Grand Arcanon Academy – Training Grounds
Blades clashed and sparks danced in the air as Kael and Juno traded blows under the morning sun. Around them, students watched with growing curiosity—Kael's form was tight and precise, controlled, while Juno's unpredictable style kept things lively.
Juno stumbled back, laughing breathlessly. "You've gotten sharper, you monster."
Kael gave him a rare smile. "You're getting better at staying alive."
They shared a laugh. For Kael, it was strange… but welcome. Juno had been a constant presence since the start of term—loud, kind, and unshaken by Kael's reputation.
"Let's grab food," Juno suggested. "I need mana buns to heal my pride."
Before they could leave, a voice sliced through the crowd.
"Kael Morric."
Kael turned to see Teyrion Halvane, a noble heir with a blade like glass and a glare like frost.
"I challenge you to a duel."
The training ground went silent.
---
Teyrion's rapier shimmered with wind runes. "A markless boy with no family crest shouldn't be walking around like a prodigy."
Kael's voice was quiet. "I didn't come here to impress you."
"You insult the bloodline of this academy."
The duel bell rang.
Teyrion moved like a storm—slashes, gusts, blinding speed. Kael let his body flow, footwork instinctive, parries deliberate. He didn't waste motion.
Whispers rose as Kael began to push back.
With a twist, he disarmed Teyrion and stopped his blade just above his heart.
"Skill isn't blood," Kael said. "It's earned."
Gasps. Then silence.
Kael walked off, Juno trailing behind, grinning wide. "You just pissed off half the noble court."
---
Later – The Garden
Cherry blossoms fell like snow.
Kael stood under the tree where they'd once sat years ago, waiting.
Footsteps.
Rui approached slowly, dressed in the deep blue uniform of Grand Arcanon. She looked older—but not colder. Her silver hair shimmered in the light, eyes widening when she saw him.
"…It's you," she whispered.
Kael nodded. "I wasn't sure if you'd be here."
She stepped forward, breath shaking. "I looked for you. For weeks. I thought you—"
"I needed to be sure," he said softly. "Sure that I could stand in front of you… as me."
They stared at each other, everything unsaid hanging between them.
"You've changed," Rui said, voice thick.
"So have you."
She looked down. "I heard the rumors. That you beat Veyr, then Teyrion. That you've been training nonstop."
"I had to." His eyes darkened. "There's something coming, Rui. And it's not like the monsters outside."
"Still trying to carry everything alone?" she asked gently.
He looked away. "…It's not just mine to carry anymore."
Silence.
Then she touched his shoulder. "Then let me stand beside you."
Kael met her gaze. For the first time in a long while, something inside him eased.
"…Thank you."
They sat beneath the tree until the moon rose, not needing to speak. Just being there was enough.
---
That Night – Dormitory
"I saw you two," Juno said as Kael walked in. "Under the blossom tree. Emotional. Romantic. Suspiciously long silence."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You spying now?"
"Of course. It's my job as your only friend." He grinned. "She's really important to you, huh?"
Kael looked out the window, where stars shimmered quietly.
"She always has been."
---
Far from the academy, dark mist coiled around ancient stone.
A pair of corrupted eyes opened.
"The Tenth has made his choice. But the bond he forges… will become his undoing."