Epilog - When Shadows Begin to Dance
[Location: Nova Academy – Special Data Room, Two Days After the Award Ceremony]
The soft hum of scanners and the quiet tapping of keyboards filled the room. Deren stood in the center, wearing a standard cadet uniform—but the aura around him was no longer something that could be hidden. On the large screen, the simulation playback was being projected again. Only a few people were present: Tessan, Nayra, and two technical officers Deren didn't recognize.
"This exam is over, but the evaluation is just beginning," Tessan said calmly. "You're aware that the effects of your actions reach farther than you imagined, aren't you?"
Deren replied without turning, "If I say it was unintentional, I know you won't believe me."
"At least you're aware of that."
Nayra opened a file showing the analysis of the drone that slowed down the moment Deren re-accessed the system.
"If you weren't an official cadet, this would've counted as a serious violation," she said.
Deren simply shrugged. "Lucky me, I'm the least ambitious cadet on campus."
Tessan looked at Deren deeply. "Starting next week, you'll be under open surveillance. You can't keep avoiding this."
[Location: The Underworld – Old Eterna Black Market Terminal]
A courier from the underworld handed over a package to a man in a long coat. Inside were shards of metal and a small energy module—the remains of the weapon used during the exam.
"This came from a leak inside the academy. We've taken care of the sender."
The man removed his gloves and activated a portable scanner. A faint logo appeared on the side of the chip:
'D. A. – V.1.3 Prototype'
He smiled faintly. "So it's true. An Eidolon product."
[Location: Outer Faction Headquarters – Coalition Strategy Room]
A large screen displayed various intelligence feeds from Planet B, Planet Hyra, and the Dominion. One name began to appear in every briefing:
Deren Arkwright
Several faction leaders began mapping out possibilities: threat or asset?
And amid it all, a message from Earth's central government delivered one directive:
"Monitor, but do not approach. Not yet. We still don't know who he truly represents."
[Back at Nova Academy – Nighttime, Dormitory Rooftop]
Deren sat at the edge of the rooftop, staring at the stars above. In his hand was a half-cold cup of coffee.
Kael appeared through the rooftop door.
"You know, everyone's talking about you now."
Deren took a sip. "If anyone starts calling me a 'savior,' please reject it on my behalf."
Kael laughed. "Nah, not quite there yet. But you're definitely the accidental legend."
Deren sighed. "I just want a peaceful life. But somehow... shadows from every direction are starting to dance around me."
Kael looked up at the sky. "Maybe because the world's looking for someone who isn't interested in power."
Deren replied softly, "Too bad the world doesn't know I'm not interested in being a hero either."
[Volume 1 End]
As the world begins to move, as factions start to weigh their pieces,the one name that only wanted a nap...…has unknowingly become the center of orbit for a coming storm.