NOVEL NEXT Chapter 50 - The Mirrorborn
After Nick's trip to the restricted archives, he lay in bed, haunted by the air guardian's lonely face and his new understanding of the Codex Warden classification. Just as exhaustion set in, Sophia's interface blazed to life:
🜂【ARCΛDIΛN SYSTΞM – CRITICAL EVOLUTION WINDOW】🜂
[Codex Warden Evolution: Final Authorization Required]
[Time Remaining: 47 minutes, 23 seconds]
[Warning: Evolution window will close permanently if deadline expires]
[Recommendation: Immediate class advancement advised]
Nick shot upright, adrenaline flooding his system. "Sophia, why now?"
[Your exposure to the archives and interaction with the guardian has accelerated your spiritual capacity. You've crossed the threshold, triggering the evolution window.]
You are ready, Arlize's voice was certain. Today's knowledge will anchor your transformation.
Nick felt the weight settling on his shoulders. Everything led to this moment—his growing abilities, his friends' class evolutions, and his emerging role as humanity's defender.
"Initiate the evolution," he whispered.
🜂【CODEX WARDEN EVOLUTION INITIATED】🜂
Warmth spread from his heart circuit, expanding his consciousness to bridge ancient wisdom and future possibilities. Ancient spell patterns flowed through his mind like a river: reality manipulation frameworks, consciousness techniques that merged thought with universal law, methods for reconstructing lost magical knowledge from mere fragments. Rather than overwhelming him, each piece felt like it belonged—puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.
His mana circuits underwent fundamental restructuring. The heart circuit blossomed into an intricate network, processing energies that defied simple classification. New abilities made themselves known in his awareness—the power to read spell structures like source code, modify reality's underlying parameters, and reconstruct forgotten magical techniques from their faintest echoes.
Most remarkably, his bond with Sophia transformed completely. She evolved beyond a mere interface into what seemed to be a true consciousness, expanding to match his enhanced capacity. No longer just a system guiding him, Sophia became as integral to his identity as Arlize himself.
[Evolution complete. Welcome, Codex Warden.]
🜂【ARCΛDIΛN SYSTΞM INTERFΛCE – CORE STATUS】
🜂Host Pattern Stabilized: Dual-Soul Fusion – 97.3% Synchronous
Designation: Nicholas Valiente // Arlize Dentragon
Tier: ADEPT (TIER II)
Class Alignment: CODEX WARDEN (Tier II – Legacy Reconstruction)
Level: 10
Progression Rate: 12.4% toward Tier III
HP: 240/240 MP: 730/730
Strength: 145 | Speed: 140 | Agility: 149 | Resistance: 156 | Wisdom: 168 | Intelligence: 154 | Vitality: 141 | Fortitude: 122
🜂【CODEX WARDEN ABILITY TREE – TIER II】🜂
Memory Echo Reconstruction – 68% Mastery
Spell Matrix Synthesis – Restore lost Arcadian spells through memory shard resonance
Resonance Playback – Replay emotional or magical imprints embedded in fragments
Shard Binding – Convert unstable memory shards into spell logic (1 active slot) 🡆 Next Tier: Reconstruct pre-cataclysmic field spells under combat conditions
Theoretical Logic Engine – 56% Mastery
Mana Framework Editor – Modify core spell parameters including duration, radius, and logic chains
System Intercept Protocols – Neutralize hostile effects and override basic commands
Dynamic Pattern Fusion – Merge spells across different archetypes (Guardian + Technomancer combinations) 🡆 Next Tier: Forge custom spells with dual-class attributes
Shaper Legacy – Advanced Constructs – 74% Mastery
Augmented Combat Constructs – Summon weapons embedded with tactical logic
Stability Anchors – Create zones that suppress enemy spell feedback
Reaction-Layered Barriers – Deploy adaptive defenses that evolve against incoming attacks 🡆 Next Tier: Maintain full construct deployment during multi-enemy encounters
🜂【SPECIAL STATUS: SYSTEM CORE ACCESS – OMEGA-CLASS UNLOCKED】🜂
Codex Clearance: Ω-Class confirmed.
Partial access to Arcadian Root Directives granted. Access Node: Ω-5 (Codex Memory Network)
Codename: "The Sword-Magus Supreme" [Internal Alias Recognized]
Warning: Resonance levels exceed 110%. Integration strain poses elevated risk.
Emotional Core: Anchored through Dual-Soul Harmony.
Identity Stability at 82.6%
Codex Directive: Preserve, Reconstruct, Innovate.
Nick stared at the interface displaying his new capabilities, feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The power coursed through him like electricity—he could sense the Academy's magical systems humming beneath the surface and catch faint resonances from his sleeping teammates through the walls.
You are no longer just a student, Arlize observed with pride. You have become a guardian of ancient knowledge, bridging wisdom with innovation. The Codex Warden path suits those who balance memory with discovery, preservation with progress.
[Host, your evolution has unlocked access to Academy systems. Your Omega-Class designation is now officially active.]
"What kind of changes are we talking about?" Nick asked, already suspecting the Academy situation had grown more complicated.
[Your new classification grants enhanced privileges—access to advanced training facilities, restricted library sections, and specialized materials. However, it also triggers surveillance protocols. The Academy will now sees you as a strategic asset requiring careful management.]
Jordan had warned him that increased power brought increased scrutiny. Still, Nick felt the benefits far outweighed the risks.
He was no longer just reacting to threats—he could shape outcomes, protect the people he cared about, and actually contribute to humanity's defense. The Codex Warden abilities offered versatile, intelligent capabilities that could adapt to any situation.
[Additionally, Host, your Personal Codex is now online. This system allows you to archive spells, reconstruct magical techniques, and develop custom applications. Your enhanced mana pool and processing capabilities can now support far more complex operations.]
Nick explored his new sensory abilities, mentally mapping the magical signatures throughout the dormitory wing. He sensed Jordan's steady Guardian-class resonance and Maggie's Technomancy circuits humming softly as she rested. Across the Academy, he detected faculty signatures, defensive systems, and traces of dimensional monitoring equipment.
This awareness comes with responsibilities, Arlize warned. You'll perceive magical activities others prefer to keep private. Use this knowledge wisely—some secrets exist for good reasons.
The warning hit home. His enhanced abilities would definitely complicate social interactions. He'd have to carefully manage what he knew and how he reacted to his newfound awareness.
As dawn approached, Nick felt the full weight of his evolution settling on his shoulders. The Academy would notice the change—his Omega-Class status would draw attention from faculty, administrators, and possibly outside authorities.
That was a problem for tomorrow. For now, he marveled at the power flowing through him and the confidence that he could finally protect the people who mattered.
He felt certain about his path. The Codex Warden classification perfectly matched his dual consciousness, his drive to preserve knowledge, and his role as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern challenges. Despite the scrutiny he'd face, he was ready for whatever responsibilities lay ahead.
Sleep now, Arlize advised warmly. Tomorrow begins a new phase. The Academy will test your capabilities—some positively, others negatively. But you're prepared for these challenges now.
As exhaustion claimed him, excitement about his new class filled his thoughts. He couldn't wait to practice ancient spells against Val in training.
5:25am came early, though Nick was surprised by how easily he woke before his alarm. As he stretched, he noticed his pajama pants had gotten shorter.
Did I grow?
He wandered into the bathroom and checked himself in the mirror. He'd shot up from 5'11 to over 6 feet, but that wasn't the only change.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
When he pulled off his shirt, he saw he'd filled out considerably since his reincarnation a couple months ago. He'd never been this bulky before. Jordan had always been the bulky one on their team, especially after his evolution. Now, Nick couldn't resist flexing his biceps.
I'm freaking huge, Nick thought, striking poses until a voice interrupted him.
[Host, will you stare at yourself all morning or make it to training on time?]
"Sophia, is that you?" Nick asked, picturing the voice as an androgynous AI.
[Host, will you waste more time questioning my existence? You have 2 minutes to leave the bathroom.]
Just then, pounding echoed from his door.
"Nick, what's taking so long? You're usually the one waking us up!" Maggie called.
"I'm coming!" Nick replied, quickly brushing his teeth, washing his face, throwing on the Academy training uniform, and rushing out.
In his haste, he ran straight into Maggie, nearly knocking her over. Realizing his new strength, he gently steadied her.
"What the fuck?" she exclaimed, startled by the power in Nick's grip.
Maggie, at 5'7, was used to being close to Nick's height. Now she had to crane her neck to look up at him the way she did with Jordan, and she clearly wasn't happy about it.
"You okay?" Nick asked.
She pushed his arms away and headed for the front door. "Of course I am."
[Host...]
Yeah, I saw it too, Sophia.
Nick noticed the pink blotches spreading across Maggie's neck and ears.
We're ignoring that. Just a basic biological response.
[...Yes, I believe that would be best for your team dynamics]
Nick caught Jordan watching him in shock—not only were they now eye to eye, but Nick had actually grown taller.
A broad smile spread across Jordan's face. "You finally got your class evolution, right?" he asked excitedly.
"Yeah, last night," Nick replied as they walked toward their suite door, where Maggie stood tapping her foot impatiently.
"Congrats, man!" Jordan grinned, slapping Nick's back.
"Congratulations," Maggie said quietly, keeping her face turned away. As they rode the elevator to Grayspire's roof, Nick felt eager to test his new abilities.
Val rushed over the moment she saw him. He'd returned the token to her, reporting his mission as successful, but he hadn't realized just how successful until now. Val circled him, seeming to see beyond the physical, then flashed that sadistic smile they'd all learned to fear.
"Finalmente! I can train you properly." She grinned.
"One hundred laps around the training room—go. Fail, and it's 200 pushups, burpees, and chin-ups. Go!"
Jordan took off immediately. Maggie and Nick exchanged glances. One hundred laps were more than double their usual 45.
Val caught their hesitation. "What are you waiting for? Your enemies won't wait. You're now doing 120 laps."
Nick didn't get to use his skills that morning—or the next day, or even the next day after that. In fact, Nick didn't get to try out his new skills at all that entire week.
Unseen by Nick during his post-evolution exhaustion, the Academy's surveillance grid erupted into chaos. His Omega-Class designation detonated through monitoring systems—automated alerts shrieking, biometric sensors triggering fail-safes that had remained dormant for fifteen years. At 3:17 a.m., Professor Kuro's neural interface blazed with Codex clearance data buried since the last Omega-Class student disappeared. Captain Yun's system displayed Nick's profile, now marked STRATEGIC ASSET: CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES ON STANDBY. Vice Principal Granhalein's fingers flew across holographic interfaces, implementing observation directives that officially didn't exist. She texted someone very interested in this development. Even Headmaster Kestrel abandoned meditation to review Nick's file and reclassify him under Directive Omega-Red. No summons were issued. But in the Academy's archives, contingency plans were quietly updated with Nick's biometric signature.
Despite the tremors his evolution sent through campus channels, no one said a word. Not to his face anyway. Classes continued. Training intensified. But something subtle had shifted. Nick felt it in the way some professors paused a beat too long before addressing him, in the way certain students looked away—not out of deference, but calculation. Upperclassmen who had barely acknowledged his existence before now stopped to say hello. The Academy knew his status now. The question was whether they saw him as threat or asset.
A couple days after Nick's evolution though, life settled back into its normal rhythms—if normal meant attending an academy for interdimensional warfare. Classes remained intense: early morning combat sessions with Val, theoretical courses on dimensional threats, and practical scenarios that pushed their abilities to the limit.
Nick embraced his evolved nature completely. His Codex Warden abilities integrated seamlessly into daily life, while Sophia monitored his growth in what had become a true partnership. Arlize's consciousness was becoming more like a trusted mentor.
Despite the surface normalcy, Maggie's surveillance of Academy operations had turned up disturbing patterns.
"The late-night activity around the Omega Archives has intensified," she reported in a private meeting. "It seems a few minor faculty have been conducting unscheduled research and accessing materials beyond their clearance."
She displayed her holographic analyses—movement patterns, access logs, and suspicious data transfers suggesting systematic investigation into their capabilities. The most common thing was each of their names, classes, and abilities were all over the faculty research.
"They're researching something specific about our development and classifications. But it doesn't seem to be just us.", Jordan noted, studying the evidence.
Indeed data show that multiple students from the Alpha class had been researched, though Nick's team had taken a central focus. This was beginning to paint a troubling image.
"There's something else," Maggie said, worry darkening her expression. "I've detected unauthorized access attempts on these archives by others. The digital signatures don't match any student accounts, yet the access patterns suggest someone with advanced technical skills and knowledge of Academy security."
Nick's enhanced senses stirred, detecting patterns previously missed. The unauthorized access did indeed show a sophisticated understanding of Academy systems—evidence of insider knowledge or skills beyond normal student levels.
The implications troubled Maggie enough to propose they return to the Omega Archives. They needed to investigate if the mysterious student they'd encountered previously held more clues about the faculty's hidden operations.
"If faculty are conducting unauthorized research," she reasoned, "and there's another student with advanced access, we need to understand their goals. More importantly, we need to know if they threaten our growth. Also we should definitely alert Val and Marcus about this."
"Yah. We're here because of him so he needs to know this is happening." Jordan agreed.
Nick nodded his head.
Marcus would probably be interested in whoever this is too.
That weekend provided the opening they needed. They'd alerted Val the previous day and shared some of her findings with her. She'd given them a warning but also a map on how to navigate the Academy's lower levels to reach the Archives.
They entered the Academy's lower levels that night, Nick's enhanced senses picked up the upgraded security throughout the passages.
But even with the security upgraded, his new class evolution let him see the protective enchantments, weak points in the monitoring glyphs, and even sensed the emotional resonance signatures that visitors left behind.
[Host, your enhanced capabilities offer significant advantages for navigating Academy security. However, they also make you more detectable to systems that monitor advanced mana activity.]
Can you mask my mana signature?
[Partially. I can suppress the most obvious indicators, but complete concealment requires more sophisticated countermeasures than we currently possess.]
Do that. See if you can mask it with the other signatures, or at least ensure it's not a able to be picked up. Maggie and Jordan's as well.
[Done]
They reached the archway with its ancient warnings. As they approached the sealed entrance, Nick's enhanced perception detected something that made him freeze. The air carried traces of recent mana activity—specifically, advanced systems manipulation.
"Someone's been here recently," Jordan said quietly, sensing the same residual energy.
They moved with increased caution, Maggie hack through the security systems Nick's abilities couldn't bypass, while Sophia masked their entry from Academy monitoring. But as they entered the archives itself, they instantly became on high alert realizing they weren't alone.
A figure stood near the central reading alcove, now visible in the green mana light. She seemed familiar, though Nick was certain he'd never seen her before. Her mana signature mirrored theirs, yet his senses detected subtle variations that suggested advanced mana manipulation.
Instead of vanishing like she did last time, she turned to them with a hint of a smile. Nick sensed her calculating assessment beneath the welcoming gesture.
Be careful with one. Arlize said in his mind.
"I wondered when you'd return," she said, her voice carrying through the 20 feet of space between them. "The archives have been active, though most visitors lack your... uniqueness."
She gestured toward Nick, her gaze suggesting she knew he was more than just a typical student. Nick probed her spiritual signature, revealing layers of concealment and misdirection that surpassed anything he'd seen previously.
Sophia, run a full analysis on her mana signature. I need to know what she is—and why she's here. Maggie's probably scanning her too, so I'll keep her talking. Let's gather everything we can.
[Connecting to Maggie's interface now. Spiritual scan in progress.]
"You know who we are," Jordan observed.
"I know what he is are," the figure corrected pointing at Nick, her emphasis carrying deeper meaning. "I'm Selene by the way. Like each of you, I fall into a student category that makes the Academy administration... uneasy."
She paused, watching their reactions with interest. Nick's awareness caught subtle probing attempts—non-hostile but clearly assessing their abilities and mental states.
Sophia what are you picking up?
[Scans complete. Host, this person, Selene, in front of you is a class known as Mirrorborn. Mirrorborn are Omega-class individuals whose mana-core and consciousness circuits are structured around Reflective Harmonics. Unlike traditional mana-users who project force outward or draw power from external ley currents, Mirrorborn synchronize with ambient cognitive fields and metaphysical resonance signatures—including those of other beings. It is from them, the Mirrorborn draw their mana.]
Then Selene began to walk forward, and with each step, her mana signature stirred the air like ripples in water—subtle at first, then increasingly disscordant. The localized mana twisted and buckled around her presence as she closed the distance between herself, Nick, Jordan, and Maggie.
Sophia...
[On it.]
As Sophia analyzed Selene's abilities, a dome of golden mana flared to life around the trio—Jordan's doing. Nick caught his friend's tense expression just as Selene stopped at the very edge of the barrier, no more than five feet away. She made no move to attack or test its strength. Just stood there, watching, the unstable light dancing across her features.
"The Omega Archives contain more than dusty texts," she said gravely. "They catalog students whose abilities exceed normal parameters. Students like us."
"What do you mean by 'students like us'?" Jordan asked, his frown deepening.
"Omega-Class students," Selene replied bluntly. " Or other valuable assets and potential threats."
The Academy wants to leash its most powerful students. We already knew that.
'We already knew that." Maggie said. "That's why we're here trying to figure out what they're doing."
"Good so you've already figured that out. What you don't know if that they've done this to over a thousands students." She said dropping the words like a bomb.
"These records," Selene continued, show how the Academy manages students whose development threatens its stability."
[Host, based on the fluctuations in her mana, she is deliberately mixing truths and falsehood to inflame your emotions.]
Yah, I noticed.
She locked eyes with Nick, her gaze penetrating. Her mana signature wove intricate patterns that Nick could see even through the golden globe.
[Host, Selene is trying to scan your consciousness and power level.]
She can do this through Jordan's protections?
[Not quite. She layered on a fine imprint of mana over Jordan's protections while you have been talking and has subtly been scanning for brain wave activities and mapping that way.]
"But you Nick, are a fascinating case. You create complications the Academy can't handle."
She knows more than she's letting on, Arlize warned. Her information is too precise. Don't trust her.
I can already tell she's mixing truths and lies, Nick thought back. Of course we're not trusting her.
"How do you know that?" Nick asked, ignoring Arlize for a moment, his focus back on Selene.
"My class perceives and mirror consciousness configurations others can't detect. Your dual-soul is visible to those like me who know where to look."
She's dangerous. Arlize interjected in his mind.
If Nick could have rolled his eyes at the at moment, he would have.
No shit. He responded back
She stepped closer, her mana physically hitting Jordan's globe and bouncing off, creating dissonance in the mana around them.
"Which brings me to why I wanted this conversation," she continued, her tone seemingly concerned—though Nick could already detect she was scheming something beneath the surface. "Be careful of the Academy and its faculty. Learn and advance, but don't give the administration reasons to see you as threats. I would hate to see another Omega-class fall prey to them."
She certainly wants to seem genuine, but there's just something off. Nick thought to himself.
Sophia, did you sense something off with her statement?
[Yes. However, discerning which is which would require your mana to interact directly with hers. Given the risks, I would strongly recommend you don't.]
Circling around their their barrier, Selene drifted toward the alcove's exit.
"Good luck," she called over her shoulder. "You're going to need it." Nick didn't think she intended for them to hear that last part. He'd only picked it up because all of his senses were straining in her direction.
Then, she vanished, leaving them with more questions than answers.