Chapter 18: Echoes of Power

Back at the academy, the tension was palpable. News of their descent into the ruins had somehow leaked, and whispers followed them wherever they went. Eren tried to ignore it, but the weight of the Shard in his possession was a constant reminder of the danger they were in.

Kaelena was equally on edge. "Someone leaked our movements," she said one evening as they trained in the Sparring Atrium. "And I have a feeling it wasn't the informant."

"You think there's a mole?"

"Maybe. Or maybe the academy has been watching us all along."

Eren frowned. "Why would they let us get this far, then?"

Kaelena shook her head. "I don't know. But we need to be careful. The Shard is more than just a piece of ancient history. It's a weapon."

Eren nodded, his thoughts spinning. He felt the pulsing energy of the Shard resonate faintly, like a second heartbeat in his chest. Its power was intoxicating, but it came with whispers—faint echoes at the edge of his mind. They weren't words but feelings: warning, hunger, and something far darker. He shuddered and looked to Kaelena. "Do you think the Shard could be… dangerous to us?"

Her gaze was unwavering. "It's already dangerous. Look at what happened in the ruins. That thing isn't just power; it's something more. And I don't think it cares about our intentions."

Before Eren could respond, the System chimed, interrupting his train of thought.

[System Alert: Energy Surge Detected Nearby. Potential Hostile Presence Identified.]

Eren's blood ran cold. He glanced at Kaelena, who had already tensed. "We're not alone."

Kaelena's hand glowed faintly with electric energy, her eyes scanning the Atrium. "Whoever it is, they're not getting the drop on us."

As they moved toward the edge of the courtyard, Eren couldn't shake the growing sense of unease. The Shard's whispers grew louder, intertwining with the System's warnings. Was it protecting him or trying to manipulate him? The question lingered, unanswered, as they prepared for the confrontation ahead.