SWNOVELXO Chapter 24: Chapter 24 – Ashes of Celebration, Shadows of War
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🎉 The Morning After
The next day, the Arcane Academy campus buzzed with fresh energy.
Show, now the champion of the Grand Ranking Trials, was surrounded by cheers and praises. Even his past rivals now looked at him with newfound respect.
> Drake: (grinning and bumping fists)
"Didn't think I'd say this, but… you earned that win, flame-head."
> Raelyn: (calm, sincere)
"I've waited a long time for a rival like you."
> Lina: (smiling faintly)
"Guess no one stays unknown forever…"
> Karen: (avoiding eye contact, blushing)
"Still reckless… but impressive."
Elsewhere, other friendships formed too. Lyra and Drake laughed over shared strategy notes. Criss, though defeated, patted Raelyn's back with deep admiration. Even Cyrus, though proud, nodded at Show once before walking off.
A warm breeze swept across the academy. Peace—finally.
Or so it seemed…
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🕯️ The Shadows Move
That night, under a moonless sky, dark figures cloaked in black robes entered the academy's outer barrier silently. Their movements were swift. Coordinated. Planned.
From above the towers, Teach, who rarely left the library, noticed something… off.
He spotted a flare signal in the East Wing.
Then another in the North.
Then another in the far library towers.
> Teach (muttering to himself):
"They're scattering the staff… It's a distraction."
He rushed to the student wing where the 1st years were sealed in for rest. The dormitory was magically locked, preventing them from leaving due to their exhausted state after the Trials.
But Teach wasn't alone. Karen, Raelyn, Criss, and Show had also sensed the change.
> Show:
"Something's wrong. I can feel it in the air—it's like fire before a storm."
> Raelyn:
"...Mana currents are shifting. Something is here."
> Teach (entering with urgency):
"You're not wrong. This isn't just some rogue threat. They're after something—and they're dividing the professors."
> Karen:
"What could they want from the Academy?"
> Teach (grimly):
"There are relics hidden here—ancient magical artifacts not even you students know of."
> Criss:
"Then we don't have time to rest."
Show stood, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
> Show:
"We protect this place. This is our home now."
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🔥 Breaking the Seal
Together, Teach and Raelyn combined Telekinesis and Light Severance to break through the magical dorm seal. The rest followed—Show, Karen, Criss, Hibiki, Lyra, Lily, and Presto.
Cyrus and Akito, already on alert, joined them in the courtyard, where smoke now rose from the potion labs.
The Academy's sky darkened—not from night, but from a strange black mist spreading through the air.
In the distance, dark-robed figures stood atop the training hall, mana swirling violently around them.
> Mysterious Figure (robed, deep voice):
"Let them come. We'll see what this generation is truly worth."
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🛡️ Arcane Academy Defense Begins
> Show (flames igniting in his palm):
"No more games. We end this now."
TO BE CONTINUED