The Glitched Mage

Chapter 25 - 25: Advice

As the sun gradually dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Elder Thorne finally dismissed the class.

True to his word, he had spent time with each of them, placing a firm hand on their backs, assessing the flow of mana as they absorbed it. His sharp gaze and precise corrections left no room for error, ensuring they refined their technique under his scrutiny.

Riven had been careful—intentionally lowering the efficiency of his mana absorption when it was his turn to be assessed by Elder Thorne. There was no way he was about to let the elder get a proper read on his true abilities.

Just as Riven was about to leave, the elder's voice cut through the quiet.

"Riven. Stay behind."

Suppressing the sigh that threatened to escape, Riven simply nodded, remaining where he stood as the rest of the class dispersed.

Valis shot him a venomous glare on his way out, his expression a mixture of barely concealed rage and bruised pride. He rubbed his slightly swollen face, his scowl deepening before he finally turned and disappeared through the exit.

Riven barely had time to enjoy the moment before Elder Thorne spoke again.

"I know you received a necromancy skill book during the third trial." The words were calm, almost casual—but the weight behind them was anything but.

Riven stiffened, his head snapping toward Thorne in surprise.

"But," Thorne continued, his piercing golden gaze fixed on him, "I can't sense even the slightest trace of dark mana in you."

Riven silently thanked the system for concealing any traces of dark mana within him.

Riven forced a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head as he feigned unease. "Oh, that skill book." He let out an exaggerated sigh. "Honestly? The whole necromancy thing freaks me out. I mean, raising the dead? Manipulating corpses?" He shuddered dramatically. "Not exactly something I ever planned on learning. If it weren't for the third trial, I wouldn't have even touched it."

Silence stretched between them.

Elder Thorne didn't move, didn't blink—his glowing eyes seemed to dissect Riven, as though

She stepped forward, and for the first time since they had met, Riven felt something shift in the air.

A deep, thrumming pulse resonated through the chamber - a call to something ancient.

Shadows writhed around Nyx, thickening and solidifying until her form became something more than just a specter of darkness. For the first time, she exuded something raw, something truly menacing. The teasing, snarky Nyx was gone.

She wasn't playing anymore.

And then - without warning - she moved.

Riven barely had time to register the shift before she was upon him, her speed blurring the space between them. Instinct kicked in, and he twisted, narrowly evading her initial strike. But even as he dodged, a chill ran down his spine.

Her presence alone was suffocating.

This is different.

Nyx wasn't just testing him anymore.

She was going to break him.

And Riven welcomed the challenge.