As Zariel sat in his dorm, he pondered deeply. How did that old man, Tharion, know about shadow mana? Shadow mana was supposed to be a secret lost to time, existing only when he, Zariel, was still alive in his past life. He had cast Shadow Whispering on Tharion over the week but found nothing suspicious, except for one cryptic remark: "We are waiting for your arrival." Who were "they"? He thought he had left no trace of his previous existence. He needed to investigate further, but time was a luxury he didn't have; the exams were only two months away.
The next morning, the student council president called all first-year students together to inform them about the upcoming exams. The president, a highly popular figure among the girls, hailed from one of the top five families in the Empire, a family renowned for their spear techniques known throughout the Empire.
"The exam will take place in the Forest of Dawn," the president announced, his voice firm and authoritative. "It is a dangerous forest located in the West, filled with numerous monsters. Further details will be provided in two months."
As the president concluded his announcement and returned to the council room, Zariel couldn't shake off a strange feeling. There was something peculiar about the president. Zariel cast Shadow Whispering on him, sensing a faint trace of divine power. "This is definitely divine power," Zariel mused, "but it's too faint to recognize which god it belongs to. Something fishy is going on here."
Using Shadow Whispering, Zariel delved deeper and uncovered a disturbing truth. His older brother and sister were orchestrating a plan involving the student council president and two other council members. "So, the student council president and two other members are under the control of my older siblings," Zariel thought. "This exam is going to be very interesting."
With a swift use of Shadow Step, Zariel vanished into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the darkness. He decided to use the upcoming exam as an opportunity to gather more information and thwart whatever scheme his siblings were plotting.
For the next few weeks, Zariel intensified his training. He knew that to face the challenges ahead, he needed to be stronger. His new sword, forged by Tharion, proved invaluable. The shadowsteel blade handled his shadow mana effortlessly, allowing him to perform techniques like Shadow Slash and Shadow Step with unprecedented ease and power.
Lyra noticed his relentless training and approached him one evening. "Velgrim," she said, using his current name, "you're pushing yourself too hard. What's going on?"
Zariel hesitated for a moment before responding. "There's more at stake than just the exam, Sister Lyra. Our older brother and sister are up to something, and I need to be ready for whatever they throw at us."
YOU ARE READING
Twilights of the Gods
Fantasía"Centuries ago, the battle mage who dared to challenge the gods was sealed away in eternal darkness, his name erased from history. But prophecies whispered of his return, and now, after ages of imprisonment, he has been reborn in a world dominated b...
