Chapter 17: Small Sparks, Big Steps
The Academy's south training hall wasn't just massive—it was alive with energy.
Vaulted ceilings arced high above the trio as they entered, glowing softly with enchanted skylights. Platforms hovered lazily overhead, distant targets bobbed in and out of range, and faint glyphs pulsed against the walls—wards layered so thickly even an explosion wouldn't leave a scorch.
Kai let out a long, satisfied breath. "Finally. Space to move without being watched like a hawk."
"Speak for yourself," Aiden said, glancing at a levitating orb in the corner. "There's definitely a monitoring glyph watching us."
Kai waved it off. "Yeah, but it's not judging me."
Ethan trailed behind them, his steps slower, more thoughtful. The moment they stepped inside, he pulled up the system.
It appeared with a soft flicker.
Darius Wycliffe
Level: 1
[Skills Acquired]:
— [Mana Threading]