[Academy Headmaster's Office – Nightfall]
"Three divine cultists slain. One spell mirrored. One noble protected."
Headmaster Arval set the scroll down.
"Lohan Ardyn… Your growth is unnatural."
Beside him, Professor Varis nodded grimly. "He's not just hiding power. He's hiding identity."
Arval's eyes narrowed. "Then test him. Push him into a corner."
---
[Dorm Rooftop – Midnight]
Lohan sat alone, staring at the moon. His fingers tapped against the hilt of Eidrasteel, his mind replaying the divine spell.
> [Skill Sync: 2% Progress – Soulbrand Lineage Awakening]
He muttered, "Still too slow…"
Shhhk.
He turned his head—and caught the flash of a blade midair.
Steel screeched against steel as he parried the strike.
A cloaked figure stood before him—elegant, composed, lethal.
"I am Elvain. Apostle of the Celestial Seat. Lady Justine sends her regards."
Lohan's eyes darkened. "So she finally made a move."
---
Battle Initiated
Elvain's movements were like liquid shadows—his blades whispering death. He struck thrice in a breath, and Lohan barely blocked the third.
"You fight like someone who remembers."
"I do," Lohan replied, flipping over the ledge and landing on the training field. "And I fight better when I stop holding back."
> [Skill Activated: Battle Instinct Surge]
[Reaction Time Enhanced – +40%]
[Prediction Arc Engaged]
Lohan sidestepped a fatal stab, slammed his palm into Elvain's chest, then followed with a knee strike that cracked ribs.
Elvain coughed blood.
"…You are him."
---
Divine Surge
Elvain dropped his cloak—revealing a rune-marked body. Golden wings burst from his back.
> [Divine Blessing: Judgment Form Initiated]
Lohan's eye twitched. "So we're showing off now?"
He raised Eidrasteel—and the blade flared with ancient heat.
> [Skill Awakening: Soulbrand Severance – Flame Arc Form]
Their next clash shattered the courtyard stone, sending shockwaves across the campus.
---
Final Blow
Lohan spun midair and delivered a downward slash infused with raw will.
CRASH!
Elvain crashed into the academy's outer wall. Smoke billowed.
But instead of retaliating, the apostle knelt—grinning.
"You've surpassed her expectations."
Lohan approached slowly.
"Tell Justine I'm not who I was."
Elvain's grin widened. "Oh, she already knows."
Then he vanished—leaving only golden feathers behind.
---
[Justine's Divine Throne]
She watched, eyes narrowed and lips curled.
"My dear Master… the next time we meet, I'll kill you properly."
---