The moon was high.
The academy halls were quiet.
Only the sound of Eiden's soft footsteps echoed in the dark.
He walked alone.
After the duel with Elara, he felt something strange.
Someone is watching me again.
---
He walked to the back garden, where old statues stood.
It was a peaceful place.
But tonight, something was wrong.
The air was cold.
The shadows moved like they were alive.
Eiden narrowed his eyes.
---
"Come out," he said.
A breeze passed by.
Then… a figure stepped out.
He wore a black cloak.
His face was hidden.
Only glowing eyes could be seen under the hood.
---
"You hid your magic well," the man said.
Eiden didn't answer.
He touched the sword on his back.
The man chuckled.
"You fooled the students, the teachers… but not us."
"Who are you?" Eiden asked.
The man took a step closer.
"A watcher. From the Shadow Guild."
---
Eiden frowned.
The Shadow Guild was a secret group.
They watched young talents.
Sometimes they helped.
Sometimes… they hunted.
---
"You're dangerous," the man said.
"Too skilled. Too calm. Not normal for your age."
"Leave me alone," Eiden replied.
The man's hand glowed with dark mana.
"I'm here to test you."
---
He rushed forward.
Fast.
But not fast enough for Eiden.
Slow.
Eiden moved.
One step.
One breath.
His sword was already at the man's neck.
---
"You lost," Eiden said, calm and cold.
The man froze.
Then laughed.
"Interesting. You really are something else."
He jumped back and vanished into the shadows.
---
Eiden stood still for a moment.
They're getting close.
I need to be careful now.
---
The next day, rumors filled the halls again.
"Did you hear? Elara lost to Eiden!"
"He moved like a shadow!"
"I think he's a mage."
"No way, he's a sword student!"
---
Elara watched Eiden during class.
So did Sera.
So did Kai.
But Eiden just listened to the lecture.
Quiet.
Cold.
Alone.
---
When class ended, Sera ran up to him.
"Hey! Want to eat lunch together?"
Eiden blinked.
"No thanks."
He walked away.
Sera pouted.
---
Elara stood behind, arms crossed.
"He's hiding something. I know it."
But she also whispered to herself,
"…And I want to know why."
---
Later that night, Eiden sat in his room.
He looked out the window.
He took out an old, small book from under his bed.
The title was burned, but the pages glowed with magic.
Inside were his notes.
His old spells.
His memories of being Arkanos.
---
I must stay hidden a little longer.
Until I grow strong again.
This time… I'll live.