The next day, Velastra Academy felt louder than usual.
Word had gotten out.
Not just that Noctix shattered the orb—again—but that his scan node cracked during class. The staff tried to play it off, but students knew better.
Something was up.
---
"Bro's literally bugged the system twice,"
"Think he's a late bloomer?"
"Nah, I heard he's hiding some ancient power."
Noctix just stuffed his hands in his pockets and kept walking, keeping his eyes low and smile crooked.
He didn't mind the attention.
He minded the expectations.
---
During Combat Fundamentals, everyone partnered up to spar. Noctix got matched with Tyrik, a cocky energy-blaster who'd already ranked into Bronze Tier.
"Hey, orb breaker," Tyrik said, cracking his knuckles. "Try not to break the floor this time."
Noctix raised an eyebrow. "Try not to miss."
---
The match started.
Tyrik opened with a double flare shot—quick, accurate.
Noctix dodged. Not by thinking—by instinct.
His feet moved before his mind caught up.
He closed the gap, slipped behind Tyrik, and tapped the back of his neck before Tyrik even turned around.
"Point. Noctix," the trainer called out.
The whole gym went quiet.
---
Tyrik blinked. "Wait... how did you—?"
Noctix looked down at his hands. They were steady, calm.
But that buzz in his chest? Stronger than ever.
---
Later, back in the dorms, he stared at his reflection.
Was this really just him now?
He'd never trained for speed.
He wasn't a fighter.
And yet...
---
That strange glowing mark from yesterday?
It had appeared again. This time, on the back of his hand.
Not dirt. Not paint.
It was burned into his skin—like a crest waiting to be awakened.
---
The more he moved, the more it reacted.
As if... something inside was testing the surface.
Waiting for a moment to break through.
---
End of Chapter Four.
Next: "The Mark Awakens"