Kai and Lian moved swiftly through the dimly lit academy grounds, their footsteps barely making a sound. The shadow on the rooftop hadn't attacked, but its presence was an unspoken threat.
"Where are we going?" Kai whispered as they weaved between buildings.
Lian didn't slow down. "Somewhere safe to talk. You don't realize how dangerous this is yet."
Kai frowned but kept moving. If the Monster Core was planted in the academy on purpose, that meant someone wanted him—or someone else—to absorb it.
Soon, they arrived at a secluded courtyard, hidden behind an old storage building. The area was covered in vines, and the broken lanterns suggested it hadn't been used in years.
Lian finally stopped, exhaling deeply. "We should be safe here."
Kai crossed his arms. "Start explaining."
Lian hesitated before speaking. "That Monster Core… it wasn't just any core. It belonged to a beast that shouldn't exist in this region. It's from the Northern Wastes, where forbidden monsters roam."
Kai's eyes widened. The Northern Wastes were legendary for their powerful, uncontrollable beasts. If the core came from there… then its effects on him could be more dangerous than he thought.
"Who planted it?" Kai asked.
"I don't know," Lian admitted. "But I do know this—there are people watching you. And they won't just sit back and let you get stronger."
Kai's fingers curled into fists. Of course. Power always came with a price.
Before he could respond, a low whooshing sound filled the air—an arrow.
Kai barely had time to react as he pushed Lian aside. The arrow struck the ground between them, its tip gleaming with a faint blue light. Poison.
They weren't just being followed anymore.
They were being hunted.