Chapter 3 — Beneath the Academy

The emergency alarms continued ringing across Eclipse Magic Institute.

Students flooded through the academy halls in panic while professors cast protection barriers around the main towers. Outside, thunder shook the floating city violently.

Eden’s pulse wouldn’t calm down.

That voice still echoed inside his head.

He has awakened.

“What the hell was that thing?” Eden demanded.

Kael remained silent for several seconds.

Which immediately made Eden nervous.

“…Kael.”

“There are ancient creatures sealed beneath Eclipse Academy,” Kael finally said.

Eden blinked.

“You say that like it’s normal.”

“They were sealed centuries ago after the Mage Wars.”

“And nobody thought students should know this?!”

“Panic is inconvenient.”

Eden stared at him in disbelief.

“You’re insane.”

“That’s possible.”

Even during a magical disaster, Kael somehow sounded calm.

It was infuriating.

And strangely comforting.

Another violent tremor shook the underground chamber. Dust fell from the ceiling as glowing cracks spread across the walls.

Kael grabbed Eden’s wrist instantly.

“We need to move.”

Before Eden could respond, the floor beneath them collapsed.

---

They crashed into darkness.

Eden hit the ground hard with a groan.

“Fuck…”

A warm body landed partly on top of him seconds later.

Kael.

Very close.

Too close.

For a brief moment neither of them moved.

Eden became painfully aware of Kael’s hand pressed against his waist.

Their legs tangled together.

Their breathing uneven.

Golden firelight flickered softly around Kael’s fingers, illuminating the underground ruins surrounding them.

Ancient stone pillars stretched endlessly into darkness below the academy.

Eden swallowed hard.

“…You can get off me now.”

Kael looked down at him silently.

But he didn’t move immediately.

His gaze lingered far too long.

Then finally, slowly, Kael stood.

Eden’s face felt suspiciously warm afterward.

Definitely because of the fire magic.

Obviously.

---

The underground ruins were freezing cold.

Strange symbols covered the walls, glowing faintly silver whenever Eden walked near them.

Kael noticed immediately.

“They’re reacting to you.”

“That’s not comforting.”

Eden brushed his fingers lightly against one of the symbols.

Instantly—

Visions exploded inside his mind.

Fire.

Blood.

Screaming.

A massive creature chained beneath the earth.

Silver eyes opening in darkness.

Eden stumbled backward sharply.

Kael caught him before he fell again.

“Eden.”

“I saw something…”

His breathing shook badly.

“There’s something sealed down here.”

“I know.”

“No,” Eden whispered. “I think it knows me.”

Silence filled the ruins.

Kael’s expression darkened.

Before he could answer—

Footsteps echoed nearby.

Several academy hunters appeared through the shadows wearing silver combat uniforms.

Their leader pointed directly at Eden.

“There he is.”

Eden frowned. “What?”

The hunter’s expression hardened.

“Lee Eden, by order of the High Council, you are under investigation for forbidden mana usage.”

Eden stared blankly.

“…Excuse me?”

Another hunter stepped forward.

“The magical disturbance tonight originated from your mana signature.”

“That wasn’t my fault!”

“We’ll determine that later.”

Mana chains formed in their hands.

Kael moved instantly.

Flames exploded violently through the ruins.

The hunters recoiled in shock.

“Kael Draven!” one shouted. “Stand down!”

Kael’s eyes turned cold enough to freeze the entire room.

“No.”

The temperature around him rose dangerously.

Eden had seen Kael fight before.

But this felt different.

This wasn’t the calm student council president anymore.

This was the monster everyone feared.

“You would attack academy hunters over him?” the leader demanded.

Kael stepped slightly in front of Eden protectively.

“Yes.”

Eden’s heartbeat stopped for half a second.

The hunters looked stunned.

Honestly, so was he.

“Kael—”

“Stay behind me,” Kael said quietly.

The command sent chills down Eden’s spine.

Not fear.

Something worse.

Something warmer.

The lead hunter narrowed his eyes.

“You’re hiding something.”

Kael’s flames intensified.

“And you’re still alive because I’m being polite.”

The ruins fell completely silent.

Then suddenly—

A deafening roar echoed from deep beneath the underground city.

The entire chamber shook violently.

Cracks spread across the floor.

The hunters panicked instantly.

“What was that?!”

Dark energy burst upward from below like a tidal wave.

Eden gasped as silver symbols suddenly appeared across his skin, glowing brightly beneath his uniform.

Pain tore through his chest again.

Kael grabbed him immediately.

“Eden!”

The roaring beneath the academy grew louder.

Closer.

Like something ancient had finally awakened—

And was calling directly for him.

...To Be Continue........

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