crown of shadow

Velucia Academy – Evening After the Eclipse Abyss Mission

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Academy's towering spires. Lamps fueled by mana flickered to life across the campus, bathing the walkways in a soft bluish glow. But within Kaen, darkness simmered just beneath the surface.

He stood atop one of the open terraces, overlooking the northern cliff. The wind played with his coat as he leaned against the railing, silent and still. Behind him, the stone door creaked open.

Zian approached, arms crossed and golden eyes reflecting the moonlight.

> "You're different."

Kaen didn't respond immediately.

> "Everyone is different," he said finally. "But I know what you mean."

Zian walked up beside him. The silence between them was less tense now—still unfamiliar, but less guarded.

> "Back there," she said softly, "the gate responded to you. It wasn't just your magic… it was like the Abyss knew you."

Kaen's lips curled slightly.

> "Because it did."

Zian looked at him, her brow furrowed. "What are you?"

He didn't answer—not with words. He only looked up at the stars.

Zian, for the first time in years, felt something she couldn't define. Fear? No. Not of Kaen. It was… gravity. A strange awareness that something immense stood beside her.

---

The Next Day – Academy Central Plaza

Announcements were made across the floating crystal bulletin. Names flashed in golden letters.

> "Kaen & Zian: Eclipse Abyss – Cleared. Rank Points: 300."

Students murmured in awe as Kaen and Zian passed. Some bowed their heads slightly. Others looked with curiosity, or jealousy.

Inside the dining hall, Rourke sat at a corner table sipping a thick glass of flameberry wine. When Kaen walked in, he raised the glass in greeting.

> "I heard you crushed an ancient gate," Rourke said. "Told you not to show off too much."

Kaen sat across from him, shrugging. "Wasn't trying to."

> "Still. You've drawn attention. Eyes are starting to turn."

Kaen looked out the window. "Let them look."

---

Training Grounds – Magic Combat Class

The class was open air, a giant amphitheater carved into the mountain. Instructors stood along the perimeter, watching as students paired off to spar.

Professor Draeven stood at the center, his voice echoing:

> "Today, you'll demonstrate your abilities. Your magic affinity, your control, and your capacity to adapt under pressure. No fatal spells, no summoning monsters you can't control."

He turned to the class.

> "Kaen. Zian. You're first."

A ripple moved through the students.

Kaen moved calmly to the arena, followed by Zian.

> "Go easy," Zian said under her breath, smirking.

> "Only if you don't fly," Kaen replied, deadpan.

The match began.

Zian launched first—her wings sprouting from her back in a flare of divine flame. Her spear glowed white with radiant mana as she dove down.

Kaen didn't move. He simply raised one hand.

A thin ripple of shadow flicked upward, intercepting her strike like water.

The explosion of impact shook the platform, but when the smoke cleared, Kaen stood unmoved.

Zian grinned.

> "Still hiding your power?"

Kaen smirked. "You haven't earned the full show yet."

They clashed again—light against void, wings against silence. The crowd stared in awe. They weren't just top students… this was something beyond.

After five minutes, Draeven called the match.

> "Enough. Both of you pass."

---

Later That Night – Dorm Rooftop

Kaen sat with his black slime curled in his lap. The creature gurgled softly, taking the shape of a tiny fox before shifting back into an amorphous blob.

Zian joined him again.

> "You know… I still don't remember who I am," she said quietly.

Kaen's expression changed subtly. Gentle, almost wistful.

> "You will," he said. "And when you do, the world will try to stop you."

> "Will you?"

> "No," he said. "I'll make you a god."

Zian blinked. "Why?"

Kaen turned to her, eyes deep with something darker than night, yet strangely warm.

> "Because no one else deserves it more."

For a moment, Zian couldn't breathe. Something ancient and forgotten stirred inside her.

And far beyond the walls of Velucia, in a realm untouched by gods or men, a silver-eyed figure slumbered beneath the roots of a white tree.

Her heart stirred.

Her darkness… had begun to move again.

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