Chapter 7: Secrets in the Shadows
"Is he the new one?"
"I heard he survived the Emerald Ruins on his first trial."
"He doesn't look that impressive."
Kaelena smirked as the murmurs reached her ears. "Ignore them," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "They're just jealous."
"Jealous?" he asked, unsure how to feel about the attention.
"You're new, but you already have people talking. That's rare," Kaelena replied, leading him through a corridor that shimmered with golden runes along its walls. "Now, the academy isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving. And that means forming alliances, knowing your enemies, and never showing weakness."
"Sounds… exhausting."
Kaelena chuckled. "It is. But it's worth it. Vanguard isn't just a school; it's the proving ground for the world's strongest. Mess up, and you're out. Succeed, and the sky's the limit."
They stopped at a grand archway leading to an enormous hall. Inside, students trained in groups, their powers on full display. Fire danced in one corner, while arcs of lightning cracked against a shimmering barrier in another. Others sparred with precision and grace, their movements impossibly fast.
"This is the Sparring Atrium," Kaelena said. "Every student spends time here. You'll need it too if you want to survive."
He watched as a boy barely older than him hurled a boulder the size of a car across the room, only for his opponent to shatter it midair with a single punch. The sheer intensity of their abilities was daunting.
"When do I start?" he asked, a mix of dread and determination in his voice.
Kaelena's smirk widened. "Eager, aren't we? You'll have your chance soon enough. But first, let's get you settled."
The dormitories were no less impressive. Each room was sleek and modern, equipped with technology he couldn't begin to understand. A panel near the door lit up as Kaelena pressed her palm against it, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.
"Welcome to your new home," she said, gesturing for him to step inside. "Try not to blow it up."
He glanced around the room. It was simple yet functional, with a bed, a desk, and a large window that offered a breathtaking view of the academy's floating towers. A smaller screen near the desk displayed his name—or rather, the name of this new body he inhabited: "Eren Veyne."
"Not bad," he admitted.
Kaelena leaned against the doorframe. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, you'll meet your mentor. And trust me, you'll need every ounce of energy for what's coming."
Before he could ask what she meant, she was gone, the door sliding shut behind her. He let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair as he took in his new surroundings. The system had been quiet since the temple, but now it chimed softly:
[New Objective: Integrate into Vanguard Academy. Reward: 100 System Points.]
"Integrate, huh?" he muttered, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Easier said than done."
The next morning came too quickly. A sharp knock on the door jolted him awake, and when he opened it, he found a stern-looking man waiting for him. The man's uniform was immaculate, and his presence radiated authority.
"Eren Veyne?" the man asked, his voice like gravel.
"Yeah," he replied, still groggy.
"I am Instructor Orin. Follow me."
Orin didn't wait for a response, turning on his heel and marching down the hallway. Eren scrambled to keep up, his mind racing. The instructor led him to a secluded training room, its walls lined with glowing glyphs that pulsed faintly.
"Your records indicate that you have potential but lack refinement," Orin said, his tone blunt. "Today, we test your limits."
Eren swallowed hard. "What kind of test?"
Orin didn't answer. Instead, he stepped back, and the room shifted. The floor rippled like water, transforming into a dense forest. The air grew thick, and the sound of distant growls echoed through the space.
[System Alert: Training Simulation Activated.]
"Survive," Orin said simply before disappearing into the shadows.
Eren barely had time to react as a creature lunged at him from the underbrush. It was massive, with glowing red eyes and fangs that gleamed like steel. He dove to the side, narrowly avoiding its claws. Energy crackled at his fingertips as he focused, firing a bolt of light at the beast. It howled in pain but didn't falter.
"Great," he muttered, dodging another attack. "Just what I needed."
The fight was grueling. The beast was relentless, and his attacks barely seemed to slow it down. But with each strike, he felt his control over his energy improve. He moved faster, struck harder, and dodged with greater precision. By the time he delivered the final blow, he was exhausted but victorious.
The forest dissolved, and Orin reappeared, his expression unreadable.
"Not bad," he said. "But not good enough. Again."
Eren groaned but forced himself to his feet. If this was what it took to survive at Vanguard, he was ready.