Capítulo 26: Chapter 26: The Assembly of Secrets
The Main Hall was packed, a sea of students filling every seat, their voices a dull murmur of curiosity and confusion. Lio and Mia slipped into the back row, scanning the stage where several high-ranking academy officials stood, including the dean and a few professors. A massive holographic display hovered overhead, ready to broadcast whatever important message they were about to deliver.
But there was an odd tension in the air, a feeling that something wasn't right. Lio could sense it—the same strange pressure he had felt when the Hunter first appeared. His instincts were on high alert, and he exchanged a glance with Mia, who seemed equally uneasy.
"What do you think this is about?" Mia whispered, her eyes scanning the room.
"I'm not sure," Lio replied. "But something feels off."
Before Mia could respond, the lights dimmed, and the dean stepped forward, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the stage. His expression was unreadable, his eyes scanning the crowd with a serious intensity.
"Students," the dean began, his voice echoing through the hall. "Today's assembly is of great importance. In light of recent events, we must address a threat that concerns not only the academy but the entire world."
Lio's heart skipped a beat. Recent events? Was he talking about the Whisper? Or the Hunter?
"As many of you know, the integration of magic and technology is the foundation of our society," the dean continued, his tone grave. "But what most of you do not realize is that there are forces within this world that seek to manipulate and control that power for their own gain."
A murmur spread through the crowd, and Lio leaned forward in his seat, his mind racing. This wasn't just some routine announcement. The dean was talking about something far bigger—something connected to the secrets Lio had been uncovering.
"These forces have begun to move," the dean said, his gaze sweeping over the students. "We have received intelligence that an underground group, known only as The Veil, has infiltrated the academy. Their goal is to seize control of a powerful artifact—one that could tip the balance of power in their favor."
Lio's blood ran cold. The Veil? Wasn't that the same name as the secret wing of the academy where the Whisper had led him? His mind raced, connecting the dots.
The dean continued, his voice steady. "This artifact, known as the Whisper, is a code embedded deep within the magic-tech network. It holds the potential to alter reality itself. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences would be catastrophic."
Lio's chest tightened. He knew it. The Whisper was more dangerous than he had imagined—and now it seemed like he was caught in the middle of something far bigger than a simple pursuit of knowledge.
"We have reason to believe that members of The Veil are among us, posing as students or faculty," the dean said, his voice dropping lower. "Security measures have been heightened, and we ask that you remain vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately."
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, fear and confusion spreading like wildfire. Lio glanced at Mia, who looked equally shocked.
"The Whisper…" Mia whispered, her eyes wide. "Lio, this is what you were talking about, isn't it?"
Lio nodded, his throat dry. "Yeah. And now it sounds like we're in the middle of a war we didn't even know was happening."
Before Mia could respond, the dean raised his hand, calling for silence. "One more thing," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. "We are aware that The Veil may have already made contact with certain individuals within the academy. If you believe you have been targeted, or if you possess any information about their activities, please come forward immediately."
Lio's stomach dropped. Targeted. That word echoed in his mind, heavy with meaning. The Hunter—whoever they were—had already made contact with him. Did that mean he was already on The Veil's radar?
"Lio…" Mia's voice was tense, her expression serious. "You need to be careful. If this is what you've been involved in, then you might already be a target."
"I know," Lio muttered, his mind spinning. "But I can't go to them. Not yet. I don't know who to trust."
Mia nodded, her eyes hardening. "Then we need to figure this out. We can't wait for them to come to us. We need to find out who's behind The Veil and why they want the Whisper."
Lio clenched his fists, determination welling up inside him. "Agreed. We can't let them get their hands on the Whisper. Not after everything we've learned."
The dean's final words echoed in Lio's mind as the lights came back on and the students began to file out of the hall. "Remain vigilant. Trust no one."
Lio and Mia remained seated for a moment, watching as the students dispersed. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them both. Lio's connection to the Whisper was no longer just a personal quest for knowledge—it was a matter of survival.
"We need a plan," Mia said, breaking the silence. "If The Veil is already here, we need to move fast."
Lio nodded, standing up and adjusting his wrist device. "We start with the archives. There has to be more information there—something about The Veil, or the Whisper, or anything that can give us an edge."
"Agreed," Mia said, her voice resolute. "We'll meet up tonight. Let's stay out of sight until then. We don't know who might be watching."
Lio gave her a determined nod, but as they turned to leave, his wrist device buzzed again. A cold dread settled in his chest as he glanced down at the screen.
Another message.
"The Hunter knows."
Lio's heart skipped a beat. The Hunter was watching. The game was already in motion.
"Lio?" Mia asked, sensing the shift in his demeanor.
He showed her the message, and her eyes widened. "What do we do?"
Lio stared at the words on the screen, his pulse racing. The Hunter was still out there, lurking in the shadows. But now, more than ever, Lio knew they couldn't afford to hesitate.
"We move," Lio said, his voice hardening. "We move fast, before the Hunter makes their next move."
And with that, they slipped into the crowd, ready to confront the storm that was fast approaching.
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