Chapter 90: The Shadow of Von and the Forbidden Key
Deep within the lightless vaults, "Von" stood in utter silence as his fingers finally closed around the hilt of the Void Reaper. Though the blade vibrated violently, surging with a cataclysmic power that yearned to be released, Von suppressed the energy with an iron will to keep his true identity hidden from the heavens.
"It is not yet time for the world to know who has truly returned," Von whispered, the crimson glow in his eyes dimming beneath his hood.
Lilian, the divine envoy, watched him with narrowing eyes and growing suspicion. "You... a mere student like you... how can you withstand the corrosive mana of this relic? Even the High Mages fear to touch it!" She still believed she was dealing with a talented upstart named Von.
Von let a chilling smirk play across his lips. "Perhaps I am not the ordinary student you take me for." With a sudden, explosive motion, he ripped the blade from its magical confinement. A shockwave of violet energy erupted, but Von swiftly absorbed the feedback into his own shadow, preventing the tremor from reaching the upper levels of the Academy.
Aki, looking visibly frazzled, wiped sweat from his brow. "Heavens, Von! You nearly turned us all into cinders. Thank the stars nobody knows your real face yet, or we'd have the entire celestial army knocking on the door by now."
Sai, still shielding Rena from the residual mana, urged, "Master—I mean, Von... we must move. Lilian might still attempt to signal Artemis."
Rena, mesmerized by the raw display of power, stepped forward. "I can get you out. There is a hidden passage that bypasses the Academy's main wards. But you must promise me... that one day, you will teach me the magic I just witnessed."
Von sheathed the blade into his personal shadow dimension and glanced at her. "Lead the way. We are out of time."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: 'Void Reaper' obtained. Identity 'Von' remains intact. Danger Level decreased to 40%.]