Chapter 32: Shadows in the Academy

Kaiser moved through the dimly lit corridors of the Royal Academy, his mind racing with the implications of his newest mission. If the Obsidian Order still had spies within the Academy, it meant that everything—the political restructuring, the alliances, the training—was already compromised.

"Tch. Looks like I'll have to clean up the leftovers myself."

The system had given him one lead: a single name. Darian Velmont. A senior student, highly ranked among the Academy's elite, and someone who had remained suspiciously neutral throughout the entire conflict with the Obsidian Order.

Kaiser wasn't alone in this endeavor. By his side were Selene and Aria, their sharp eyes scanning for any unusual activity.

"So we're sneaking into the student archives?" Aria asked, adjusting her cloak.

"No. We're gathering evidence," Kaiser corrected. "If Darian is a traitor, I want proof. And if he's just a pawn? I want to know who's pulling the strings."

Selene smirked. "Finally, something fun."

They moved silently, their steps muffled by the Academy's enchanted floors. The student archives were heavily restricted, but that wasn't a problem. Kaiser had acquired a bypass sigil through a "friendly" exchange with a certain noble earlier that day.

As they entered, the system sent another update.

[Mission Progress: New Clue Unlocked]

Document Recovered: The Black Ledger

Contains names of several high-ranking students involved in secret dealings

Kaiser flipped through the pages, his eyes narrowing. "This isn't just the Obsidian Order… This goes deeper."

But before he could analyze further, a slow clap echoed through the room.

"Well, well. Digging into things you shouldn't be?"

Darian Velmont stepped out from the shadows, flanked by three other students. But the moment Kaiser saw the dark energy swirling in Darian's palm, he knew—this wasn't just a traitor.

This was a full-fledged cultist.

And he wasn't going to go down without a fight.