The academy's morning air was thick with tension. Word of the previous battles had spread like wildfire, and students whispered nervously as they prepared for their lessons. Arjun Vale walked across the training grounds, his mark glowing faintly, fragments of energy floating around him like restless sparks. The Broken Sky System pulsed with a rhythm that matched his heartbeat, almost as if it were alive, waiting for the next challenge.
Harshil approached, his sword strapped across his back, eyes sharp. "Vale… I can feel it. The energy… something's changing."
Arjun nodded, concentrating. He could feel the system's fragments stirring, responding not just to him but to something in the distance. "I know. Something isn't right," he replied.
From the shadows, Punya's pale eyes reflected the growing energy. "Ruin is no longer passive," she whispered to Godly. "The fragments… they're reacting to him."
Godly's expression remained calm, but his voice was serious. "Yes. Today's events will accelerate the process. Observe carefully."
Without warning, the sky above the northern training field darkened unnaturally. A low, rumbling hum vibrated through the ground as shadows gathered into shapes far larger and more intelligent than the usual Riftsouls. They moved in coordinated formations, targeting specific areas of the academy.
> "Ultimate threat detected. Strategy: unknown. Survival probability: critical," the system warned.
Arjun's mark flared violently. Fragments of light swirled around him, forming weapons, shields, and arcs of energy. Every movement was precise, every reaction instinctive.
Harshil drew his sword and moved to cover a flank, while Arjun focused on controlling the fragments around him. The system guided him, suggesting optimal attack patterns and defensive maneuvers, but the decisions were his. Each choice would determine whether he survived or succumbed.
The first wave struck. Shadow constructs lunged with incredible speed, aiming directly at students and instructors alike. Arjun reacted instinctively, extending arcs of energy that intercepted multiple attacks at once. He absorbed fragments from the strikes, integrating them into his system and enhancing his abilities.
Harshil fought beside him, cutting down enemies with lightning-quick strikes. "Vale! Keep them from breaching the academy's perimeter!" he shouted, sweat dripping down his forehead.
The shadows adapted quickly, forming new attack patterns. The system pulsed urgently in Arjun's mind:
> "Adaptation required. Absorb fragments. Surpass previous limits."
Arjun's mark flared brighter than ever. Tendrils of light shot outward, forming barriers around students and instructors while simultaneously attacking the shadow constructs. Every movement felt like an extension of his will, fragments responding faster than thought.
From the observation towers, Punya and Godly watched silently. "He's evolving beyond expectation," Punya murmured.
Godly's calm voice echoed: "Yes. But Ruin is still observing. When he acts… it will not be partial. Be ready."
The largest shadow construct emerged from the rift above the northern wall. Its presence warped the air, radiating oppressive energy. Arjun's mark pulsed violently, fragments spinning like a storm of light. He could feel the system urging him to evolve, to surpass his current limits.
> "Target: ultimate threat. Activate full potential," the system commanded.
Arjun leaped into action. Energy arcs extended from his body, shields formed in front of him, and tendrils of light struck the shadow construct with precision. The creature staggered but quickly regained balance, its attacks more aggressive and unpredictable.
Harshil called out, coordinating their defense. "Vale! Its pattern is irregular! Anticipate, don't just react!"
Arjun's mind worked in tandem with the system, fragments adjusting automatically while he improvised mid-combat. He absorbed energy from the creature's strikes, increasing the power and speed of his attacks. Each movement was a lesson, each strike a step toward mastering the system's potential.
The battle spread across the training grounds. Shadow constructs attempted to flank, but Arjun intercepted them with tendrils of light and protective barriers. Harshil covered another flank, their teamwork seamless and deadly.
From the academy towers, instructors whispered among themselves. "He's controlling the fragments… as if they're extensions of his body," one said. "I've never seen anything like it at his age."
Punya and Godly exchanged glances. "This growth… is dangerous. Ruin will not allow it to continue unchecked," Punya said.
The shadow construct rose higher, its energy coalescing into a massive strike aimed directly at Arjun. He extended a vortex of light from the fragments surrounding him, absorbing the attack and countering with a spiraling beam that forced the creature back. The ground trembled under the power of their clash.
Arjun's chest heaved, but his resolve was unbroken. The system whispered urgently:
> "Evolution threshold exceeded… danger imminent… survival uncertain."
From the distance, a faint silhouette appeared — Ruin's presence now unmistakable. The shadow constructs weren't acting alone. Arjun's mark pulsed violently as fragments responded in unison, preparing for the true battle yet to come.
Harshil stepped forward beside him, determination in his eyes. "Vale… whatever comes next, we face it together."
Arjun nodded, focusing on the swirling storm of fragments around him. He could feel the fragments reacting not just to attacks but to the looming presence of Ruin.
The academy held its breath. The fragments of light and shadow collided violently, illuminating the sky. Students and instructors alike watched in awe and fear. The battle was far from over, and the true danger was no longer just the Riftsouls — it was the entity observing, calculating, and ready to strike.
> "Prepare… evolution continues… ultimate threat engaged," the system whispered.
The wind howled across the academy grounds as shadows shifted unnaturally. Arjun clenched his fists, fragments spinning faster than ever. Whatever was coming next, he would face it — and the Broken Sky System would not let him falter.