Chapter 244: Veins of the hollow Earth.
Crystals jutted from the ground like frozen lightning and their surfaces were reflecting.
Kael’s boots crunched against the gravel as he reached the outer ridge.
His breath fogged in the cooling air.
Behind him, the echo of distant fights rolled through the valley.
Explosions, roars, and flashes of light marked the locations of the scattered first-year teams still battling within the labyrinthine terrain.
Kael adjusted the strap of his sword and glanced over his shoulder.
Some students were already retreating through the formation gate, limping, tired, and clutching glowing demon cores in trembling hands.
The teleportation terminal at the valley’s entrance flared each time someone crossed it, sending ripples of white light through the mist.
He looked back toward the valley’s inner gorge.
The towering crystal spires glimmered faintly, and for a brief moment, Kael swore he saw something, a shadow moving between the lights, like a flicker of intent.
"That place... it felt like someone was watching."
His voice echoed softly, swallowed by the valley wind.
Then he shook his head and exhaled.
"Probably just my imagination."
Adjusting the weight of his pack and resting his hand on his sword hilt, Kael took a step forward along the narrow, twisting ridge that led deeper east — toward the border where the valley began to merge with the Demon Expanse.
The sound of rustling wings broke the stillness.
Above, a flock of dark-plumed birds circled, cawing harshly before vanishing into the clouds.
Meanwhile — Inner Valley
In the glowing heart of the Crystal Hollows, two figures clashed amid shards of broken quartz and scorched ground.
Edwin, panted heavily, his sword slick with black blood.
Across from him, two demonic beasts circled, horned creatures covered in obsidian scales.
Their eyes burned crimson, and their claws left molten trails where they struck the earth.
"Tch—these things... they’re not normal demons," Edwin muttered, tightening his grip on his sword.
"Mid-rank fiends... So demons are roaming here?"
The demons lunged. One swung its arm like a hammer, crashing into the ground where Edwin had been moments earlier.
The impact sent up a shockwave, shattering ground into deadly shards.
Edwin rolled aside, cutting upward in a silver arc.
The blade bit into the demon’s chest, spraying ichor, but it barely flinched.
The second demon roared, opening its mouth to release a burst of black flame.
Edwin twisted his sword, channeling a wave of mana pressure, creating a shimmering barrier of silver light that rippled like a shield.
The flames struck, hissing against it — sparks rained down, burning holes into his uniform.
"Dammit... even my energy barrier’s barely holding."
He charged forward.
His movements were fast but the demons’ coordination was monstrous. The first creature intercepted his strike, its claws catching the blade.
The second slammed its tail into Edwin’s ribs, sending him crashing against a quartz pillar.
The impact cracked the stone.
Edwin coughed blood but forced himself upright. His breathing quickened.
"If I lose here... what face will I have to show Elysia and the others?"
The demons advanced again.
He closed his eyes briefly, feeling the hum of his spirit sword, and whispered,
"Ruin Form: Valor Burst"
A line of pure light erupted from his weapon, slicing through one demon’s shoulder.
The monster shrieked, staggering backward, half its torso severed.
But the other demon used the opening — striking from behind, claws aimed for Edwin’s heart.
He barely managed to twist away, but the claws ripped across his side. Blood splattered the ground.
The valley glowed red for a heartbeat, and then everything went silent.
On the other hand.
From a high cliff overlooking the valley, Elysia stood silently.
The crystals reflected her pale face.
She watched the fights below — Edwin struggling against two demons, Kael’s lone figure far in the distance, walking eastward into the mist.
Her eyes lingered on Kael.
"He’s moving alone again... even after everything."
"If I can’t take his life away, I will try to slow down his strength"
Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. The air around her trembled faintly.
"I could end it here. The valley’s mana distortion would hide everything. No one would even know."
She reached into her satchel, pulling out a talisman — one she had taken from the academy archives, forbidden for student use. It was a Mind Seal Talisman, capable of warping weaker minds.
"If I use this on someone... I can send them toward him. Let the chaos do the rest.
"You killed me once, Kael," she whispered.
"You just don’t remember it yet."
She looked toward Edwin’s direction again, watching him fight.
His sword movements were precise, a contrast to Kael’s raw, instinctual style.
"Even Edwin struggles against those fiends... Kael, with your power, you’ll draw attention soon. I can’t let you grow unchecked."
She placed the talisman against her palm, whispering an incantation.
A faint violet glow pulsed.
Somewhere below, a group of weak students — those exhausted from battle — froze briefly.
Their eyes flickered gray.
"You will find Kael Ashford," Elysia whispered, "and stop him from going deeper."
Her magic spread like a ripple through the air.
Kael continued forward.
The crystals here were darker, almost black, and strange shapes moved faintly behind the mist — shadows that didn’t belong to anything living.
His Ashen Core pulsed quietly. A faint black smoke flickered in his chest, feeding on the ambient mana.
"The readings are strong here... almost like—"
A sudden rustle interrupted his thought. Three figures emerged from behind the rocks.
And they were his classmates, students.
Their uniforms were torn.
"Hey," Kael called, lowering his sword slightly. "Are you guys alright?"
No answer.
Then one of them screamed and charged.
Kael sidestepped, barely blocking the strike.
Another came from behind — clumsy but strong. He disarmed the first easily, kicking him back.
"What’s wrong with you all?!"
Their eyes glowed faintly violet and their minds were sealed.
Realization struck Kael. Someone was controlling them.
"So that’s what I sensed earlier..."
"Is this the work of a demon?"
He parried another blow and struck the ground with the flat of his blade, knocking the three back.
They hit the ground, groaning, the talisman glow fading from their eyes.
Kael exhaled.
"Ahhh.. fighting with them, i forgot the secret areas"
He looked up at the cliffs above — where Elysia once stood unseen — and frowned.
"Who did this?"