The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 9: "Shadows of Power"

Scene 1: The Morning Before the Tournament

The sun streams through the classroom windows as students settle into their seats, murmuring with excitement about the Magic Tournament. The day has arrived, and tension buzzes through the air. But when Lyka walks into the classroom, a sudden shift occurs. The usual whispers and taunts that used to follow her every move are replaced by shocked silence. The room grows still, and every eye turns toward her.

There's a strange energy radiating from her—a dark, almost suffocating presence that makes the other students instinctively tense. Even Elara, Auron, and Darius, who had just been talking, fall silent as Lyka walks past them. It's not just mana they feel—it's something darker, something far more dangerous.

Noble Boy 1 (whispering, shocked):
"What... what is that? Is that Lyka?"

Noble Girl 1 (worriedly):
"That mana... it feels wrong. It's dark magic..."

Lyka looks around, confused and anxious. She can feel the weight of their stares, but more than that, she can feel the strange surge of energy inside her—something she doesn't recognize as her own. It's leaking out, uncontrollable, and terrifying. She clenches her fists, trying to contain it, but the dark mana only intensifies.

Even the teacher, Professor Aldric, who is usually composed and authoritative, falters when he senses the overwhelming dark magic radiating from Lyka. His brow furrows in confusion and concern.

Professor Aldric (shocked):
"Lyka... what is this? This mana... it's dark magic, but you've never shown any affinity for it before."

Lyka doesn't know what to say. Her heart pounds in her chest as she tries to suppress the dark mana, but it won't stop. Suddenly, a voice echoes in her mind—Carina.

Carina (in Lyka's mind, teasingly):
"I told you, Lyka. The seal is getting weaker. You can't keep me locked away forever."

Lyka's hands tremble as she closes her eyes, fighting back the fear rising in her chest. She can't let anyone know about Carina—not yet. Not even Elara, Auron, or Darius.

Lyka (murmuring to herself):
"Please... stop..."

The dark mana begins to fade slightly, though it still lingers in the air, making the other students uneasy. Elara, sitting beside her, looks at her with wide, worried eyes.

Elara (softly, concerned):
"Lyka... that was dark magic, wasn't it? I didn't know you had an affinity for dark elements. Are you alright?"

Auron and Darius exchange glances, both of them clearly unsettled by what they just witnessed. Auron leans closer to Lyka, his voice filled with concern.

Auron (gently):
"Yeah, that was... intense. I've never seen you use dark magic before. What's going on?"

Lyka forces a smile, trying to hide the panic swirling inside her. She can't tell them about Carina, not yet. They wouldn't understand.

Lyka (softly, lying):
"I... I don't really know what it was. It just... happened."

Elara's brow furrows in concern, but she nods, sensing that Lyka doesn't want to talk about it right now. Still, the strange aura of dark magic lingers in the back of her mind, and a faint unease settles between them.

Darius (gruffly):
"Well, whatever it was, we've got bigger things to worry about. The tournament starts this afternoon. We need to focus."