Kael's body reformed with a rush of light, and he staggered slightly as his feet touched solid ground.
He was back.
The teleportation room shimmered with magical sigils on the walls, the hum of arcane machinery buzzing faintly around him. He glanced at the glowing platform beneath his feet, steadying himself.
Before he could even take a breath, a loudspeaker crackled to life, echoing throughout the academy.
> "Final Results of the First-Year Survival Assessment:
1st Place — Jin Eldraven's Group
2nd Place — Cynthia Elarquist's Group
3rd Place — Samantha Solaris' Group"
Kael blinked, then chuckled.
"Second place, huh? Not bad."
His fingers tapped his thigh absently.
"That gets us three wishes... decent reward."
Just as he was about to leave the room, the air shimmered again behind him.
Another teleport.
Kael turned.
And immediately gulped.
"Uhm… what's good, Jin?" he said, awkward grin forming as he scratched the back of his head.
Jin stood tall, the mana around him still wild, residual energy radiating from his skin like pressure waves. His cold blue eyes fixed on Kael like blades of frost.
"Coward," he said flatly.
Kael laughed nervously, raising both hands.
"Oh come on, you didn't seriously expect me to fight you, did you? That's hilarious."
Jin rolled his eyes and brushed past him without another word.
Kael sighed and followed after him.
The two walked down the grand stone halls of the academy, footsteps echoing with weight. They arrived at the Assembly Hall, where first-years were being summoned. Murmurs and chatter filled the space.
As the main double doors creaked open, both Kael and Jin stepped inside at the same time.
The hall fell silent.
And then.
Applause erupted.
Every student turned to face them, clapping, cheering. Dozens of eyes lit up with admiration and awe.
Kael's lips curled into a smile, lifting one hand to offer a small wave.
"Heh… not bad," he muttered to himself.
Jin, beside him, simply narrowed his eyes, jaw tightening.
"Fucking peasants can't stay quiet for shit," he thought, walking forward without even a glance at the crowd.
Kael laughed softly as they walked side by side.
Two figures.
Both powerful.
Both rising.
But on completely different paths.