The Awakening Of The Shadows
Chapter 35: Departure into the Unknown

Chapter 35: Departure into the Unknown

The sun was still low on the horizon when Lian entered the central courtyard of the Academy, carrying his backpack. This was the day he would leave the Academy, and he knew he wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon. Despite all the memories this place held, he couldn’t shake the weight in his chest that made him want to leave as quickly as possible.

Lena was waiting for him near the main entrance. This time, without her usual smile, she watched him silently as he walked toward her. When Lian stopped in front of her, she tilted her head slightly and asked:

"Are you sure you don’t want to say goodbye to anyone? Saya, Elios... your friends at least deserve that."

Lian clenched his fists but kept his gaze steady. "I can’t face them after what happened, Lena. Not after what I did. I nearly killed Elios. How could I say goodbye while looking him in the eye?"

Lena crossed her arms, studying Lian closely. "You’re running away from what happened, kid. Running away from the people who care about you."

"It’s not that," Lian replied, looking away. "It’s exactly because I care about them that I’m leaving. I need to learn to control this... before someone really gets hurt next time."

Lena sighed but didn’t press further. "Alright, kid. I just hope you know what you’re doing."

She walked a few steps forward, gesturing toward the Academy gate with a nod. "You’ll be sent to a small military base in Red Hollow, a region known for its Portal Breaches. It’s a dangerous place, full of monsters. Absolute chaos."

"Perfect," Lian muttered, adjusting his backpack. "Exactly what I need."

"There’s one more thing," Lena continued, looking directly at him. "There’s a guy there who’ll train you. He’s a veteran at fighting monsters and knows more about portals than anyone. But let me warn you: he’s not easy to deal with."

Lian looked up, intrigued. "And who is this guy?"

"You’ll find out when you get there," Lena replied with an enigmatic smile. "Consider it part of the lesson. Now go, before I change my mind and decide to bring you back," she added, giving a small laugh to ease his tension.

The journey to Red Hollow would be long. Lian was being transported in a small military vehicle that buzzed over the rugged and desolate terrain of the region. The landscape gradually shifted, from lush green hills to barren, hostile grounds. On the horizon, he could see the silhouettes of ancient ruins, and the air seemed charged with an almost palpable energy.

The trip dragged on. After a full day of travel, they stopped at a military base. "Are you Lian Alvarez?" a male voice asked, and Lian quickly turned to see a soldier.

"Yes, sir," Lian replied firmly.

"Follow me," the man said, walking toward a massive cargo ship. It was enormous and highly advanced, equipped with multiple weapons. "This vehicle will take you to the Red Hollow military base. Get in."

Lian obeyed and boarded.

The ship began to fly. It made barely any noise and was incredibly fast. Lian was impressed by its technology, something he had only seen on TV before, in magical stone-powered devices. With such speed, the trip took only four hours.

Finally, the vehicle stopped in front of a small military base. It was located in a narrow valley surrounded by jagged mountains. The walls of the base were reinforced with thick layers of metal, and glowing magical runes lined the perimeter, protecting the area from potential attacks.

Lian stepped off the vehicle, adjusting his backpack as he looked around. The place had an oppressive atmosphere. The constant sound of alarms echoed in the background, and the air was thick with the scent of magic and gunpowder.

"Welcome to Red Hollow," said a soldier at the gate, giving a tired smile. "Whoever you are." Then the soldier pointed to the sky, spinning his finger. "Unload the ship!" he shouted, as several soldiers appeared to unload the cargo.

"Anyway, I hope you’re prepared. This place isn’t for just anyone, rookie," the man added with a mocking laugh.

"I’ll survive," Lian replied coldly, walking through the gate.

Inside, he saw constant activity. Soldiers ran back and forth, carrying weapons and equipment, while others gathered around large holographic maps, discussing strategies. The atmosphere was tense but efficient. Everyone seemed accustomed to the chaos.

Lian was directed to a small barracks. The room was simple, with a narrow bed, a desk, and an empty wardrobe. He dropped his backpack on the floor and sat on the bed, looking out the small window that overlooked the base’s central courtyard.

"So this is where I’ll be staying," he murmured to himself, letting out a sigh.

Later, Lian was summoned to meet the man Lena had mentioned. He was taken to a training field behind the base, where a group of soldiers had gathered. At the center stood a tall man with graying hair and a deep scar running across his face. He wore heavy armor and carried a massive sword that looked old but deadly.

"You must be Lian," the man said, his voice rough and firm. "I’m Viktor. Lena asked me to train you. I don’t know what she sees in you, but let me make one thing clear: I don’t expect much."

Lian raised his gaze, meeting Viktor’s cold eyes. "And what do you expect, then?"

"That you don’t die," Viktor replied without hesitation. He stepped forward, pointing his sword at Lian. "And that you learn quickly. Because here, kid, Portal Breaches don’t wait for anyone. And the monsters have no mercy."

Lian clenched his fists, feeling anger and determination welling up inside him. "I didn’t come here to die, Viktor. I came here to get stronger."

"We’ll see," Viktor said, with a faint smile. "Now, grab your sword and show me what you’ve got. Because if you’re not good enough, you won’t last a week in this place."

Lian summoned Oblivion, and the shadows of the blade began to pulse around him. He assumed his combat stance, ready to prove that he could not only survive but also win.

"A spiritual weapon, huh."

As the two prepared, a distant alarm echoed across the base, signaling another nearby Portal Breach. Soldiers began to mobilize, preparing for battle.

"Looks like you’re a lucky kid."