“Dual Spirits: Rising Beyond the Ranks”

The winds howled unnaturally through the academy grounds that morning, tugging at cloaks and rattling the iron lanterns lining the courtyard. Kayn felt it first—a sense of unease, like unseen eyes tracing his every movement. Today was special—a ceremony where the Headmaster would bestow a rare Soul Gem upon Kayn, a reward for his exceptional acheivement in the competetion. Ren stood by the edge of the gathering, arms crossed, watching as Kayn nervously adjusted his cloak.

Ren glanced at Kayn from the other side of the gathering. "You look like you're about to pass out."

Kayn forced a smile. "I just hate ceremonies. Too many people watching."

"They're watching because you deserve it. Don't let it mess with your head."

"Relax, Kayn. You earned this," Ren said with a smirk.

"Easy for you to say. I just hope I don't trip in front of everyone," Kayn replied, shaking his head.

Headmaster Arden, a tall man with graying hair, approached the podium. The crowd of students and instructors grew silent, waiting for his words. His presence alone commanded respect, but today there was something else in his eyes—a glint of worry.

At the center of the courtyard, Headmaster Arden's voice rose over the murmurs. The ceremony was beginning.

"Students, instructors, today we gather to recognize one who has stood apart. We honor a Spirit Awakener who has demonstrated strength, resilience, and compassion toward his spirit. Kayn Valen, step forward."

Kayn swallowed hard, taking measured steps to stand before Arden. The Headmaster raised his hand, and from within his robes, he produced a luminous Soul Gem. Its radiance pulsated, shimmering in hues of dark blue and silver—perfectly attuned to the Abyss Shadow Wolf.

Abyss Shadow Wolf stirred within its spiritual plane, drawn to the gem's power.

As Arden extended the gem, the air shifted. A cold breeze swept through the courtyard. The sky darkened unnaturally, as if the light itself recoiled from something unseen. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Kieren's eyes narrowed.

"This isn't normal..."

Suddenly, a deafening crack shattered the air. The academy gates trembled, then burst open as figures cloaked in black and crimson flooded the courtyard. Their masks gleaming like porcelain skulls. The sigil of the Veilbound Order shimmered on their attire—a serpent devouring the moon,

Chaos erupted. Students screamed and scattered as the intruders unleashed demonic beasts corrupted by dark energy. One by one, spirits across the courtyard howled in pain as Veilbound Spirit Awakeners forced dark sigils upon them, twisting their forms into nightmarish creatures.

"Get back!" Arden's voice thundered.

"Protect the students!" Arden roared, summoning his celestial falcon spirit. The bird's golden wings flared, shielding several younger tamers from a lunging demonic beast.

Ren didn't hesitate. "Ironback Bear!" he called, and from his shadow, the burly, roboust figure emerged, his claws were ready to rip someone. It struck down one of the dark beasts, its claw easily pass through the enemy's body within seconds. Enemy was caught off guard, Ren's opponent considered him just a kid.

He thought that after students know they are from "Veilbound Order." They will run in fear and hide behind the instructors. Little did he know "Ren" was a rare genius who had combat experience with two prodigies in the competition.

"Ren" was the worst matchup for him, who didn't run away. Even knowing they are from "Veilbound Soceity," his arrogance lead him to his death or maybe he was unlucky to meet "Ren." 

But the Veilbound weren't here for indiscriminate destruction—they were after something.

Their leader, a tall figure with long silver hair, emerged from the crowd. His gaze settled on the podium where Kayn stood, frozen.

"There it is," the figure said, his voice smooth but cold. "Hand over the Soul Gem. Your Abyss Shadow Wolf is not worthy for such divine item."

Kayn's grip on the gem tightened. "Over my dead body."

The leader smiled. "That can be arranged."

In a blur of motion, dark energy lashed toward Kayn. He raised his arms instinctively, but the shadow tendrils struck hard, sending him flying across the courtyard. His wolf materialized beside him, snarling protectively.

Ren cursed, sprinting toward Kayn. But before he could reach him, another wave of Veilbound Spirits descended, cutting him off. Ironback Bear, was breaking the enemies formation as other professors around Ren were prepared to fight to death with these inhuman bastards.

Kayn groaned, struggling to rise. Blood trickled from his forehead, and his vision blurred. 

A lance of black energy shot toward, without giving chance for Kayn to dodge. Seeing this Ren shouted, "Kayn's" name, as he fought through the fray, slashing through twisted beasts to reach Kayn. But more Veilbound Spirit Awakeners closed in, their eyes devoid of mercy.

The leader approached slowly, lifting his hand for the final strike.

"Pathetic," he muttered.

Then, without warning, the air grew colder—different from the Veilbound's corruption. A faint hum echoed across the courtyard, followed by the sound of footsteps. A cloaked figure emerged from the academy's shadows, face obscured by a mask that reflected no light.

"Leave the boy."

The Veilbound leader's eyes narrowed. "Who are you to interfere? This matter does not concern you."

The figure said nothing. Instead, they raised their hand, and dark chains erupted from beneath the ground, binding several Veilbound Spirit Awakeners in their place. In the same instant, a flash of silver light cleaved through the air, striking down two demonic beasts in one fell swoop.

The courtyard fell silent. The mysterious figure advanced with graceful yet lethal steps, dismantling Veilbound tamers effortlessly. His movements was fluid—almost inhuman.

Realizing the tide was turning, the Veilbound leader growled. "Fall back! We have what we came for."

Several members retreated through the broken gate, but the leader paused, locking eyes with the mysterious figure one last time.

"We will return. The veil between worlds grows thinner by the day."

With that, they vanished into the shadows.

Kieren rushed to Kayn's side as the figure knelt beside him. The Soul Gem in Kayn's hand flickered faintly, as if resonating with the stranger's presence.

"Who... are you?" Kayn whispered.

The figure hesitated, then placed their hand over the Soul Gem. A pulse of energy surged through it, and Kayn's wounds began to heal before his eyes. His Shadow Wolf trembled, dark energy spiraling around it as its form shifted slightly—stronger, leaner, with glowing crimson eyes.

"The Veilbound will target him again," the figure said, rising. "Let this gem grant him the strength to resist."

Ren stepped forward. "You're not from the academy. Why help us?"

The figure chuckled softly. "I walk where shadows gather. Today, they walked too close to this place."

Before Ren could press further, the figure faded into the distance, leaving no trace behind.

Kayn sat up, his breathing steady but his mind reeling. "That wasn't normal. Who the hell was that?"

"I don't know," Ren said, watching the last flicker of the cloaked figure's presence dissolve. "But I think we just met someone the Veilbound fears."