The rumors had reached every corner of the academy.
"Epsilon Shadow is real."
"It's Alex Vonn."
"But how? He was in the lowest class."
Everywhere Alex went, students whispered behind his back, their gazes filled with shock, envy, or curiosity. Even those from the Alpha and Beta Classes, who usually ignored Epsilon students, now found themselves intrigued by the name Epsilon Shadow.
At first, Alex felt indifferent. But the more the whispers grew, the more he realized that his situation was becoming dangerous.
The higher ups were watching him.
Not just the students, but also the school's top security experts, the professors, and even the elite families that funded the academy.
This wasn't something he could ignore.
Late that evening, Alex met Crystal and Jasper in an abandoned courtyard behind the academy's old training grounds. The area was dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement.
Jasper leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Crystal sat on an old wooden bench, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
"You're finally worried, huh?" Jasper smirked.
Alex sighed. "Not worried. Just cautious."
Crystal tilted her head. "So what do you need our help with?"
Alex hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Since both of you come from Original Families, I need you to spread a rumor one that will make the school's higher ups hesitate before making a move against me."
Jasper narrowed his eyes. "You want them to believe you're actually backed by an Original Family?"
"Exactly," Alex nodded. "If they think I'm already under the protection of a high ranking family, they won't risk investigating me too much. And that way, I can move more freely."
Crystal's lips curled into a small smile. "Smart move. But risky. If anyone finds out it's fake, you'll be in more danger than before."
Jasper chuckled. "Not bad, Alex. You're playing the game like a true manipulator."
Alex didn't respond. He knew this was a gamble, but he also knew it was necessary.
"So, will you help me?" he asked.
Crystal exchanged glances with Jasper before nodding. "Alright. I'll have my family's network start dropping hints that you've been secretly recruited."
Jasper smirked. "And I'll make sure the academy's digital system gets a few... updates suggesting the same thing."
Alex let out a breath of relief. "Thanks."
Jasper clapped him on the back. "Don't thank us yet. This could backfire spectacularly."
Crystal stood up, her red eyes gleaming. "Let's just hope no one actually tries to test whether or not you have a family's protection."
The next day, the academy's rumor mill exploded with new whispers.
"Did you hear? Alex Vonn was actually recruited by an Original Family!"
"That makes sense! There's no way a normal Epsilon Class student could have such strong shadow abilities!"
"But which family? No one knows..."
The speculation only made the legend of Epsilon Shadow grow stronger.
Even the academy's top officials started to hesitate. If Alex truly was under the protection of an Original Family, then taking direct action against him could be dangerous.
Even Aristotle and Sarah took notice.
Aristotle, who possessed the powerful Morningstar Tay, found himself frowning when he heard the news.
"So it's true," he muttered. "Alex really is Epsilon Shadow."
Sarah, who wielded a Magic Tay, wasn't far behind. She sat in her dorm, staring at the reports she had gathered.
"How did this happen? He was nothing more than an ordinary student before. Just what is he hiding?"
That night, Alex received a message on his personal bracelet.
[Anonymous]: Whoever you are… you're playing a dangerous game. I hope you're ready for what comes next.]
Alex stared at the message, his mind racing.
It seemed that someone wasn't fooled.
And they were watching him closely.
The following day, as Alex made his way to class, he was stopped by a group of students from the Alpha Class.
Leading them was none other than Marcus, the thunder-wielding warrior who had confronted Crystal days earlier.
"So," Marcus said, crossing his arms. "The rumors are true, huh? You've been recruited?"
Alex didn't respond immediately. Instead, he met Marcus's gaze calmly. "That's what they say."
Marcus smirked. "You expect me to believe that some low-rank Epsilon nobody suddenly got the attention of an Original Family?"
"Believe what you want," Alex said coolly.
The other Alpha students murmured among themselves. Some looked skeptical, while others seemed genuinely unsure.
Marcus took a step closer. "If you really are backed by an Original Family, then you wouldn't mind proving it, right?"
Alex remained still. He had expected something like this.
Crystal had warned him that someone might test him.
Jasper had prepared him for possible confrontations.
Now, it was happening.
"Do I need to prove anything to you?" Alex finally asked. "Last time I checked, the Academy doesn't let Alpha Class students challenge Epsilon Class students outside of tournaments."
Marcus's expression darkened. "You're good with words, Vonn. But words won't protect you forever."
Alex smirked. "Neither will electricity."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then Marcus let out a low chuckle. "Alright, Epsilon Shadow. Let's see how long you can keep up this act."
With that, he turned and walked away, his Alpha Class lackeys following him.
Alex exhaled slowly.
This was only the beginning.
But one thing was certain his name, his legend, and his shadow would only continue to grow.