Chapter 22: The Hunt Begins
The cool night air was biting against the MC's skin as he darted through the dense forest surrounding the academy. The adrenaline pumping through his veins dulled the ache in his muscles, but his mind was a whirlwind of questions. The elders' furious shouts and the glow of their spells were still fresh in his memory.
"What did I get myself into?" he muttered, clutching the satchel containing the carved box close to his chest. He glanced over his shoulder, the dark silhouette of the academy's central tower growing smaller in the distance.
His heart pounded in his chest, not just from the exertion but from the weight of what he had unleashed. The relic's energy still hummed faintly within him, a constant reminder of the power he had absorbed. Yet, with that power came a flood of uncertainty. What was the relic's purpose? Why had it chosen him?
The Tebu system's voice broke through his thoughts.
Host's vital signs are elevated. Recommend immediate concealment to avoid detection.
The MC slowed his pace, taking a moment to blend into the shadows beneath a large tree. His breathing was ragged, his senses on high alert. He knew the elders wouldn't let him go easily. The secrets he had stumbled upon were far too valuable.
---
The Chase
A faint rustling in the underbrush made him tense. He pressed his back against the tree, his hand instinctively reaching for the summoning rune etched into his palm. The sound grew closer, accompanied by muffled voices.
"Search the perimeter. He couldn't have gotten far," one voice said, laced with authority.
The MC recognized the tone immediately—it was one of the elders.
"We must retrieve the Eye of Origin at all costs. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic."
The MC's grip tightened on the rune. He didn't know much about the Eye of Origin, but he knew enough to understand that he couldn't let it be taken from him. Not now. Not after everything he'd been through.
"System, any suggestions?" he whispered.
Recommendation: Activate Cloak of Shadows skill. Duration: 10 minutes.
Without hesitation, he activated the skill. A cool sensation washed over him as his form melted into the darkness, rendering him nearly invisible. The voices grew louder, the search party moving dangerously close.
Through the gaps in the foliage, he spotted three figures clad in dark robes, their hands glowing with arcane energy. They were methodical, their eyes scanning every shadow, every hiding spot.
"Split up. He's injured; he can't have gone far," the lead figure ordered.
The MC's heart sank. He had no intention of fighting them, not in his current state. He needed a way to escape, to put as much distance between himself and the academy as possible.
---
A Narrow Escape
As the search party dispersed, the MC seized his opportunity. Keeping his movements slow and deliberate, he crept away from his hiding spot, careful not to make a sound. The Cloak of Shadows skill masked his presence, but it wouldn't last forever.
The forest seemed endless, its labyrinth of trees and undergrowth stretching on in every direction. He moved deeper into the wilderness, the faint glow of the academy fading behind him.
After what felt like hours, he finally allowed himself to stop. His legs trembled beneath him, and his chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath. The tension in his body began to ease, but his mind remained sharp.
"System, status update," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Host's condition: Moderate fatigue. Mana reserves at 43%. Cloak of Shadows skill cooldown: 6 hours.
The MC nodded grimly. He was far from safe, but at least he had bought himself some time.
---
The Relic's Power
As he rested against a tree, his thoughts turned to the relic once more. He retrieved the carved box from his satchel, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into its surface. The faint hum of its energy resonated with the rhythm of his heartbeat.
"What are you hiding?" he murmured.
The Tebu system chimed.
Relic analysis: Incomplete. Further synchronization required to unlock full potential.
"And how do I synchronize with it?"
Synchronization requires exposure to high-energy environments or combat scenarios.
The MC sighed. Of course, it wouldn't be easy. Nothing ever was.
As he stared at the relic, a memory surfaced—one of the visions he had seen when he touched the Eye of Origin. A great battle, with warriors wielding unimaginable power. A lone figure standing at the center, their face obscured but their presence undeniable.
"Is that my future?" he wondered aloud.
The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating. He had always been an outcast, someone overlooked and underestimated. But now, he held the potential to change everything—to become something greater.
---
A Warning in the Shadows
His musings were interrupted by a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The air grew colder, and an unnatural stillness settled over the forest. The MC's instincts flared, warning him of danger.
"You've come far, but not far enough," a voice echoed through the trees.
The MC shot to his feet, his eyes scanning the darkness. The voice was unfamiliar, yet it carried a chilling familiarity.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in black, their face hidden beneath a hood. Their presence was suffocating, their aura radiating power and malice.
"You've taken something that doesn't belong to you," the figure said, their tone calm but laced with menace.
The MC's hand tightened around the carved box.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
The figure chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down the MC's spine.
"A mere pawn in a game you can't even begin to comprehend. But worry not—I'm here to relieve you of your burden."
They raised a hand, and the forest seemed to come alive. Shadows twisted and writhed, converging toward the MC like a swarm of serpents.
"Tebu system, summon Shadow Fang!"
In an instant, the MC's creature materialized before him, its sleek form bristling with energy. The two stood ready, the bond between them stronger than ever.
"If you want this relic, you'll have to fight me for it," the MC said, his voice steady despite the fear clawing at his chest.
---
The First Clash
The cloaked figure didn't respond. Instead, they launched their attack, the shadows surging forward with terrifying speed.
The MC and Shadow Fang moved in unison, their movements fluid and precise. The creature's claws tore through the shadowy tendrils, its snarls echoing through the forest.
But the figure was relentless. They commanded the shadows with ease, their attacks growing more coordinated and deadly with each passing moment.
"You're strong," the figure said, their tone almost amused.
"But strength alone won't save you."
The MC gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't rely on brute force alone. He needed to outthink his opponent, to find a way to turn the tide.
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A Desperate Gamble
As the battle raged on, the MC spotted a weakness. The figure's control over the shadows seemed to waver whenever they moved, as if their power was tied to their position.
"Shadow Fang, distract them!"
The creature lunged forward, drawing the figure's attention. Seizing the opportunity, the MC activated one of his lesser-used skills—Shadow Step.
In a flash, he closed the distance between them, his blade slicing through the air. The figure barely had time to react, their cloak tearing as they dodged the strike.
"Impressive," they said, their tone darkening.
"But this is far from over."
---
The Aftermath
Before the MC could press his advantage, the figure vanished, their form dissolving into the shadows. Their parting words echoed through the forest.
"We will meet again, bearer of Tebu. And next time, you won't escape so easily."
The MC stood frozen, his chest heaving. The relic's hum grew fainter, as if it too was reacting to the departure of the mysterious figure.
"What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered, exhaustion washing over him.
But even as fear gnawed at him, a spark of determination burned within. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on.
For his sister. For the truth. For the future.