Chapter 8: Whispers of the Hidden Faction
The academy corridors were quieter than usual.
Not peaceful.
Calculated silence.
The type that only comes before a storm.
I walked calmly toward the rooftop, shadows flowing around me like a cloak.
The note had promised answers.
A hooded figure stood waiting, their face hidden.
"You're early," they said softly.
"Not early enough," I replied.
[Hidden Faction Detected: Initiation Opportunity]
The figure motioned.
A shadowed door appeared along the rooftop edge, blending into the night sky.
Beyond it: a spiral staircase descending into darkness.
I followed silently.
Curiosity didn't betray me.
Fear didn't betray me.
At the bottom, a dimly lit chamber opened.
Candles floated midair.
A circle of students sat waiting.
Eyes sharp. Watching. Calculating.
"Welcome," the hooded figure said.
"I am Seraphine, leader of the Obsidian Veil. And you, Vaelthorne… have been noticed."
I arched an eyebrow.
"I am no one to notice," I said calmly.
"Everyone notices you," she replied.
"Your actions yesterday… the Rift Beast… the shadows in the halls… the duel…
You are not Lucien Vaelthorne anymore.
You are something else.
And we want to know if you are an ally—or a threat."
I glanced around.
All first-years, yet they radiated experience beyond their years.
They had knowledge. Secrets. Influence.
[Faction Potential Detected: High]
This could be useful.
Or dangerous.
I smiled faintly.
"I am a survivor," I said.
"Anyone who aligns with me… survives too."
A pause.
Whispers.
The hooded figure tilted her head.
[Psychological Manipulation Successful]
+35 Sin Points
Suddenly, a golden glow appeared in the chamber.
Caelum Ardent.
Not breaking the shadows, not yelling.
Simply observing.
"I see you've made new friends," he said quietly.
"And you're stepping further off the path."
I met his gaze calmly.
"I prefer a path I can control," I replied.
"The script kills me. I write my own ending."
His eyes narrowed.
"You're dangerous," he whispered.
Exactly.
The hooded figure gestured toward a wall.
Ancient markings shimmered.
"This academy has secrets even the elders don't know," Seraphine explained.
"Hidden corridors, forbidden rituals, shadow archives.
We are the ones who control the unseen.
And we want to see how far you can go."
I stepped closer.
"Show me," I said simply.
[Hidden Knowledge Acquired: Obsidian Veil Secrets]
Reward: Strategic Advantage + Shadow Enhancement
Footsteps echoed.
Not from the faction.
Not from me.
A distant rumble, faint, almost imperceptible.
Rift energy? Possibly.
The system buzzed in my mind:
[Event Detected: World Threat Approaching]
Estimated Probability: 28%
The world was stirring.
The Hero was watching.
The ancient entity was observing.
And I was preparing in the shadows.
I left the chamber, the Obsidian Veil silently acknowledging me.
Allies? Possibly.
Enemies? Certainly.
Outside, Caelum remained.
He didn't smile.
But I could feel his mind racing.
[Hero Analysis Updated: Strategy Divergence Detected]
I allowed myself a faint smile.
Let the games begin.
The first true steps into power, politics, and strategy were mine.