even dead!”

‘Without you, I would’ve been able to take the hits just fine. Have you forgotten that you are leeching a majority of my power?’

Dark Arkanon was silent.

‘If you have nothing more to say, then I’m going to sleep. Also, don’t you dare try to do anything tomorrow.’

“Do what you want. Just know I won’t try to help you again if you end up nearly dead by your own power.”

After the incident two years ago, when Dark Arkanon killed Mith, he and Arkanon were able to communicate inside Arkanon’s head.

Arkanon leaned his head back and sighed. He then leaned forward and rubbed his eyes. “I suppose I should get some rest. Berok would probably be interested to hear what’s going on.”

Arkanon got up, went over to his bed and laid down to sleep for a few hours.

Later that night, Arkanon was outside, sitting on the grass. He was watching Berok flit around, attacking multiple targets. Eventually, Berok stopped and landed in front of Arkanon.

“So, what do you think?” Berok asked.

“You’re definitely faster and also a lot harder to notice. The way you move about, it’s almost like you’re an illusion. It’s rather terrifying in a way.” Arkanon said. “I’m rather glad you’re a friend. It’d be a nightmare fighting someone that you have almost no ability to detect.”

“You’re just flattering me. A Spectre doesn’t achieve its true abilities until we’re adults.”

“Oh, and what abilities are those?”

“When we reach adulthood, we become one with the dark anywhere it is. So that means we can hide in shadows with ease, even if there’s light out.”

“That sounds pretty exaggerated.”

“But it’s not.”

“Then why don’t the guardians have more Spectres within their ranks? They’d make great scouts and assassins if they truly have those abilities”

“That, well, it’s because my race is really rare. We already had a low birth rate, then the demons nearly brought us to extinction. We’re a race of very few. In fact, I’m one of the only three children that were born. The fact that I’m a guardian makes me a one of a kind, at least for now.”

“How many exist in your race currently?”

“Thirty Spectres. That’s all that remains of us.”

“And the demons were the ones that drove your race that close to extinction?”

“Yeah. On our home planet, the demons and guardians fought a massive battle. The demons only slaughtered us while the guardians did everything they could to protect us and evacuate us.”

Arkanon hesitated for a moment before asking, “Were your parents killed in battle?”

“No, my father is a guardian captain that saved my mother from a sudden demon attack. Even though he nearly died, he lived and was able to get her and others out of the area. I guess the feeling formed from there.”

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“Heh, interspecies breeding is rather strange, especially considering your race.”

Berok laughed a little. “Now that you mention it, it is rather absurd.”

“Arkanon.”

“Hm?”

“I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being my only friend. When I arrived here as a child, I was always lonely. I tried walking out during the day sometimes, but people would always be scared of me, ignore me, or avoid me. You were the first person I talked to that didn’t react in any of those ways. Instead you talked with me as if it were normal. So thank you, Arkanon.”

Arkanon smiled slightly. “Why are you acting all sentimental, Berok? There’s no need to thank me.”

“You may not think so, but I felt the need to. Anyways, I’m tired, so I’m heading back now. I’ll see you later Arkanon. Also, good luck in your match against Mira.”

“Thanks. See you later, Berok.”

Arkanon sat there for a little while longer and just stared at the moon.

“Arkanon Leyan? Why are you out here so late?” A female voice asked from behind.

Arkanon turned and saw Mira standing there, wearing the same grey clothes from earlier.

Arkanon turned back around and continued to stare at the moon. “Was meeting with a friend.”

“Who would that be this late at night?”

“His name is Berok. You may know him as the Spectre that lives here.”

“So that’s why you wanted to have our fight later in the day.”

“Yep.”

“Why are you still out here?”

“I guess it’s because I find it peaceful.”

“Peaceful, huh.” Mira came over and sat down next to Arkanon.

“Why are you out here, Mira?”

“I don’t know really.”

“So you’re just wandering around aimlessly?”

“No, it’s not that. I suppose it’s because it’s similar to what you said before. It’s peaceful. It lets me escape from the reality of what’s going to happen to us. How we’re all going to head into the war, how many of us will probably die in that war. I’m not scared because I know I am rather strong myself, but what about the friends we make? That’s what I’m scared of. Losing my friends and the people closest to me. My parents were killed while fighting against the demons. The pain I felt when I lost them was horrible. It felt as if my heart was ripped apart. I fear of feeling that pain again.”

“I know what it feels like. I lost my foster parents when I was ten. The guardian that picked me up even gave me a warning. Maybe if I wasn’t so stupid, I could’ve done something. Warned them or got them out of the house. But I disregarded his words and continued on like nothing happened. If I knew what was going to happen, I would’ve done my best to make that didn’t happen.”

Mira chuckled. “This must be weird, telling someone you just met not long ago about your fears and past.”

“Well, I do admit that you are acting rather strange compared to your earlier ‘battle maniac’ personality.”

“Heheh, you’re right, this isn’t very fitting of my personality.” Mira stood up and offered Arkanon a hand. “Let’s give our all in the fight tomorrow.”

Arkanon took Mira’s hand and she pulled him to his feet. “Of course.”

The next day, Arkanon was heading towards the training grounds, with Veld and Jetark following behind him. He wore a brown shirt with grey pants and had his short sword strapped to his side.

“Why do you seem so confident?” Veld asked Arkanon.

“Is it wrong to have confidence?” Arkanon responded with a question.

“No, but you do know you’re about to fight the strongest student here. Even Jetark wouldn’t dare fight her.”

“Your lack of faith in me is disturbing.”

“But for good reason. You can barely take strong attacks from Jetark and I, so what makes you think that you can take an attack Mira?”

Arkanon turned around to face the two of them. “Well, to be honest with you two, the majority of the power from the blasts came from me.”

Jetark and Veld looked at Arkanon, speechless.

“So you’re saying that you nearly blew yourself up?” Veld asked.

Arkanon grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, I kind of nearly did.”

“I’m not sure if I should be impressed by your strength or by your stupidity.” Jetark said.

“Well, let’s forget that, and keep going.” Arkanon said and continued walking.

Veld looked at Jetark, to which he just shook his head, and kept walking.

They continued on their way and reached the dueling grounds.

Arkanon looked around for Mira and found her with ease. She stood with her staff planted into the ground while a large group of students stood around, watching.

Arkanon made his way over and called out to Mira “Hey!”

Mira noticed Arkanon and waved at him. “Glad to see you didn’t chicken out!” She said jokingly.

“What do you take me for? A coward?”

“Not at all. You already proved you weren’t when you showed up here.”

“You seem to be pretty sure of yourself here.”

“I hold the title of the academy’s strongest. I think I have the right to be sure of myself.”

Arkanon drew his sword. “Prove it to me then. Show me the strength of the strongest student here.”

Mira smiled, picked up her staff, twirled it, and then held it at her side. “Only if you show me your strength as well, Arkanon.”

“Any rules?”

“None, except for the obvious. No killing and no permanent injuries. Other than that, no holding back, Arkanon, because I’m not going to.”

Arkanon grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Then let’s begin!” Mira took the initiative and charged forwards.

Arkanon was only able to take a step back before Mira arrived in front of him. He leaned his body back as a staff whizzed past where his head was just a second ago. He then felt the staff slam into the side of his left knee, making him lose his balance and nearly fall flat on the ground. Grunting in pain, Arkanon leapt back on his right foot and regained his balance. He looked back towards Mira just in time to move his head to the side as a jab from the staff brushed past his face.

Arkanon attempted to slash at Mira with a horizontal swing, but was deflected by the staff right before it hit her. Arkanon then struck out with his left fist, aiming for Mira’s head. His punched connected and hit her in the jaw, but then a heavy blow smashed into Arkanon’s stomach, knocking the air out of him and forcing him back a few steps.

The two took a moment's respite. Arkanon clutched at his stomach, breathing heavily, while Mira rubbed at her jaw, dazed from the punch. After a few seconds, the two of looked at each other and grinned.

Arkanon took the initiative this time and charged towards Mira. He then unleashed a flurry of sword swings, forcing Mira to be defensive. Mira waited patiently until an opening appeared, parried an attack from Arkanon, then brought her staff down towards Arkanon’s head. Unable to dodge the attack, Arkanon blocked it with his left forearm, only for a crack to be heard as the bone fractured.

Arkanon gritted his teeth in pain, but used the opportunity to strike back and stabbed Mira in her left shoulder. He was then forced back and both of them retreated slightly. They then started exchanging blows, Mira’s attacks only causing Arkanon to badly bruse and possibly fracture some smaller bones, while Arkanon’s attacks only nicked Mira. They fought like this, Arkanon only managing to hold his ground. This went on for a while until Arkanon was caught off and Mira’s staff slammed into his head.

Arkanon’s vision nearly blacked out and he could feel warm liquid start running down his head. ‘Ah, I can’t continue much longer, not after that attack. I suppose I should put everything I have left behind this attack.’

Arkanon rushed forward and brought his sword down towards Mira. Mira raised her staff to block it. Arkanon infused his sword with energy at the last second, causing it to slice straight through Mira’s staff. Arkanon’s sword shattered right after it passed through the staff and he dropped it the remnants of it. Mira was wide open and Arkanon put all the energy he could into his right hand and punched Mira straight in her chest. The force from the punch went through her body and destroyed the ground behind her.

Mira spat up blood and fell to her knees, breathing roughly. “I give, you win.” She said hoarsely.

Arkanon smiled a little then covered his mouth as he coughed roughly. Once he stopped coughing, he looked at his hand and noticed quite a bit of blood. Dazed, he only muttered, “Oh,” before falling on his back and passing out.

Within his mind, Dark Arkanon watched Arkanon’s whole fight. “Stupid. Reckless. He doesn’t have a clue on how to fight people more skilled, stronger, and experienced than him. Taking chances when he doesn’t need to. Heh. I can only hope that you become smarter over the upcoming years, or our lives are forfeit when we eventually fight them.”

Arkanon woke up in a hospital room, same as last time. He rubbed his eyes and sat up.

“Finally awake, huh?” An angry voice came from Arkanon’s left.

Arkanon turned and looked to see who it was and saw Areath standing there, with an irritated look on his face. “Hi, Areath.”

“Do you know why I’m angry?”

“I can guess.”

“Because of you two idiots.”

“Was it that bad?”

“You had internal bleeding, a fractured skull and some fractured bones. Mira had heavy internal bleeding and a lot of cuts on her body. If Veld hadn’t gotten me immediately after you fainted, you would’ve probably been in critical condition.”

“It wasn’t that bad Instructor Areath!” Arkanon heard Mira’s voice come from his right.

He looked to his right and saw Mira sitting in a chair against the wall. “Hey!” She said cheerily.

Areath crossed his arms over his chest. “Now you listen here you two, we don’t mind if students fight against each other to get stronger and learn, but there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed. You two clearly crossed that line and one of you may have actually died. I don’t mind if you two continue to skirmish, but should this happen again, I will forbid you two from fighting each other. Understood?”

Arkanon said “Yes.”

“Yeah.” Mira replied.

“Good. Arkanon, you’re all healed, you can leave whenever you want. I’ll take my leave now.” Areath left the room.

There was silence in the room for a short time.

“Hey Arkanon.” Mira spoke out.

“Yeah?” Arkanon turned and looked at her.

“Can I call you my friend?”

“If you want to. How come?”

“Cel is my only friend, since we’ve known each other since we were younger. I guess I’d just like another friend, especially if it’s someone that I can actually spar with.”

“You’re not going to ask me to fight with you every day, are you?”

“That’s up to you.”

“Do you suppose you could train with me, Jetark, and Veld?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Alright. I’m going to head out now. See you later, Mira.”

“See you Arkanon.”

Arkanon got up and left the room. He then noticed that he was in the maze like corridors of the large building. “Great.” He muttered before winding his way around, eventually finding his way out and making it back to his cabin. After that day, he went and got another sword from Krik, who was annoyed that Arkanon broke another sword. Arkanon then started training together with Mira, Jetark, Veld, and sometimes Cel’Mian would join in. This was now his daily life, until it was suddenly ripped away.