The Iron Arena trials were over.
And Kaelion was no longer just a rumor.
He was ranked.
F-Class, Top 3%.
The whispers began before he even left the coliseum. They followed him through the ceremonial corridor, where lesser nobles cast sidelong glances and noble heirs clutched their blades more tightly.
They'd watched him defeat three avatars like they were training dummies.
No bloodline crest. No famed mentor. No noble proclamation.
Just strength.
Unrefined. Unexplained.
And that made Kaelion dangerous.
---
His assigned quarters were in the West Wing, F-Class level. A private room, no shared dormitory. The space was simple—polished stone, a meditation slab, a wash basin, and a window that overlooked the inner gardens.
Kael stood in silence, looking out over the Academy towers beyond.
This wasn't home.
But it felt more like one than the estate ever had.
> [System Sync Complete: Corebreaker Access Level Upgraded.]
[Trial Vault Unlocked: 3 New Options Available.]
[Mentorship Slot Offered: Instructor Solenne. Accept?]
Kael dismissed the prompt for now.
He didn't need a mentor.
He needed clarity.
And strength.
---
Elsewhere…
A high-level chamber flickered with floating sigils. Seven faculty members sat around a circle—figures cloaked in elemental regalia, eyes glowing with layered Cores.
Highmaster Veyros stood at the center, arms behind his back.
"He's different," murmured the wind-clad Sora Vaelis. "No elemental signature. No path. Just… power."
"Wild power," added Rune-Tutor Belk. "Which can be molded. Or controlled."
"If we're fast," said Velra Aurelian, now seated among them in formal robes. Her flame-red hair was tied back, her amber eyes still sharp. "But if we push him too hard—"
"He'll burn everything," Veyros finished.
The room fell silent.
Then the Headmaster turned.
"Begin the first probe," he said. "Let's see what kind of wolf we've let into the hall."
---
Back at the Academy training grounds…
Kaelion's name was already carved into the ranked pillars outside the arena.
Most avoided it.
One didn't.
A tall, silver-haired youth leaned against the post, arms folded, lips curled in disdain. His armor bore the crest of House Rivenhart—a noble family known for their blood affinity and blade technique.
He'd watched Kaelion's fight with narrowed eyes and grinding teeth.
"Top 3%," he muttered. "Without bloodline… without legacy."
He spat to the side.
"Let's see how long that lasts."
---
Later that evening…
Kaelion stood in the outer court, where a few candidates practiced.
That's when he saw her again.
Velra.
Not in armor. Not in flame.
In a simple combat robe, red hair braided and eyes bright with challenge.
"Still alive," she said.
"Disappointed?"
She shrugged. "A little. I was hoping you'd break someone's nose."
"I might tomorrow."
They shared a moment of silence before she spoke again.
"The others are watching you. The Council. The old bloodlines. Even the assassins."
"I figured," he replied. "Wolves don't like strays."
She smirked. "Strays don't usually have teeth this sharp."
---
Before she turned to leave, she said one more thing:
"They'll come at you sideways. They'll test your temper, not your skill. If you flinch, you're prey. Don't flinch, Kael."
"I won't," he said softly.
She nodded once and vanished into the dusk.
---
> [System Alert: Unmarked Duel Challenge Pending.]
[Location: South Garden Arena. Time: Midnight.]
Kaelion's silver eyes narrowed.
It had begun