folded, voice calm. "He passed the trial under the academy's rules. There's no law against efficiency."
Ryven turned on her. "That wasn't efficiency. That was manipulation."
Captain Verra of Umbra laughed. "Perhaps you're just upset the fire likes him more."
Ryven glared, but Verra was already leaning back, amused.
Captain Thorne of Aeonis adjusted his timepiece calmly. "The only thing unusual is that he succeeded. And success, dear Ryven, is not illegal."
Selai offered a polite smile. "Kael Ryuu is my student. If you have an issue, bring it to me."
Ryven seethed but said nothing more.
---
Later That Night – Kael's Workshop
A small explosion rattled the west wing of the academy.
Illovar arrived moments later, storming into Kael's rune workshop to find walls blackened, burnt parchment fluttering to the floor, and Kael sitting cross-legged amidst the chaos, hair frizzed and eyebrows slightly singed.
"Timer runes again?" Illovar deadpanned.
Kael coughed, waving away the smoke. "I added temporal drift correction… The sigil anchor didn't like it."
"The walls didn't like it," Illovar snapped. "Neither did the safety wards. Or the alchemical wing. You almost blew a hole into the archives!"
"Progress requires combustion," Kael said with mock solemnity.
Illovar sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're not wrong. Just… try to keep the combustion in your notes next time."
---
That Night
Kael sat in silence, eyes on the smoldering glove.
"The fire chose you," the voice whispered again. Not from outside—but inside. Deep within.
The Void Crest pulsed softly on his back. Still hidden. Still secret.
He closed his eyes. "I didn't want this kind of attention."
"You don't have a choice anymore."