Chapter 6: Simulation and Shadows
The Helgen Forest was calm. Too calm.
Zein and Elaine moved through the terrain wrapped in an unnatural mist. Their senses, sharpened by battle, picked up something… artificial.
—Do you feel that? —Elaine murmured.
—Yeah. There's no real magical presence. Just patterns.
Then, as if it had heard them, an alarm rang in their communicators.
[Simulation ended. Evaluation complete.]
Both stopped. A beam of light descended from the sky, revealing the holographic face of Ia, the academy's arcane intelligence.
—Interdimensional node simulation complete —she announced in a neutral tone—. Congratulations, students. You have survived a level 4 catastrophe.
Elaine frowned.
—Simulation? All of this was… a test?
Zein smiled slightly.
—Sometimes preparation is more dangerous than the real battle.
Back at the academy, student routines resumed their course.
Magical theory classes, combat strategy, advanced alchemy, Nexus history... Zein blended in without drawing too much attention, though his results were suspiciously perfect.
During a practical class, Elaine stepped into the center of the field.
—Watch closely —announced the instructor—. Miss Elaine will demonstrate her special ability: Flame Fencing.
Elaine drew her ceremonial sword. White fire ran along the blade.
Her movements were a ballet of fire and steel. Elegant. Precise. Lethal.
Zein watched her intently. More than admiration, a possibility emerged in his mind.
—If I can copy that…
He silently activated his system.
[Adaptive Absorption: Silent activation.]
[Conditions: Prolonged visual contact + energy synchronization.]
[Target: Flame Fencing.]
[Result: Partial absorption successful.]
Zein felt a light vibration in his right arm. A burning line marked his forearm as if a rune had been born beneath his skin.
New ability acquired: Flame Fencing.
He said nothing. Just smiled, as if impressed by the display.
Elaine finished her demonstration to applause.
—I'll repeat it tomorrow. I want to perfect it —she said, sitting beside him.
—It was flawless —Zein replied.
—Liar. I saw it in your face. You know I can do better.
Zein laughed. And for the first time… there was no weight in his voice.
Days passed. Classes became a routine. A routine Zein never thought he'd live again.
In the dining hall, he shared tables with other students. At night, he helped in the labs. In the hallways… he ran into Elaine more often than coincidence would allow.
—Are you following me? —she asked one evening.
—No. Just a coincidence. Or destiny. —Zein replied without breaking eye contact.
Elaine blushed slightly.
—You're more annoying than you look. But also… more real than I expected.
Zein looked down for a moment. She didn't know who—or what—he really was.
—You shouldn't get too used to me —he said quietly.
Elaine stared at him.
—I don't like getting used to anything. But with you… I might make an exception.
That night, Zein trained in secret in an empty room. He repeated Elaine's movements, but sharper, more fluid. He had adapted her technique.
His technique now.
The white fire of Flame Fencing danced on his makeshift blade.
—I'm sorry, Elaine —he murmured—. But I need it. Everything you can do… I must be able to do too.
Another line appeared in his ability core:
Total active abilities: 4/5.
And a warning:
[Emotional compatibility detected with original wielder. Potential future interference.]
Zein paused. He looked at his reflection.
—Interference… or
salvation?
He didn't have the answer.
But for the first time, he felt like maybe… he wasn't so alone.