NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Rising Tensions
Chapter 8: Rising Tensions
**Dawnspire, Eldoria – Year 8**
The crisp morning air swept through Dawnspire Academy's yard, where kids aged 7–8 gathered under a clear sky, the cracked pattern above adding a strange beauty. Taren, now eight, stood with his group, feeling the cool grass under his feet as he prepared for another day of lessons. The stone building loomed tall, its Mana Stone lamps glowing softly, and the yard hummed with kids' voices and the faint buzz of mana. Zane Ryde's old life—filled with sharp business moves and fight ring wins—felt like a fading memory, but his quick mind stayed sharp. This year brought tougher challenges, edging him closer to the age of coming at 11–13 when his power would truly shine.
Master Veyn led them to a new training spot, his gray beard catching the breeze, his voice firm. "Today, you'll pair up for staff sparring," he announced, handing out wooden sticks. Taren gripped his tightly, his heart beating fast, ready to test himself. He faced a boy named Ryn, who swung hard but missed. Taren blocked with a steady move, feeling a surge of mana tingle through him, a sign his *Aether Resonance* was strengthening. The clash of wood echoed, and he landed a light tap, earning a nod from Veyn.
A *ding* sounded clearly in his mind.
*ding*
- New Objective.
- Objective: Sparring Skill – Win three matches and improve mana flow.
- Reward: Stamina Boost (D-rank).
- Penalty: +10 Profile Points (PP).
Kael watched from the side, his silk clothes gleaming, his smirk sharp. "You'll fall, peasant," he called, stepping up for the next match. Taren stayed calm, dodging Kael's wild swings, then struck back with a quick hit to Kael's side, making him stumble. The yard cheered, and Taren felt a quiet pride. Mina, nearby, gave him a thumbs-up, and he helped her practice a block, his past life's leadership guiding him.
After sparring, Taren wandered to the academy's edges. The training yards buzzed with older kids casting spells, their lights dancing in the air. The library called again, its old books promising secrets, and he overheard a boy whisper about a hidden cave with power stones—a hint that stirred his curiosity. Gavren's story of a birth-night light flashed in his mind, linking to the mana he felt. The **Dusk Circle**'s dark tales grew heavier, suggesting danger, but other mysteries stayed locked away.
That evening, Taren sat in his dorm, the candle flickering as he held his staff, practicing swings. He focused on the mana flow, his small body tiring but determined, the energy pulsing faintly. A *ding* cut through his focus.
*ding*
- Progress Check.
- Host's effort noted. Mana flow improving. Keep going.
The next day, Veyn added a twist—spar with a blindfold to sharpen senses. Taren tied the cloth, hearing Ryn's steps, and blocked a swing by feel alone, landing a tap. Kael laughed, "Luck!" but tripped when Taren dodged and countered, winning his third match. The yard's mana hum grew stronger, and Taren felt a rush, his body lighter. Mina clapped, and he showed her the blindfold trick, building their small friendship.
During a break, Taren sat by a stream, watching older students practice water spells, their hands guiding ripples. He wondered if those skills hid deeper power, adding to his questions. A dark figure flickered near the trees, vanishing fast, stirring that old unease. No one else seemed to notice, and he kept it quiet, sensing a watchful eye.
*ding*
- Event Detected.
- Unknown presence noted. Stay low to avoid PP spike.
Taren nodded mentally, returning to the yard. The academy's walls felt like a fortress and a test, pushing him to grow. Lira visited with bread, her worried eyes soft. "Stay careful, Taren," she said, hugging him. Gavren's tales of odd market lights and silent figures deepened his curiosity about Eldoria's hidden side.
That night, Taren practiced alone, swinging his staff in the dorm, the wood thumping steadily. The mana flow felt clearer, and he imagined leading a team, building a legacy as the Obsidian Sovereign. The title grew in his heart, a goal to chase with every swing.
*ding*
- Quest Update.
- Quest Accepted: Sparring Skill.
- Time Limit: 18 days.
- Reward: Stamina Boost (D-rank).
- Penalty: +10 PP.
As darkness fell, Taren looked out at the glowing Mana Stones, the cracked sky above hinting at challenges. *This is my road,* he thought, his resolve strengthening. He pictured a future where he stood tall, guiding others, the Obsidian Sovereign name his to earn through hard work and quiet growth. The academy's hum and the distant figure's shadow fueled his drive to uncover Eldoria's truths, step by steady step.
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