Chapter 18: The Gathering Darkness

Deep within the hidden lair of the cult, the air was thick with the scent of death and decay. Piles of monstrous corpses lay scattered, their lifeless bodies reduced to husks as a dark force drained every last trace of power from them.

At the center of it all, a massive, shadowed figure loomed—a demon of ancient origin. Its eyes, glowing with eerie malice, flickered open as it absorbed the essence of the slain creatures. The once-dormant being was now conscious, its presence sending waves of oppressive energy through the chamber.

Dark energy seeped from the demon's form, coiling through the air like living shadows. The cult leader and his most trusted followers knelt before it, their bodies trembling with both fear and reverence.

The demon's voice, deep and otherworldly, rumbled through the chamber. "More. Bring me more. My power must be complete before I walk this earth once more."

The cultists obeyed without hesitation.

With the dark power bestowed upon them, they spread their influence further, summoning more monsters and manipulating the desperate and the greedy. They lured those hungry for strength, promising them untold power in exchange for unwavering devotion.

Already, they had taken over a small country, its rulers unknowingly serving the demon's will. Soon, the world would begin to shift, its balance tilting toward darkness.

And yet, they remained unaware of the true force that stood in their way—the very child they sought to destroy.

_______

Meanwhile, in Erisia Academy, the halls were abuzz with hushed conversations and disapproving glances. Students whispered to one another, their words filled with skepticism and jealousy.

Rumors had begun to spread—whispers that Ethan had cheated on both tests.

"There's no way a commoner got a perfect score twice."

"He must have found a way to steal the answers."

"Even Count Aldrick didn't acknowledge him. That proves something's off, doesn't it?"

Ethan, Adrian, and Talia walked together toward the cafeteria, the weight of the murmurs surrounding them. Ethan kept his usual calm expression, but he could feel the suspicious stares directed at him.

Talia scoffed, crossing her arms. "Unbelievable. Just because you did well, now you're a cheater?"

Adrian let out a dry laugh. "Typical nobles. They can't handle the fact that someone outside their circle is actually talented."

Ethan remained silent, his expression unreadable. He had expected something like this, but experiencing it firsthand was different.

As they entered the cafeteria, the stares didn't stop. Some students avoided looking at him directly, while others openly glared.

It was clear—his presence at the academy would not be an easy one.

And the worst part? He could sense that someone was actively fueling these rumors.

Someone wanted him to fall.