During the day, Magnus continued to train with Arnold, Tracy, and Eleanor, playing the part of the obedient, eager student. He listened to their instructions, followed their guidance, and pretended to believe in the prophecy they had fabricated. But beneath the surface, his distrust grew.
Eleanor, in particular, was a constant source of tension. She was always there, watching him, encouraging him, pretending to care. Magnus played along, hiding his true feelings behind a mask of gratitude and determination. He knew he couldn't trust her, but he also knew he needed her—for now.
One afternoon, as they trained in the garden, Eleanor approached him, her expression unreadable. "You've been doing well," she said, her tone neutral. "But I can tell you're holding back. Why?"
Magnus hesitated, then shrugged. "I'm just being careful. The crystal's power is… unpredictable. I don't want to lose control."
Eleanor studied him for a moment, her gaze piercing. "You don't have to be afraid, Magnus. We're here to help you. You can trust us."
Magnus forced a smile, though his stomach churned with unease. "I know. And I'm grateful for everything you've done for me."
Eleanor nodded, though her expression remained guarded. "Good. Because the day is coming, Magnus. The day when you'll need to fully embrace the crystal's power. And when that day comes, we'll be there to guide you."
Magnus nodded, though his mind was already racing. He knew what she meant—the day of the ritual, when they would try to take his power and destroy him. But he also knew that he would be ready. He would fight back, no matter the cost.
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As the months passed, Magnus continued to train in secret, growing stronger with each passing day. He learned to control the crystal's energy with precision, to use it in ways that even Arnold and Tracy couldn't anticipate. But he was careful not to fully master it, not to show his true potential. He knew that if he did, they would grow suspicious, and his plan would be ruined.
The faithful day was coming. Magnus could feel it in the air, in the way Arnold and Tracy watched him, in the way Eleanor's smiles grew sharper, more calculating. They were preparing for the ritual, and so was he.
One night, as he sat in the storage room, channeling the crystal's energy, he felt a surge of power unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if the crystal was calling to him, urging him to let go, to fully embrace its power. But he held back, forcing himself to stay in control.
He knew that when the day came, he would need every ounce of strength, every bit of skill he had learned. He didn't know how he would stop them, how he would fight back, but he knew one thing for certain—he would not go down without a fight.
The crystal's hum grew louder in his mind, a constant reminder of the power he held—and the danger he faced. He could feel the energy coursing through him, stronger than ever before, but he held it in check, waiting for the right moment.
The faithful day was coming. And when it did, Magnus would be ready.