Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm

Back at the university, Saga finds it in chaos. News of the artifact has gotten around, and now many students and faculties see him as a menace. Some think it might bring unimaginable power, while others fear it would bring doom. The university's leadership is divided regarding how to handle the situation, with Saga under suspicion. His allies within the school are few, with only Lysandra and a small group of students standing by him.

Saga is determined to find the truth behind the artifact and the System. In this chapter, he spends time in the university's vast archives in search of ancient records that may explain the origins of the System and the true power of the artifact. The research has led him to an ancient prophecy, long forgotten, of an ancient war between light and darkness. The artifact, he learns, is one of several keys that can unlock an ancient power capable of reshaping reality.

It also focuses on the development of the growing external threat: while Saga is deepening his studies, the dark forces are gathering. Armies of goblins, demons, and orcs, all led by powerful dark entities, are marching toward the university. The final battle for control over the artifact is just about to break out.

The tension in this chapter goes up with the attack upon the university. Saga, together with his allies, is desperately fighting in defense of it. It consists of epic battle scenes, where Saga uses both his martial and magical skills to cut through waves of enemies. Of course, Lysandra also plays an important role and proves herself a fierce warrior, but the losses are grievous. Many of Saga's classmates and teachers have fallen in battle, and by the end of the chapter, the university is barely standing.

As the battle is finally about to be over, the headmaster takes Saga aside and finally divulges the full prophecy: only one who has mastered both the light and shadow can wield the true power of the artifact. Of course, this realization merely prepares the ground for Saga's next challenge: to embrace fully both sides of his power.