Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 22: Trio

The Academy, just like described inside of the novel, was like an entire city.

But since it was still a while from the Solstis, there were barely any Sleepers here. Only about 20.

It seemed like once a month, the Academy would intake some people, and I fell into the perfect quota of this month.

There didn't seem to be any legacy among the people already inside of the 20 people here, which made sense.

Legacy's would probably come a lot closer towards the end of the time frame, to quickly befriend some sleepers.

"Hello." I heard a voice call out to me, and when I turned in that direction I was surprised to see 2 other people in front of me.

"Hi." I greeted the pair who walked up to me with a polite smile on my face.

Sure, it had been a while since I have had social interactions, but that did not mean I forgot how to communicate with people.

"My name is Roland," the slightly chubbier of the 2 spoke.He had soft-faced features, with smooth skin that betrays a life of privilege. His rich, curly brown hair is neatly groomed, and his fine clothes seem almost too tight, as though he's never known the hardship of physical exertion.

It was a surprise how this guy even managed to survive inside of the nightmare realm.

"And this is Darian." Roland continued the introduction. Darian was a short, wiry man with sharp features and a perpetually cunning expression. His black hair is cropped messily, and his dark eyes dart around like a predator sizing up a mark, giving him the unmistakable look of a rogue accustomed to life in the shadows.

"My name is Klaus, it's nice to meet you guys." I told them while nodding politely.

Roland had a pleasant smile on his face as he seemed to get comfortably quickly and walked closer to me.

"Ah, finally a nice guy, not like those arrogant bunch. They keep looking down on us since we aren't as affluent as them."

I looked at the direction Roland was pointing to see a large crowd of people.

They had haughty smiles on their faces and all the actions they were doing seemed so forced, but I tried to ignore them.

After all, my job here wasn't to make friends.

At least not with NPCs I knew most likely would die.

"Hello everyone." Someone introduced himself, and as he did everyone inside of the hall looked towards the man.

"I am Awakened Rock. Sleepers, welcome to the Academy."

…

Two weeks had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. 

In these 2 weeks I did some research and was easily able to find out that nothing about the forgotten shore was none.

Add to the fact that no one knew of Nephis's True Name yet, I figured I came into a timeline before the novel had even begun.

I had spent most of my days in the wilderness survival class, practising my staff techniques whenever I got the chance. 

It reminded me of the harsh training I had endured with Mori Jin, and each swing of Ruyi Jingu helped me hone the lessons I had learned.

Roland and Darian were often my companions during the rare moments of downtime. Roland, despite his pampered appearance, had developed a surprising knack for navigation and resource management, always ensuring we had enough supplies. 

Darian, true to his rogue-like nature, was a master of stealth and observation. His sharp eyes often caught things the rest of us missed, and his dry, sarcastic wit helped pass the time.

We were an odd trio, but we made it work.

Every now and then, I would glance at the other Sleepers, wondering how they would fare. 

Most were wide-eyed and cautious, still adjusting to life here. Some showed promise, while others seemed destined to fade into the background. 

Still, it was clear the Academy was toughening everyone up.

The atmosphere had grown more competitive, more serious, with each new day. The Solstis was drawing near.

As I twirled my staff around me in one of the training yards, I couldn't help but feel the change within myself as well. 

My movements were becoming more fluid, more precise.

One day, after another gruelling session in the wilderness, Roland approached me.

"A new batch of Sleepers came in today," he said, wiping his forehead. "Seems like some of them might be legacies this time."

Darian, lounging nearby, snorted. "Great. More people to deal with. Just what we needed."

"Let's go check them out then," I said calmly, taking the lead as usual. Somehow, over the past couple of months, I'd naturally assumed the role of leader among us three. 

Darian, always quiet but reliable, followed my commands without question. Roland, on the other hand, liked to voice his complaints but ultimately followed suit in the end. 

I unsummoned Ruyi Jingu and made my way toward the hall where the new Sleepers had gathered. 

The observer's arena above the assembly was packed with older Sleepers, all eager to see the fresh faces. Some even went down to introduce themselves to the new Legacy clan members, their voices filled with excitement and curiosity. 

But I wasn't interested in any of them.

My attention was drawn to a figure in the crowd, someone who stood out immediately. 

A pale-haired girl, her movements frail as she was escorted by a government official. Her name echoed in my mind before anyone could say it out loud.

Cassie.

The demoness herself.

...

Authors note:

Unfortunately this isn't a continuation of the fanfic. I simply had a couple of spare chapters I wanted to upload.

I am currently trying a new project, which is basically my own novel but I will be uploading it as a fanfic since honestly I write mainly for interaction with people.

I write to share ideas and run through scenarios with people, so I hope you will try my new project out.

It is called "Eternal Heir."

Do not subscribe to patreon for this fanfic anymore thanks.