Part 5: Shadows in the Academy
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Setting: Arkalis Academy – Nightfall, Velmora
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[Scene 1 – Arshan's Dormitory – Midnight]
The candlelight flickered inside a small stone chamber. Arshan sat on the edge of his wooden bed, staring at the glowing rune etched into the back of his hand — the aftereffect of the disrupted mana orb. The pain had subsided, but something inside him felt... unlocked.
> Zyana (low whisper):
"That orb wasn't just a trap... it was a key."
> Arshan:
"A key to what...?"
> Zyana:
"To a sealed part of your potential. Maybe even to memories... or deeper truths hidden within your mana. But the process was forced. It's dangerous."
Arshan's fingers trembled slightly. A knock came at the door.
Knock knock.
It was Professor Veyron.
> Veyron (serious):
"Come with me. Now."
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[Scene 2 – Hidden Archives – Beneath the Academy]
Veyron led Arshan through winding underground passages, lit only by enchanted blue flames. Scrolls floated mid-air. The walls were marked with ancient battle sigils. Eventually, they reached a sealed door with seven interlocking magic locks.
> Veyron:
"Velmora's history isn't written in books. It's carved into the bones of the world."
He waved his hand. Clack. Clack. Clack. The locks disengaged.
They entered.
Inside: a circular chamber, its walls lined with magical relics. At the center stood a raised platform with a stone tablet — pulsing with dark red mana.
> Veyron:
"This is the Rootstone — a fragment from the Old Cataclysm. Only chosen ones can resonate with it."
> Zyana (alert):
"Arshan… this stone is responding to your mana signature. Be careful."
> Veyron:
"Touch it. If you seek answers, this is the path."
Arshan stepped forward… and placed his palm on it.
WOOOM— A deep pulse echoed.
His eyes widened — visions surged: flaming skies, shattered towers, a masked man calling his name.
> Unknown Voice (echoing):
"Velmora's end begins again... through you."
BOOM! Arshan staggered back, gasping.
Veyron stood motionless.
> Veyron:
"You're progressing faster than I expected. Your mana is awakening ahead of Velmoran timelines."
> Arshan (panting):
"What was that vision…?"
> Veyron:
"Something ancient. And something watching you."
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[Scene 3 – Secret Academy Hall – Conspirators Gather]
Elsewhere in the Academy, behind an illusioned wall, three hooded students and a masked faculty member gathered.
> Cloaked Student:
"Phase 1 failed. He survived the orb."
> Masked Professor:
"Then we move to Phase 2. The practical exam is in two days. We'll rig the challenge."
> Other Student:
"And if he survives again?"
> Masked Professor:
"Then we unleash the Rift Mage."
The table glowed. A glyph appeared: a distorted spiral with a red slash.
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[Scene 4 – Dawn – System Activation: Side Quest Unlocked]
The next morning, Arshan woke up to a glowing rune forming above his hand. Zyana's voice echoed, stronger than ever.
> Zyana (systematic, calm):
"Side Mission Unlocked: "Watcher's Trial"
Objective: Trace the source of the Rootstone vision
Required Location: Investigate the Forbidden Greenhouse
Reward: Passive Skill – Mana Echo Sense"
> Arshan (surprised):
"Now you're giving me missions like a real system... took you long enough."
> Zyana (playful):
"You weren't ready before. But now... you're becoming more than a student."
> Arshan:
"Then let's begin."
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[Scene 5 – Forbidden Greenhouse – Midday]
The greenhouse was said to be abandoned. But inside, the mana was warped and twisted. Vines pulsed with corrupted light. Arshan moved carefully, his Mana Echo active.
> Zyana:
"Wait… something ahead. Humanoid. But not alive."
Suddenly — a twisted plant-golem attacked. Its core glowed with the same red as the Rootstone.
Arshan dodged, then focused his mana — this time using Zyana's enhanced control.
> Arshan:
"Spell: Crimson Thornfall!"
A volley of red-edged thorns launched — the golem shattered.
A shard flew out — into Arshan's hand. It pulsed faintly.
> Zyana:
"Rootstone fragment absorbed. Mana Echo Sense unlocked."
Arshan smiled faintly.
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[Scene 6 – Academy Outer Wall – Night]
Veyron stood alone, watching the moon.
> Veyron (to himself):
"They're accelerating the game. Arshan is the center… but the real end hasn't even begun."
From the shadows, an old man emerged — one eye missing, robes torn.
> Unknown Mage:
"You trained him. But what if they awaken the Rift too early?"
> Veyron:
"Then Velmora burns… again."
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[Scene 7 – Final Reveal – Veyron's Room]
Veyron opened a locked drawer. Inside was a faded drawing — Arshan as a child, standing beside someone who looked exactly like Veyron.
> Veyron (softly):
"You were never meant to return to this world… yet here you are."
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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Next Part Title:
"Riftborn Arena"
Arshan's first real trial against multiple mages
System Shop introduction
Zyana unlocks "Skill Merge"
Secret faction sends a Rift Beast
Professor Veyron watches from the shadows