Chapter 2: Velmora Part 9
Part 9: Shadows Over Arkalis
Tone: Dark, Suspenseful, Political, and Unstable
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Setting: Arkalis Academy – Post-Founder Trial, Hidden Corridors + Royal Courtyard
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[Scene 1 – After the Founder's Whisper]
Arshan emerged from the founder's hidden chamber — breath shallow, fingers still trembling from the aftermath of binding the Soul Weapon. The obsidian blade etched with runes had sealed itself within his mana core… yet it felt like something deeper had been carved into him — a vow… or a curse.
Zyana's voice echoed in his mind, quiet but alert:
> Zyana (concerned):
"Arshan… your aura has changed. That wasn't just a memory trial… the Founder imprinted something on you."
> Arshan (quietly):
"I know. I felt him… inside my head… his voice. Like he was still alive."
Suddenly, a burst of mana from behind.
A figure leaped — cloaked in blue robes — but Arshan deflected with reflexes sharper than before.
The attacker crashed into a pillar, groaning.
> Arshan (coldly):
"Third one today."
> Zyana:
"They're tracking your presence ever since you returned. The Soul Weapon's energy is leaking traces only high-class mages can sense."
> Arshan:
"Then I'll give them something to fear."
He vanished into the shadows.
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[Scene 2 – Veyron's Return, Political Turmoil Brewing]
Inside Arkalis' Royal Mana Courtyard, Professor Veyron stood before the Academy's high council — expression unreadable.
> Council Mage:
"This boy — Arshan — has awakened a Soul Weapon before the First Crest Ceremony. Do you realize what that implies?!"
> Veyron (calmly):
"That fate no longer respects your ceremonies."
> Council Mage:
"He's disrupting balance. The students are talking. The nobles are watching. You're provoking the court."
> Veyron (sharper now):
"Then let them watch."
A dark silence.
> Council Mage:
"The royal family has sent a direct observer. Lady Serica arrives tomorrow. If Arshan fails her Mana Crest test… he will be expelled from the academy. And so will you."
Veyron's eyes narrowed — but he said nothing.
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[Scene 3 – Evil Organization Conspiracy: "Circle of Unbirth"]
Far below Velmora's crust, in an underground library beneath the desert…
Six hooded figures stood in a circle. Scrolls burned. Bones floated mid-air. And above them, a sphere made of blood and ancient memories pulsed.
> Unknown Voice (deep, echoing):
"The Founder's Soul has been awakened."
> Cloaked Sorceress:
"Then the cycle is cracking. The weapon has chosen."
> Shadowed Figure 2:
"And our next step?"
> Unknown Voice:
"Send the child… the one with the broken mana circuit. Make him trigger the Grief Gate inside Arkalis."
> All (in unison):
"As the First Death was fated… so will the Seventh."
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[Scene 4 – Arshan's Secret Training: Nightfall + Veyron's Past]
Later that night, under a withering moon…
Arshan trained with Veyron at the old coliseum ruins within the academy's sealed district.
> Veyron:
"This sword… it's not just a weapon. It reacts to your truth. The more you lie to yourself — the heavier it gets."
Arshan swung the Soul Weapon — nearly fell to his knees.
> Arshan (gritting):
"Then I need to stop pretending I'm not afraid."
Veyron stepped forward, placing a hand on Arshan's shoulder.
> Veyron (softly):
"Fear's fine. Fear sharpens. But self-doubt poisons."
They began again.
The sword grew lighter.
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[Scene 5 – Sabotage at Dawn]
At sunrise, as Arshan entered the public training yard to face his Mana Crest Evaluation, dozens of students stared.
Many whispered. Some backed away.
A girl approached — face kind, aura low.
> Girl:
"Hi… I'm Lia. I was told to give you this crest-seal potion before the test."
Arshan hesitated — then accepted it… but didn't drink.
Zyana hissed:
> Zyana:
"It's laced. Curse-traced. Designed to short your mana core."
> Arshan:
"Figured. I'm done trusting faces too quickly."
He pocketed the vial.
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[Scene 6 – The Royal Examiner Arrives]
From a golden hover-carriage powered by enchanted wyverns, Lady Serica stepped into the arena — draped in silver armor with sapphire-lined gloves.
Her voice was melodic but cold:
> Serica:
"Arshan… outsider. System-marked. You stand here to prove your worth. Begin."
The test began: three parts — Mana Pressure Endurance, Crest Formation Control, and Raw Spell Execution.
Arshan passed the first — barely — as his Soul Weapon's pressure disrupted balance.
Second — struggled. Formed the crest, but unstable.
Third — he was asked to destroy a living enchanted beast with one spell.
He closed his eyes.
Zyana said:
> Zyana (firm):
"Let me open the system skill panel. You haven't used the Founder's Passive yet. Want it?"
> Arshan:
"Give it to me."
[System Panel Activated]
— New Skill: Echo Cast – Ancient Founder Flame
— Description: Mimics a legendary spell from the Founder's memories. 3 uses only.
He raised his hand — whispered a word he'd never learned.
Flames burst in a spiral, golden-blue, wrapped in pure mana code.
The beast disintegrated — not burnt, but erased.
The arena went silent.
Lady Serica finally spoke:
> Serica (smiling faintly):
"Interesting…"
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[Scene 7 – The Aftermath: Deepening Shadows]
That night, in her chamber, Lady Serica wrote a letter — a magical missive bound for Velmora's throne.
> "The Soul Weapon bearer is real. The system is not artificial. He may be the next Link.
The Rift whispers have begun.
Phase Two must be accelerated."
Meanwhile, in a hidden room, Arshan looked at his hand.
The crest had faded.
But a small mark had formed near his wrist — a circular symbol with seven runes.
Zyana whispered:
> Zyana:
"You're being marked, Arshan. One by one… the world's pieces are starting to notice you."
He clenched his fist.
> Arshan (quietly):
"Then let them come."
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To be continued…
Next: Part 10 – Crest of Fire, Crest of Blood
> Arkalis trembles as a secret rite is performed beneath its foundation.
A new traitor within the academy.
Arshan's Soul Weapon unlocks its first form.
Blood will be spilled.