CHAPTER 95: CONFESSION [4]

*****

The air was thick and cold, almost viscous, clinging to the skin like a shadow that refused to leave.

Darkness hung heavy, so complete it swallowed the edges of vision, leaving only faint silhouettes flickering in the dim, flickering torchlight.

The ground beneath was uneven stone, slick with damp, as though the place itself had been untouched for centuries.

Ahead loomed a massive statue, carved from obsidian so black it seemed to drink in the faint light. Its features were impossible to discern clearly, yet somehow, its presence pressed down on everyone in the chamber.

The figure of a god, wings outstretched and eyes eternally closed, loomed like a slumbering leviathan, its aura radiating a quiet, terrifying power.

All around the chamber, figures knelt in reverent silence.

Some whispered, some muttered prayers in a strange, guttural language, syllables that twisted and coiled through the air like living things.

Their robes were ragged but ceremonial, stitched with symbols that glimmered faintly as though infused with magic older than the world itself.

One figure in particular knelt closest to the statue.

His head was bowed, and his hands trembled as he pressed them against the cold stone floor.

The torchlight caught the gleam of metal embedded in his staff, a sigil carved deep into its surface, glowing faintly with an otherworldly blue light.

"I... I, Valechumy,"

He whispered, his voice quivering but growing in strength,

"Do hereby pledge... to free you, great god Sleipnir... from the chains of this mortal coil."

A low murmur rose from the kneeling assembly, echoing against the cavernous walls.

The words seemed to resonate, vibrating through the very stones of the chamber.

"We will awaken him. We will bring him back. We will serve his will,"

They intoned together, voices rising and falling like the tide, harmonizing into a single, haunting chant that seemed older than the mountains themselves.

Valechumy’s eyes snapped open, glowing faintly in the darkness.

He raised his hands toward the statue, his voice now booming across the chamber.

"Bound by ages, shrouded in silence, yet the time of reckoning is upon us! Chains forged by mortal fear and forgotten gods will shatter!

The blood of our ancestors, the vows of the fallen, all shall awaken the great god once more!"

The other figures echoed his words, their chants intertwining, louder and louder, until the sound reverberated like thunder trapped in stone.

A faint wind began to stir within the chamber, despite there being no windows.

Dust and ash swirled around their feet. Valechumy stepped forward, raising his staff, tracing sigils in the air that glimmered with faint, sickly light.

"I call upon you, Sleipnir, whose wings were clipped by the arrogance of man, whose voice was silenced by the pride of kings! Rise, for we, your devoted, shall free you from the cage that binds your essence!"

From somewhere deep in the shadows, a low hum began to grow, almost imperceptible at first.

It sounded like stone grinding against stone, or perhaps the slow heartbeat of something ancient awakening after eons.

The figures didn’t flinch, they had expected this. Some muttered in their tongue, reinforcing the bindings of their own magic to the god’s essence.

"I... I vow my life,"

Valechumy continued, voice trembling,

"My soul, my every breath... shall be devoted to you! Every whisper of the wind, every shadow cast in the night, every spark of fire and flash of lightning, I pledge to return to you your true form!"

The hum grew louder, resonating through the chamber until the walls themselves seemed to shiver.

The statue’s eyes, once closed, flickered with the faintest light, as if acknowledging the devotion being poured into the darkness.

The kneeling figures pressed forward instinctively, voices unified, chanting not just for power but for purpose, a purpose older than any of them could fully comprehend.

Valechumy’s voice reached a crescendo, echoing in the hollow void:

"Awaken, Sleipnir! Break free from the chains of men and gods alike! Let your wrath, your justice, your dominion return to the world that has long forgotten your name!"

For a moment, the chamber fell silent.

The only sound was the faint crackle of the sigils glowing in Valechumy’s staff, and the slow, uneven breathing of the kneeling figures.

Then, from deep within the statue, a faint rumble began, like a growl from the depths of the earth itself.

The shadows trembled.

The air thickened.

And somewhere beyond the darkness, something ancient and vast stirred, acknowledging the promise that had just been spoken.

*****

The morning sunlight barely filtered through the tall arched windows of the classroom, casting long beams across the polished stone floor.

Professor Eugene stood at the front, his long coat swaying slightly with each movement, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.

His presence was imposing yet calm, and the faint hum of mana in the room seemed to amplify whenever he raised his voice.

"Good morning, students,"

Eugene began, voice steady but commanding.

"Today we will explore the theoretical boundaries of mana manipulation and elemental containment. I expect all of you to focus. This will not be simple repetition, this is advanced application."

The students nodded, some nervously, others confidently.

Eugene’s eyes swept across the room.

"Let us begin. Tell me, how would one calculate the containment coefficient required to suppress a mid-tier beast’s mana overflow using a level-three sage core? Be specific. Don’t give me estimations. Assume all standard variables of mana density and dimensional stability are known."

A few students exchanged panicked glances. The first brave hand went up.

"Professor, if we assume the mana overflow is linear—" a young male student started.

Eugene raised a hand sharply.

"No! That is incorrect. Mana flows are rarely linear under real-world conditions. This is a dynamic, non-Euclidean problem. Try again."

Another student, a girl with silver streaked hair, spoke hesitantly,

"Would you... perhaps... apply a layered containment matrix, using the sage’s core to stabilize the internal flux?"

Eugene’s lips twitched.

"Partially correct in concept, but your explanation lacks precision. You must account for temporal resonance within the containment field. Next."

He moved slowly down the rows, asking each student increasingly complex questions.

"Describe the interaction between residual elemental energy in a hybrid sage core and the dimensional echo produced by summoning a second-tier beast. What happens if the containment is off by even a fraction of a percent?"

A collective shiver ran through the classroom. Students whispered among themselves, scribbling furiously, muttering terms like resonance decay and flux divergence, but none could confidently answer.

Finally, Eugene stopped at the row where Lyrium and his group sat.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp and piercing.

"Lyrium,"

He said calmly,

"Explain, step by step, the process of stabilizing a partially corrupted elemental sage core while simultaneously containing a mid-tier beast whose mana density is fluctuating unpredictably. Provide a detailed example, and include the potential outcomes if containment fails even slightly."

The room went silent. Ren leaned slightly forward, whispering under his breath,

"Well... that’s impossible..."

Margaret simply raised an eyebrow, observing quietly, while Silas’s expression remained calm but intrigued. Lily’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Lyrium stood slowly, his hand brushing a strand of white hair from his face.

The classroom seemed to grow quieter, all eyes focusing on him.

"Alright,"

Lyrium said softly but clearly,

"let’s break this down. First, you must recognize that the sage core produces a stable flow of mana, but when it’s partially corrupted, the flow is inconsistent and uneven. At the same time, a mid-tier beast generates an unpredictable, fluctuating mana output that can spike suddenly. To contain this, you need a containment field that dynamically adjusts in real-time to both the fluctuations of the beast and the instability of the sage core."

"The first step is to monitor the exact output of the beast’s mana at every moment, measuring not just the quantity but the frequency of fluctuations. Then, you stabilize the sage core, making sure its energy compensates for any inconsistencies by balancing internal flux with external pressure. The key is creating a feedback loop between the core and the containment field so that each spike in mana is immediately countered with the precise amount of stabilizing energy."

"Next, you must factor in the temporal resonance of the containment field itself. Mana doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it interacts with time, causing echoes that can destabilize the system if not properly synchronized. Any failure to adjust the field in real-time could cause a cascading overflow, not just harming the immediate environment but potentially tearing a rift in the local dimension."

"For example, imagine the beast suddenly releases a spike twice as strong as its normal output. If the corrupted core cannot compensate immediately, the containment field must absorb the excess and redirect it without exceeding its threshold. Even a minor delay, even a fraction of a percent deviation, can lead to exponential instability, where the mana multiplies uncontrollably and begins feeding back into the beast, the core, and the field simultaneously. The result is catastrophic failure unless the system is perfectly synchronized."

"In short, it’s a delicate balance of real-time observation, adaptive compensation from the sage core, and continuous adjustment of the containment field while accounting for temporal echoes and energy feedback loops. Only by integrating all these factors can a mage or sage hope to maintain control over such a volatile situation."

He paused, letting the words sink in.

Every student was staring at him, wide-eyed. Even Eugene’s normally calm face revealed the faintest trace of admiration.

"Lyrium... excellent,"

Eugene said finally, voice calm but heavy with approval.

"You have not only explained the theoretical framework but also accounted for real-world fluctuations and provided a clear method of practical application. Sit down."

Ren whispered, barely audible,

"Damn... he actually did it..."

Margaret smirked faintly, while Lily’s eyes glimmered with admiration.

Silas leaned back, still calm, but the corner of his lips twitched upward slightly.

Lyrium returned to his seat, letting a faint smile tug at the corner of his lips.

For a moment, the weight of the impossible problem lifted, and he felt the quiet satisfaction of solving what no one else could.

Silas, sitting diagonally behind him, tilted his head slightly, a faint chuckle escaping him.

"To be honest, I don’t understand a single thing you just said, haha..."

Ren, leaning back added with a dramatic groan,

"Bruh... I don’t even understand what Professor Eugene’s question was in the first place!"

Lyrium let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing his head back.

"Okay, okay... let me break it down for you in the simplest way possible, so even you two can follow,"

He said, rolling his eyes playfully. Margaret and Lily leaned in slightly, curious to hear his explanation.

"Here’s the deal,"

Lyrium started, putting his hands up like he was about to perform a magic trick.

"Professor Eugene asked something really fancy and complicated about how to control a powerful magical beast and a partly broken energy core at the same time. Sounds scary, right?"

Ren nodded vigorously, making exaggerated gestures like

"Yes, scary!"

Lyrium continued,

"But really, it’s simple. Imagine you have a big, angry dog that keeps jumping around and growling. You also have a friend who’s a little weak today and can’t hold it in. Professor Eugene wants to know how you stop the dog from breaking your house while also helping your friend hold the dog back."

Margaret raised a brow but nodded slowly, starting to get the picture.

Lily’s eyes lit up as she leaned forward.

Lyrium grinned,

"Now the answer is even simpler. You don’t panic. You watch what the dog is doing every second. If it jumps left, you block left. If it jumps right, you block right. Meanwhile, you help your friend by giving little pushes or guidance so they don’t get knocked over. Keep adjusting as things change, and don’t let the dog or your friend get overwhelmed. Boom. That’s basically it."

Ren tilted his head, pretending to understand but still confused.

"Wait... so we just... keep an eye on it and help our weak friend? That’s it?"

"Yes! Exactly,"

Lyrium said, nodding firmly.

"The so-called fancy, impossible math stuff is just a way of saying: pay attention, react in real-time, and adjust constantly. That’s all it is."

Silas finally leaned back, a small smirk on his face.

"Huh... okay. That actually makes sense now. I was imagining some crazy explosions, dimensional rifts, all that nonsense, but you just turned it into watch the dog."

Lily giggled softly, nudging Margaret.

"See? Lyrium’s brain works differently, but somehow it makes perfect sense when he explains it."

Margaret crossed her arms, hiding a small smile as she murmured,

"Hmph... simple or not, he still makes it sound smart."

Lyrium chuckled, stretching his arms over his head.

"Exactly. Simple explanation, simple answer. The lesson here is: complicated magic doesn’t mean complicated thinking. Understand the problem, stay calm, adjust as you go. That’s it."

Ren shook his head, laughing.

"Dude... I love it. That’s way easier than imagining mana exploding everywhere like a movie."

Lyrium smirked and leaned back in his chair, satisfied.

"See? Now you get it. Even Professor Eugene would nod if he wasn’t so obsessed with making things sound impossible."

The small group laughed softly together, the tension from the impossible question melting into lighthearted camaraderie, while the rest of the classroom still stared in awe and quiet confusion, silently acknowledging Lyrium’s brilliance.

Ren leaned back in his chair, tilting his head toward Lyrium with a mischievous grin.

"Ohhh... by the way,"

He said, his tone dragging the words out for effect,

"What about that confession? The one from... Maya, right?"

Lyrium rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a faint sigh.

"Hah... yeah, that one."

He muttered, shifting slightly in his seat as he glanced at Silas, Margaret, and Lily.

The others leaned in subtly, curious to hear his response.

Ren’s grin widened.

"Come on, man, you already told us you are going for a date! Are you gonna say yes? Or are you gonna leave her hanging? Don’t chicken out, bro!"

Lyrium took a deep breath and straightened, trying to keep his voice calm despite the tension.

"Well... I’m going for that date with her after class,"

He said slowly, choosing his words carefully.

"I’ll tell Maya exactly what I want. Whether I accept or reject her... I’ll let her know clearly. No games, no misunderstandings."

Margaret’s fingers twitched slightly at her side, a faint tension visible as she listened, though she said nothing.

Lily’s smile grew a little wider, leaning slightly forward with interest.

Silas, calm as ever, nodded subtly, his eyes reflecting a quiet acknowledgment.

Ren whistled lowly, a mix of approval and teasing in his voice.

"Ooooh... look at you, all responsible and stuff! I didn’t expect that from you, Lyrium. Going straightforward, huh? I like it!"

Lyrium smirked faintly, though his chest tightened just a little.

"Yeah... no point in dragging it out. If I’m going to deal with this, I’d rather be honest and upfront. That’s all."

Ren leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially.

"Just... make sure you don’t break a girl’s heart, alright? I’m telling you now, buddy. Even if it’s a little complicated, be careful."

He tossed a mock-serious glance toward Lyrium, then tossed the comment off casually.

Lyrium chuckled softly.

"Don’t worry, I’ll handle it properly. I’m not that kind of guy."

Lily tilted her head, smiling knowingly.

"It’s good that you’re being straightforward. Most people your age would just fumble and overthink."

Margaret, still silent, just watched Lyrium with a subtle sharpness in her eyes, her emotions unreadable, though a tiny sigh escaped her as she shifted slightly.

Lyrium let his gaze drift toward the window for a moment, thinking quietly.

’Alright... let’s see how this goes. No hiding, no pretending. I’ll face it straight on.’

Ren, noticing the contemplative look, nudged him with an elbow.

"Bro, don’t overthink it too much. Just... enjoy the date. That’s all I’m saying."

Lyrium gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah... I guess that’s the best way to go about it."

The group settled into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, while the classroom around them buzzed faintly with the low hum of ongoing lectures and whispered conversations.

The tension of unspoken feelings lingered lightly in the air, balanced by camaraderie and curiosity.

*****

A/N: I was even more confused writing the Question ☠️