The peace following the shard’s destruction was fleeting. Though life at the academy resumed its routine, a strange unease lingered. Rumors of the incident in the vault spread quickly, and Vax’s newfound abilities became the subject of hushed conversations.

Vax, however, had no time to worry about what others thought. His duel with Aisha and the battle with the shard had made one thing clear: his powers were growing, and he still didn’t fully understand them.

Scene: Training in Secrecy

Late at night, Vax found himself in one of the academy’s abandoned training halls, the dim light of a single lantern casting long shadows across the room.

Selena stood nearby, arms crossed. “You’ve been reckless lately.”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Vax said, summoning a small orb of golden energy in his palm. “If I hadn’t used my powers, Aisha could have—”

“I know,” Selena interrupted. “But every time you tap into that magic, you’re putting a target on your back. The nobles aren’t going to sit quietly while a commoner wields power like yours.”

Vax sighed, the orb flickering before disappearing. “Then what do you suggest? I can’t just stop using my magic.”

Selena smirked. “No, but you can learn to control it better. And luckily for you, I happen to know someone who can help.”

Scene: Meeting the Mentor

The next evening, Selena led Vax deep into the forest beyond the academy grounds. They stopped at a secluded cabin, where a tall, hooded figure awaited them.

“This is Kael,” Selena said. “He’s a retired adventurer—and one of the best magic users I’ve ever met.”

Kael pulled back his hood, revealing a weathered face with piercing blue eyes. “You’re the boy with the Demon Lord’s magic,” he said, his tone neutral.

Vax bristled. “I’m more than that.”

Kael chuckled. “Good. You’ll need that attitude if you want to survive.”

For the next several hours, Kael put Vax through rigorous training. They focused on control, pushing Vax to the brink as he struggled to maintain his focus while summoning his powers.

“You’re holding back,” Kael said at one point, his voice sharp. “If you don’t give it your all, you’ll never master it.”

Vax clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. “What if I lose control? What if I hurt someone?”

Kael stepped closer, his gaze intense. “Power is dangerous, boy. But fear is worse. If you let it control you, you’ll never be free.”

Scene: Secrets in the Library

While Vax trained with Kael, Selena took it upon herself to investigate the academy’s vault. She was determined to find out how Aisha had obtained the shard and whether there were more relics like it hidden away.

Her search led her to the restricted section of the academy’s library, a vast, shadowy chamber filled with ancient tomes. As she sifted through the dusty volumes, she stumbled across a journal belonging to a former headmaster.

The journal detailed the academy’s founding and its connection to the war against the Demon Lord. One passage caught her attention:

"The relics we sealed away hold great power, but they are not mere tools. They are fragments of a will—a lingering hatred that seeks to corrupt and destroy. If ever these relics are unleashed, the world may face a darkness even greater than the Demon Lord himself."

Selena’s heart raced as she read on, discovering that the shard Aisha had used was just one of several relics hidden throughout the academy.

Scene: The First Attack

Selena returned to the academy late that night, her mind racing with the implications of what she had learned. As she crossed the courtyard, a sudden chill ran down her spine.

“Selena,” a voice whispered from the shadows.

She spun around, her magic flaring to life. A figure stepped out of the darkness, clad in black armor and emanating an aura of malice.

“You’ve been digging where you shouldn’t,” the figure said, their voice cold and hollow. “The relics are not yours to uncover.”

Selena’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”

The figure didn’t answer. Instead, they raised a hand, and the ground beneath Selena erupted in a burst of dark energy.

Selena barely managed to throw up a barrier in time, the force of the attack sending her stumbling backward.

Scene: A Call for Help

The commotion in the courtyard woke Vax from his sleep. He ran outside, his heart pounding as he saw the dark figure bearing down on Selena.

“Hey!” Vax shouted, drawing the figure’s attention.

The intruder turned to face him, their eyes glowing with an eerie light. “So, you’re the boy with the hero’s magic,” they said, a note of amusement in their voice. “How disappointing.”

Vax’s magic flared to life, golden energy swirling around him. “Try me.”

The dark figure laughed, the sound echoing through the night. “Very well. Let’s see if you’re worthy of the power you carry.”