Maniacal Whispers

It was another peaceful day for our main character. As the amber rays of the afternoon sun cascaded through the expansive windows of the school cafeteria, a vibrant glow permeated the bustling school cafeteria. Amidst the animated conversations and lively exchanges, there sat our protagonist, sharing the table with his junior Luna.

As always, the two could be found sitting together, engaging in secret conversations. It had been several weeks since Raphael's expulsion, and at that moment, Shroud could be seen with a notebook in hand, reviewing past lessons.

Shroud delicately flipped through the pages of a well-worn notebook, its once pristine surface now adorned with the marks of diligent study. Each turn of a page unveiled a tapestry of meticulously handwritten notes, showcasing beautiful calligraphy.

As Shroud immersed himself in the realm of written knowledge, Luna's soft voice disrupted the quietude. She asked, "Is the senior studying for the exams?" Contrary to Shroud's usual immediate response, he took a moment to briefly review the notes. After glancing at Luna, he offered a vague reply, "You could say that."

After providing a vague reply, Shroud returned to reviewing his notes. Observing this, Luna wore a sour expression but refrained from disturbing him. Despite her tendency to pester Shroud, she knew when to restrain herself.

Meanwhile, Shroud's unwavering concentration remained fixated upon the ink-laden pages that unfolded before them. The previous day's meticulous handiwork, embodied in their cursive script, held an air of elegance and precision.

The ink flowed gracefully across the pages, forming a tapestry of wisdom that seemed to transcend the mundane constraints of paper and ink. It was so elegantly written that One could argue that Shroud's penmanship approached the realm of greatness, rivalling that of the renowned Prakriti Malla herself, known for possessing the most beautiful handwriting.

After a bit more reviewing, Shroud felt satisfied with his review and closed the notebook. Just then, Luna remarked, "I thought senior was good at studies?" Shroud understood that she was feeling a bit down because he had ignored her, but he appreciated her kind gesture of remaining quiet while he was reviewing his notes.

"No, I'm pretty average when it comes to studies. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if I fail these midterms," Shroud said, surprising Luna with his statement. "Senior must be joking. After having conversations with you, I believe that senior is smarter than others of his age," Luna responded, but she received no reply.

Doubt began to gnaw at the edges of Luna's mind, weaving its tendrils of uncertainty as she observed Shroud's muted demeanour. Unbeknownst to her, her innocuous mention of age had unwittingly awakened a dormant conflict within Shroud, triggering a storm of conflicting emotions.

Age, a sensitive topic for Shroud, was like a hidden thorn nestled deep within his consciousness. It awakened memories and experiences veiled in secrecy, igniting an internal struggle that clashed with his present self.

Luna, unaware of the delicate nerve she had touched, inadvertently triggered a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions within Shroud. He felt himself being caught in the turbulent crosscurrents of his inner turmoil, questioning himself, "Do I need to go through all of this?"

Shroud found himself torn between maintaining the facade of a normal teenager and pursuing the path of strength, sacrificing everything in order to regain his power and return to his own universe. However, the pressing question remained: how could he recover his strength within a limited timeframe?

[Strength...you....wish...possess]

Within the depths of Shroud's conflicted mind, a seductive whisper beckoned, tempting him with the promise of extraordinary power. This alluring call reminded Shroud of a forgotten memory which soon recollected on the surface of his mind.

In the recesses of Shroud's memories, a recollection surfaced—the knowledge that he possessed a coveted copy of the forbidden Blood Sea Arts, a tome of arcane mastery that mirrored the MAA in its essence but exceeded it in raw power and potency.

A/N: The MAA I am referring to is Mysterious Abyssal Arts if you are confused and BSA means the Blood Sea Arts

A glint, resembling polished steel, flickered in Shroud's eyes, hinting at the potential darkness lurking beneath the surface. Within that darkness resided an untamed force, yearning to be unleashed. It carried a hint of murderous intent, further stoking Shroud's desire to resort to unorthodox means—the usage of the Blood Sea Arts.

Just as Shroud teetered on the precipice of succumbing to the seductive allure of the Blood Sea Arts, a safety mechanism deeply embedded within his consciousness stirred to life. This safeguard, meticulously crafted by Shroud himself countless millennia ago, had been specifically designed to shield him from the treacherous grasp of temptation that emanated from using the Blood Sea Arts.

Shroud's mind was abruptly reminded of the stark warning inscribed on the first page of the Blood Sea Arts: "To use the Blood Sea, one must become the eternal part of the Blood Sea." Those cryptic words held profound meaning, serving as a sombre reminder of the sacrifice and peril that awaited those who dared tread the esoteric path of the Blood Sea Arts.

A surge of awareness coursed through Shroud's being as the safety mechanism sprung into action, a testament to his foresight and self-preservation. It acted as a powerful barrier, shielding him from the precipitous fall into the dark abyss that awaited those who dared to harness the formidable might of the Blood Sea Arts.

With a sudden jolt of realization, Shroud's gaze regained his clarity, causing the darkness and murderous intent to dissipate into thin air. The maniacal whispers that had tempted him to use the Blood Sea Arts vanished, no longer holding sway over his thoughts and desires. However, as the whispers faded away, Shroud could still hear a faint, chilling laugh echoing in the distance [HAHAHAHAHA].

Beads of perspiration gathered upon Shroud's forehead, a testament to the inner turmoil that had tried to take hold of his being. Despite his best efforts to maintain a stoic composure outwardly, his heart throbbed with an unyielding intensity, as if echoing the tempest that raged within.

Weeks of respite had granted him a temporary reprieve, but now, the insidious whispers began to assail his mind once more, creeping into the recesses of his thoughts with an unsettling persistence.

"It seems it is on the verge of awakening," Shroud remarked inwardly, his voice steady but laced with a chilling tone. Within the depths of his consciousness, a battle was on the horizon—a clash between two fated nemeses, each with their own ideals and perspectives on the path to strength.

"Uh, senior, are you okay?" Luna's voice gently echoed, breaking through the ethereal haze and grounding Shroud in the present moment. Her words jolted him back to reality. Startled, he blinked, momentarily disoriented as the rush of the real world flooded his senses.

With his senses restored, Shroud finally managed to calm his racing heart. He turned his gaze towards Luna before replying, "I'm fine, Luna. Just lost in thought for a moment." Luna narrowed her eyes, sensing that there was more to it than Shroud let on. How she knew, you may ask? Well, it was simply a woman's intuition.

Curiosity tugged at Luna's insides, tempting her to delve deeper into Shroud's thoughts. Yet, she trusted her intuition, sensing that prying further would be unwise and potentially invasive. With a gentle exhale, she quelled the urge, recognizing the importance of respecting Shroud's boundaries and allowing him the space he needed.

Little did Luna know that her intuition had indeed served her well. Unbeknownst to her, Shroud had ventured into the depths of his consciousness, a realm known as the Sea of Consciousness. Within this ethereal expanse, he sought solace and clarity, driven by an unsettling abnormality he had detected lurking within the recesses of his own being.

The reason behind Shroud's immersion into this enigmatic realm may pique your curiosity. It was precisely because he had detected a disturbance, a disquieting presence that threatened to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of his consciousness. Like a flickering shadow in the corner of his mind's eye, the abnormality beckoned to him, demanding his attention.

Within Shroud's Sea of Consciousness...

Indeed, within the tapestry of existence, each individual possesses a Sea of Consciousness, a realm as unique and diverse as the person themselves. And within this intricate landscape of the mind, Shroud's Sea of Consciousness unfurled, revealing a reflection of his true self—an awe-inspiring expanse that transcended the confines of ordinary perception.

In the vast depths of Shroud's Sea of Consciousness, an ethereal emptiness stretched out in all directions, an expanse unbounded by the limitations of the physical world. This emptiness held a profound significance, representing the depths of his introspection, the void from which his thoughts and desires emerged. It was a canvas upon which the vivid tapestry of his inner world would unfold.

Within this boundless emptiness, islands of significance floated like celestial bodies, each one a testament to the myriad aspects of Shroud's character and nature. These floating lands were imbued with symbolism, their existence representing the complexities and depth of his being.

One island shimmered with the brilliance of determination, a testament to Shroud's unwavering will and unyielding resolve. Another, adorned with lush foliage and gentle streams, stood as a manifestation of his empathy and compassion. Yet another, shrouded in mystery and shadow, held the secrets and darkness that resided within him.

As Shroud traversed this vast expanse, he navigated through these islands, each one offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of his consciousness. They formed a mosaic, intricately woven together to create the tapestry of his true self, a reflection of his thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

In this ethereal realm, time held no sway, and the boundaries of reality were fluid. However, this wasn't the core of his Sea of Consciousness. Shroud's consciousness delved even deeper, descending to the absolute bottom where an immense sea spread before him, vast as the boundless space itself. On this Sea, an island stood, slowly sinking. This island was the core.

The sinking island at the core of Shroud's Sea of Consciousness remained an enigmatic sight. Despite its perpetual sinking, the island never disappeared beneath the surface completely. Every time it sank a little, the sea level would also drop by the same level, maintaining an eerie harmony.

Witnessing this spectacle would undoubtedly leave any observer in awe, as they would struggle to comprehend the profound mystery of the half-sunken island and the slowly dissipating sea. The scene seemed to defy the very laws of nature, defying explanation and leaving an air of profound wonder.

As Shroud approached the sinking island's centre, his gaze locked onto the figure standing there. The figure bore an uncanny resemblance to himself. It was an identical reflection of Shroud, but with a stark difference—the figure exuded a warmth and welcoming outlook, in contrast to Shroud's usually dark and mysterious outlook.

However, what made this figure truly unsettling was the unchecked malice and overwhelming murderous intent that emanated from its very being. In stark contrast to Shroud's composed and calm demeanour that concealed his true intentions, this doppelgänger's aura ran rampant like a colossal tidal wave, exuding an undeniable sense of danger and malevolence.

As Shroud descended on the island, the figure sensed Shroud's presence and turned its gaze towards him, a chilling smile curling upon its lips. With an eerie familiarity, it greeted him with a twisted voice, "Greetings, Duke."

To be continued...

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A/N: Hope you enjoy the chapter and feel free to comment. Your thoughts and criticism are valuable in helping me improve and stay motivated to write more.

Should I write an auxiliary chapter related to the Blood Sea Arts? It may not be relevant now, but it could become relevant in the future. Should I write it now or wait until it becomes relevant and then write it?