The neon glow of Arcadia pulsed like a living thing, its towering spires stretching into the sky, connected by shimmering bridges of pure energy. Skyships glided overhead, their runic engines leaving trails of blue light in their wake. The streets below were a fusion of old and new—mechanical constructs patrolled alongside robed mages, and holographic billboards flickered over ancient statues imbued with magic.
Elian walked through the bustling district, his hood drawn low over his obsidian-black hair. The weight of his newly unlocked Fire Manipulation simmered beneath his fingertips, but he kept his hands clenched, suppressing the urge to test it. His system had leveled up, and with it, his power grew—but in this city, power was a dangerous thing to reveal.
"Your heart rate is elevated, Elian," Eve's voice murmured in his mind. "Are you anxious?"
Not anxious. Just aware. He scanned the streets. Arcadia was a place where information was currency, and if anyone even suspected his potential, word would spread like wildfire.
As he turned into a side alley, a notification flickered across his vision.
[System Update: Passive Ability Unlocked – Predator's Instinct]
Your body naturally detects danger before it occurs. Reflexes and awareness heightened.
Elian's muscles tensed as a shadow moved in the alley ahead.
"A pickpocket?" he thought. But no—his instincts screamed something worse.
A figure stepped forward, his armor gleaming black under the dim alley lights. A Celestial Enforcer.
"Boy, what's your name?" the enforcer's voice was laced with suspicion.
Elian remained silent. His heart pounded, but his mind stayed cold. The Celestial Order did not randomly stop people—especially not in Arcadia.
The enforcer's visor scanned him, golden runes flickering as he analyzed Elian's presence. Eve's voice cut in urgently:
"Warning: They are searching for anomalies. Your magical energy is higher than the average citizen's."
Elian cursed internally. He had suppressed his aura as much as possible, but the system upgrades must have subtly increased his mana signature.
The enforcer took a step forward, reaching for something at his belt.
Elian straightened his posture and met the enforcer's gaze. "I'm just a student from the Arcane Academy. Is something wrong?"
A pause. Then the enforcer's visor dimmed slightly, recalibrating. "A student, huh?" He hesitated, then finally stepped back. "Stay out of trouble."
As the enforcer disappeared down the alley, Elian exhaled. That was too close.
"Your mana output is rising faster than expected," Eve noted. "We need to find a way to mask it, or next time, you won't be able to bluff your way out."
Elian pulled his hood lower and stepped back into the crowded streets. He had to find a way to stay hidden. Because sooner or later, Arcadia would realize a monster was walking among them.
And once they did, there would be no turning back.