Velmora Academy had always been a place of learning.
Now it became a fortress.
Ash walked the outer walls, eyes glowing faintly as his magic surged through the earth.
> "Extend the barrier. Wards against divine and spectral attacks. Set runic mines beneath the eastern ridge."
Warlocks and instructors scrambled to obey. The once-pristine gardens became twisted mazes of shadow and flame. The library tower shimmered, warded with soul-consuming curses.
Students watched in awe—and fear.
Arin landed beside Ash, her twin daggers crackling with dark energy. "This feels less like an academy and more like a… death trap."
"That's the idea," Ash muttered. "I want them to bleed for every step."
Lyssara laughed, dancing around a conjured shadow beast. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Ash's smile was thin. "I don't enjoy war. But I'm good at it."
In the council hall, Ash stood before his gathered allies—Velmora's instructors, warlocks, and his six recruited outcasts.
Rhiessa stood to his right, calm and unreadable. Arin leaned against a pillar, Lyssara perched on the armrest of a chair, watching him with amusement.
Elya was there too, her face pale. She couldn't look away from him.
"Everyone here knows the truth," Ash began. "We're facing the World Council. They won't just try to kill me. They'll burn Velmora to ash."
Murmurs. Tension.
Ash's voice sharpened.
"But we're not just scholars. We're mages, warlocks, outcasts. They think they're fighting an academy. They're wrong."
He raised his hand.
Crimson light blazed, warping into a colossal sigil above him—a symbol of defiance.
"They're fighting monsters. And monsters don't bow."
---
That night, Ash stood on the highest spire, staring at the horizon.
A soft voice broke the silence.
"You should rest."
Elya stood there, hesitant.
Ash's smile softened. "You too. War isn't exactly gentle on the soul."
"I remember… when we fought together," she whispered. "Back then, you weren't like this."
Ash's eyes darkened. "Back then, I was naive. I thought power meant safety."
"It doesn't?"
"No." His voice was cold. "It just means more enemies."
Elya stepped closer. "But you're not alone this time."
He looked at her, something like warmth in his gaze. But it was brief.
"Stay close. If they break the walls… I won't let them touch you."