The sun blazed high above the academy’s arena, casting a golden hue over the expansive grounds. The stands were packed with parents, lecturers, and students, their excited chatter building an almost tangible energy in the air. The Transfer Trials had officially begun, and everyone was eager to see which clans would prove their worth—or disgrace themselves further.
In the VIP section, Gerald Valon, dressed in a finely tailored suit, took his seat with an air of authority. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd before settling on the lecturers and parents who approached him with deference. “Lord Valon, it’s an honor,” A Professor greeted, his tone laced with respect as he shook Gerald’s hand firmly. “The honor is mine, Professor,” Gerald replied smoothly, his expression calm and unreadable. “I trust today’s games will be as enlightening as always?” Professor Ryn chuckled lightly. “Indeed. It’s always a spectacle to see the determination—or lack thereof—of the students.” Gerald’s sharp eyes drifted briefly to the far end of the arena, where a lone figure stood apart from the rest. Even from this distance, he recognized Miko. The boy wore a hooded cloak, his face partially obscured as he leaned against a column, watching the commotion around him. Gerald’s lips tightened in disgust, his gaze narrowing for a fraction of a second before he turned back to the conversation at hand. “Let’s see if the boy can do something worthwhile for once,” he murmured. The commentator’s voice boomed through the arena, instantly silencing the chatter. The commentator’s voice boomed, electrifying the crowd as the game began. The arena buzzed with energy as the teams gathered, their excitement palpable. ** “Welcome, everyone, to the highly anticipated Clan games. The first game is the SafeGuard Flag! All clans are participating in this round, and the rules are simple: Each team must protect their own flag while trying to capture the flags of other teams. The team with the most flags by the end of the match wins. Let the games begin!” The field quickly transformed into a chaotic battleground, flags waving on pedestals at each team’s base. Each clan stood poised, ready to defend their flag and seize others. Clan Dusk stood at the edge of the platform, their members preparing for the battle ahead. Miko stood still among them, his dark cloak trailing behind him, the sword at his side gleaming. “Miko,” Liam, called, a playful grin on his face. “You sure you don’t want to join the fun up front? We could use some extra ashpower.” Anna hits Liam and he bursts into laughter. Miko simply shook his head. “You guys focus on getting flags. I’ll handle ours.” His voice was calm, almost too calm, but there was a confidence in his stance that his teammates noticed. Akiya smirked as she adjusted her gear. “Alright, we’ll trust you to hold down the fort, Miko.” “Yeah,” Anna added with a wink. “We’ll bring back plenty of flags, just leave ours to you.” With a silent nod, Miko watched as his teammates zoomed off into the fray. As Miko sat cross-legged near Clan Dusk’s flag, his cloak covered his face, and he appeared to be completely at ease. The commentator’s voice echoed through the arena, commenting on the action. “And here we have Clan Dusk, playing the offensive game as always. Their members are out there causing chaos, but let’s see if their flag remains safe. Clan Solace, on the other hand, is on the defensive—could they be the first to steal a flag Covertly?” Suddenly, there was movement—a pair of figures appeared on the horizon, heading straight for Clan Dusk’s flag. Miko narrowed his gaze as Luna and Jace from Clan Solace neared the base. But Miko didn’t budge. Instead, he leaned back slightly, crossing his legs as if he were sitting in a quiet meadow. The confidence in his posture remained unshaken, and a strange calmness seemed to hang around him. “Uh-oh!” the commentator’s voice crackled over the loudspeakers, the excitement in his tone rising. “Looks like Clan Dusk’s flag is under attack! Two members from Clan Solace have made their way right to it. It’s two against one—Clan Dusk better be ready!” Miko remained still, his cloak trailing around him like a shadow as he watched Luna and Jace approach. They stopped just a few feet away from him, eyeing him with a mixture of mockery and amusement. “Well, well,” Luna said with a sneer, her Wind magic twirling around her. “Is this really the best Clan Dusk has to offer? A lone defender? I thought they might’ve put up a better fight.” Jace smirked, his sword gleaming in the sunlight. “Yeah, you’re looking pretty vulnerable, Miko. This’ll be easy.” The crowd murmured, watching the scene unfold. Some jeered, others looked on with curiosity, wondering what Miko would do. But Miko didn’t respond. Instead, he remained sitting with his eyes closed, seemingly unfazed. “What’s he doing?” a spectator asked. “Is he really just sitting there, waiting to be taken down?” The commentator continued, his voice full of disbelief. “Well, folks, Clan Dusk might just be the first to lose their flag, and it looks like they have no intention of putting up a fight… or do they?” Luna and Jace both stepped forward, ready to make their move, but just as they were about to reach the flag, Miko raised one hand, palm out, without ever opening his eyes. For a moment, the air around him seemed to thicken, the atmosphere crackling with tension. The crowd held its breath. And then... nothing. “Is he really not doing anything?” someone whispered from the stands. “He’s just sitting there…” “I’m done with this pity play! Show’s over Clan dusk,” Luna said as she took a step forward. But suddenly, Fire engulfed Miko and a fire barricade engulfed the flag. The arena erupted!! “W-what? F-fire? How?” “Isn’t he an Ash mage? Doesn’t he have the Ash element? How come he’s using fire element?” The crowd murmured. The commentator was the first to regain himself from the shock. “I..I.. I don’t believeee itt!!!! Double element?!!!” The commentator screamed, “Miko Asterion, is a double element mage!!!!!!!”Related Chapters
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 10
The stadium was in complete silence, the only sound the distant echo of the commentator’s voice still ringing in the air. The crowd murmured in disbelief, their voices rising in volume, some in awe, others in confusion. The spectacle of a mage with two elements. They had always known Miko as the weakling with the Ash element, barely able to conjure a puff of smoke. Now, he had just summoned fire. Pure, blazing fire. “Wait… did he just… use fire?” someone whispered, their voice trembling in disbelief. “He’s an Ash mage… Ash, not fire!” another voice, filled with confusion, responded. The murmurs grew louder, echoing through the stands, bouncing off the stone walls of the arena. Even the respected Professor Ryn was taken aback, his eyes wide in astonishment. He exchanged a glance with another professor sitting nearby, both of them still processing what had just happened. “Impossible…” a voice from the back of the stands stuttered. “You need two separate affinities to use two e
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 11
Luna stepped forward, her Wind magic spiraling around her as if she were a tempest in human form. Her eyes were filled with disdain, but there was an edge of curiosity too. “So, the so-called weakling has more up his sleeve than we thought,” she said, her voice smooth, almost mocking.Miko’s gaze remained steady. “You think this is surprising? You haven’t seen anything yet.”Jace, standing beside Luna, clenched his fists. He stared at Miko with disbelief. “How did you… how could you…” His words faltered. He was so sure Miko was just some Ash mage, barely able to do anything. But now?“You can’t just have fire,” Jace continued, his voice rising. “It doesn’t make sense. You’re supposed to be an Ash mage! This isn’t possible.”Miko smirked. “That’s your problem, Jace. You think things should make sense. But I never cared about what you thought. I just do what I want.”Luna stepped forward, raising an eyebrow. “So you think you can just show up and take us down with your tricks?”Miko’s f
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 12
Suddenly, A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as a group of figures in pristine white garments and suits entered the stadium's VIP section. "The Church," someone whispered, the words spreading through the crowd like wildfire. "Oh, you don't know who they are?" A female student spoke up excitedly from the stands, addressing the confused faces around her. "Those people are from the church." "What makes them so special?" another student asked, eyes fixed on the white-clad figures. "The Church controls everything about healing magic and swordsmen," she explained hurriedly. "They regulate dungeons, monitor mage activities, even decide who gets to be trained as a knight. Those white garments? They're worn by people who have direct authority under the priest." "I thought the church were just religious figures?" "No, no," she shook her head vigorously. "They control everything that should be public knowledge. Especially about dungeons. Nobody really knows how dungeons work
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 13
Somewhere in the team training rooms. The tension was through the roof as the members of Clan Zenith gathered around their table. The previously bustling atmosphere of the arena was now far behind them, replaced by a stifling quiet. They had been watching the final moments of the battle, and it didn’t take long for them to realize what had happened: Clan Dusk had secured the lead. Elena sat in the center, trying her best to project calmness to her team. Her usual composure, however, was strained. Even though she had experienced Miko’s sudden rise to power, nothing could have prepared her for how quickly the tide had turned. Clan Zenith, always the frontrunner, was now sitting in second place. A position they hadn’t been in for years. The team was in disarray, their faces twisted in frustration. They had always been the best, and now they were forced to swallow the bitter pill of second place. “Everyone, calm down,” Elena said firmly, her voice betraying a hint of frustra
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 14
The arena was electric, the crowd's excitement buzzing in the air as the final battles loomed on the horizon. Clan Zenith’s representative, stood across the battlefield from Clan Solace, and there was an air of anticipation as Elena from Clan Zenith took her position.The bell rang, and just like that, Elena was in motion. Her fiery hair flashed like a burst of power as she flung herself into the battle.Without hesitation, Elena raised her hand, and the flames around her surged to life. "Let's see how strong you really are," she murmured under her breath, her fiery energy crackling like thunder.Luna, from Clan Solace, attempted to summon her wind, the air swirling around her to form a defensive barrier. "You won’t beat me that easily!" she shouted, her voice full of determination.But Elena wasn’t playing games. She released a massive ball of fire straight at Luna, who barely managed to deflect it with her wind barrier. The explosion that followed sent Luna hurtling backwards, her w
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 15
The arena fell silent as Ian stepped forward, his footsteps echoing across the battlefield where Elena had just fallen."Well, well," Ian's voice dripped with disdain. "The ash user who thinks he can play with double elements."Miko wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to catch his breath from his fight with Elena. "What do you want, Ian?""Want?" Ian's laugh was sharp. "I want to know how someone like you suddenly has this power. Do you know how many of us have trained for years trying to get where we are? How many nights have we spent perfecting our techniques?"In the stands, a professor leaned toward his colleague. "This should be interesting. Ian's never lost his composure like this before.""He's jealous," another professor whispered back. "Can you blame him? He's spent years trying to gain a second element.""Let's make this simple," Ian called out, raising his hands. "Show everyone what a fraud you are!"The ground erupted beneath Miko's feet, but he was already moving, slidi
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 16
For a moment, all that could be heard was heavy breathing and the tension in the air. The silence stretched until—Clap... Clap... Clap...A lone figure stood in the upper stands, their slow applause echoing through the arena."Did you see that?" a voice called out. "Did you all see what he just did?"Another person stood, joining the applause. "He beat Ian! He actually beat him!"The applause spread like wildfire, until the entire stadium was on their feet."Miko! Miko! Miko!""The ash user did it!""This is incredible!"A student leaned over the railing, shouting, "Hey, Ian! How's it feel to have your perfect technique read like a children's book?"Ian pushed himself to his feet, his voice tight. "You... you planned this from the start?""No," Miko replied, keeping his voice level. "I just learned to watch. Something you never had to do."The Principal rose from his seat, raising his hands. The crowd gradually fell silent."Well," he said, his voice carrying across the arena, "it
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 17
"What is that?" someone coughed.Clang. Clang. Clang.More canisters followed, thrown to cover every corner of the arena."Tear gas!" Elena shouted, already creating a barrier of fire around her team members. "Everyone, cover your faces!"Chaos erupted as students pushed toward the exits. Through streaming eyes, Miko spotted a figure walking calmly through the growing smoke toward the arena's center."Look," he grabbed Akiya's arm, pointing. "Their movements...""Too controlled," she agreed, wiping her eyes. "Shit! This was planned."The figure reached the center, and Miko's breath caught in his throat. In their hands was a mirror, its surface seeming to drink in what little light remained."No," he whispered. "Not here. Not now.""Miko?" Liam appeared through the smoke, coughing. "What's wrong? What are they—""Everyone back!" Miko's voice cut through the panic. "Get away from the center!"But it was too late. The figure had already knelt, placing the mirror on the ground.On the mir
Latest Chapter
Chapter 94
Anna stared at the letter in her hands, the heavy cream paper embossed with the Church's gold seal. She read it a third time, still not quite believing what it said."This has to be a mistake," she muttered, running her finger over the ornate calligraphy.The common room door swung open as Akiya walked in, a mug of coffee in one hand. "What's got you looking so confused this early?"Anna held up the letter. "I just got a formal invitation from the Church. They want me to visit their healing facilities and 'exchange methodologies.'"Akiya nearly choked on her coffee. "The Church? Since when do they invite AAU personnel for friendly visits?""That's what I was wondering." Anna handed over the letter.Akiya scanned it quickly, her eyes narrowing. "This is weird timing. Right after Miko gets back from the church ? Not a coincidence.""I thought the same thing," Anna admitted. "But it's also an opportunity.""An opportunity to get yourself into trouble," Akiya said, tossing the letter back
Chapter 93
"Move!" Larok grabbed Miko's arm, yanking him backward with surprising strength. "Now!"The blue water in the pool churned violently, splashing over the edges. What had been peaceful moments ago now pulsed with chaotic energy, sending waves of force through the cave."What's happening?" Miko stumbled as Larok dragged him toward the entrance."It's activating," Larok said through gritted teeth. "And we are definitely not prepared for what comes next."The walls of the cave—those strange organic-looking surfaces—began to ripple like muscle tissue. The symbols etched into them glowed with the same blue light as the pool, pulsing in rhythmic patterns that made Miko's head spin."Look!" Miko pointed at the pool as the pool boiled hot."I see it," Larok hissed. "That's why we're leaving."They scrambled through the narrow passage, the rock walls scraping against their shoulders. Behind them, a low, rumbling sound grew in intensity—half mechanical drone, half living growl."What is that thin
Chapter 92
Miko's body ached from the battle. He had a few cuts and bruises, nothing serious, but the memory of how easily Larok had dispatched the creature kept replaying in his mind."Something on your mind?" Larok asked, glancing sideways at him."Yeah." Miko stepped over a fallen log. "A lot of things, actually.""Such as?"Miko hesitated, then decided to just ask directly. "How many Awakened Wraiths have you fought?"Larok laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. "That's what you're wondering about?""Among other things," Miko admitted. "I've barely survived encounters with them, and yet you seem... unbothered by the whole situation."Larok was quiet for a moment, like he was deciding something. Then he stopped walking and turned to face Miko."Let me tell you a secret," he said, his usual amused expression turning serious. "The president and I already know about the rankings of the strongest Awakened Wraiths."Miko stared at him. "Rankings? Like the knights have? Or you mean the 5 top
Chapter 91
"Come on then," Miko said, settling into the stance Kiera had taught him at the Knight Academy.The bear charged with surprising speed for its size. Instead of dodging, Miko stepped to meet it, his blade tracing a dark arc through the air.Metal met corrupted flesh with a sound like thunder. The beast howled as the shadow-infused blade cut a shallow wound across its shoulder."Good!" Larok called from his resting spot. "The integration works. Physical damage enhanced by elemental energy."The beast backed away, blood oozing from the wound. It circled Miko warily, those purple eyes tracking his every movement."It's learning," Miko called back, keeping his sword pointed at the creature. "Adapting to my attacks.""Most higher corruptions do," Larok replied casually. "Makes them so much more interesting than standard monsters."The bear-wolf lunged again, this time feinting to one side before snapping at Miko's sword arm. Miko barely twisted away in time, the beast's jaws closing on empt
Chapter 90
Larok glanced back over his shoulder. "You handled yourself well in there. Not many could have adapted to that guardian's tactics so quickly.""Your techniques worked better than I expected." Miko checked the scanner again, making sure the data was secure. "But that obelisk—a communication relay? That can't be good.""It's not." Larok's face hardened. "It means they're building infrastructure. Planning something big."They reached a small clearing about half a kilometer from the portal. The forest here looked normal—tall trees swaying gently in the breeze, sunlight filtering through the leaves. No sign of corruption.Larok stopped and turned to Miko. "Let me see the scan data."Miko handed over the scanner. "The symbols on the obelisk matched what I saw in the Church archives. Same style, at least."A deafening crash interrupted him as trees splintered at the edge of the clearing. Birds scattered in panic, their wings flapping frantically above the canopy."Get down!" Larok shoved Mik
Chapter 89
Crossing through the portal felt nothing like the portals Miko had used before. Instead of feeling squeezed and disoriented, it was like walking through cool water that tingled against his skin.On the other side, Miko found a twisted version of the forest he'd just left. “What the hell,” Miko said as he turned around to observe his surroundings.Trees grew at impossible angles, plants showed colors that shouldn't exist, and the sky was deep purple with yellow veins running across it."This confirms it's a dungeon," Miko said into his communication device. "It's like a corrupted copy of the real forest.""Your scanner readings are coming through clearly," Larok's voice replied. "Be careful. These places usually get worse the deeper you go."Miko moved forward with his star-iron sword ready. The scanner showed him which way to go, pointing toward the energy at the center of this place. With each hundred meters, things got more twisted and wrong.After about five minutes, Miko saw his
Chapter 88
Miko moved carefully down the gentle slope, keeping to natural cover while approaching the archway from its eastern side. The scanner's readings grew stronger as he got closer, confirming highly structured energy patterns unlike standard Abyss manifestations.When he reached about ten meters from the archway, the scanner gave a soft alert tone showing it had detected previously unregistered energy signatures. Miko froze, scanning the area for the source.Nothing visible had changed, yet the scanner clearly showed additional energy patterns now active within its detection range. He adjusted the device's settings, trying to isolate the new signatures.The results were concerning—movement patterns consistent with intelligent entities, yet nothing visibly present in the physical environment around him."Possible guardian entities detected," he whispered into his communication device. "Can't see them but they're showing up on specific energy frequencies.""Pull back now," came Larok's ters
Chapter 87
"Shows you're thinking strategically. We've found no evidence they know about us specifically, though some probe patterns suggest they're gathering intelligence on human information networks generally.""Which is why this briefing happens in our most secure location," Larok added. "With minimal documentation and no digital transmission of operational details."The precautions made sense given the apparent intelligence capabilities of the entities they were discussing. Still, Miko had one fundamental question remaining."What exactly is a dungeon?" he asked, recalling the term from Larok's earlier mention.Jeremiah exchanged another glance with Larok before responding. "The term comes from historical classifications rather than AAU terminology. It refers to isolated Abyss manifestations that maintain permanent structure despite being disconnected from the main Abyss realm.""Like a fragment that breaks off but keeps working independently," Miko translated."Basically correct," Jeremiah
Chapter 86
The Nexus District sat in the northwestern part of the capital, where business zones met industrial areas. Unlike the clean government sectors or the old Church district, Nexus was built for function, not looks—buildings made for work, not for show.At exactly 2:00 PM, Miko entered through the east doors into a basic lobby with worn floors and simple signs. A bored attendant barely looked up from his screen as Miko approached."I'm here to—" he began."Level three, section D," the attendant cut him off, sliding a visitor badge across the counter without making eye contact. "Elevator's to your right."Clearly, Larok had set everything up beforehand. Miko took the badge and headed to the elevator, noticing the minimal security. The badge itself was basic, with no personal information beyond a simple visitor label.Level three was a maze of identical hallways lined with storage units. Section D sat in the northeast corner, marked only by a small directional sign. As Miko turned the final