Chapter 84: The Fiery Girl and the Trial of Shadows
The red-haired girl, whose name was Rena, stared at Volt with eyes that burned like twin embers of a dying star. As the daughter of one of the Academy's most prestigious High Mages, she possessed an innate sensitivity to mana, and the energy radiating from Volt felt like a cold, light-devouring abyss that unsettled her very soul.
"I asked you a question, transfer student," Rena demanded, taking a predatory step forward. She raised her right hand, and wisps of searing, white-hot heat coiled around her slender fingers, causing the very air to ripple with distortion. "Which desolate province did you crawl out of with a presence so dark? Here at Celestia Academy, we master the sacred arts of light and flame, not the forbidden, necro-sorcery that only demons dare to wield!"
Volt met her fiery gaze with a terrifyingly calm expression, a ghost of a smile touching his lips—one that did not reach his cold, crimson eyes. He recognized the anti-mind-control charm hanging from her neck, realizing that simple mental manipulation wouldn't work on her. "My energy? It is merely the shadow of the long, arduous road I have traveled to reach these gates. My name is 'Von', and like any other student here, I am simply seeking to expand my knowledge of high-tier magic, not to stir up trouble.".
Aki, whose greedy eyes were fixed on the priceless diamond studs in Rena's ears, leaned toward Sai and whispered urgently, "Sai, if this girl keeps screeching, Volt's patience will snap, and he'll turn this entire posh academy into a silent graveyard. We need to intervene before her fireballs start making us look like overcooked chickens!".
Sai stepped forward with a practiced, respectful bow, his massive shield clinking softly against his armor. "My lady, pray forgive our lack of etiquette. We are but weary travelers who have crossed dangerous territories. My companion, Von, is naturally aloof because he hails from the frozen northern peaks, but he harbors no ill intent toward this great institution.".
Rena lowered her hand, and the heat began to dissipate, though the suspicion in her eyes remained sharp. "Fine. I'll let it slide for now. But be warned, 'Von'. In this Academy, the walls have eyes, and every magical signature is recorded. If I sense even a flicker of a threat from you, I will personally incinerate you until nothing but ash remains." She turned and strode away with pride, but Volt knew she would be his first true obstacle within these hallowed halls.
At that moment, the System resonated within Volt's consciousness: [Side Quest Activated: Turn Rena into your informant or ally within the Academy without the use of force. Reward: 2,000 EXP and unlock 'Elemental Resistance' passive, granting immunity to low-tier fire spells.].
Volt glanced at Aki, who was still staring at the path Rena had taken. "Aki, I want everything you can find on that girl and her father. Find out when she is most vulnerable. Sai, infiltrate the martial arts division and map out the subterranean defense grid of this fortress.".
As night fell and a pale moon hung over the spires, Volt sat alone in his cramped, cold dormitory room. He felt the rhythmic, familiar pulse of his stolen blade vibrating through the floorboards, but there was something else... a different energy moaning from the lightless depths of the academy, like a tethered soul screaming for a release that never comes.