Chapter 82: The Web of Shadows

The night was heavy with an eerie silence. The Academy, a place of learning and competition, was no longer just a battlefield for students—it had become a hunting ground. And Eren was the prey.

But prey could become a predator.

The Obsidian Covenant had made their move, but Eren wasn't the type to wait for the next attack. If they thought he would cower in the shadows, they were gravely mistaken.

He had to strike first.

---

A Dangerous Gamble

Eren walked through the dark corridors, his steps soundless. His destination? The forbidden section of the Academy's archives.

Knowledge was power, and if the Covenant had been erased from history, then the best place to look was where knowledge was kept hidden.

But breaking into the archives wasn't a simple task.

It was heavily guarded—not just by professors and magic seals but by enforcers, handpicked by the Academy's highest authorities.

He had prepared for this.

A few stolen scrolls. A concealed identity. And just enough magic to bypass the first few barriers.

As he reached the grand doors of the archive, he muttered a few incantations. The air shimmered, the sigils glowing faintly before vanishing. The first layer of protection—neutralized.

But just as he took a step forward—

CLANK.

A blade appeared in front of his throat.

"Trespassing? You must have a death wish."

Eren didn't flinch.

Standing before him was Ciel Vaelmont, one of the Academy's elite enforcers. A fourth-year student, a prodigy in swordsmanship, and one of the few people who never lost a duel.

Ciel's silver hair shone under the moonlight, his golden eyes locked onto Eren with amusement.

"You're either incredibly foolish," Ciel said, "or you have something I want."

Eren remained calm. "Maybe both."

---

The Deal with the Devil

Ciel tilted his head. "The Obsidian Covenant."

Eren's eyes narrowed. He knew.

Ciel smirked. "I had a feeling you'd come looking for answers. And as much as I should drag you to the Headmaster right now… I won't."

Eren watched him carefully. "Why?"

Ciel leaned in slightly. "Because we have a common enemy."

Eren's mind worked quickly. If Ciel knew about the Obsidian Covenant and wasn't stopping him, then…

"You've been hunting them."

Ciel chuckled. "I wouldn't call it hunting. More like… waiting for the right moment."

Eren wasn't stupid. Ciel wasn't offering this for free.

"What do you want in return?"

Ciel grinned. "A favor. You're resourceful, and I have my own agenda. When I need something, you'll do it. No questions asked."

A dangerous offer.

But Eren needed the information.

"Fine."

Ciel sheathed his blade and motioned toward the archive doors. "Then let's find out exactly what we're dealing with."

---

Secrets of the Past

Inside the forbidden archives, dust coated the air. Ancient books lined the towering shelves, each containing knowledge lost to time.

Ciel led the way, stopping before a massive black tome. The cover bore no title—only a single crimson symbol.

Eren could feel the dark energy radiating from it.

"The true history of the Obsidian Covenant," Ciel murmured. "Read it, and you'll understand why they want you dead."

Eren slowly opened the book.

---

The Truth

The Obsidian Covenant was not just an assassin group.

They were executioners of fate.

For centuries, they had existed to erase anomalies—people, powers, and knowledge that threatened the balance of the world.

And the most damning part?

Their highest priority target was always someone marked by the Forbidden Grimoire.

Eren's breath caught.

This wasn't just about him being strong.

The moment he had awakened his system, he had become an anomaly in the world itself.

And the Covenant?

They existed to remove people like him.

Ciel watched him, his gaze sharp. "Now do you see?"

Eren clenched his fists.

This was no longer just a fight for survival.

This was about defying fate itself.

If the world wanted him erased?

Then he'd burn down the very system that governed it.

---

Author's Note

The truth is finally revealed! The Obsidian Covenant is more than just a group—they are executioners of fate! And Eren is now their greatest enemy!

What will he do next?

Find out in Chapter 83!

— bloodyking99