The first few days at Veritas Academy were a whirlwind of lectures, training sessions, and social awkwardness. The other students treated me with a mixture of disdain, curiosity, and outright hostility. They whispered behind Chapter 4: Shadows and Sabotagemy back, made snide remarks, and actively avoided me in the dining hall and the training grounds. I was an outcast, a pariah in their tightly knit community.
My classes were a constant struggle. Tokoyami's previous lack of interest in academics had left me woefully unprepared. I stumbled through history lectures, struggled with arcane theory, and was utterly humiliated in swordsmanship training. The instructors, clearly aware of my reputation, offered little assistance, content to let me flounder in my own incompetence.
But I refused to be discouraged. I spent hours studying in the library, poring over textbooks and scrolls, trying to catch up on years of neglected learning. I practiced swordsmanship late into the night, long after the other students had gone to bed, pushing myself to the point of exhaustion.
My Shadow Embrace ability proved to be invaluable. I used it to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and avoid unwanted confrontations. I learned about the Academy's rivalries, the instructors' biases, and the political machinations that simmered beneath the surface.
One evening, while practicing swordsmanship in the deserted training grounds, I sensed a presence behind me. I whirled around, my wooden practice sword raised in defense.
A young man stood there, his face hidden in the shadows. He was tall and lean, with a cruel smirk playing on his lips.
"Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look who it is. Tokoyami Kamisute, the prodigal son. Come to finally embarrass yourself in front of the entire Academy?"
I recognized him immediately. His name was Kael, and he was one of the most popular and respected students at Veritas. He was also a known rival of Tokoyami's, having been consistently overshadowed by him in social standing and familial power, despite outperforming him in skill.
"What do you want, Kael?" I asked, my hand tightening around my sword.
"Just wanted to offer some friendly advice," he said, taking a step closer. "You don't belong here, Tokoyami. You're a disgrace to the Academy. Why don't you just do everyone a favor and leave?"
"I'm not going anywhere," I said, my voice firm.
Kael chuckled. "We'll see about that." He drew his own practice sword, the steel glinting in the moonlight. "Perhaps a little… demonstration of your incompetence is in order."
He lunged at me, his movements swift and precise. I barely managed to parry his attack, the force of the blow sending a jolt of pain up my arm.
He was far more skilled than I was. His attacks were relentless, each blow aimed with deadly accuracy. I stumbled backward, struggling to defend myself.
Suddenly, I had an idea. I feigned a misstep, allowing Kael to gain the upper hand. As he raised his sword for the final blow, I activated Shadow Embrace, dissolving into the darkness.
Kael's eyes widened in surprise as I vanished before his very eyes. He swung his sword wildly, but I was already gone, safely hidden in the shadows.
I emerged behind him, my practice sword raised. Before he could react, I struck him on the back of the head, sending him sprawling to the ground.
He groaned, clutching his head. "What… what was that?" he stammered.
I stepped out of the shadows, my face expressionless. "A demonstration of my… hidden talents, Kael," I said. "Perhaps you should reconsider your advice."
I turned and walked away, leaving Kael groaning on the ground. It was a small victory, but it was enough to boost my confidence. I was not as helpless as everyone thought.
The next day, I discovered that someone had sabotaged my training equipment. My sword was damaged, my armor was ripped, and my spellcasting focus was broken. It was clear that Kael and his cronies were determined to make my life at Veritas Academy as miserable as possible.
I knew I could't let them get away with it. I had to fight back