Chapter 12:The Calm Before The Storm

A Hidden Intent

The academy grounds were quiet—too quiet.

Mri walked through the dimly lit corridor of the Revolutionary Stars' camp, his mind occupied by one thing—Dipankar.

His aura had been unlike anything Mri had ever felt before.

Dense. Suffocating. Overwhelming.

Even Ayang and Rihan, both powerful in their own right, had remained silent in his presence.

Mri clenched his fists.

"If that was his true aura… I need to get stronger."

But there was something else bothering him.

Jasmine.

She had stopped the fight—without even lifting a finger.

And Dipankar had listened.

Who was she really?

A Meeting in the Shadows

Meanwhile, deep inside The Dragons' territory—

Dipankar stood on a rooftop, arms crossed, looking down at the academy grounds.

Baikon, his vice president, stood beside him.

"You let Mri live today."

Dipankar chuckled.

"I don't kill prey that hasn't realized it's being hunted."

Baikon smirked.

"So, he's just another stepping stone?"

Dipankar's expression darkened.

"No. He's different."

Baikon raised an eyebrow.

"How?"

Dipankar's green aura flickered.

"Because he carries something that no one else does—"

His eyes gleamed.

"A Yellow Aura."

Baikon stiffened.

"Impossible."

"Believe what you want." Dipankar turned away. "But soon, everyone will know who Mri really is."

A Sudden Encounter

The next morning—

Mri was training alone, perfecting his stance when—

"You're overthinking it."

He turned sharply—Jasmine stood a few feet away, watching him with a neutral expression.

Mri exhaled.

"And you're everywhere."

She smirked.

"I have my reasons."

Mri studied her.

She didn't have an aura activated, but something about her felt... powerful.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

Jasmine walked closer.

"Because you interest me."

Mri raised an eyebrow.

"In what way?"

Jasmine crossed her arms.

"You're strong, but you don't know why yet."

Her gaze sharpened.

"Tell me, Mri—how much do you actually know about Auras?"

Mri stayed silent.

Did she know something he didn't?

Jasmine smirked.

"I thought so. Looks like I'll have to teach you myself."

Mri frowned.

"And why would I learn from you?"

Jasmine's golden eyes locked onto his.

"Because if you don't—Dipankar will destroy you."

Mri tensed.

He hated to admit it—

But she was right.