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Chapter 1 – Part 7N
(Return with Rare Shard & Rising Recognition)
The walk back to Ashen Hollow was quiet, save for the faint hum of the rare shard nestled in Jofyn's pack. Its subtle pulse resonated with his Forge Core, a gentle rhythm that whispered of potential, of growth, and of things yet unseen.
"Careful with that one," the robe murmured, floating beside him, hovering lazily above his shoulder. "It's… temperamental. Slightly more alive than you might like."
Jofyn smirked. "Temperamental is fine. We'll work together."
Upon arriving at the academy, whispers spread almost instantly. First-years, nobles, and even some instructors paused to watch the low-ranking student who carried a faint, otherworldly glow. Eyes narrowed, murmurs of envy rippled through the corridors, and Jofyn sensed the subtle shift in energy—the first real indication that his peers were taking notice.
"Vale," a noble student hissed, voice low but sharp. "That… glow. Where did you get it? Don't tell me—"
The robe interjected with mock annoyance. "Oh, please. If I hear another word about him being lucky, I might… rearrange a few sigils on their boots. Just for fun."
The student froze, eyebrows raised, and stepped back, muttering under his breath.
Jofyn ignored them, instead heading toward the forge. Even though the academy's main hallways were abuzz with speculation, his focus remained on the shard, on his Core, and on the possibilities.
He carefully removed the rare shard from his pack, placing it on a reinforced workbench lined with minor crystals. The Forge Core hummed in response, threads of energy weaving subtly between shard and Core. The resonance was faint but unmistakable—another subtle layer of his convergence mastery aligning in perfect harmony.
"Ah," the robe whispered, voice tinged with excitement. "Feel that, Vale? That's a new layer… subtle, quiet, but definite. And it's yours. Earned, not given."
Jofyn nodded slowly. "Small steps. Every success builds the next."
Other students peeked from doorways, curiosity piqued. The aura of precision, patience, and skill emanating from the low-ranking first-year was undeniable. Whispers circulated, no longer just skepticism but cautious intrigue.
From the corner of the forge, the instructor who had quietly observed him before stepped forward. "Vale," he said softly, voice carrying approval without fanfare, "you handled that shard and the dungeon challenge exceptionally. Your core resonance is… advancing. Subtle, but visible to those who know where to look."
Jofyn bowed slightly, expression calm. "Thank you, Professor. I'll continue to refine it."
The robe hovered closer, voice playful but proud. "Did you hear that? Subtle recognition. Not bad for someone no one believed in."
Jofyn allowed himself a small smile. Beyond recognition, he felt the shard's subtle pulse—a quiet echo of life, waiting to be transformed, enchanted, and made into something beyond ordinary comprehension.
He exhaled slowly, looking around at the academy's bustling halls. Curiosity, envy, and now cautious respect swirled among his peers. But for Jofyn Vale, the rare shard was not just a prize—it was a step closer to his own vision: creation, mastery, and the forging of destiny with his own hands.
"Tomorrow," he whispered, touching the shard gently, "we begin something new. Something… alive."
The robe hummed, floating around him with a soft, teasing swirl. "Alive, yes. Dangerous, maybe. Fun? Absolutely. I like the sound of that."
The first real stirrings of destiny had begun, subtle but undeniable. And somewhere, deep within the hum of the Forge Core and the pulsing shard, a faint whisper waited—prelude to the companion, the guardian, and the creations yet to come.
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