Morning sunlight poured over the eastern training fields of Arkwyn Academy. Birds chirped. Trees swayed gently.
And Kael Vaelthorn stood at the center of it all, surrounded by chaos.
"Team leaders, step forward!"
Kael didn't move.
"Kael Vaelthorn," barked Instructor Garreth, "step. Forward."
He blinked. "I didn't volunteer."
"You were nominated by half the instructors."
Kael sighed.
Beside him, Lyra gave a subtle thumbs-up. Hema adjusted her glasses, already flipping through a strategy scroll. Raen folded his arms, standing off to the side, scowling like thunder.
And the fake protagonist—Eiren Locke—smirked from across the arena. Cloak too clean. Hair too perfect. A sword strapped across his back like he expected applause.
"Oh, this'll be fun," Kael muttered under his breath.
—
The Setup
Team Trial Week. The biggest team-based tactical exercise in first-year curriculum.
Rules:
Each team must survive in a simulated battlefield for five days.
Every night, monster waves arrive.
Resources are limited.
Other teams may sabotage or attack.
Only one team earns the gold emblem of "Strategic Excellence."
Kael: "Can't we just nap it out?"
Lyra: "I already packed food, bandages, maps, and two emergency potions."
Hema: "I've calculated twenty-seven possible ambush routes. We'll need twelve backup plans."
Kael: "...Cool. I brought a stick."
—
Team Kael (as forced by the universe):
Kael Vaelthorn (Leader, apparently)
Lyra (Sword Saint-in-training)
Hema (Tactical Genius)
Renley (Healer with nervous breakdown tendencies)
Mira (Silent archer who only speaks to squirrels)
Kael looked around his "elite" squad.
"This is my team?" he asked quietly.
Lyra beamed. "We're the best."
Renley sneezed into a flower.
Mira petted a squirrel and whispered, "They're watching the fake prince."
Kael sighed. "I already want to forfeit."
—
First Day: The Forest Zone
The teams entered different corners of the simulated forest. Magical barriers, hidden traps, enchanted animals—it was a high-level battlefield simulation.
Kael's group moved efficiently.
Because they followed Lyra.
Who followed Kael.
Because everyone assumed Kael had some divine strategic route in mind.
Which he didn't.
He was looking for shade.
And found a high-ground ridge, hidden by vines, perfect for defense.
Hema blinked at the site. "He predicted the terrain advantage in advance… impressive."
Kael lay down under a tree. "Nope. Just tired."
Lyra stared at him like he was glowing. "Genius masquerading as exhaustion. Typical."
—
Meanwhile: Team Eiren
Fake MC Eiren posed dramatically on a rock.
"We attack Kael's team at dawn," he said.
His fake heroine, Arla, nodded. "He thinks he's untouchable."
Another student whispered, "What if he really is? He's never lost."
Eiren scoffed. "Beginner's luck. He's no match for a true Chosen One."
In the shadows, a black-robed figure from the Secret Society took notes.
> Observation: Eiren continues to underestimate the Darklord.
Observation: Target Kael is sunbathing. This may be a meditation ritual.
Suggest elevation of threat level to 'Abyssal Serpent tier'.
—
Nightfall: Monster Wave One
Magical beasts roared as dozens of teams scrambled.
In Kael's camp, Mira's squirrel army gave warning clicks.
Renley squealed and hid behind a bush.
Lyra drew her sword. "I'll protect the perimeter."
Kael stood up slowly, yawning. "Alright, alright…"
A wolf-like creature leaped from the trees.
Kael stepped aside to dodge…
…and the beast slammed into a hidden trap, falling unconscious.
Hema stared. "He's… using the terrain masterfully."
Kael: "What terrain? I tripped on a root."
Renley screamed again as a flying snake zipped toward them. Kael lazily tossed his stick at it.
It hit the snake's eye perfectly.
It exploded.
Lyra: "He has divine aim."
Kael: "That was a stick."
—
Later That Night
Around a campfire, Kael roasted a mushroom.
Renley looked like he'd aged ten years.
Mira hummed lullabies to her squirrel spies.
Lyra cleaned her blade, eyes never leaving Kael.
Hema sketched tactical notes furiously.
> Day 1 Results:
Resources secured.
Base defended.
Morale high.
Kael continues to lead by mysterious improvisation.
Hypothesis: He's baiting the other teams into underestimating him.
Kael, eating his mushroom: "Is this poisonous?"
Mira: "Only to dishonest people."
Kael: "Tastes fine."
Everyone stared.
Hema: "That… confirms so much."
—
Elsewhere: In the Secret Society
Pillar of Espionage: "He anticipated the venomous root shrooms?"
Pillar of Shadows: "He walks blindly and the world bends for him."
Pillar of Strategy: "It's either providence… or parody."
All Seven Pillars: "He must be protected."
—
End of Chapter 39