Chapter 46

The night draped itself over Military Academy 4 like a velvet cloak, the stars piercing through the darkness like shards of crystal. A gentle breeze whispered through the towering oak trees lining the academy grounds, carrying with it the scent of pine and the distant murmur of nocturnal creatures.The lampposts cast a soft, golden glow on the cobblestone paths, guiding the hurried footsteps of students scurrying back to their dorms before curfew.

Groups of boys could be seen sprinting across the lawns, laughter bubbling up as they exchanged whispered stories of their evening escapades. A few had smudges of lipstick on their cheeks and collars, souvenirs from clandestine visits to the girls' dormitory. One boy, in particular, lagged behind the rest.

His steps faltered as he glanced back over his shoulder, eyes filled with a mix of longing and mischief.

"Maybe I should turn back," he mused aloud, his imagination running wild with possibilities. "Most of the guys have already left. I'd be the only boy there..." A dreamy smile spread across his face, his cheeks flushing as fanciful scenarios played out in his mind. A sudden nosebleed snapped him back to reality.

"No, no, not worth it, survive for another night" he chided himself, wiping his nose and picking up his pace toward the boys' dormitory.

Meanwhile, emerging from the shadowy forest that separated the first-year and second-year buildings was another figure. This boy moved with a quiet confidence, his dark hair tousled by the night breeze, framing a face that was both handsome and enigmatic. His eyes reflected the moonlight, giving them an almost ethereal glow.

If the boy had been coming from the girls' dorm, the room he was in would likely be filled with girls that will make one think a concert is going on. But his expression was one of subdued irritation.

As he watched the other boys racing back, a muscle in his jaw tightened. "Why, why, why not me?" he thought bitterly. "They're out there enjoying themselves, and I'm stuck in a cave with an old man." He let out a frustrated sigh, shoving his hands into his pockets. The memory of the red flower he had seen earlier that evening flickered in his mind.

"Should I use that?" he pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I don't need that," he muttered to himself. "I'm enough."

The boy was William. As he made his way across the campus, the soft hum of the System echoed in his mind. "At this rate, it may take eons for you to finish the box Mr. Beth gave you back at the orphanage," the System remarked, its tone a mix of mockery and concern.

William rolled his eyes. "Do you think I don't know that?" he whispered under his breath. "It's not like I don't want to. I just don't have the time right now. Forming my soul crystal and getting stronger is more important."

The System paused before responding, a hint of nostalgia in its voice. "That's true. I've been there. But sometimes, you need to have fun and make friends. That was a mistake I made once."

William raised an eyebrow, the System's words piquing his curiosity. Did it just reference a past experience? he wondered. Sometimes, the System spoke as if it had once been more than just an AI—almost as if it had once been alive. It made William realized that he doesn't know anything about the system and the Shadow Lord who he has supposedly inherited his power.

Lost in contemplation, William arrived at the dormitory. The heavy wooden door creaked softly as he entered, the hallway quiet except for the distant sound of muffled laughter from other rooms. He slipped into his own room to find Gavin and Liam seated on their beds, both sitting cross-legged with their eyes closed. A faint glow surrounded them—the visible sign of drawing in Soul Essence.

He moved quietly to avoid disturbing them, changing out of his damp uniform into comfortable nightwear. Just as he was settling down, Liam's eyes opened, his gaze sharp despite the late hour.

"You're back," Liam said, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Yeah," William replied softly. "Sorry if I disturbed you."

Liam waved a hand dismissively. "No worries. I was just finishing up."

William nodded and took his place on his own bed, sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes. The ambient Soul Essence in the room was faint compared to the overwhelming abundance he had felt in the lake earlier. Still, he focused his mind, drawing the ethereal energy into his body. The process was smoother now, the Essence flowing toward him like moths to a flame.

As he guided the Soul Essence toward his heart, he felt that familiar resistance. Just as before, some of the energy drifted away, pulled toward the opposite side of his chest. Not again, he thought, frustration bubbling up. Breaking his concentration, he opened his eyes and glanced over at Liam.

"Hey, Liam," he began hesitantly.

"Hmm?" Liam responded, tilting his head in acknowledgment.

"Is it normal for the Soul Essence to... I don't know, avoid your heart? Like it's being repelled or something?"

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Avoid your heart? That's a new one. Usually, the hardest part is drawing the Essence into your body. Once it's in, it naturally gravitates toward the heart. It's kind of like a magnet."

William frowned. "So, it's not normal then."

"Not at all," Liam confirmed. "Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," William lied, forcing a casual tone. "Thanks."

He leaned back against the wall, deep in thought. If it's not normal, then what's happening to me? Determined to find answers, he decided to use his Third Eye on himself—a first since acquiring the ability.

Activating it, his vision shifted. He could see the intricate network of his own body—the flow of energy, the pulsating aura of his heart nearly filled with soul essence. "At this rate, I might be able to form my soul crystal tomorrow," he thought. But then, his gaze moved to the opposite side of his chest, where the stray Soul Essence had been drawn.

There, nestled close to his heart, was another crystal. But this one was different—darker, with an almost tangible shadow enveloping it.

"What is that?" he whispered aloud.

In his mind, the System's voice quivered with something akin to surprise—or was it fear? "Is that... No, it can't be. A Shadow Crystal?"

"A Shadow Crystal?" William echoed, his pulse quickening. "What does that mean?"

But the System fell silent, leaving William with more questions than answers.

__________________________

Miles away, deep underground where the earth crust is visible and hot magna spilling was the ominous base of the Heretics. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, illuminated occasionally by flashes of crimson lightning. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and something more sinister—a palpable malevolence that seeped into the bones of anyone nearby.

Inside the colossal structure, the usual stillness was replaced by a frenzy of activity. Hooded figures moved with purpose, their shadows flickering against the jagged stone walls illuminated by torches emitting an eerie green flame. The sound of chanting echoed through the vast chambers, a haunting melody that resonated with the dark energy permeating the air.

At the center of the main hall stood a colossal, incomplete portal, its circular frame forged from obsidian and etched with runes that pulsed with an otherworldly glow. The structure crackled with raw power, tendrils of dark energy spiraling toward the ceiling like grasping fingers.

Sitting upon a throne carved from black stone was the Heretic King, his piercing gaze fixed on the portal. Clad in ornate armor adorned with spikes and dark gemstones, he exuded an aura of unquestionable authority. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest as he watched his followers labor tirelessly.

What made the scene even more unsettling was the presence of beasts among the workers. Creatures of various shapes and sizes—some resembling twisted versions of animals, others entirely monstrous—moved alongside the heretics. Their usual ferocity toward humans was absent, replaced by an almost docile obedience.

The king's lips curled into a sinister smile. "So, the beasts can be this tamed after all," he mused. It was a secret that had long baffled the military—how the heretics managed to control beings driven by pure instinct and aggression.

A cloaked figure approached the throne and knelt. "My lord, the preparations are nearly complete. The portal will be ready as scheduled."

"Excellent," the Heretic King replied, his voice echoing throughout the hall like the rumble of distant thunder. "Our master will soon descend upon this world."

The subordinate hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "And what of the military forces? They've increased their patrols along the borders and strengthened their forces."

The king waved a dismissive hand. "Let them scurry like ants. They are blind to the true power that is about to be unleashed."

He rose from his throne, the room seeming to darken even further as he did. Stepping toward the edge of the platform, he gazed down at the bustling activity below. The combined efforts of humans and beasts working in unison was a sight that filled him with a twisted sense of pride.

"Soon," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "Very soon, the balance will tip in our favor. The age of the military and their false peace will crumble."

A low growl resonated nearby, and a massive beast with eyes like burning coals emerged from the shadows. It bowed its head to the king, emitting a guttural sound that conveyed both reverence and anticipation.

The king placed a hand on the Bear like creature's head, his fingers digging slightly into its coarse fur. "Patience," he murmured. "You will have your time to revel in chaos."

He looked back at the portal, its dark energy swirling more violently now. The runes along its frame glowed brighter, casting distorted shadows across the walls.

"Prepare the final rites," the king commanded to no one in particular. "We stand on the cusp of a new era."

As he spoke, the chanting grew louder, the voices of the heretics blending with the haunting howls of the beasts. The very air seemed to vibrate with a sinister harmony, a prelude to the impending doom that loomed over the world.

In that moment, the Heretic King closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Master will be pleased," he thought. "And together, we will reshape this world into one where true power reigns supreme."

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