Ethan stood at the academy's grand entrance, his eyes scanning the horizon as the weight of his actions settled upon him. The cool evening breeze carried whispers of uncertainty, but he remained unfazed. Aldric's death was a statement—one that would send shockwaves through the academy and beyond.
His muscles still burned from the fight, but the notification flashing in his vision kept his exhaustion at bay.
[Passive Ability Mastered: Titan's Ascent → Colossus Rebirth]
Ethan focused on the description:
Colossus Rebirth:
Physical endurance significantly increased.
Damage taken is reduced by 40%.
When sustaining critical injuries, a surge of regeneration will activate.
A smirk tugged at his lips. The fight against Aldric had been worth it. He was getting stronger at a pace no one could anticipate.
As he mulled over his progress, a voice broke through his thoughts.
"Ethan," Sylvia called, her arms crossed as she walked up to him. "You're acting awfully calm for someone who just killed a vice president."
Ethan shrugged. "Should I be panicking?"
She scoffed. "You should be preparing. Aldric's family isn't going to sit back and let this go. They'll demand justice, and when they find out you're responsible, they won't just send a formal complaint."
Ethan turned fully toward her, his smirk never fading. "Let them come."
Sylvia studied him for a moment before shaking her head with a sigh. "You're reckless, but I can't say it doesn't suit you."
Before Ethan could respond, a surge of magical energy filled the air. His body tensed as another figure approached.
Seraphina Nightshade.
The young mistress of the Nightshade family walked toward them, her long raven-black hair flowing like liquid shadow. Her crimson eyes flickered between Ethan and Sylvia before settling on him.
"You don't even try to lay low, do you?" she remarked, amusement lacing her tone.
Ethan chuckled. "I don't see the point."
Seraphina's lips curled into a small smile. "I suppose I should have expected that." Her gaze sharpened. "You've shaken the academy's foundation, Ethan. The higher-ups won't ignore this."
"I never expected them to."
Seraphina nodded approvingly. "Good. That means you understand what comes next."
Sylvia frowned, stepping between them. "What exactly are you implying?"
Seraphina smirked. "Simply that Ethan's victory has marked him as someone worth noticing. The academy's factions will move soon. Some will want to recruit him. Others…" Her eyes gleamed. "Will want him dead."
Sylvia's expression hardened, but Ethan remained unshaken. He had anticipated as much. He was done playing the role of the weakling. If enemies came for him, he would deal with them just as he had dealt with Aldric.
Seraphina tilted her head. "I assume you're prepared?"
Ethan grinned. "Always."
Seraphina chuckled softly. "Then let's see how long you can keep up."
She turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving Ethan and Sylvia in silence.
Sylvia sighed. "I don't trust her."
"You don't have to," Ethan replied. "I'll handle her if she ever becomes a problem."
Sylvia hesitated before nodding. "Fine. But don't get too cocky. The real threats haven't even shown themselves yet."
Ethan glanced at the academy, his smirk widening. "Then I look forward to meeting them."
As the night deepened, Ethan knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning. The academy was changing, and he would ensure that when the dust settled, only the strong remained standing.
And he would be the strongest of them all.
To be continued…