Chapter 31: The Burden of Secrets

The academy was silent in the early morning hours, but the MC's mind was anything but. The battle against the Riftspawn still played in his thoughts—Lira's sharp gaze, the monstrous creatures pouring out of the rift, the way his own power had surged in the heat of battle.

He sat on the edge of his bed, rolling a small crystal between his fingers. It was a Rift Core, a condensed fragment of energy left behind when a Riftspawn died. It pulsed faintly, as if it were still alive.

"System, analyze the Rift Core."

Processing…

A moment later, a series of blue screens appeared before his eyes.

[Rift Core - Grade: C]

- Unstable dimensional energy detected.

- Can be used for crafting, enhancing artifacts, or absorbed for minor energy gain.

- Prolonged exposure may result in corruption.

The last line made his grip tighten. Corruption. It wasn't a word he liked seeing. The last thing he needed was another unknown force trying to take control of him.

"What are the risks of absorbing it?"

Minimal at current levels, but repeated exposure may alter your body's composition.

He exhaled slowly. Another power to consider, another risk to weigh. But right now, he had bigger problems—like Lira and her growing interest in him.

---

Summoned to the Elite Division

A sharp knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. He already knew who it was before he even opened it.

Lira stood in the hallway, arms crossed, her gaze unreadable.

"You didn't show up at the debriefing," she said.

"Didn't feel like talking," he replied.

She studied him for a moment before stepping aside. "Come with me. The Division Leader wants to see you."

That made him pause. The Elite Division Leader was a figure shrouded in mystery. He had heard whispers about their strength, but few had actually seen them in action.

"And if I refuse?"

Lira gave him a humorless smile. "Then I tell everyone how you knew exactly where to hit that Riftspawn. Your choice."

He sighed and followed her.

---

The Division Leader's Test

The Elite Division's training grounds were nothing like the academy's standard facilities. The walls were reinforced with ancient runes, and the air buzzed with latent magical energy.

At the center of the courtyard stood a figure clad in black combat robes, their face partially obscured by a silver mask. This was the Elite Division Leader, a name spoken only in whispers—Commander Kael.

"So this is the one you spoke of?" Kael's voice was smooth, but there was an undeniable weight behind it.

Lira nodded. "He held his own against the Riftspawn. I think he could be useful."

Kael turned to the MC. "What's your name?"

"Not important," the MC replied.

A flicker of amusement crossed Kael's face. "A cautious one. I like that."

With a flick of their wrist, Kael summoned a weapon—a long, curved blade that shimmered with ethereal energy. "Let's see if you're worth our time."

Before the MC could react, Kael lunged.

---

A Battle of Shadows

The MC barely managed to dodge, feeling the blade whistle past his ear. Kael was fast—faster than anything he had faced before. But speed wasn't the only factor in a fight.

He countered with a feint, slipping past Kael's guard and aiming a strike at their ribs. But before his attack could land, Kael vanished.

"Tch—teleportation?"

A sharp pain shot through his shoulder as Kael reappeared behind him, their blade grazing his skin.

"You rely too much on observation," Kael said. "Instinct matters just as much."

The MC gritted his teeth. He wasn't going to win this fight in a head-on exchange.

"Shadow Fang—go!"

His companion leaped from the darkness, its fangs glowing with energy. Kael dodged smoothly, but it was the distraction the MC needed. In the same moment, he activated his Eye of Origin.

Everything slowed. His mind processed Kael's movements at an enhanced speed, analyzing every shift in weight, every twitch of muscle.

Kael struck again, but this time, the MC saw it coming. He twisted his body at the last second, letting the blade pass harmlessly over his shoulder. Then, with a precise movement, he swept Kael's legs from beneath them.

The Commander landed gracefully, rolling back to their feet, but the momentary opening was enough. The MC pressed his dagger to their throat.

A silence settled over the training grounds.

Then, Kael smiled. "Not bad."

The MC pulled back, lowering his weapon cautiously.

"You're good," Kael said. "But you're still hiding something. I can feel it."

He didn't respond.

Kael chuckled. "Very well. You're dismissed. But know this—if you ever decide to truly embrace your power, the Elite Division will be watching."

As the MC turned to leave, he felt Lira's gaze on him. There was something different in her expression now. Not suspicion. Something closer to curiosity.

He had passed their test.

But in doing so, he had just placed himself under even greater scrutiny.

---

The Weight of Power

Back in his room, he sat in silence, staring at the Rift Core once more. The fight had drained him, but something about Kael's words lingered in his mind.

"If you ever decide to truly embrace your power..."

He had spent so long hiding, surviving in the shadows. But how long could he keep running before the world forced him to step into the light?

Shadow Fang let out a soft growl, curling up beside him.

The MC sighed. "Yeah... I don't know either."

For now, all he could do was wait.

Because something told him that his real battles hadn't even begun.