Zane blinked at the system notification still lingering in his vision:
> New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Armor
A defensive enhancement formed by channeling Void through the user's body. Offers significant protection and enhances agility. Bonus effect: Shadow Wings unlocked.
The notification flickered and faded, but the adrenaline of the training hadn't left his body. His heart was still racing from the confrontation with Nyx—and the surge of power that came from wearing the shadows like a second skin.
Just as he was about to relax, a knock echoed from the door.
He frowned. "Who could that be?"
Still slightly glowing from the Void energy, he dismissed the training interface and walked over. When he opened the door, he was met by the sight of Sera—her hair slightly disheveled, her forehead glistening with sweat, and her breathing just a bit too quick.
"Sera?" he said, puzzled. "You look like you just ran a marathon. What did you do this time?"
She immediately pointed at him, eyes wide. "Why do you assume it was me?!"
Zane leaned against the doorframe, unimpressed. "Because the last time you looked , someone's cloak caught fire. And the time before that, you accidentally summoned a wind funnel in the cafeteria."
"That was one time! And technically, that wasn't a funnel—it was... experimental ventilation."
Zane raised an eyebrow.
Sera huffed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Okay, okay... maybe I might have broken a rule or two. But it's not my fault the senior's alchemy lab was left open."
Zane sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You're going to get us both expelled before classes even start."
"No, I won't!" she grinned sheepishly. "That's why I came to you. You're the only person I know who can sneak around better than a shadow."
Zane narrowed his eyes. "You want me to help cover this up, don't you?"
Sera just gave him a bright, not-so-innocent smile.