Chapter 75: Unseen Ripples & Lingering Shadows
The secret meeting had ended, but its weight still lingered in Kael's mind.
What they had survived wasn't just a test.
It was a message.
Someone orchestrated the Alpha Mana Beast's near evolution. Someone wanted to see how they would react.
And now?
The students weren't just warriors-in-training.
They were pawns in a larger game.
The Truth Behind the Trial
The top ten students were summoned by Headmaster Varian Eldoria the next morning.
They gathered in a dimly lit council room, the walls lined with enchanted maps and ancient texts.
Varian stood at the head of the long table, his golden eyes unreadable.
"You all did well," he began, his voice even. "But your battle was never meant to happen."
A hush fell over the room.
Kael exchanged a glance with Lucian, who remained composed but noticeably tense.
"It wasn't an accident?" Selene finally asked.
Varian shook his head. "No. The Alpha Mana Beast's presence was not natural. Its evolution was being… accelerated."
Mira clenched her fists. "So someone is tampering with mana beasts?"
"Not just tampering," Seraphine Eldoria added, stepping forward. "They are trying to create something beyond an Alpha."
Silence.
Even Cassian—normally smug—looked unnerved. "And we were just the… test subjects?"
"Perhaps," Varian admitted. "Or perhaps your survival ruined someone's plans."
Kael leaned forward. "If they were trying to evolve it into a King-Class, why did they only use one beast?"
Lucian exhaled. "Because they thought it would be enough."
Darius scoffed. "Well, joke's on them. We're still standing."
Varian's gaze darkened. "For now."
The First Signs of a New Enemy
The meeting ended, but the danger didn't.
Somewhere far from Eldoria Academy, in a hidden chamber, a cloaked figure knelt before a massive arcane projection.
"The Alpha… failed," the figure reported.
A low, distorted voice responded. "Unexpected. But not a complete loss."
"Should we attempt another experiment?"
"No." The voice hummed. "Let them think they've won. For now."
The figure hesitated. "And the students?"
A soft chuckle. "They're promising, aren't they?"
A pause.
Then, the voice whispered, "Keep watching."
Kael's Next Challenge – Arcane Sigil System Mission
After the meeting, Kael returned to his quarters, but before he could even process the information, a notification flashed across his Arcane Sigil System.
[New Mission: Sigilist's Survival]
Objective: Survive a real combat scenario against high-tier mana beasts.
Location: Eldoria's Forbidden Zone.
Bonus: If successful, +20 to all stats and a new Arcane Sigil.
Kael exhaled.
"No rest, huh?"
He glanced at his reflection in the polished metal of his vambraces.
He wasn't the same person who had arrived at Eldoria three years ago.
He had fought. He had bled.
And now?
He was going to get stronger.
Kael Veyrin – New Stats After System Upgrade
Age: 15
Rank: Master Sigilist / Elite Knight Trainee
🛡 Core Stats (After +20 Boost from Arcane System Mission)
Strength: 66
Dexterity: 66
Endurance: 69
Mana: 92
Intelligence: 87
Charisma: 75
Abilities (Enhanced & New Skills)
Arcane Sigil – Level 10 (Master Sigilist) → Can store ten active runes for instant casting.
Arcane Resilience (Enhanced) → Absorbs 40% of mana-based damage.
Berserker's Ascent (Advanced) → Grants +25 to all stats for four minutes; usable three times per day.
Crimson Sigil (Blood Runes – Perfected) → Can now inscribe lasting runes on weapons and armor for sustained effects.
Healing Rune (Superior) → Can regenerate fatal wounds over time.
Arcane Sever (Grand Tier) → Can disrupt divine sigils and ancient runes.
Arcane Chains (Mana Suppression – Refined) → Can completely bind an opponent's magic for up to thirty seconds.
New Skill – Arcane Echo → Creates phantom runes that cast spells twice for double effect.
A Moment of Normalcy – A Bonding Chapter
Despite the tension, life at Eldoria continued.
Kael found himself in the training grounds, sparring against Lucian.
Mira watched from the sidelines, arms crossed. "Kael, if you get knocked down again, I swear—"
Cassian smirked. "Oh, please. Let's just appreciate the fact that Kael and Lucian are actually hitting each other this time."
Evelyne placed ten gold coins into Darius's hand.
Darius grinned. "Told you Kael wouldn't last more than five minutes."
Selene sighed. "Are we really placing bets on this?"
"Absolutely," Cassian said.
Rael, sharpening his dagger, raised a brow. "You people are insane."
Kael, panting, wiped sweat from his brow and shot a glare at his so-called 'friends.'
Lucian cracked his neck. "Again?"
Kael smirked.
"Again."
Because if there was one thing they all knew now…
They weren't done fighting.