The academy quieted.
But beneath that silence—
Something was building.
Arjun sat cross-legged, cultivating.
Shadow energy flowed more smoothly now.
More controlled.
But deeper.
Darker.
The spirit spoke softly:
"You're reaching a threshold."
Arjun opened his eyes.
"What happens after that?"
The spirit smiled faintly.
"You stop being human…"
"…and become something else."
Arjun didn't react.
He simply closed his eyes again.
Energy surged.
Outside—
Aarya stood watching the moon.
Vikram stood atop a tower.
And far beyond the academy—
Unknown enemies began to move.
Because something ancient had awakened.
And it was only a matter of time…
Before the world noticed.