An Unseen Trial
The morning fog still clung to the stone paths when Kael made his way to the open training grounds behind the academy walls. It was part of their "Combat Conditioning" class—though so far, it had mostly involved running laps and being barked at by a grizzled instructor named Captain Aldric.
Today, however, was different.
"You've all studied the theory," Aldric barked, hands behind his back as he paced before the line of first-year students. "Now, we test your instincts. You'll be sparring today. Controlled, but real."
A ripple of nervous energy passed through the group. Some students exchanged confident glances—mostly the nobles, outfitted in pristine gear. Others, like Kael, kept their eyes forward and expression calm.
"First pair. Kael Arvandor… and Darius Valen."
Kael's stomach sank.
Of course.
Dueling Shadows
They stepped into the ring, wooden training staves in hand. Darius wore a smirk like a crown.
"Don't worry, blacksmith," he said loud enough for others to hear. "I'll make sure it's over quickly."
Kael didn't reply. He simply took his stance, staff held low, eyes steady.
"Begin!" Aldric shouted.
Darius lunged first—fast and aggressive. Kael dodged, barely, and brought his staff up just in time to block the second strike. Wood cracked against wood. He staggered backward, but his footing held.
He didn't have Darius's speed or strength. But Kael had something else.
Focus.
Darius came again, a wide sweep meant to knock him off his feet. Kael ducked low and struck upward—quick, clean, surprising. The staff caught Darius in the ribs. He grunted, stumbled, then hissed in fury.
"No holding back," Darius snarled, raising a hand.
Before Kael could react, a flicker of magic sparked around the noble's fingers—an unauthorized spell, raw and uncontrolled.
Aldric stepped forward to intervene, but Kael had already moved.
He didn't cast a spell. He didn't whisper an incantation. He simply reacted.
The wind stirred—wild and instinctive. A gust surged up around him, knocking Darius back before the spell could leave his fingertips.
The silence that followed was sharp.
"Enough!" Aldric's voice cut through the tension. "Valen, you're lucky you're not expelled for that stunt. One more misstep, and I'll see you scrubbing rune-etched floors for a year."
Kael lowered his staff, the rush of magic already fading from his limbs. He didn't look at Darius as they left the ring.
But he knew now.
The storm within him wasn't just growing.
It was waiting.
A Library Whisper
Later that evening, Kael sat between rows of ancient books in the Grand Athenaeum, the duel still playing in his mind.
"You did well today."
Annie appeared, sliding into the seat across from him. Her braid was loose from practice, and a faint bruise darkened her forearm.
"So did you," Kael said, raising an eyebrow.
She waved it off. "I nearly tripped over my own staff. Don't change the subject."
Kael smiled faintly. "It wasn't much. I didn't even cast a proper spell."
"But something moved," Annie replied. "I felt it. And so did everyone else."
Marcus joined them a moment later, carrying a worn volume under one arm. He sat in his usual quiet way, eyes flicking between them.
"Darius is going to try something again," he said. "He doesn't take humiliation lightly."
"I know," Kael said.
"Do you?" Marcus leaned in. "Because he's not the only one watching."
Kael frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Marcus opened the book he had brought—an old compendium of dueling records—and pointed to a name etched in faded ink. Aric Vaelith.
Kael stared at it, heart pounding. It was a name he hadn't heard aloud in this life.
But seeing it on the page sent a chill through his soul.
"That name again," Marcus said quietly. "It keeps appearing—on theory scrolls, on elemental frameworks, on spells nobody teaches anymore."
Annie narrowed her eyes. "And you're saying…?"
"I'm saying Kael didn't just guess at that glyph during the trial," Marcus said. "And neither of you should underestimate what that means."
The Professor's Invitation
The next day, Kael received an unexpected summons: a folded parchment slipped beneath his dorm room door.
To Kael Arvandor,
Your recent display of instinctive magical response has drawn interest. You are invited to attend a special session of Advanced Arcane Application—held only for select students. Attendance is not mandatory, but those who come tend to rise faster.
—Professor Varra
Kael stared at the letter, unsure if it was an opportunity… or a trap.
He folded it slowly and tucked it into his coat.
Closing Scene
That evening, Kael stood at the top of the eastern tower, watching the clouds gather on the horizon. Thunder rumbled low and distant.
Annie and Marcus joined him quietly.
"You're not just a student anymore," Annie said, stepping beside him.
"No," Kael agreed. "And I'm starting to remember what I was."
The storm inside him stirred again.
And this time, he didn't push it away.
Chapter End