The murmurs died down as Hans rose from his seat in a crooked, injured manner. His movements were slow, but nevertheless still unshaken.

"There's something you all also need to acknowledge," Hans began with a deep, steady voice. "Shadow creatures have been evading the earth realm ever since the beginning of time, and since mankind learned to defend themselves, read or write we have been able to study this creatures and know how best to deal with them whenever those portals open…"

"However, The Shadow creature that caused me these injuries of mine was no mere Shadow creature, for not only did it have heightened intelligence, it could speak, think and reason… being able to make rational decisions during combat."

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the table.

Elara's brow knitted. "That's impossible. Shadow creatures don't possess will, only the instinct to negate the pure Arcane energy in this world. They obey their nature— consume, destroy and repeat."

Hans nodded grimly. "That's what I believed too, that what we all have believed since we learnt about this evil, despicable, malevolent, pernicious, diabolic, corrosive, nefarious, impervious, malignant creatures…"

"...That's what I believed too my subordinates, that what I believed, until it used Soul Manifestation against me…"

Every head turned toward him instantly. Even the seer's blind eyes flickered faintly, her fingers freezing mid-motion over her prayer beads.

Aldric slammed his mechanical fist on the table, "That totally absurd Chancellor Wagner, Soul Manifestation is an advanced arcane-human technique, something tied to the very essence of a living soul. Shadow creatures don't have souls!"

"They shouldn't," Hans replied. "But this one did."

Whispers erupted across the table, they were hushed, panicked and some sounded as though they were doubtful.

Lyria leaned forward, her crimson hair brushing against the table's glow. "Could it be a mimicry? Some kind of skill? A form of energy manipulation that only resembles a soul territory?"

Archivist Maveen's talismans rattled softly as she shook her head. "Impossible. Soul Manifestation leaves a resonance— like an imprint of consciousness. If he's right, then this Regazan wasn't just evolving…" she paused, her tone darkening, "It transcending into something else…"

Korvessa let out a low whistle, tilting her hat back just enough to show her half smile. "An intelligent Shadow creature that can manifest its soul? I would very much love to clash head to head with it to see whose soul is more fined…"

Hans eyes narrowed. "Unless we find and exorcise it first…"

The room fell into a tense silence once more. The Chancellor extended his hand and a glowing sigil appeared on the table's surface, patterns of energy and pulses weaved together to form a magical, holographic screen. Light coalesced just enough for a face to come into view: Dark hair, piercing eyes, calm yet still very much unreadable— Levi.

"This lad, he's the one," Hans said quietly, almost reverently. "The only individual to withstand the Shadow Creatures Soul Manifestation and survive. He didn't just resist it, he pushed the creature to its very limit and just when another student intervened the creature fled for its own safety…"

Elara blinked with a stunned expression on her. "Isn't that the youngling from the Team Cleanup Group during the first round of the magic tournament? The kid you nominated?"

Hans nodded. "He's the only one who can finish what we couldn't. the only one capable of closing the Hoseki once and for all."

The magical screen pulsed with several beats like a surviving heart, casting Levi's face across every surface of the room. For a brief moment, it felt as though his eyes in the image were staring back at them.

Korvessa smirked faintly, breaking the silence. "So, the boys the academy's last card, huh? Cause we never know when that gate will rupture open or when that intelligent bastard will return… that's a hell of pressure on one kid who just did his awakening ceremony a little over eight months ago don't you think…"

Hans gaze hardened. "I understand… but the next move is ours to make. But the blade that strikes…" he looked up at Levi's image "…Will be his."

»»»«««

The thrill of victory still lingered, the past few days had drained me to the core.

I yearned for rest, for the quiet sanctuary of the academy and more than anything, for the comforting presence of my siblings— Percy and Jackson.

They had always been my anchor, grounding me through the ups and downs of this journey.

As I imagined their faces lighting up with excitement upon hearing my stories, a small smile tugged at my lips, filling me with renewed warmth.

The walk back to the academy grounds was filled with contemplation.

Each step felt lighter than the last, as though the weight of my achievements bolstered me, lifting me from the ground.

When I finally stepped onto the familiar grounds of the inner compounds of the campus, a wave of peace washed over me.

After the tumultuous events within the dungeon gate, the steady, calm atmosphere of the Cindralock Reaper academy felt like a balm for my soul.

Later that evening, as I sat in the cozy warmth of my home, I began to recount the harrowing details of the battle to Percy and Jackson, my voice filled with the tension and excitement of the encounters.

My siblings listened with wide, unblinking eyes, hanging on every word as I described the foes I had faced and the near impossible challenges I had overcome.

Percy practically glowed with admiration.

"You really did it, Levi!!" He exclaimed, his gaze full of awe and respect.

"And we are so proud of you!" Jackson added, his voice warm and affectionate.

I could sense the pride in their eyes, and it only served to strengthen my resolve, fueling me with determination even more.

Knowing that I was not only fighting for my own growth but also to protect and provide for my family.

With every victory, I was getting stronger. And with my Mythic Class category I was beginning to think it was time to let the world know about what I can really do.

Maybe, just maybe people like Dazzai Thornhill would think twice before coming for me or anyone close to me.

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