The morning sun cast its warm rays over the academy's central courtyard, where students gathered in eager clusters. Excitement buzzed through the air, with everyone murmuring about the upcoming team announcements. Today, the instructors would reveal which students would be placed on the teams for the battle ranking tournament.
Aren stood at the back of the crowd, Sharu curled around his feet, eyes glinting with a strange, almost predatory sharpness. The beast had been unusually quiet since the dreams had started, his behavior still yet to be fully understood by Aren.
In the distance, Aren could see the instructors assembling at the front, preparing for the long-awaited announcement. At the very forefront was Instructor Halden, his serious gaze scanning over the gathered students. Behind him, the other teachers sorted through a pile of parchment with names, assignments, and team rosters.
"Let's get this over with," Dorian muttered beside Aren. "I'm itching for a good fight. This whole 'mysterious stuff' is a distraction."
Aren nodded, though his mind wasn't on the tournament. The previous night's dream—along with the strange sensation that something ancient and sinister was stirring within the academy—still lingered in the back of his mind. Something about it felt far more urgent than the competition.
The murmurs of the crowd faded as Halden stepped forward. His voice, authoritative and steady, rang out across the courtyard.
"Students, the time has come. As you know, the battle ranking tournament is an important event. It will determine your place in the academy and allow the instructors to assess your progress. Teams have been carefully arranged based on your affinities, strength, and compatibility with your teammates."
The crowd quieted in anticipation as Halden unrolled the parchment in his hands. He glanced over it once more before meeting the students' eyes.
"The teams will be as follows."
---
Aren's heart raced in his chest as he listened intently to the names being called. One by one, Halden listed off pairs and groups, most of which were made up of familiar faces. Dorian's name was announced with Lyra's, the two commoners with fire in their veins. Aric was teamed with Liora, and Shen was paired with Selene.
Aren's nerves tensed with each passing moment. Who would he be teamed with?
"And now," Halden continued, "Aren Valen and Sharu will be paired with…"
Aren leaned forward instinctively, the words hanging in the air like a breath before the storm.
"...Liora Frostwind, Dorian Thorne, and Aric Sunflare."
Aren blinked, trying to make sense of the group he was suddenly a part of. Dorian, a fiery commoner with a fierce lion; Liora, a noble with her ice wolf; and Aric, a cheerful yet surprisingly skilled fire-wielder.
It felt… strange.
His thoughts, however, were interrupted by a peculiar sensation—a shift in the air, a disturbance like the buzzing of static electricity. Sharu, still curled around his feet, lifted his head and looked toward the academy's north tower. His eyes narrowed, and Aren followed his gaze instinctively.
For a brief moment, Aren could have sworn he saw something—someone—at the top of the tower, watching them.
But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
"Don't worry," Dorian said, clapping Aren on the back. "This'll be a great team. No one's better at keeping a balance than this group. Liora's ice, Aric's fire, your beast's mystery, and me…" He paused for dramatic effect. "Well, I bring the power."
Aren didn't quite share Dorian's enthusiasm. The dream, the mysterious figure in the sealed wing, and now this strange feeling in the air—there was something wrong. Something that none of the others seemed to notice.
Liora looked at him, her usual aloofness softening for a moment. "Are you alright? You seem… distracted."
"I'm fine," Aren replied, trying to mask the unease that crept into his voice. "Just… still adjusting."
Dorian snorted. "Adjusting? You've been here how long now?"
"Enough," Liora said, shooting Dorian a sharp look. "The first match is in two days. Let's focus on that. We'll need to strategize."
Aren nodded absentmindedly. But as he looked toward the tower once again, he saw nothing. No movement. No figure. Only the faint hint of a chill running through the air.
---
That evening, after dinner, the group gathered in one of the academy's private training rooms to prepare for the tournament. The large stone walls were adorned with markings of old battle strategies, etched with symbols of past victories. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and the distant sounds of other students preparing echoed in the hall.
Aren's mind, however, wasn't fully on the preparations. He found himself wandering back to the north tower, the spot where he had felt the odd sensation earlier.
Sharu, sensing his unease, padded silently beside him.
They reached the base of the tower, where a set of large wooden doors stood locked, as usual. There were no guards here—no one ever seemed to go in or out of the tower. It was one of the academy's oldest structures, barely mentioned by the instructors, and for good reason.
Aren placed a hand on the door, feeling the faint pulse of mana coming from within. It was subtle, but it was there—an undercurrent of energy.
Sharu's growl broke the silence, low and warning. Aren turned to see the beast's fur standing on end, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
"Not tonight," Aren whispered, his voice barely a breath. He knew better than to venture deeper into the mystery before he understood it fully. There was no telling what could be waiting behind the walls of that tower.
Just as Aren turned to leave, a figure appeared at the top of the stairs leading to the tower. A tall, imposing silhouette.
It was the same figure he had seen earlier, only now, the person seemed to be watching him with intent. Aren's pulse quickened, and he instinctively moved closer to Sharu, ready to act if needed.
"Do you need something?" the figure called out, their voice soft, yet carrying a cold edge to it.
Aren hesitated. "I—"
Before he could finish, the figure turned and disappeared into the shadows of the tower. The door, which had been locked moments ago, creaked open just slightly.
Sharu growled again, more aggressively this time. Something was wrong—dangerously wrong.
"Come on," Aren muttered, gripping Sharu's fur tightly. "We need to go back."
But even as they walked away, Aren couldn't s
hake the feeling that they weren't alone. The shadows, it seemed, were closing in.
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