Chapter 14: Clash in the Courtyard

The courtyard erupted into chaos as the dark figure launched their attack. Black tendrils of energy surged toward Vax and Selena, tearing through the ground like living shadows.

“Stay back!” Selena shouted, summoning a barrier to block the onslaught.

Vax didn’t hesitate. He leaped forward, golden energy igniting in his palms. With a swift motion, he sent a wave of light crashing into the dark tendrils, dissolving them on impact.

The figure tilted their head, seemingly amused. “You’re stronger than I expected, but raw power alone won’t save you.”

Scene: The Fight Intensifies

The figure raised their hand, and the shadows around them coalesced into a massive spear. With a flick of their wrist, they hurled it at Vax.

Vax barely dodged, the spear slamming into the ground behind him and exploding in a burst of darkness. He countered with a volley of golden projectiles, but the figure moved with inhuman speed, dodging each one effortlessly.

Selena joined the fray, casting a spell that caused the ground beneath the figure to erupt in a fiery blast. The figure stumbled, giving Vax the opening he needed.

He charged forward, his hands glowing with a blinding light. With a roar, he unleashed a powerful strike, aiming straight for the figure’s chest.

The figure caught his attack with their bare hands, the collision of light and darkness creating a shockwave that shook the courtyard.

“You’re reckless,” the figure said, their voice calm despite the strain. “Do you even understand the power you’re wielding?”

Scene: A Cryptic Warning

Before Vax could respond, the figure shoved him back with a surge of dark energy. They stepped away, their form partially obscured by the shadows.

“This was merely a test,” they said, their tone cold. “You’re not ready to face what’s coming.”

Vax narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

The figure didn’t answer. Instead, they turned their gaze to Selena. “You should stop digging into the academy’s secrets. You won’t like what you find.”

With that, they vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only a faint ripple of magic.

Scene: Aftermath

Vax and Selena stood in the ruined courtyard, the tension slowly giving way to exhaustion.

“Who was that?” Vax asked, his voice heavy with frustration.

Selena shook her head. “I don’t know, but they’re clearly connected to the relics.”

Vax clenched his fists. “They knew about my powers. How is that possible?”

“I think we need to focus on the relics first,” Selena said. “If there are more of them hidden in the academy, we need to find them before anyone else does.”

Vax nodded reluctantly. “We’ll figure it out. But we need help.”

Scene: Seeking Allies

The next morning, Vax and Selena gathered a small group of trusted students who they believed could help. Among them were Alisa, Vax’s childhood friend; Ren, a quiet but talented C-rank mage; and Kael, who had reluctantly agreed to leave his cabin and join the fight.

“This isn’t going to be easy,” Selena said, addressing the group. “The relics are dangerous, and whoever that figure was, they’re not going to let us uncover the truth without a fight.”

Alisa smirked. “Sounds like fun.”

Ren adjusted his glasses, his expression serious. “Do we have any leads on where the relics might be?”

Selena pulled out a map of the academy grounds. “Based on what I found in the library, there are three possible locations: the old catacombs beneath the west wing, the sealed tower on the eastern edge of the campus, and the hidden chamber beneath the arena.”

Kael frowned. “If the relics are anything like the shard you destroyed, we’ll need to approach this carefully. One mistake could be fatal.”

Vax nodded. “Then let’s start with the catacombs. If we can find even one relic, it might give us a clue about who we’re up against.”

Scene: Into the Catacombs

That night, the group descended into the catacombs, the air growing colder with every step. The narrow tunnels were lined with ancient runes, their faint glow casting eerie shadows on the walls.

“Stay close,” Kael said, his voice low. “These runes are meant to ward off intruders, but they won’t stop whatever’s guarding the relic.”

As they ventured deeper, the faint sound of whispers filled the air.

“Do you hear that?” Alisa asked, gripping her sword tightly.

Ren nodded, his eyes scanning the darkness. “It’s coming from up ahead.”

The group entered a large chamber, its walls covered in intricate carvings depicting the battle between the hero and the Demon Lord. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, and atop it rested a glowing, crimson orb.

“That’s it,” Selena whispered. “One of the relics.”

Before anyone could move, the shadows in the room began to shift. A low growl echoed through the chamber as a massive, wolf-like creature emerged from the darkness, its eyes glowing red.

“Looks like we found the guardian,” Kael muttered, drawing his weapon.