The shockwave traveled farther than sound.
In distant kingdoms, mana towers screamed warnings.
In hidden sects, ancient arrays lit up after centuries of silence.
One name echoed everywhere.
Vaelor Dreyn.
And with it—
A second name quietly followed.
Arin.
In the academy, elders gathered in emergency session.
"This changes everything," one whispered.
"He is Vaelor's successor."
"Or worse," another muttered,
"his weapon."
Outside the academy walls, shadows moved.
Messengers fled.
Spies vanished.
Contracts were rewritten overnight.
In the Crimson Syndicate, a hooded man crushed a crystal orb.
"So the system child exists," he hissed.
"Prepare capture teams."
In the Heavenly Accord, a woman in white closed her eyes.
"If Vaelor protects him…" she murmured,
"then the boy must not fall into darkness."
Orders were issued.
Observers dispatched.
In a land wrapped in eternal night, something laughed.
"Endless Growth…"
"What a delicious concept."
Back at the academy, I sat alone.
The courtyard still smelled of burnt mana.
The system pulsed erratically.
[Global Attention Detected.]
[Risk Level: World-Class.]
[Evolution Condition Approaching.]
I exhaled slowly.
"So it's begun."
Vaelor stood beside me.
"You feel it," he said.
"The weight of being watched."
I nodded.
"It doesn't scare me."
He smiled faintly.
"Good. It should sharpen you."
Suddenly—
Pain stabbed my chest.
I doubled over.
[System Evolution Triggered.]
[Unique Ability Forming…]
[Stability: 62%]
My vision blurred.
Vaelor's eyes widened.
"This soon…?"
Mana stormed around me.
Symbols burned into the air.
The world seemed to hold its breath.
Vaelor placed his hand on my back.
"Endure," he said quietly.
"If you survive this—"
His voice turned deadly serious.
"You will never be ordinary again."
The system's voice rang clear and absolute.
[Evolution Imminent.]
💥 End of Chapter 22 💥