Chapter 19: Whispers and Shadows

Far from the peaceful academy, in a dark, concealed chamber, a circle of robed figures stood around a massive, ancient map spread over a stone altar. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows over their faces, distorting their features into grotesque masks. The air in the room was thick with the scent of burning incense and something more sinister—power, malice, and an undeniable sense of triumph.

At the head of the gathering stood their leader, his piercing eyes gleaming beneath the hood of his robe. His hands, adorned with rings inscribed with forgotten runes, rested on the parchment as he scrutinized the markings with an intense focus. The symbols etched onto the map pulsed faintly, reacting to the dark magic that permeated the chamber.

"It has begun," the leader murmured, his voice like a whisper of smoke curling through the air. "The demon stirs. The time is near."

For years, they had searched, tirelessly hunting for the child spoken of in the prophecy. The one destined to be the key to the seal. Their efforts had been thwarted time and time again, but since the demon's awakening, the old barriers had begun to weaken. And now, at last, the search had come to an end.

"The child is in Erisia," the leader declared, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "Under the protection of the academy."

A ripple of excitement spread through the gathered cultists, hushed whispers mingling with the crackling flames. Some clenched their fists in anticipation, others murmured incantations under their breath, their eyes flashing with zeal.

A tall figure stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of all. He was one of the cult's most powerful members, draped in dark robes embroidered with ominous symbols that seemed to shift and writhe of their own accord.

"With the academy's protection, we cannot move openly," he stated, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "But we do not need to. We have agents inside their walls."

The cult leader's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Then it is time to set our plan into motion. First, we shake the boy's foundation. If he is to be the key to the seal, we must ensure he is unstable when the time comes."

He turned to another robed figure standing in the shadows. "Have our informants continue spreading the rumors. Fan the flames. Let doubt fester in his mind. And find a way to push him further—a test of his patience… or his breaking point."

As if in response to his words, a sinister energy pulsed through the chamber. The very air trembled, and from the darkness beyond the altar, something ancient and malevolent stirred. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the chamber, sending shivers down the spines of even the most hardened cultists.

The hunt for Ethan had truly begun.

The large cafeteria of Erisia Academy was filled with the clatter of plates and the hum of students engaged in lively conversations. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden patterns on the long wooden tables. The air carried the mouthwatering scent of freshly prepared meals—roasted meats, warm bread, and steaming bowls of stew.

Yet, despite the inviting atmosphere, an undeniable tension lingered around one particular table.

Ethan, Adrian, and Talia moved through the cafeteria line, each taking their trays of food before heading toward an empty table near the windows. As they walked, the whispers trailed behind them like a shadow, hushed voices muttering just loud enough for them to hear.

"Did you hear? He must have bribed someone to get those scores."

"A peasant like him could never be smarter than nobles."

"I heard he used some kind of trick… maybe even magic."

Ethan sat down without a word, his expression unreadable as he calmly picked at his food. He had endured worse in the past. Words alone wouldn't shake him.

Talia, on the other hand, was fuming. Her grip on her fork tightened until her knuckles turned white. "This is ridiculous!" she whispered harshly, her golden eyes blazing with anger. "Who in their right mind would believe this nonsense?"

Adrian sighed, stirring his drink absently. "Someone's definitely spreading this on purpose. But why? Who would even care this much about one test?"

Ethan didn't answer. He had his suspicions, but nothing concrete. The rumors were too well-timed, too persistent to be simple gossip. Someone wanted to isolate him, to make him doubt himself—or worse, make others doubt him.

Instead of voicing his concerns, he simply focused on finishing his meal, letting his two friends vent their frustrations.

Talia stabbed her salad with unnecessary force. "We should find out who's behind this. Confront them."

"And then what?" Ethan finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Demand they stop? That's exactly what they want. A reaction."

Talia scowled, crossing her arms. "So we just do nothing?"

"No. We wait," Ethan said, his eyes flickering with determination. "Whoever's behind this isn't done yet."

Silence settled over the table as they mulled over his words.

Once they finished eating, they rose from their seats, heading toward their next class—combat training. The tension in the cafeteria remained, whispers still circling them like vultures over prey.

As they stepped into the corridor, Ethan's sharp senses picked up something unusual. A flicker of movement at the edge of his vision. A presence lingering just out of sight.

Someone was watching him.

He didn't turn his head, didn't let on that he noticed. Instead, he kept walking, subtly adjusting his stride to catch a glimpse of the figure through the reflection of a nearby window.

A hooded student stood at the far end of the hallway, their face obscured. The moment Ethan's gaze flicked toward them, they vanished into the crowd.

A cold realization settled in his chest.

Someone in the academy wasn't just spreading rumors.

They were observing him.

And that meant they were planning something.