The testing grounds of Aramore Academy were rarely this crowded.
Word had spread like wildfire. A new disciple, cloaked in darkness and wielding a scythe, had defeated Riven Ravenhart in a single strike. The heir of one of the four great clans now lay broken-boned and silent in the infirmary—refusing to speak of what he saw in the moment before the blow landed.
He only muttered one phrase, again and again:
> "She vanished before I could blink."
Now, the elders had demanded the girl step forward for formal evaluation. After all, she wasn't on any clan registry, had no mentor, and yet bore strength that rivaled core disciples.
No one saw her enter.
She simply appeared.
From the shadows of the courtyard, she emerged—cloak fluttering around her like smoke, her face hidden beneath a half-mask of blackened steel. Even though she had used the veil of Thousand faces.
The scythe slung over her back gave off a faint hum, like something alive.
She walked slowly toward the dueling platform, each step silent.
"Name?" one of the elders asked, brow raised.
She paused. "Shade," she answered.
The elder's gaze sharpened. "Origin?"
"I have none worth remembering."
The audience scoffed. But not the instructors. They felt it.
An oppressive aura—muted, but real. Like a storm barely leashed.
One of the instructors, Master Fei, nodded toward a disciple in the crowd. "You,come out he said." What's your name ,he asked
Liron of House Vaelen,the guy said
"Peak of Essence Vein Stage, that will do. You'll face her."
Liron jumped to the platform with the easy confidence of someone who had never lost in public. "You sure you don't want to back out?" he said, grinning. "Once the scythe is out, people might think you're a reaper."
"I am."
She drew it slowly.
The metal sang.
---
The duel began.
Liron shot forward with speed enhanced by Wind Techniques, twin daggers flashing in his hands. "Hurricane Talon!"
He closed the gap instantly, aiming for her ribs.
But she was gone.
No sound. No motion. Just…gone.
Liron froze—instinct screaming.
Too late.
A silver arc bloomed behind him.
The blunt edge of her scythe struck his back and launched him off the platform, crashing into the stone wall behind the spectators.
Gasps echoed.
Dust settled.
Serena stood in the center, scythe lowered. She hadn't moved an inch since reappearing. Her breathing was even.
The elder scribes exchanged glances.
"Core Disciple," one finally declared.
"And a high-ranking one," another muttered, still staring at her motionless form.
But Serena had already turned, cloak rippling behind her, leaving the gasping crowd behind.
---
Later that night.
Within a private chamber of House Valen's estate, Alina stood by her window, eyes narrowed.
"She called herself Shade?" she asked the scout kneeling before her.
"Yes, my lady. But her movements… The scout hesitated.
Alina's smirked. "Will be good to pull her over."
A gust of wind slammed the windows shut behind her, though none had touched them.
"Find her schedule. I want to see her fight again—with my own eyes."
She didn't say what haunted her most.