The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the academy, casting long golden streaks across the polished marble floors. Cain Ashford, the academy's most reluctant prodigy, stood in the shadow of a towering statue, his mind racing. He had a new plan, a brilliant plan.
Avoid Victoria at all costs. "If I'm not there, she can't find me," he muttered to himself, nodding as if to reassure his own logic. It was a solid plan. Simple. Effective. Foolproof. Too bad the universe hated him. Just as he took his first confident step toward the library, a place he was certain Victoria would never venture a familiar chime echoed in his mind. [System Notice: "New Passive Skill Unlocked: Predator's Attraction!"] Cain froze mid-step, his blood running cold. "...I don't like that name," he said, his voice trembling slightly. The system, as always, was unbothered by his discomfort. [Effect: The stronger the pursuer's obsession, the easier they will find you.] Cain's eye twitched. "I REALLY don't like that name." He turned the corner, hoping against hope that this was some kind of cruel joke. But there she was Victoria, leaning casually against the wall, her crimson eyes gleaming with predatory delight. "Cain~" she purred, her voice dripping with a mix of amusement and menace. Cain's heart skipped a beat. He spun on his heel, ready to bolt in the opposite direction, only to find Victoria standing there as well. "HOW?!" he screamed, his voice cracking in panic. Victoria tilted her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Instinct." Cain's soul nearly left his body. He groaned, slumping against the wall in defeat. "Even the system is against me." High above the academy grounds, perched on the edge of a rooftop, three figures observed Cain's desperate escape attempts with varying degrees of amusement. Selene, the ever calm and composed leader of their little faction, stood with her arms folded, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight. Beside her, Ravena leaned casually against a gargoyle, her sharp grin betraying her delight at Cain's suffering. Lyra, the most empathetic of the trio, sighed as she watched Cain dart around like a cornered animal. "Should we tell him that his own power is making her find him faster?" Ravena asked, her voice laced with mock innocence. Lyra shook her head, her expression a mix of pity and exasperation. "He wouldn't believe us." Selene's lips curved into a faint smile. "Let him suffer a little longer." Ravena chuckled, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. "Agreed." The three of them continued to watch as Cain's frantic movements grew increasingly erratic, their laughter echoing softly in the crisp morning air. After what felt like an eternity of running, Cain finally found refuge in an abandoned training hall. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with dust and the faint scent of old wood. He leaned against the wall, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Finally Safe," he whispered, closing his eyes in relief. But the universe, it seemed, wasn't done with him yet. Footsteps. Cain's eyes snapped open, his body tensing as the sound grew louder. "No. No way," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He turned slowly, his heart pounding in his chest, only to find himself face to face with a group of masked figures. They stood in perfect formation, their movements eerily synchronized. The leader stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding. "Cain Ashford. You have been chosen." Cain blinked, his mind struggling to process the situation. "Chosen for what?" he asked, his voice tinged with both confusion and dread. The masked figures didn't answer. Instead, they attacked. Cain's body moved before his mind could catch up. He dodged the first strike with ease, his instincts taking over. He countered with a swift punch, but at the last second, he hesitated. "Wait—!" he shouted, realizing too late the danger of unleashing his power. But it was no use. His power flared, a brilliant burst of energy erupting from his body. A single shockwave rippled through the room, sending the masked figures crashing into the walls. The training hall fell silent, the only sound the faint crackling of energy dissipating in the air. Cain stared at his hands, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. "…Crap."
Related Chapters
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 11: Trouble
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the city of Eldoria. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The grand clock tower in the city center struck midnight, its chimes echoing through the empty streets.In a modest room on the third floor of the Veltrus Manor, Cain lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The room was sparsely decorated, with only a wooden desk, a chair, and a bookshelf filled with ancient tomes. The moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting long shadows across the room.Cain's mind raced, unable to find peace. He had been feeling uneasy for days, as if something ominous was lurking just beyond his perception. He turned his head to the side, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was well past midnight, and yet sleep eluded him."Why do I feel like something bad is about to happen?" Cain muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.As if in response, a faint chime echoed in his mi
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 12: Uprising
The chamber was a cavernous void, its walls slick with moisture that glistened faintly in the flickering light of a single, dying torch. Shadows danced across the stone, twisting and writhing like restless spirits. The air was thick with the scent of iron and decay, a fitting atmosphere for the gathering that was taking place.Five figures stood in a perfect circle, their forms cloaked in darkness. Their hoods were drawn low, obscuring their faces, but the weight of their presence was undeniable. Each one exuded an aura of power and malice, their very stillness a testament to their control. At the center of the circle, a lone woman knelt, her head bowed but her posture defiant. Her crimson eyes burned like embers in the gloom, unyielding and fierce.The leader of the group stepped forward, his voice a low, resonant growl that seemed to emanate from the very walls. "Do you swear loyalty to the cause?"The woman's lips curled into a smirk, sharp and predatory. Her voice was smooth, ye
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 13: The Vengeful executioner
The night was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the distant howl of the wind. The moon hung low, casting long, jagged shadows across the cobblestone streets of the city. Somewhere in the labyrinth of alleys near the prestigious academy, a nobleman stumbled, his breath ragged and uneven. His fine silk shirt was torn, and blood seeped through the fabric, staining it a deep crimson. He clutched his shoulder, his face pale with terror as he backed away from the figure before him.She was a shadow given form, her presence as cold and unyielding as the steel in her hand. Her hood obscured her face, but her eyes burned like twin embers, glowing with an unnatural crimson light. The sword she held was slick with blood, each droplet falling to the ground with a soft plink that echoed in the narrow alley. "W-Wait!" the nobleman stammered, his voice trembling. "I don't even know who this Tyrant is! Please, you've got the wrong man!"The woman tilted her head slightly, her express
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 14: The slacker
The academy's training courtyard was bathed in the soft, golden light of late afternoon. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of students practicing their spells. Cain sat slumped against a tree, his back pressed against the rough bark, his legs stretched out lazily in front of him. His hood was pulled low over his face, shielding his eyes from the sun as he let out a long, exaggerated yawn."Another day, another chance to avoid responsibilities," he muttered to himself, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Selene, standing a few feet away with her arms crossed, smirked at his antics. Her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her piercing blue eyes gleamed with amusement. "You mean another day for research," she corrected, her tone teasing.Cain groaned, tilting his head back against the tree. "Can't I just nap in peace?"Selene cracked her knuckles, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Nope."Cain was about to retort when a sudden chill sw
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 15: Observing
The academy courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, its golden rays filtering through the leaves of the ancient oak trees that lined the perimeter. The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of students chatting as they moved between classes. Cain stretched lazily, his arms reaching toward the sky as he let out a long, exaggerated yawn. He was trying to enjoy the rare moment of peace, but the weight of Valeria's gaze bore down on him like a storm cloud on the horizon.She wasn't attacking. Not yet. But her presence was impossible to ignore. Valeria was always there, lurking in the shadows, her piercing eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made his skin crawl. From rooftops, from behind trees, from the darkest corners of the courtyard she watched. Always watching.Cain sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Does she think she's subtle?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with exasperation.Selene, who
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 16: New acquaintance
The newly claimed meeting room of the faction was a spacious, dimly lit chamber tucked away in a secluded corner of the academy. The walls were lined with shelves filled with dusty tomes and strange artefacts, and a large, circular table dominated the centre of the room. Cain sat at the head of the table, slouched in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as if hoping it would provide him with an escape from the chaos unfolding around him.Selene lounged on a chair beside him, her legs draped over the armrest and a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Lyra sat in the corner, her daggers glinting in the low light as she sharpened them with meticulous precision, her focus entirely on the task at hand. Ravena sat across from Cain, her posture elegant and composed as she sipped tea from a delicate porcelain cup, as though this were an ordinary afternoon social gathering. Valeria stood in the shadows near the door, her arms crossed and her piercing gaze fixed on Cain, silently judging
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 17: Stress
The academy's grand lecture hall was a cacophony of nervous whispers, frantic page-flipping, and the occasional muffled sob. Students sat in clusters, their faces a spectrum of emotions, some pale with panic, others resigned to their fate. The air was thick with the scent of ink, parchment, and the faint aroma of desperation.Cain, however, was blissfully unaware of the chaos. His head rested lazily on his desk, arms folded beneath him like a makeshift pillow. A soft snore escaped his lips, earning a few sideways glances from his peers. To Cain, exams were a distant problem, a future inconvenience he'd deal with… never, if he had his way.Selene sat beside him, her long legs crossed elegantly as she tapped her nails against the desk in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic pattern. Her lips curled into a faint smirk as she glanced at Cain's sleeping form. "Charming," she muttered under her breath.Across the room, Lyra was sharpening a dagger, the metallic *shink-shink* sound cutting through
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 18: A competitor
The lecture hall buzzed with the low hum of students chatting, their voices blending into a monotonous drone. Cain sat slumped in his seat, arms folded across his chest, his head tilted back against the chair. His eyes were half-lidded, heavy with exhaustion. The midterm exams had finally ended, and while he had survived barely, the toll they had taken on his energy reserves was evident. He felt like a deflated balloon, drained of all motivation.At the front of the room, Orion stood with his usual air of smug superiority, his sharp eyes scanning the class. The faint smirk on his lips suggested he was about to drop some kind of bombshell. Cain braced himself, though he couldn't muster the energy to care much."Before we continue," Orion began, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife, "we have a new addition to our little group. A transfer student. Try not to scare her off."Cain rolled his eyes. Great. Another overachiever to make the rest of us looks bad. He slouched furt
Latest Chapter
Chapter 18: A competitor
The lecture hall buzzed with the low hum of students chatting, their voices blending into a monotonous drone. Cain sat slumped in his seat, arms folded across his chest, his head tilted back against the chair. His eyes were half-lidded, heavy with exhaustion. The midterm exams had finally ended, and while he had survived barely, the toll they had taken on his energy reserves was evident. He felt like a deflated balloon, drained of all motivation.At the front of the room, Orion stood with his usual air of smug superiority, his sharp eyes scanning the class. The faint smirk on his lips suggested he was about to drop some kind of bombshell. Cain braced himself, though he couldn't muster the energy to care much."Before we continue," Orion began, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife, "we have a new addition to our little group. A transfer student. Try not to scare her off."Cain rolled his eyes. Great. Another overachiever to make the rest of us looks bad. He slouched furt
Chapter 17: Stress
The academy's grand lecture hall was a cacophony of nervous whispers, frantic page-flipping, and the occasional muffled sob. Students sat in clusters, their faces a spectrum of emotions, some pale with panic, others resigned to their fate. The air was thick with the scent of ink, parchment, and the faint aroma of desperation.Cain, however, was blissfully unaware of the chaos. His head rested lazily on his desk, arms folded beneath him like a makeshift pillow. A soft snore escaped his lips, earning a few sideways glances from his peers. To Cain, exams were a distant problem, a future inconvenience he'd deal with… never, if he had his way.Selene sat beside him, her long legs crossed elegantly as she tapped her nails against the desk in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic pattern. Her lips curled into a faint smirk as she glanced at Cain's sleeping form. "Charming," she muttered under her breath.Across the room, Lyra was sharpening a dagger, the metallic *shink-shink* sound cutting through
Chapter 16: New acquaintance
The newly claimed meeting room of the faction was a spacious, dimly lit chamber tucked away in a secluded corner of the academy. The walls were lined with shelves filled with dusty tomes and strange artefacts, and a large, circular table dominated the centre of the room. Cain sat at the head of the table, slouched in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as if hoping it would provide him with an escape from the chaos unfolding around him.Selene lounged on a chair beside him, her legs draped over the armrest and a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Lyra sat in the corner, her daggers glinting in the low light as she sharpened them with meticulous precision, her focus entirely on the task at hand. Ravena sat across from Cain, her posture elegant and composed as she sipped tea from a delicate porcelain cup, as though this were an ordinary afternoon social gathering. Valeria stood in the shadows near the door, her arms crossed and her piercing gaze fixed on Cain, silently judging
Chapter 15: Observing
The academy courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, its golden rays filtering through the leaves of the ancient oak trees that lined the perimeter. The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of students chatting as they moved between classes. Cain stretched lazily, his arms reaching toward the sky as he let out a long, exaggerated yawn. He was trying to enjoy the rare moment of peace, but the weight of Valeria's gaze bore down on him like a storm cloud on the horizon.She wasn't attacking. Not yet. But her presence was impossible to ignore. Valeria was always there, lurking in the shadows, her piercing eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made his skin crawl. From rooftops, from behind trees, from the darkest corners of the courtyard she watched. Always watching.Cain sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Does she think she's subtle?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with exasperation.Selene, who
Chapter 14: The slacker
The academy's training courtyard was bathed in the soft, golden light of late afternoon. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of students practicing their spells. Cain sat slumped against a tree, his back pressed against the rough bark, his legs stretched out lazily in front of him. His hood was pulled low over his face, shielding his eyes from the sun as he let out a long, exaggerated yawn."Another day, another chance to avoid responsibilities," he muttered to himself, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Selene, standing a few feet away with her arms crossed, smirked at his antics. Her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her piercing blue eyes gleamed with amusement. "You mean another day for research," she corrected, her tone teasing.Cain groaned, tilting his head back against the tree. "Can't I just nap in peace?"Selene cracked her knuckles, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Nope."Cain was about to retort when a sudden chill sw
Chapter 13: The Vengeful executioner
The night was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the distant howl of the wind. The moon hung low, casting long, jagged shadows across the cobblestone streets of the city. Somewhere in the labyrinth of alleys near the prestigious academy, a nobleman stumbled, his breath ragged and uneven. His fine silk shirt was torn, and blood seeped through the fabric, staining it a deep crimson. He clutched his shoulder, his face pale with terror as he backed away from the figure before him.She was a shadow given form, her presence as cold and unyielding as the steel in her hand. Her hood obscured her face, but her eyes burned like twin embers, glowing with an unnatural crimson light. The sword she held was slick with blood, each droplet falling to the ground with a soft plink that echoed in the narrow alley. "W-Wait!" the nobleman stammered, his voice trembling. "I don't even know who this Tyrant is! Please, you've got the wrong man!"The woman tilted her head slightly, her express
Chapter 12: Uprising
The chamber was a cavernous void, its walls slick with moisture that glistened faintly in the flickering light of a single, dying torch. Shadows danced across the stone, twisting and writhing like restless spirits. The air was thick with the scent of iron and decay, a fitting atmosphere for the gathering that was taking place.Five figures stood in a perfect circle, their forms cloaked in darkness. Their hoods were drawn low, obscuring their faces, but the weight of their presence was undeniable. Each one exuded an aura of power and malice, their very stillness a testament to their control. At the center of the circle, a lone woman knelt, her head bowed but her posture defiant. Her crimson eyes burned like embers in the gloom, unyielding and fierce.The leader of the group stepped forward, his voice a low, resonant growl that seemed to emanate from the very walls. "Do you swear loyalty to the cause?"The woman's lips curled into a smirk, sharp and predatory. Her voice was smooth, ye
Chapter 11: Trouble
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the city of Eldoria. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The grand clock tower in the city center struck midnight, its chimes echoing through the empty streets.In a modest room on the third floor of the Veltrus Manor, Cain lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The room was sparsely decorated, with only a wooden desk, a chair, and a bookshelf filled with ancient tomes. The moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting long shadows across the room.Cain's mind raced, unable to find peace. He had been feeling uneasy for days, as if something ominous was lurking just beyond his perception. He turned his head to the side, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was well past midnight, and yet sleep eluded him."Why do I feel like something bad is about to happen?" Cain muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.As if in response, a faint chime echoed in his mi
Chapter 10: Amusements
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the academy, casting long golden streaks across the polished marble floors. Cain Ashford, the academy's most reluctant prodigy, stood in the shadow of a towering statue, his mind racing. He had a new plan, a brilliant plan. Avoid Victoria at all costs. "If I'm not there, she can't find me," he muttered to himself, nodding as if to reassure his own logic. It was a solid plan. Simple. Effective. Foolproof. Too bad the universe hated him.Just as he took his first confident step toward the library, a place he was certain Victoria would never venture a familiar chime echoed in his mind.[System Notice: "New Passive Skill Unlocked: Predator's Attraction!"]Cain froze mid-step, his blood running cold. "...I don't like that name," he said, his voice trembling slightly.The system, as always, was unbothered by his discomfort.[Effect: The stronger the pursuer's obsession, the easier they will find you.]Cain's eye twitched. "I REALL
