Chapter 97– The Puppet Strings

Alden Blackwood's POV

The forest behind the academy was quiet, untouched by the usual student commotion. Dense mana filled the air, creating the perfect environment for practicing mana control.

Alden sat cross-legged in the clearing, the Flowing River Method manual open beside him.

He closed his eyes, drawing mana inward, feeling its sluggish movement through his veins. The technique was effective, but far too slow. It lacked aggression, lacked sharpness.

His Eclipse Vision activated instinctively, enhancing his perception of the mana flow around him. The world turned dark, and within it, streams of glowing energy twisted like unseen currents.

This was what he needed to master—controlling these streams at will.

But just as he was about to refine his circulation—

A soft rustling broke the silence.

Alden's eyes opened, shifting toward the approaching presence.

A small black cat emerged from the underbrush, its sleek fur blending into the shadows. Scarlet eyes flickered with intelligence, but as soon as it met his gaze, it stopped in its tracks.

Nyx.

He almost smirked.

The little pawn had arrived.

Alden leaned back against the tree, arms crossed, studying the cat as memories surfaced.

He was the reason Elena found this creature.

By using his Eclipse Vision, he had subtly manipulated its mind—placing suggestions, guiding its actions like a marionette on strings.

First, he had injured it, just enough to make it weak but not fatal.

Then, he placed it near the path from the church to Elena's dorm, ensuring she would encounter it.

It had been the perfect bait.

Elena, with her kindness and healing abilities, had saved it without hesitation, bonding with it in the process.

And from there, the dominoes had fallen into place—leading her straight to Anneliese's bullying.

Alden let out a breath, his gaze softening ever so slightly.

"Good work," he murmured.

Nyx's ears twitched, eyes flickering as if it recognized his voice. The cat took cautious steps forward, almost hesitant.

Alden reached out, his fingers brushing over its forehead.

With a single pulse of mana—

The influence shattered.

A ripple passed through Nyx's body, and its posture stiffened for a brief moment before relaxing. The weight of his mind control faded.

But not entirely.

Alden smirked.

He left a small trace—just enough to ensure the cat would stay attached to Elena without suspecting anything.

A chuckle echoed in his mind.

"So, even animals aren't safe from your scheming?"

Shiranui.

The fox spirit's amusement was palpable.

Alden sighed. "I didn't do anything extreme."

"You literally injured it, controlled it, and used it as bait."

A scoff came from his sword, Kurenai.

"It's effective," she admitted begrudgingly. "But unnecessary. Elena would have found Anneliese eventually."

"Eventually isn't good enough," Alden muttered. "She was taking too long. If I let things happen naturally, Anneliese would've been dead before anyone cared."

The forest was silent, save for the rustling leaves.

Alden glanced back at Nyx.

The cat blinked up at him before rubbing against his leg, as if instinctively drawn to him.

He nudged it away.

"Go back to your owner," he said lightly.

Nyx hesitated but eventually turned, padding away into the shadows.

Alden leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes once more.

His control was breaking reality piece by piece.

The air was thick with mana.

Alden sat cross-legged, hands resting on his knees as he focused on the Flowing River Method.

Mana moved sluggishly at first, resisting control like a wild current, but as he concentrated, it began to flow smoother, steadier.

Slowly, his body adjusted to the rhythm—inhale, circulate, exhale.

It was an inefficient art, lacking aggression, but it was a foundation.

Something to build upon.

He was about to push deeper into his concentration when—

"You're doing it wrong, you know."

Alden's eyes snapped open.

A girl stood before him, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing at her lips.

She had light pink hair cascading past her shoulders and striking red eyes that glowed faintly, as if reflecting an unseen fire.

Selene Astraea.

Second-year. Spirit Sorcerer.

And, apparently, someone who had taken an interest in him.

Alden remained seated, meeting her gaze with an unreadable expression.

"I wasn't aware I asked for pointers," he said dryly.

Selene's smirk deepened. "You didn't. But watching you struggle was painful."

Alden exhaled through his nose, closing the manual beside him.

Selene took that as an invitation to step closer, lowering herself onto a nearby rock.

"Flowing River Method, huh?" She tilted her head. "Not bad, but it's too rigid. You're treating mana like a tool when it's supposed to be an extension of yourself."

Alden raised a brow. "And you're an expert?"

She grinned. "Of course."

The confidence was almost amusing.

"Since you're so experienced," Alden drawled, "why don't you show me?"

Selene's eyes gleamed with challenge.

Without hesitation, she raised a hand.

The air around her shimmered, mana swirling in a rhythmic pulse. It flowed around her like a living entity, bending and shifting without resistance.

Alden observed quietly.

Her technique was different—fluid, instinctive. Unlike his own methodical approach, Selene treated mana as if it were part of her very being.

It wasn't surprising. Spirit Sorcerers had a natural affinity for mana.

She flexed her fingers, and the gathered energy dispersed instantly.

"See?" She shot him a knowing look. "You're trying too hard to control it. Let it breathe."

Alden hummed, digesting her words.

She wasn't wrong.

But his approach wasn't wrong either.

Selene leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "So… Alden Blackwood, right? You're in S-Class."

He didn't respond.

She took his silence as confirmation and continued, "I keep hearing about you. Mysterious guy who barely talks, somehow keeps up with the prodigies, and doesn't seem to care about anything. What's your deal?"

Alden looked at her, unimpressed. "There's no deal."

Selene narrowed her eyes as if trying to see through him.

"Uh-huh. Sure."

She leaned back, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, whatever. I was just curious."

Alden didn't buy it. No one was just 'curious.'

But he let it slide.

Selene stood up, brushing off her uniform. "Anyway, keep practicing. And try to stop treating mana like a puzzle to solve."

She turned to leave but paused.

"Oh, and if you ever need a real lesson," she smirked, "you know where to find me."

And with that, she walked away, leaving Alden with more questions than answers.

"Why did she even come here?"