Days passed since the group retrieved the relic, and while its whispers still echoed in Vax’s mind, something else became apparent: his magic was growing stronger.

Scene: A Sudden Surge

In the training hall, Vax stood opposite Kael, practicing basic combat spells. Kael launched a bolt of ice at Vax, but before it even got close, Vax raised his hand.

Without chanting or focusing, a golden shield erupted in front of him, not only blocking the ice but shattering it into harmless shards.

Kael blinked in surprise. “That… wasn’t normal.”

“I didn’t even try,” Vax admitted, staring at his hand. “It just happened.”

“Again,” Kael said, stepping back. He fired a barrage of ice bolts, faster and stronger this time.

Vax reacted instinctively. A wave of golden light burst out from him, disintegrating the bolts mid-air and knocking Kael off his feet.

“Whoa!” Alisa shouted from the sidelines. “Since when could you do that?”

“I don’t know,” Vax said, his breathing steady despite the immense power he had just unleashed. “It’s like… I can feel the magic in me now. It’s stronger, faster.”

Selena stepped forward, her brow furrowed. “It’s the relic,” she said. “It’s amplifying your power.”

Scene: Testing the Limits

Curious—and a bit concerned—the group decided to test the extent of Vax’s newfound abilities. They set up various magical barriers and challenges in the training hall.

First, Selena conjured a barrier that normally required multiple advanced spells to break. Vax dismantled it with a single blast of golden energy.

Next, Ren created a labyrinth of illusions meant to disorient and confuse. Vax walked through it with ease, his senses heightened by the relic’s influence.

Even Alisa got involved, sparring with him using her enchanted sword. But no matter how fast or strong her attacks were, Vax countered them effortlessly.

“It’s like you’re untouchable,” Alisa said, lowering her sword.

“Almost too good to be true,” Selena muttered.

Scene: A Cost to Power

Though the power boost seemed like a blessing, it wasn’t without its downsides. Each time Vax used his magic, the whispers grew louder, more insistent.

"Why hold back? Embrace the strength within you. No one can stand in your way."

During a solo training session, Vax unleashed a particularly powerful spell that left a scorched crater in the ground. He doubled over, clutching his chest as the whispers became deafening.

“Stop!” he shouted, falling to his knees.

The whispers receded, but a cold, mocking laugh lingered in his mind.

Selena rushed in, having seen the explosion from outside. “Vax! Are you okay?”

He nodded weakly, though his trembling hands betrayed him. “The power… it’s too much. I can’t control it.”

Selena helped him to his feet. “We need to find a way to stabilize this before it consumes you. Otherwise…” She didn’t finish the sentence, but the worry in her eyes said it all.

Scene: A Test of Strength

The academy was soon abuzz with rumors of Vax’s growing power. His classmates, who once mocked and underestimated him, now watched him with awe—and fear.

It wasn’t long before the academy’s ranking system took notice.

“Vax, you’ve been summoned for a rank evaluation,” Selena said, handing him a sealed letter.

Vax frowned. “A rank evaluation? Why now?”

“They’ve probably heard about your recent feats,” Kael said. “They want to see if you’re still F-rank—or if you’ve surpassed even the top students.”

Scene: The Evaluation

The arena was packed with students, all eager to see the once-weak commoner face the academy’s elite.

Vax stood in the center, his heart steady despite the anticipation buzzing around him.

His opponent was none other than Aisha, the academy’s star student and the self-proclaimed “Goddess.”

Aisha smirked as she stepped into the arena. “So, the F-rank wants to play with the big leagues now? Let’s see if you’ve earned that newfound confidence.”

The bell rang, signaling the start of the duel.

Aisha didn’t hold back. She summoned a torrent of water magic, forming whips that lashed out at Vax with incredible speed.

Vax raised his hand, summoning a barrier that absorbed the attack effortlessly. He retaliated with a wave of golden light, forcing Aisha to leap back.

The crowd gasped.

“Impressive,” Aisha admitted, her tone serious now. She summoned a massive water dragon, its form towering over the arena. “Let’s see how you handle this!”

The dragon roared, surging toward Vax.

Vax didn’t flinch. He extended his hands, and the relic’s power surged through him. A massive spear of light materialized in his grasp, crackling with energy.

With a single throw, the spear pierced the dragon, shattering it into droplets of water that rained down on the arena.

The crowd erupted in cheers and disbelief.

Scene: A Hollow Victory

Aisha knelt, panting as her magic dissipated. “I’ll admit it, Vax. You’re stronger than I thought.”

Vax extended a hand to help her up, but she hesitated, her gaze lingering on the faint crimson glow in his eyes.

“Be careful,” she said quietly. “Power like that doesn’t come without a price.”

As the crowd cheered his victory, Vax felt an unsettling chill run down his spine. The whispers in his mind were louder than ever, their laughter echoing like a sinister promise.

"They’ll all bow before you soon, Vax. Just let me guide you."