Chapter 13: Shadows in the Night

  Inside the dimly lit room, the two mysterious figures stood before a long wooden table, where a hooded man awaited them. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, and the flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on the stone walls.

  "You have seen him?" the hooded man asked in a deep, commanding voice.

  "Yes," the masked figure replied. "He is there, within the academy walls. Just as we suspected."

  The hooded man leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the table. "Then we must act soon. The boy must not remain in that place for long."

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  "What are your orders?" the second figure inquired.

  The hooded man paused for a moment before speaking. "For now, watch him. Learn his habits, his weaknesses. When the time is right, we will strike."

  The two masked figures bowed their heads slightly before turning and disappearing into the darkness.

  Back at the Academy

  As the sun began to rise over the Kingdom of Rose, the recruits were once again roused by the sharp voice of Captain Reinhardt.

  "Up! All of you!" he barked. "Training begins now!"

  Despite their aching muscles, the recruits quickly got out of bed, dressed, and formed their lines outside. Their morning training consisted of a long jog around the academy grounds, followed by squats and sit-ups. The air was crisp, their breath visible in the cool morning light.

  As they trained, Arkin couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The memory of the masked intruder from the previous night lingered in his mind. Who was that person? And what did they want?

  Little did he know that far beyond the academy walls, forces were already moving in the shadows—watching, waiting, and preparing for what was to come.