Chapter 9: A Hidden Truth

Returning to the Hidden House

Cedric woke up early, his mind still buzzing from yesterday's lesson. The light inside him—it was real. He had felt it. But feeling it wasn't enough. He needed to control it.

He made his way back to Elder Mira's house, careful to avoid the High Human guards. They didn't like Low Humans wandering around.

The door was slightly open when he arrived.

Stepping inside, Cedric expected to see Orin waiting for him. But instead, the house was empty.

His eyebrows furrowed.

"Where is Orin?"

Then he noticed another door at the back of the room. It was slightly open, revealing a small garden with a shimmering pool of water in the center.

And there—sitting in the water, meditating—was Orin.

But something was wrong.

Orin's face was different.

She wasn't a boy.

Her long, silver-white hair floated in the air, her golden eyes closed in deep concentration. She wore a simple white robe, and the symbol of the Monarch of Souls was glowing faintly on her forehead.

Cedric froze.

A wave of heat rushed to his face as he realized Orin was a girl.

"Wait… what?!"

Orin's True Identity

Orin slowly opened her eyes and saw Cedric standing there, looking shocked.

She sighed. "So, you finally figured it out?"

Cedric took a step back. "You—you're a girl?!"

Orin rolled her eyes. "What, did you think I was just a weird-looking boy?"

Cedric didn't know how to respond. He had thought Orin was a boy. She had dressed like one, acted like one.

Orin stood up, stepping out of the pool. "I hid my identity because it was safer that way."

Cedric blinked. "Safer? Why?"

She met his eyes. "Because I'm not just any High Human. I am the Avatar of the Monarch of Souls."

Cedric's eyes widened.

"Wait—so you're like Elder Mira?"

Orin nodded. "Yes, but I follow the Monarch of Souls. It was my duty to watch over you from afar. That's why I was always nearby."

Cedric's mind spun. This explained so much. Why Orin seemed to know things, why she had access to places he didn't, why she never stayed in the Low Human district.

And now, standing in front of her, seeing her real self—Cedric felt his face grow warm again.

She was… beautiful.

Training in the Mental Arena

Before Cedric could fully process everything, Elder Mira entered the garden.

"I see you've learned the truth," she said with a small smile.

Cedric shook his head, trying to refocus. "Yeah, but I still don't understand why Orin—" He paused. "I mean… why she was watching over me."

Mira's smile faded. "Because you are more than what you believe, Cedric. And now, it is time to unlock your power."

She stepped forward and raised her hand. "Come, both of you. We will begin your true training."

Cedric followed her into the house, Orin walking beside him. His heart was still beating a little too fast, but he pushed his thoughts away.

"Focus. Training is more important."

Mira led them into a sealed chamber at the back of the house. The room was empty, except for strange symbols on the floor.

"This," Mira said, "is the Mental Arena."

Cedric frowned. "Mental Arena?"

Mira nodded. "A place where your mind and spirit can train without harming your body."

She motioned for Cedric to step into the center of the symbols. "Sit."

Cedric obeyed.

Mira and Orin sat across from him. Mira placed two fingers on Cedric's forehead, and in an instant—

Everything went dark.

The Mental Battle Begins

When Cedric opened his eyes, he was no longer in the room.

He was in a vast white void.

A voice echoed around him.

"Welcome to the Arena."

Cedric turned. Mira and Orin were standing beside him, but their forms were glowing faintly, as if they were made of light.

Mira raised her hand. "Cedric, in this space, your true power can be tested. Here, you will learn to control your abilities—without holding back."

Cedric clenched his fists.

"Then let's begin."

Mira nodded. She waved her hand, and suddenly, a warrior made of pure darkness appeared in front of Cedric.

"This is your first test," Mira said. "Defeat the Shadow Knight."

The Shadow Knight raised its massive sword and charged.

Cedric's First True Fight

Cedric barely had time to react. The black blade swung toward him, fast and heavy. He jumped back, barely avoiding the strike.

His heart pounded.

"I don't have a weapon!"

Mira's voice echoed in his mind.

"Your power is within you. Use it."

Cedric gritted his teeth. The Light inside him…

He reached for it.

At first, nothing happened.

Then—a faint glow appeared around his hands. His body felt lighter. Stronger.

The Shadow Knight swung again. This time, Cedric didn't dodge.

He blocked it.

His bare hand caught the blade—and stopped it.

The force sent a shockwave through the void, but Cedric stood his ground. His eyes glowed faintly with golden light.

For the first time, he felt in control.

And then—he attacked.

Cedric punched forward, and a burst of golden energy exploded from his fist, slamming into the Shadow Knight.

The dark warrior shattered.

A Step Forward

When Cedric opened his eyes, he was back in the chamber.

Sweat dripped from his forehead. His heart was racing, his muscles burning.

But he was smiling.

Orin grinned. "Not bad."

Mira nodded approvingly. "You are beginning to understand."

Cedric looked at his hands. The golden glow was gone, but he could still feel the power inside him.

This was just the beginning.

And for the first time, he truly believed—

He could become the Pale Monarch.