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Chapter 1 – Part 7I
(Return to Academy & Rising Rivalry)
The path back to Ashen Hollow was dusted in late afternoon sunlight, shadows stretching long across the forest floor. Jofyn's boots pressed into the soft earth, careful to avoid disturbing the subtle pulses lingering from the minor dungeon he had stabilized. His pack shifted with the weight of the newly collected shards and crystals, each humming faintly with latent energy.
"Not bad, Vale," the robe whispered, fluttering slightly as he walked. "We survived the tiny heartbeat of the earth, got some shiny things, and the professor noticed. A quiet day, but productive."
Jofyn smirked. "Quiet, yes… but I can feel something shifting. Even the shards are buzzing differently now. It's like… the Forge Core understands more than yesterday."
The robe hummed softly, its stitched eyes flickering. "Ah, subtle growth. I like that. Slowly, you're learning to listen to more than just the hammer and the anvil."
As the academy's walls came into view, the murmurs began. Students who had dismissed him earlier now whispered behind their hands, eyes narrowing in a mix of jealousy and disbelief. Nobles, in particular, stiffened as they caught sight of the faint glow pulsing from his pack.
"Vale," one of the fire-imbued nobles hissed, stepping forward, face tight. "Don't think a little excursion and some lucky crystals make you—"
"Shh," the robe interrupted sharply, voice firm. "Or what? You'll burst from embarrassment? Quiet, or I'll tangle your hair with a sigil for fun."
The noble blinked, stepping back. A few students snickered nervously. Jofyn allowed a calm smile, saying nothing. The robe's sharp wit often deflected unnecessary confrontation.
In the courtyard, the instructor who had observed him during the dungeon traces waited. His arms were crossed, eyes focused, a rare approval in his gaze.
"Vale," the professor said quietly, nodding. "I see the pulse of creation has taken root beyond the forge. That is… unusual for a first-year."
Jofyn bowed slightly. "Thank you, Professor. I… I tried to be careful."
"Careful," the professor repeated, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "And inventive. Do not mistake subtlety for weakness. Your core has absorbed the rhythm of your work. Keep this… and it will reward you."
The robe hummed approvingly. "Finally, someone notices the little genius. About time."
Even as recognition sparked, tension rippled through the courtyard. Nobles whispered among themselves, some straining to catch the professor's words, others eyeing the glowing shards in Jofyn's pack with envy.
A small tremor of growth ran through Jofyn's Forge Core. He could feel it, faint yet distinct—the first subtle advancement from this expedition. The shards, the threads, the glyphs, and the careful synchronization had strengthened his core just enough to hum differently. A quiet echo of progress, unnoticed by all but him and the robe.
From a distance, a younger student, timid but observant, whispered to a friend, "Did you see Vale's glow? The others… they can't match him. Something's happening."
"Ignore them," Jofyn muttered under his breath, adjusting the robe. "Focus on the work. That's all that matters."
The robe chuckled softly. "Yes, yes, the humble genius. Keep the envy simmering—it makes for excellent practice later."
As the sun dipped lower, painting the academy in amber light, Jofyn's pulse remained steady. He had returned not just with rare shards, but with experience, subtle growth, and a first glimmer of recognition. And somewhere, deep in the pulse of his Forge Core, something whispered—a faint, persistent nudge toward the path of creation, mastery, and companions yet to come.
For now, the courtyard buzzed quietly with envy, curiosity, and subtle awe. But for Jofyn Vale, this was only the beginning.
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