Chapter 7: The Creator's Call
It was 8:30 AM on a Saturday. My right hand still throbbed, the dull ache reminding me of yesterday's madness. It had recovered—about 80%. Not enough.
I hadn't slept at all.
A ping echoed from my wristwatch: Your investment account has been opened.
"Nice," I muttered. I was still a minor, so normally, a guardian's approval was required. But since I attended Diamond Academy, a few exceptions applied.
Without hesitation, I transferred 500,000 Shards into the account. A modest sum compared to others, but enough to start playing the stock game.
As the exchange opened, I picked up a few shares here and there. No time to waste.
Right... the Numbers.
A shadow group. Influential. Secretive. Each member went by a number instead of a name. No one knew their real faces. Except me.
I knew the place they called home. I even knew the leader. Because once... I was one of them.
I left when the rumors started—that they'd shifted from anti-phantom operations to full-blown crime. If I returned now, the leader would probably accept me back without question.
But I wasn't going back.
Suddenly, pain shot through my arm like a knife made of fire. Blood spurted from the old scar, staining my sleeve.
"Tch—" I bit my lip and grabbed a towel, pressing it hard. The symbol on my upper arm pulsed, glowing with heat.
Message: The Stigma has awakened. It now contains usable magical power. The Creator bestows it upon you. The next phase will awaken as your fame and actions reach the world.
Another message followed:
World Knowledge has been added — a gift from the Creator.
"The Creator, huh..."
---
The sky that weekend was annoyingly clear. I'd been summoned to the Belester Association for a ceremony regarding the phantom incident.
The plaza was packed. Cadets. Civilians. Authorities.
I spotted Saul and Lila at the edge of the crowd and made my way over.
Lila gave me a glare like I'd insulted her hairstyle. I yawned.
"Boring," I said.
Still glaring, she muttered, "You're growing wings, huh? I'll clip them before you fly."
What's her problem now? I thought. Dressed all pretty, and yet she talks like a villainess.
She smirked. "Don't think I forgot."
"Forgot what?"
"I'm the one who saved everyone. You just stood there in fear."
I raised an eyebrow. "Sure about that? Pretty sure I'm the one who actually beat the phantom."
Her eyes narrowed, burning with silent fury.
Before we could continue, Saul stepped in.
"Lila, could you move over a bit?"
"Why?!"
"Please."
She clicked her tongue and scooted sideways.
"Thanks for what you did back there," Saul said to me.
"Just did what I had to."
Before we could talk more, the air suddenly grew heavy. Dense magic pressure surged.
He had arrived.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. "He's here! Get ready!"
Fang, the Hero. He stepped onto the stage with slow, deliberate movements. Silver hair. Trimmed beard. Eyes like daggers. Even his footsteps had weight.
He scanned the crowd. "Why must I always deal with these noisy ceremonies?"
He reached the podium. The event officially began. Leading it was Hero Shin—a high-ranking figure even among the elite.
Saul, Lila, and I were called forward.
"Are you Saul Mayne?" Shin asked.
"Yes, sir."
"I've heard good things. Keep it up." He shook Saul's hand.
"Thank you, sir."
"And you must be Lila Dawn."
She nodded, quietly taking the handshake.
Then he turned to me. "And you are?"
"Cadet Paul Wayne."
"Alright."
That's it? I thought. Not that I expected much.
"Thank you for protecting the people," he added before walking away.
After the ceremony, we were informed there'd be a financial reward. I slipped away quickly and ducked into a quiet café.
I ordered an orange drink and pulled up my system. World Knowledge was now unlocked.
A book materialized before me—ancient in design, yet brimming with magic. It held truths beyond comprehension.
Before I could explore further, a voice cut in.
"Cadet Paul. I've been looking for you."
I looked up. Rose Andrey.
Guild Master of Grace Guild.
"You know me?"
"Yes, I do." She handed me a card.
Rose Andrey — Grace Guild Master
"If I may ask—"
"Nope," I cut her off, standing up.
"Don't forget to call," she said, still smiling.
Outside, I dropped the card into the trash.
Back in my room, a message arrived: 12 Million Shards deposited.
Nice.
I glanced at my arm. The newly awakened Stigma looked like a sleek tattoo, etched with mystic lines.
Opening the World Knowledge book again, I read:
World Knowledge (WK): A book containing truths of the world.
"So that's how it works," I muttered.
Then—
Emergency Alert: Several cadets have gone missing. Stay alert.
Not surprising. WK confirmed it. Even Mira Roodes was marked as a potential next target.
Another message appeared:
Please save them. —The Creator
I closed the book. Then came a call.
Mira Roodes.
"Speak of the devil," I said, answering.
"Hello, Paul."
"Hello, Mira."
"What's with the tone?"
"Hope you're not involved."
"Don't know what you mean."
"Never mind."
"I heard you fought a pha—"
I ended the call.
A text came in seconds later:
Do you know about the Swamp Lizard?
I chuckled. What of it?
I need information.
I don't have it.
I'll pay you.
Still no. Ask someone else.
She didn't reply.
I laughed. "She still thinks everything's solvable with money. Still a kid."
---
End of Chapter 7