---
Exiting the Virtual Arena
The virtual battlefield flickered, dissolving into cascading streams of light. The weight of the fight still clung to Kael as he stood amidst the fading remnants of the arena. His breathing was steady, but the lingering exhaustion gnawed at his mind.
Across from him, Zyrath gave him a long, unreadable look before his figure shattered into pixels.
[Match Concluded. Winner: Kael Eternis.]
A brief silence followed before Kael's vision darkened, and he felt the familiar pull of reality drawing him back.
---
Returning to Reality
Kael's eyes fluttered open as he emerged from the training pod. His body wasn't physically hurt, but his limbs felt heavier, his mind buzzing from the intensity of the battle.
A holographic notification blinked before him:
[Victory Confirmed. Points Gained: 530. Reputation Increase: Moderate.]
He exhaled sharply, stretching his fingers. His AI, Zappy, chimed in.
"You really pushed it this time. Your energy reserves were almost drained."
"I know," Kael muttered, rolling his shoulders.
But before he could process his thoughts further, the pod's exit opened, and he was met with familiar figures waiting outside.
---
Family Reactions
His father, Dan Eternis, stood with arms crossed, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.
"Not bad. A bit reckless, but effective."
His mother, Elara, on the other hand, had her sharp gaze locked onto him, scanning him as if checking for hidden injuries.
"You're fine," she finally sighed, though there was a glint of something else in her eyes—concern, or perhaps foresight.
"This win will attract attention," she warned. "And not just from within the clan."
Kael didn't respond immediately. He already knew.
---
The Clan Elders' Discussion
In another part of the clan estate, several elders sat in quiet deliberation.
"The boy shows promise," one mused.
"Promise or recklessness?" another countered. "He took unnecessary risks."
"And yet he won," an elder at the head of the table interrupted, his voice carrying finality. "Regardless of method, he proved himself."
Silence settled as the room collectively acknowledged what this meant. The gears of the clan were already turning, and Kael's next trial was being decided.
---
Reactions from Young Talents
The fight's recording had already spread across the internal clan network. Among those watching were three young talents—each from the renowned Eternis lineage.
Sienna Eternis lay draped over a cushioned lounge, lazily watching the replay on a floating screen. A yawn escaped her lips as she muttered, "Huh... didn't think he'd win."
A servant beside her hesitated before saying, "Young Miss, perhaps you should be more concerned—"
"Nah," she interrupted, already closing her eyes. "I'll deal with him when the time comes."
Meanwhile, Rin Eternis was pacing, eyes locked on the screen. The fight replayed in slow motion, every movement analyzed with razor-sharp focus.
"That idiot," she huffed, arms crossed. "Charging in like that. He should've used the momentum better."
Her attendants wisely said nothing.
On the other side of the estate, Orion Eternis leaned against a balcony railing, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He had already seen the battle.
"Interesting," he muttered.
A notification popped up on his device—an official summons.
"So… it begins."
---
Zyrath's Reflection
Elsewhere, Zyrath sat in his quarters, staring at the blank screen before him. His fingers clenched into fists.
Kael wasn't just lucky.
He had underestimated him.
"Tch."
Zyrath pushed himself off his chair, eyes burning with renewed determination. This wasn't over.
---
Kael's Reflection & The Next Step
Back in his own quarters, Kael lay on his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. His mind replayed the fight, analyzing every move, every mistake.
"You should sleep," Zappy advised.
"Later."
But before he could continue his thoughts, his communicator buzzed.
A summons.
Kael's brows furrowed. This was sooner than expected.
Sitting up, he exhaled. Whatever came next—he would be ready.
---
End of Chapter 14.