The misunderstood genius

Joe wasn't sure what was worse—the fact that a secret organization was watching him, or that they somehow thought he was important.

Still, he had no choice but to go.

At dawn, Joe arrived at the Midnight Tower, a crumbling ruin on the outskirts of the academy. The moment he stepped inside, torches flared to life, casting eerie shadows across the stone walls.

Then, they appeared.

A dozen cloaked figures materialized from the darkness, their eyes glowing with magic. The air grew thick with power. Joe gulped.

A tall man, cloaked in red, stepped forward. "Welcome, Joe Hoeyol. We are The Veil. For centuries, we have sought the true heir of magic. And now… you stand before us."

Joe blinked. "…I do?"

The Veil members nodded, whispering among themselves.

"He plays the fool."

"Such wisdom… he does not reveal his true thoughts."

"Truly, a mind beyond ours…"

Joe: (Wait, what?)

The leader raised his hand. "Before we continue, we must test you."

Oh no.

"Defeat our strongest warrior in a battle to the death."

Oh NO.

A massive man, clad in dark armor, stepped forward. He was at least seven feet tall, his arms rippling with power. He unsheathed a massive black sword crackling with cursed energy.

Joe's soul left his body.