Chapter 18: Friendship and Oath
Tink
[System Detected: You are being followed]
Jefel walked toward the first-year Orange Sector, Room 12—his dorm room. Karth followed, steps steady, right hand trailing behind his lord. At the door, Jefel slipped the key in with his essence and opened the room.
As they stepped inside and the door clicked shut behind them, Jefel noticed movement. A spy had tried to slip in unnoticed. Instinctively, he drew his dagger, every muscle coiled and ready for action.
The sudden shift caught Karth off guard.
"Please, I—" he began, only to be cut short.
"Come out. Who are you?" Jefel's voice was calm, but carried an edge that demanded honesty.
A voice emerged, smooth and sharp, cutting through the silence like scissors. She stepped forward: dark-shadowed eyes glinting, a yellow robe bright enough to indicate her progress—58% toward the next stage.
"Your senses are sharp for a minor," she observed.
"My name is Amy, an—"
Before she could finish, Karth erupted:
"What the—what are you doing here, Amy?!"
He had assumed an ambush. Fury burned in his chest.
"I protect my lord!" he shouted, unleashing his strength in a burst of motion.
He dashed forward, but a single, precise punch cut him short. BAM! Karth flew back, slamming into the wall. Stone cracked under the impact, only to reform seconds later as if nothing had happened. He groaned, struggling to his knees.
A deep, controlled voice rumbled:
"Who are you?"
"Oh my… my bad. I'm Amy. Third-year Yellow student."
Jefel raised an eyebrow.
"A third year? Stronger than most first and second years combined… impressive."
Amy smirked, tilting her head.
"Baby, the academy years don't matter. Some surpass the elders while still in their first year. I admit I'm lazy with simple tasks. And yes, I can see you're stronger than most first and second-year students combined."
The word "baby" made Jefel's eye twitch. Amy's tone was playful, mocking—and she knew exactly the effect she had.
"Hmm… you're not an assassin. I sense no malice toward me," Jefel noted, sniffing lightly.
Amy grinned, sarcasm dripping from her words.
"Oh my, you sniff like a dog. Good boy."
Jefel's other eye twitched. Before he could react, Amy continued:
"Okay, okay. I know my patience is running low. Let's do introductions before your loyal guardian wakes up. I am heir to the Shadow Bloodline Clan. I've watched you, Jefel. You're strong… and I want friendship. I can be your follower, ally, even girlfriend. I just want to stand by your side."
Jefel froze. She had come all this way… for this. Three days in the academy, and already chaos.
Tink
[New Companion Detected]
Name: Amy
Affinity: Shadow
Trait: Veil
Accept friend request for reward.
"Or… do you want me to swear fealty or die?" Amy's sass nearly made Jefel laugh, though he remained stunned.
He tried to speak, words failing, until:
"I swear fealty…"
She cut herself, letting blood drip onto the floor. The blood pulsed and glowed, waiting for Jefel's acceptance. With a nod, the blood dissolved into him, absorbed completely.
Energy surged through Amy, a prickle in her soul. She didn't resist. Slowly, she bowed, pain flaring faintly along her arm. A rune-branded tattoo appeared: etched in whispers of truth, war, blood, and battle, dizzying her senses as she tried to focus.
"HUUUU…"
"She… she just did what?!" Jefel thought, shocked. The system confirmed:
Tink
—Oath Loyalty: 70%
—New Element Unlocked: Shadow
Amy's eyes widened as she glimpsed faint pulses of shadow essence surrounding Jefel. The room's light flickered, shadows deepened, whispers filled the corners. A thrill ran through her—a recognition that this man was unlike anyone she had ever seen.
A groan brought Jefel back. Karth staggered upright, staring at Amy kneeling.
"What the… what's going on?!"
He laughed, a mix of awe and amusement.
"Hahaha! Look at you! My lord… extraordinary. He even made a beauty kneel. His army… this is going to be insane!"
Amy jabbed him sharply.
"Hey, dimwit! Unlike you, I chose this freely. I recognized strength and dominance."
Karth's eyes twitched. Before he could argue, Jefel intervened:
"Enough. Stand, Amy."
She rose gracefully.
Tink
—Brand objects with your blood, creating battle artifacts. Strength of object determines power.
Jefel retrieved his magical robe and mask. A drop of his blood fell on the garments.
Tink
[Magic Robe and Mask: Grade Dominion N' Royal Rank]
—Royal-grade lineage battle robe and mask artifact. When worn: +10% attributes; teleport to wearer if in danger; permanently bonded and upgraded with growth. +5 points & EXP
—Academy robes recognition: +15 EXP
He handed it to Karth.
"This will do. You will use it for missions."
Karth stared at Amy, mockingly.
"Do you get gifts like this?"
Amy snorted. She didn't care; her affinity alone was enough. Still, she bristled at the thought of someone surpassing her. Jefel noticed and reassured her:
"Don't worry. I'll get you something powerful."
Amy smiled.
Tink
«New Skill Achieved: Duplicate»
Tink
"-Do you want to duplicate the Royal-grade lineage battle robe and mask artifact-"{Yes} {No}
Jefel, caught off guard, replied:
"Yes."
A shimmer of light appeared. A second robe and mask, equal in strength, materialized before them. Both Karth and Amy were stunned.
"What… who is he? A god or something?" Karth muttered.
*"Rare things don't appear randomly… if you don't want others faint" Amy said, eyes narrowing.
Jefel chuckled quietly, shaking his head. The power, the bloodline, the system… everything was almost too much for reality. He offered the new set to Amy.
"Here."
"Thanks," she said, smiling at Karth.
Karth gritted his teeth.
"Not over yet."
The trio sat, strategizing for what was to come. Shadows, blood, loyalty, and power intertwined. Friendships and oaths had been forged tonight—but the storm of the academy was only beginning.