Chapter 16 – The Aftermath of Victory
Scene One: Into the Sanctum
Evan and Lilith stepped into the inner sanctum, their footsteps echoing in the cold, stone chamber. The walls of the sanctum were lined with ancient texts and relics from a time long past. Scrolls, books, and artifacts were carefully arranged, their covers glowing faintly with arcane energy.
The air felt thick with the weight of secrets—secrets that had been locked away for centuries.
"Stay alert," Evan muttered, his voice low. "The Black Nest wants what's in here. We can't let them take it."
Lilith nodded, her eyes scanning the room as she gripped her sword tightly. The sanctum was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of magical wards. It felt almost sacred, like stepping into the heart of a lost civilization.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed from deep within the sanctum, and Evan felt a shiver run down his spine. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and the air became heavy with an oppressive force.
"What is this?" Lilith whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for her pendant.
"It's coming from below," Evan said, his heart racing. He could feel the presence of something powerful—a force that was ancient and terrifying. "There's something beneath the sanctum. Something they're hiding."
Without another word, they moved deeper into the sanctum, navigating through the rows of relics until they reached a hidden door at the far end of the room. The door was made of dark wood, its surface etched with strange symbols that seemed to shimmer in the dim light.
"This must be it," Evan said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lilith nodded. "Let's go."
Evan stepped forward, pushing the door open with a soft creak. Beyond it lay a staircase, spiraling down into the darkness. The air grew colder with each step they took, the atmosphere growing thicker and more oppressive. They descended in silence, the only sound being their breathing and the faint echoes of their footsteps.
At the bottom of the stairs, they found themselves in a vast underground chamber. The walls were covered in strange, glowing runes, and at the center of the room was a massive stone altar.
The altar was surrounded by an arcane circle, its edges glowing with a faint, otherworldly light. It looked ancient, older than anything Evan had ever seen—perhaps even older than the academy itself.
"This is…" Evan started, but he trailed off as he noticed something in the center of the altar. It was a crystal, pulsing with energy. It was as though the crystal was alive, its surface shifting with a strange, iridescent glow.
"Is that…" Lilith whispered, her eyes wide. "A Divine Crystal?"
Evan stepped forward, drawn to it. He could feel the power emanating from the crystal, and the sensation was overwhelming. It was as if the very fabric of reality was bending around it.
He reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing against the surface of the crystal.
In that instant, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the world around him seemed to shift. His vision blurred, and for a fleeting moment, he saw flashes of the past—images of beast gods, ancient battles, and a mysterious being whose face was hidden in shadows.
The crystal pulsed again, and the vision vanished as quickly as it had come.
Evan staggered back, his breath coming in sharp gasps. "What was that?"
Lilith's expression was filled with awe. "That crystal… it's connected to the Beast Gods. It's a source of unimaginable power. Whoever controls it can control the Divine Beasts."
Evan's mind raced. The crystal—it was the key. It was the final piece to understanding everything. The Black Nest, the Empire, the Divine Beasts—they were all after this power.
But Evan wasn't the only one who had noticed the crystal's power.
From the shadows at the edge of the room, a figure stepped forward, cloaked in darkness. The figure was tall, their presence exuding an aura of authority and danger.
"You shouldn't have come here, Evan Rochel," the figure said, their voice low and commanding.
Evan's heart skipped. The voice was familiar, but it didn't register immediately.
"Who are you?" Evan demanded, his hand instinctively reaching for Nex's power. "What do you want?"
The figure stepped closer, revealing their face. It was a face Evan knew all too well. It was Volkh—the same agent who had confronted him in the academy hallways.
But there was something different about him now. His eyes glowed with a dark, unnatural light, and his aura was far more menacing than before.
"I am not here to explain myself," Volkh said, his voice colder than before. "I'm here to claim what's mine."
"You're working for the Black Nest," Evan said, his voice sharp. "What do you want with the crystal? What are you really after?"
Volkh's smile was cold and calculating. "The Black Nest has plans that go beyond even your understanding. The Divine Beasts are only part of the picture. We are seeking the true power that lies beneath the Feral Lands. And you, Evan Rochel, are the key."
Evan's heart pounded. "What are you talking about?"
"The prophecy," Volkh said, his voice darkening. "You are the chosen one, Evan. The one who will awaken the ancient forces of the Beast Gods and bring about the end of the world. But you won't be doing it alone. You will be part of something much larger—something that will change the course of history."
Evan's mind raced. The prophecy—the one Renna had mentioned. Was this what it all led to?
"You're wrong," Evan said, his voice filled with determination. "I won't let you use the Beast Gods to fulfill your twisted plans."
Volkh's smile widened. "You don't have a choice."
With a sudden movement, Volkh raised his hand, and the chamber around them seemed to come alive with dark energy. The crystal on the altar pulsed, and Evan could feel the power surging through the room.
"Nex!" Evan shouted, and his divine beast responded instantly, surging forward in a flash of light.
But Volkh was ready. He raised his hand, and the air around Evan grew heavy, thick with dark magic. Nex roared in fury, but the pressure was overwhelming.
"I warned you, Evan," Volkh said, his voice cold. "You can't stop the inevitable."
_____
Scene One: A Clash of Forces
The dark energy in the room grew unbearable as Volkh raised his hand, manipulating the magic that flowed through the sanctum. The crystal on the altar pulsed brighter, its light mingling with the shadow magic surrounding them.
Evan's senses were on fire. He could feel Nex stirring, the basilisk's presence growing stronger by the second. But it wasn't enough. Volkh was feeding the magic into the very walls of the sanctum, creating a force field that pressed against Evan's every move.
"Nex!" Evan called, his voice hoarse. "We can't let him control this!"
The divine beast responded, but its form flickered as the dark magic fought against its power. Evan could feel Nex's struggle, its form wavering between material and ethereal, as though even Nex couldn't maintain its full power under Volkh's influence.
Evan gritted his teeth. "We have to break through!"
Volkh's mocking laugh echoed through the chamber. "You think you can break the seal? You're nothing but a pawn, Evan Rochel. The power you seek—this Divine Crystal—it doesn't belong to you. It never has."
Evan's grip on his sword tightened, the magic inside him burning hotter than ever. "You're wrong. This power does belong to me. It always has."
He took a step forward, pushing against the pressure of Volkh's magic. But it wasn't just the magic. Something inside him was changing. The crystal's pulsing energy had awakened something deep within his soul, a connection to the ancient Beast Gods that ran deeper than any magic he had ever learned.
Volkh stepped back, raising an eyebrow. "You don't realize it yet, do you? This is the beginning of your awakening. The prophecy will not be denied."
The air around Evan rippled. He could feel the magic in the very bones of the world, the ancient force that ran through the Feral Lands, coursing like blood in the veins of the earth.
And then, in an instant, everything changed.
The crystal surged with a blinding light, sending shockwaves of energy through the chamber. Evan's body tensed, and for a moment, he saw nothing but light and shadow.
Then came the voice.
"Evan… You are the chosen one. The bond between Beast and Man was always meant to be forged in you."
It was a voice ancient, powerful, yet kind. It echoed through his mind, pulling at him, as if calling him home.
"Nex," Evan whispered, and the basilisk's form solidified, its massive head lowering to rest beside him.
The world seemed to slow as the energy of the Divine Crystal flowed into him. The connection with Nex deepened, the bond between them becoming something more—a union of soul and spirit.
Evan's eyes glowed with an intense light, reflecting the energy of the crystal. His power surged, no longer confined to just human limitations. He felt the ancient magic of the Beast Gods coursing through him, changing him.
"No…" Volkh whispered, his voice full of disbelief. "This shouldn't be possible."
Evan turned toward him, his voice like the rumble of thunder. "You're right. It's not possible. But it's happening."
The room was filled with an overwhelming force. Evan could feel the magic binding him to Nex, the basilisk's power fusing with his own. The air around him crackled as the dark magic of the sanctum collided with the raw force of Evan's newfound abilities.
Volkh's eyes narrowed as he realized what was happening. "You fool… You've awakened something ancient—something that shouldn't have been touched. You have no idea what you're unleashing."
But Evan wasn't listening anymore. He was too far gone, consumed by the awakening.
"I won't let you take it," Evan said with a calm certainty that came from deep within his soul. "The Beast Gods are not your puppets. And neither am I."
With a wave of his hand, Evan unleashed a torrent of energy—a wave of raw power fueled by his bond with Nex and the crystal. The force of it sent Volkh flying back, crashing into the stone wall of the sanctum. The room shook violently, cracks spreading along the walls, and the arcane circle around the altar began to fracture.
Volkh staggered to his feet, his face twisted with rage. "You don't understand what you've done, Evan! The Black Nest will destroy everything you hold dear!"
But Evan's eyes were cold, his expression set. "Let them try."
Scene Two: A New Path
The sanctum was in ruins, the altar and crystal still glowing with a faint light. Evan stood at its center, his aura radiating with power, Nex coiled beside him like an extension of his own will. The overwhelming magic that had once crushed him now surged through him with ease, flowing like a river without end.
Lilith approached cautiously, her eyes wide as she observed the transformation. "Evan…" she said softly. "What… what just happened?"
Evan's gaze softened as he turned to her. "I don't know. But I'm not the same person I was before." His voice was steady, but there was something different in his eyes—a new fire, a new sense of purpose.
The power of the Divine Beast, the Beast Gods, and the prophecy was now a part of him. His connection to Nex was no longer just a bond between beast and tamer. It was a union that transcended time and space, something primal and eternal.
"We've awakened something," Evan continued, his tone serious. "And I think the Black Nest has been playing this game for much longer than we realized."
Lilith nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "If that's true… then we've only seen the tip of the iceberg."
Evan turned to face the ruined sanctum. The Black Nest had tried to control the fate of the Feral Lands, but they had underestimated him. Underestimated Nex.
"We need to prepare for what's coming next," Evan said firmly. "But first, we need to understand everything about this power."
As they left the ruins of the sanctum, Evan couldn't shake the feeling that they were only beginning to unravel the mysteries that would shape the future of the Feral Lands.
The Black Nest was only a shadow of what was to come.
____
Scene One: Whispers in the Wind
The sun had begun to set by the time Evan and Lilith emerged from the depths of the sanctum. The golden light bathed the ruins in a quiet glow, casting long shadows that stretched across the broken stone. The world above ground felt… different. Lighter. Yet Evan couldn't shake the weight in his chest.
Something had changed. Not just within him—but across the entire Feral Lands.
The moment he had connected with the Divine Crystal, something had stirred in the distance. A ripple. A warning. Like the breath of a forgotten god exhaled after centuries of silence.
Lilith was quiet beside him, her face thoughtful. She hadn't questioned him further after the awakening. Maybe she sensed that whatever had happened in that chamber wasn't something that could be explained with words.
The academy bells began to chime in the distance. Not the usual schedule bells—but the emergency bell. Three haunting chimes that echoed through the campus like a dirge.
Evan's eyes sharpened. "They know."
Lilith turned to him, tense. "You think it's the Black Nest?"
Evan shook his head slowly. "No… this feels bigger. The Empire, maybe. Or the Council. Someone knows the seal has been broken."
As they reached the edge of the forest path, a familiar voice called out to them.
"Evan! Lilith!"
It was Reed, rushing toward them with his usual panicked energy, though this time his expression was completely serious.
"Reed?" Evan said, catching him by the shoulders. "What happened?"
"There's… there's a group of elders from the Imperial Beast Guard—they're here. And they're demanding to see you, Evan. Something about the Thirteenth Seal and a disturbance in the old records."
Lilith froze. "The Thirteenth Seal? That's a legend—there were only twelve known ancient seals left behind by the gods."
Reed swallowed hard. "Not anymore."
Scene Two: The Chamber of Verdicts
In the heart of the academy's oldest tower—a place few students ever saw—Evan found himself standing before a ring of powerful figures. All cloaked in the silver-and-blue regalia of the Imperial Beast Guard, their faces concealed beneath hoods marked with beast sigils.
The room was massive, with high ceilings and floating crystals that pulsed with muted light. Each crystal recorded memories of contracts, evolutions, and ancient beast bonds long lost to time.
At the center stood a woman with striking silver hair and a beast-shaped insignia over her heart.
She stepped forward. "Evan Rochel. You stand in violation of the ancient pact made with the Feral Pantheon. The Thirteenth Seal has been broken… and the Beast Thrones have stirred."
Evan met her gaze, unflinching. "I did what I had to. Volkh—one of the Black Nest—tried to take control of the Divine Crystal. I stopped him. But I didn't intend to break anything."
"That seal was never meant to be touched," the silver-haired woman said coldly. "It was hidden by The First Tamer himself—a piece of the gods' will, buried to prevent calamity."
"Then why was it left unguarded?" Lilith demanded from behind him.
A tense silence followed.
"We never believed anyone would find it," another elder admitted. "Or live long enough after touching it."
The silver-haired woman studied Evan closely. "And yet… the crystal didn't reject you. It accepted you."
Evan nodded slowly. "I didn't claim the crystal. It claimed me."
Scene Three: A New Title, A New Path
After hours of interrogation, testing, and magical verification, Evan was released—not punished, but acknowledged.
The elders didn't trust him. Not fully. But they couldn't deny the truth. The crystal had awakened, and the divine beast Nex had fused with Evan in a way that hadn't occurred in over a thousand years.
Before they left, the silver-haired woman turned back once more.
"You're walking a dangerous path, Evan Rochel. Whether you become a hero or a calamity depends on what you do next. You may have survived the awakening… but the world has heard the echo."
She handed him a sealed scroll. "The Beast God Council will summon you soon. You're not just a student anymore. You're a candidate for the Throne of Dominion."
Evan froze. "The what?"
Lilith's breath hitched.
But the woman was already gone, her cloak fading into mist.
Scene Four: Night Talks and Silent Vows
That night, Evan stood atop the academy's west tower, gazing at the stars. Nex hovered beside him, silent but warm—its energy no longer distant or wild, but close. Loyal. Deep.
Lilith joined him quietly. "You okay?"
"No," he replied honestly. "But I will be."
She looked at him for a moment before placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're not alone, Evan. No matter what titles they throw at you, we're still your friends."
He looked at her, and for a moment, everything fell away—the academy, the prophecies, the gods, the war.
Just a boy who had been reborn in a world of beasts.
"Thanks, Lilith."
Behind them, in the forest, a pair of red eyes blinked once and vanished.
The Black Nest had seen everything. And they were smiling.
____
Scene One: The Calm Before the Roar
The next morning dawned with golden light, pouring over Aflety Academy's grounds like a blessing. Birds chirped, the breeze was cool, and the sounds of students preparing for their classes echoed in the background.
But to Evan, the morning felt like the hush before a storm.
He stood at the dueling field alone, his sword planted in the ground, eyes closed as he breathed deeply. Nex circled above, no longer needing to hide its divine aura—though it cloaked itself enough to not alarm the weaker students.
"I can still feel it," Evan murmured to himself. "The power… the weight."
Lilith approached from behind. "You didn't sleep again?"
He smiled faintly. "Hard to sleep after finding out the gods might be watching."
She chuckled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "The academy's gossip network exploded last night. They say a divine beast tore through the sanctum, and you walked out glowing."
"And what do you say?"
"I say… you're starting to scare people, Evan." Her gaze softened. "But I'm not one of them."
That warmth meant more to him than he could express.
Behind them, footsteps crunched against the stone path. Reed and Iris had arrived, along with Kael, the stoic elf with keen eyes, and Mira, the soft-spoken girl with a Legendary Wind Beast. Evan's growing group of allies.
"You're attracting more attention than the Emperor's last birthday," Reed said, adjusting his glasses. "And that's before the royal envoys arrived."
"Royal what?" Evan blinked.
Kael stepped forward. "From the Holy Elven Empire. And the Southern Dragon Isles. They're here to observe the Friendly Tournament."
"And… you, specifically," Mira added.
Evan exhaled. "Of course they are."
Scene Two: Council of Rivals
In the academy's largest strategy chamber, the elite students from each dormitory gathered. The air was tense, thick with anticipation and unspoken rivalries.
Professor Ardyn stood at the center, flanked by the Academy Headmaster and several high-ranking instructors. Maps of various battlefields, beast habitats, and strategic terrain hung on the walls. Floating crystals displayed past tournament footage.
"The Inter-Academy Friendly Tournament begins in three days," Ardyn announced, voice strong. "And despite its name, I assure you, this will be anything but 'friendly.'"
Chatter broke out.
"Three days? That's barely enough time to prepare!"
"Didn't they say it was postponed until next month?"
"The schedule was moved up by the Emperor's decree," the Headmaster interjected calmly. "He wishes to test the mettle of this generation early… especially one student in particular."
All eyes slowly turned to Evan.
He didn't flinch.
Ardyn raised his hand, calling for silence. "This year's tournament will consist of team skirmishes, 1v1 duels, field control challenges, and a final event called Dominion Clash, which has not been held in nearly a century."
Murmurs rippled again.
Reed looked pale. "Dominion Clash? That's—"
"I know," Evan said quietly. "The event where Divine and Legendary beasts can be used without restriction."
Lilith smirked. "Finally. A real fight."
Scene Three: Beneath the Golden Throne
Far away, in a darkened palace gilded in cursed gold, a robed figure kneeled before a throne made of bones and broken crowns. The one who sat upon it—face veiled, aura suffocating—stirred slowly.
"The seal has broken," the robed figure whispered. "The boy touched the crystal. Nex has awakened."
A pause.
Then, a deep voice, as cold as time, spoke:
"Then the Fourth Spark has been lit."
The figure trembled. "Shall we begin the culling, my lord?"
"No. Let him grow. Let the world see his strength… so it will hurt when we take it away."
The Black Nest's true master leaned forward, resting his fingers upon a map of the Feral Lands.
"All things are unfolding as the prophecy willed."
Scene Four: Brothers, Beasts, and Bonds
That evening, Evan returned to his dormitory to find a surprise waiting: his younger brother Auron Rochel, sent by the Rochel family to deliver a message.
"Auron?" Evan blinked. "What are you doing here?"
The younger boy grinned. "Father said you made quite the mess. He's proud."
Evan arched a brow. "He said that? Father actually said that?"
"Well… He said, 'Tell Evan to not let the Emperor's dogs sniff too close. And don't get caught with your Divine Beast showing off like a spoiled noble.' Which I think means proud."
They laughed.
Then Auron handed him a sealed envelope.
From the Emperor himself.
Evan's smile faded.
Scene Five: The Letter
That night, Evan sat alone beneath the moonlight, breaking the imperial seal. The letter inside was short, written in a fluid golden script.
Evan Rochel,
The heavens have begun to whisper your name.
Your presence is requested at the end of the tournament.
There is more at stake than you know.
Do not lose.
—A.
Evan stared at the final letter.
A.
The Emperor's personal signature.
He folded the letter carefully and tucked it away.
The road ahead had never been more dangerous. And yet, he'd never felt more alive.
[End of Chapter 16 ]