Shadwolf’s New Power

Hours had passed since their last meeting with Frank, and the three friends had each buried themselves in training. The moon had long replaced the sun, and the birdsong was gone—nature itself seemed to have fallen asleep.

Arian's fists pounded against the trunk of a charred tree just outside the dorms, each strike sending shivers through its weakened bark.

"Shadwolf. What did you find?"Arian's eyes turned to the wolf, emerging silently from the shadows of the trees.

"Nothing much. Just went hunting. But hey, why are you hurting yourself, dad?"Those abyss-like eyes shifted to Arian's bloodied fists.

"Don't worry about it. Tell me—did you do what I asked?"

"Yeah. Though… I think one of them noticed me. A girl. Probably an upper-year."

Shadwolf sprawled under Arian's feet, dragging his claws lazily against the ground. Hours earlier, Arian had ordered him to spy on the second-years.

"You didn't get caught, did you?" Arian paused, glancing at the exhausted wolf rolling on the ground.

"No. But I did figure something out—there's real tension between the Heirs of Balance and the Shadows of Order. And their leader? Strong. The aura he gave off was savage. Now I understand why a leader has to be chosen."

Arian sat down against the trunk, gaze drifting to the sky. The salty wind from the sea carried him back—just for a fleeting moment—to the days inside the cabin with Zinarphil.

"Don't worry, dad. You're strong. And you've got me."Shadwolf nuzzled against his side, staring into him.

"I'm not worried."

"Don't lie. You might fool others with that face, but not me. I'm inside you, remember? Your aura keeps trembling."

Arian's grin widened. He rose, fists already dry of blood, and once again struck the tree with full force. Each blow was a thought for the next stage.

"Hey, since it's dark, want me to sneak off again? More spying?"

"You're really starting to enjoy that, huh? …No. That's enough for now. Go back to the dorm with Leo. I'll come later."

With a rub against Arian's leg, Shadwolf melted back into the shadows, leaving his master alone with his training. Just days ago, after turning one year old, he had awakened the ability to travel through shadows. And he relished it—no more tiring those small legs.

The moon reached its zenith. Later that night, Arian collapsed onto his bed. He rolled to the side, eyes falling on Leo sleeping below.

"Hey, you awake?"Only the sound of snoring answered him. Arian sighed, staring at the ceiling before finally drifting into a deep sleep.

Morning came. Once again the orchestra of birds and wind filled the air. Leo woke at the first rays of sunlight—and to his surprise, Arian was already awake.

"You're up early."

"Oh, you're awake? We've got combat class with Abraham today. I don't want to be late and deal with his nagging."

Arian hurried to dress, glancing at Leo's puffy, half-awake face."Good. Let me get ready too. …Hey, you made breakfast, right?"

Leo rubbed his eyes, expecting a "yeah" for once. But Arian's answer crushed him like a mountain."Nope! That's your job, bro."

Arian grinned, waiting shamelessly for Leo to make his meal.

After breakfast, the two of them—with Shadwolf in tow—headed downstairs. Arian's eyes swept the halls, searching for Alex, the boy who had challenged him to a spar on the first day. He had a hunch Alex was the leader of the second-years' faction. But neither Alex nor his brother Martin were anywhere in sight. With no other choice, they made for the training grounds.

On the way, they ran into friends. Laina broke from the girls and rushed to crush Shadwolf in her arms, ruffling his fur. Sairon threw back his cloak and joined them shoulder to shoulder, while Maro and Drikaron fell into step as well. Together, they entered the arena.

Not long after, Abraham strode in, cracking his knuckles as he eyed the students gathered at the center.

"Morning, everyone. Glad to see you all looking lively. Let's skip the chatter. Today we'll be talking about elemental combat—how you use your element in attack or defense."

He moved to the desk set aside for him and lowered himself onto the chair."You all know how to channel your mana. But that's it. In the last class…" His gaze lingered on Drikaron and Arian. "We saw fire, water, even ice. But none of you gave them form. Except Arian, who managed a little—though it was full of flaws."

Arian's expression didn't change, his eyes drifting over the other students instead.

"Now, spread out. I want all of you to release your mana."

One by one, the trainees let their mana flow. The air stirred with wind, light shimmered from Drikaron, cold aura seeped from Maro, and Arian's pale-white current mixed into the swelling energy that filled the room.