Chapter 26: Echoes of Darkness

The chamber was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of Zayne and his comrades. The battle against Eldric Voss had left them drained, both physically and mentally. Though they had forced him to retreat, the weight of his final words still hung in the air like a storm cloud.

"This is far from over."

Zayne tightened his grip on his sword. His knuckles were white, his body still pulsing with the residual energy from the magic he had just unleashed. He had never felt anything like it before—like something deep within him had awakened. But what was it? And why did Eldric seem almost afraid when he saw it?

Tallesia was the first to break the silence. She twirled her dagger swords in her hands before sliding them back into their sheathes, her violet eyes scanning the darkened chamber. "So… what now? We won, right?"

Seraphina exhaled, lowering her staff as the glow faded from its crystal tip. "For now."

Malo leaned against a pillar, wiping a streak of blood from his cheek. "That bastard's strong. If he comes back stronger, we might not be so lucky next time." His shadow magic still flickered around him, reacting to his lingering adrenaline.

Zayne's gaze remained locked on the spot where Eldric had disappeared. His mind raced with questions, but one thought kept repeating itself.

"What if we didn't actually win?"

The Academy's Response

The group returned to Mystic Heights Academy just before dawn, their bodies sore, their minds heavy with the weight of what had just transpired. As they passed through the gates, the familiar sight of the towering castle-like structure greeted them, its ancient stones pulsing faintly with magic. But something felt off.

The moment they stepped inside, they were met with Professor Solomon Lewis, standing at the center of the grand hall. His piercing gaze swept over them, and for a moment, there was silence.

Then, he spoke.

"You encountered him, didn't you?"

Zayne stiffened. "You knew he was still out there."

Professor Lewis's expression was unreadable. "I suspected," he admitted. "But suspicions are not facts, and I needed proof before acting." His sharp eyes locked onto Zayne. "Tell me exactly what happened."

Zayne exchanged glances with his teammates before nodding. He recounted everything—the battle, the strange surge of power he felt, and Eldric's ominous final words. As he spoke, he watched Professor Lewis carefully. The man's expression barely changed, but there was something in his eyes… something calculating.

When Zayne finished, the professor crossed his arms. "That power you used… it wasn't ordinary reinforcement magic, was it?"

Zayne hesitated. "No. It felt… different. Stronger."

Professor Lewis exhaled through his nose, as if confirming something to himself. "I see."

Tallesia frowned. "That's it? No explanation? No advice?"

The professor's gaze darkened. "Not yet. Because if I'm right, then things are about to get much worse for all of you."

A heavy silence followed his words.

Malo scowled. "Great. More cryptic warnings."

Professor Lewis ignored the comment. "For now, all of you need to rest. You've done well, but this fight is far from over."

Zayne clenched his fists. He wanted answers. He wanted to know what was happening inside of him. But for now, he would have to wait.

A Troubling Revelation

Later that night, Zayne found himself staring at the ceiling of his dorm room, unable to sleep. His mind replayed the battle over and over. The moment his sword had glowed. The moment Eldric had stepped back in fear.

He needed to understand.

A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Zayne," Seraphina's voice came through the wood.

He sat up. "Come in."

She entered, her expression serious. "I was doing some research."

Zayne raised an eyebrow. "On what?"

Seraphina closed the door behind her before stepping closer. "On that magic you used against Eldric."

His heartbeat quickened. "And?"

Seraphina hesitated, as if debating whether she should say it out loud. Then, she finally spoke.

"There's a theory… an old one. About a type of magic that only appears in times of great crisis. A magic that's not just tied to reinforcement or elemental spells, but something deeper. Something… ancient."

Zayne swallowed. "What are you saying?"

Seraphina met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I think you might have awakened something that hasn't been seen in centuries. And if that's true…" She hesitated, then continued, "Then Eldric Voss isn't the only one who's going to come looking for you."