"With this, the curtains fall on the Apprentice Stage students for today!"
As the announcent concluded the Apprentice Stage matches for the day, the crowd remained abuzz with excitent.
Many stayed behind to witness the upcoming Interdiate and Expert Stage battles, eager to see the older and more advanced competitors display their power.
However, Ash felt no such desire.
He slipped out of the Main Hall, moving against the stream of students and dignitaries eager for the next spectacle.
The cool air outside the Main Hall provided a sharp contrast to the electric energy within. Ash stretched his arms and took a deep breath, letting the tension from his earlier match fade. As he walked toward the training hall, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Ash!"
Turning, Ash saw Seth approaching, his expression a mix of curiosity and determination.
"You were incredible back there," Seth admitted, catching up. "I’ll admit, I underestimated you. I didn’t think you had that kind of strength in you. How’d you do it?"
Ash smirked, his bright red eyes glinting under the soft light of the lampposts lining the pathway.
"If I told you now, where’s the fun in that? Let’s just say I’ll reveal my secrets after I beat you in the Finals."
Seth’s eyes narrowed, his competitive spirit reignited. "You’re confident, I’ll give you that. But don’t think for a second I’ll let you win. I’ve got no intention of losing to you, brother."
Ash chuckled at the familiar banter. "Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way."
As they walked together, Ash glanced at the Main Hall behind them.
"You know," he began, "you should probably stay and watch the Interdiate and Expert matches. You might learn sothing useful from their techniques."
Seth frowned, crossing his arms.
"What, you want to waste ti watching others instead of training? Nice try. I know you’re just trying to get into my head and make slack off."
Ash raised a brow, amused by his brother’s suspicion. In truth, he ant his advice genuinely—there was much to learn from observing the techniques of the stronger participants.
But he also knew better than to argue. If Seth was determined to misinterpret him, Ash wasn’t about to correct him. After all, why stop an opponent from making a mistake?
"Suit yourself," Ash said with a shrug, feigning indifference. "I’m off to train. Don’t let stop you from doing the sa."
Without another word, the two brothers headed to the training hall, their shared path silent yet charged with their rivalry.
********
Upon arriving, they split off into separate rooms, each consud by their own thoughts. Seth dove into intense drills, pushing himself to master his lightning-based Spirit Arts. Sparks danced around him as he practiced precise strikes and swift movents, his mind replaying his earlier match and imagining ways to counter Ash’s unpredictable style.
anwhile, in his own room, Ash worked with quiet determination.
Unlike Seth, whose power radiated like a storm, Ash focused on refining his efficiency and control.
He practiced advanced techniques to further enhance his agility and mana expenditure, occasionally murmuring under his breath.
"I already know what happens next," Ash said to himself, recalling the narrative of the novel. "But knowing isn’t enough. I have to stay ahead of it all."
Despite their separate rooms, the competitive tension between the brothers lingered, driving each to push harder.
Both carried the weight of their family na and the unspoken promise of their eventual clash.
*********
[Monts Later]
"Haaa…"
As the evening sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Ash finally erged from his training room.
His shirt clung to him, drenched in sweat, and his legs felt like lead after hours of relentless practice.
He leaned against the cool wall of the training hall corridor, catching his breath. The faint hum of magic and occasional bursts of power from the other rooms reminded him of the fierce competition they were all preparing for.
He glanced toward Seth’s room, sensing the crackling energy of lightning from within.
"Still going at it, huh?" Ash muttered, shaking his head in amazent. "What a monster."
Deciding not to disturb his brother, Ash exited the hall, only to stop short as a familiar figure leaned casually against the outer wall. It was Kellion, his opponent from earlier that day.
Ash’s body tensed instinctively, his drained mana reserves making him wary. Still, he kept his face neutral, masking his fatigue behind a calm facade. "Kellion," he said evenly, stepping forward. "If you’re looking for Seth, he’s still inside. You’ll find him down the corridor."
Kellion’s smirk deepened, shaking his head. "I’m not here for Seth."
Ash’s mind raced. Then he’s here for … For a brief mont, he considered his options. He couldn’t take on Kellion in his current state, but before his thoughts spiraled further, Kellion tossed him a small bag.
Ash caught it reflexively, his sharp senses recognizing the faint clinking sound within.
"That’s all I could get," Kellion said, crossing his arms. "Spirit Stones, like we agreed."
Ash loosened the drawstring and peeked inside. The faint glow of the stones confird their authenticity. He quickly closed the bag and tucked it away, nodding his thanks.
"You’re taking a big risk," Ash said, tilting his head. "If anyone finds out you took those stones, you’ll be in even more trouble than you already are for losing today."
Kellion sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, no kidding. It’s already bad enough. They’re furious I lost to soone like you." His tone wasn’t mocking, but it still stung a bit. "But a deal’s a deal, and I’m not the type to back out of one."
Ash gave a small, approving nod. "Don’t worry. I won’t reveal our little arrangent. Your secret’s safe with ."
Kellion let out a relieved breath. "Thanks." He hesitated, then continued, "Listen, I didn’t just co here to hand over the stones. I ca to warn you about Leera."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Leera?"
"She’s the other Asura Academy student you’ll face if you make it further in the tournant," Kellion explained. "She’s on another level, Ash. Stronger than . Faster, too. She’s got both skill and power, and she won’t underestimate you like I did."
Ash nodded, filing the information away. "I’ll still win."
Kellion studied him for a mont, then chuckled. "You’re confident. I like that." He paused, his expression softening. "Look, the truth is… I feel like I’m stuck. Like I’ve hit a wall with my growth. I was hoping you could help figure out how to push past it."
Ash blinked, caught off guard. "You want to help you? After all this?"
Kellion smirked. "Don’t get wrong—we’re still enemies. But you beat fair and square. I want to know how you did it. I think you can help improve."
Ash considered this, then smiled. "Fine. After the tournant’s over, I’ll help you train. But not right now—I’ve got bigger things to focus on."
Kellion looked relieved. "That’s more than I expected. Thanks, Ash." Experience exclusive tales on .Côm
As they parted ways, Ash’s mind whirred with possibilities.
’If all goes well and Seth ends up as my subordinate, I can use him to train Kellion. He’s a better match for Kellion’s strength anyway.’
Watching Kellion walk away, Ash felt a small sense of satisfaction. Another piece on the board.
’He’ll be useful in the future.’
The cool evening air wrapped around him as he made his way back to his dorm, the bag of Spirit Stones tucked safely in his pocket. The tournant wasn’t over yet, and Ash knew the battles ahead would only grow tougher.
But with each step, his confidence solidified.
This was his story now, and he was determined to shape it his way.
*******
As Ash entered his room, he let out a tired sigh, kicking off his shoes and rubbing the back of his neck. He paused mid-step, his sharp instincts catching sothing amiss.
Sitting on his bed, arms crossed and radiating his usual aura of composed nace, was Raven Nightshade.
"Comfortable, are we, Sir Nightshade?" Ash quipped, raising an eyebrow, though his tone held an undercurrent of wariness.
Raven leaned back, resting on his hands with a smirk.
"Your bed’s softer than mine," He replied smoothly, his dark eyes gleaming with suspicion.
Ash closed the door behind him, his earlier exhaustion now replaced with cautious focus.
"What do I owe the pleasure of this… uninvited visit?"
"I was curious," Raven said, tilting his head slightly. "After that impressive display against Kellion, I figured you might have sothing interesting going on. Imagine my surprise when I spotted you sneaking back here with a bag of Spirit Stones."
Ash’s hand instinctively went to the pouch tucked into his pocket.
"I didn’t sneak," he said, feigning nonchalance as he moved toward his desk. "And the Spirit Stones are none of your concern."
Raven’s smirk deepened as he stood, his movents graceful and deliberate.
"Oh, I think they are my concern. Spirit Stones aren’t exactly sothing you just stumble upon, especially not after a fight like today. So…" He stepped closer, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Care to share where they ca from?"
Ash turned to face him, leaning casually against his desk.
"Sorry, but I promised to keep it a secret. What are you going to do, interrogate ? Torture for the information?" His tone was light, but his eyes stayed alert.
Raven chuckled softly, the sound both amused and chilling.
"Tempting, but no. I don’t need to do any of that." He crossed her arms, her smirk fading into a more serious expression.
"You’re good at hiding things, Ashfelt Zephyr, but you’re not perfect. I’ve been watching you, and I know there’s more to you than ets the eye. It’s only a matter of ti before I figure out what you’re really up to."
Ash t his gaze evenly, his mind racing.
"What do you think I’m up to?"
"That’s the question, isn’t it?" Raven smiled.. "You can keep your secrets for now. But rember—nothing stays hidden forever."
’Raven Nightshade… Always one step ahead.’
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[A/N]
Thanks for reading.
I’m sorry for my inconsistent uploads these days. I’ll try to do better.
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