(Kael, Age 13 — Departure & Arrival)
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I. The Road to Destiny
Morning sunlight crowned the mountains in gold as carriages lined the village outskirts. Families gathered to send their children off to the Academy—some cheering, some crying, some pretending very poorly not to cry.
Kael adjusted the strap of his satchel just as Mira attacked his collar again.
"Mom, it's fine—"
"It's crooked."
"It's not crooked."
Valdyros—resting like a smug scarf around Kael's shoulder—whispered into his mind:
« She is imprinting affection. Let her. It eases separation distress in human mothers. »
Kael rolled his eyes.
Taren pulled him into a firm embrace. "Come back stronger."
Kael smirked. "You too."
Before Taren could flex dramatically, Eiran materialized between them and struck both father and son lightly on the head.
"Focus," he said flatly."This is not a muscle-flexing competition."
Kael pointed. "He started it."
"You absolutely started it," Taren countered.
Eiran chopped them again.
Mira sighed. "Boys."
A familiar voice called:
"Kael!"
Lyria sprinted up, dark braid bouncing, smile shining.
"You ready?" she asked, breathless.
Warmth bloomed in Kael's chest. "Yeah."
Then—
A polished, calm voice cut in.
"Let us hope you remain ready."
Serin Vail approached with flawless posture, a quiet aristocratic confidence following him like a cloak.
"Good morning, Kael. Lyria."
Lyria bowed slightly. "Good morning, Serin."
Kael lifted his chin. "Morning."
Serin's gaze flicked to Valdyros."That creature is… permitted?"
Valdyros bared tiny dragon fangs.
Serin slowly stepped back. "Noted."
Eiran clapped his hands. "Students, mount up. Departure in five minutes."
And so it began.
Kael hugged his parents one last time.Lyria squeezed her mother's hand before boarding.Serin embraced his noble parents with restrained dignity.
Then the carriages rolled forward.
The village faded behind them.The capital—and destiny—waited ahead.
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II. Arrival at the Academy
The capital of Elyndria was beautiful.
The Academy of Elyndria was mythic.
Marble towers spiraled like frozen storms. Waterfalls cascaded down suspended bridges. Source runes glowed along every archway, humming with elemental resonance.
Students from across the kingdom flooded the courtyard—laughing, nervous, wide-eyed.
"Wow…" Lyria whispered.
Kael could only nod.
Valdyros lifted his snout arrogantly.« Acceptable. A bit gaudy. »
Serin walked forward as though he belonged there more than the stone itself.
"It is impressive," he admitted. "But remain focused. Our first ranking assessment is in two days."
"ALREADY?!" Ryven's voice would later say—but that comes soon.
Lyria chuckled. "Kael, I think he trains even more than you."
Kael shrugged. "Seems so."
Serin smirked faintly.
Then a shout carried over the crowd—
"HEY! KAEL!"
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III. The Three New Bonds
A tall boy with wild red hair jogged toward them, waving like they'd known each other for years.
"You made it! Awesome!"
Kael blinked. "…Do I know you?"
"Nope!" The boy laughed. "I'm Ryven Dask. Saw you at the exam. Figured it's safer to stick together—this academy eats newbies alive."
Lyria giggled. "He's honest."
Ryven pointed at Serin."And we all know him. Serin Vail. Nobility. Sword prodigy. Family crest everywhere."
Serin inclined his head. "You are… well-informed."
Ryven grinned. "I plan to beat both of you in the next exam."
Kael and Serin exchanged a rare unified look.
This boy was bold.
A quiet voice followed.
"H-Hello… I'm Nira. Nira Elen."
A shy girl stepped forward, soft green hair tied in a ribbon. Her emerald eyes glowed with gentle kindness.
"I saw you all at the test," she said softly. "You were incredible."
Kael smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you."
Nira's attention drifted to Valdyros.
"Oh… he's adorable."
Valdyros melted on the spot.Lyria smirked. "He likes you."
Ryven elbowed Kael. "Careful, she's stealing your dragon."
Kael nearly tripped.Lyria laughed.Serin looked mildly offended on Kael's behalf.
A firm voice cut through next.
"I am Korran Hale."
A sturdy blonde youth bowed respectfully.
"I hope to spar with each of you someday."
Kael nodded. "Anytime."
Serin's eyes glinted—an approving expression.Ryven grinned.Nira relaxed.Lyria clapped happily.Valdyros flicked his tail.
A circle formed around Kael—
small for now,but destined to shake kingdoms.
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IV. Serin's Quiet Jealousy
As the group walked toward the academy gates, Serin drifted half a step behind, hands clasped neatly.
Already… allies.Already… admiration.
He has not even shown half his strength…
Why does he draw people so easily?
Serin's jaw tightened—not with malice, but with complicated resolve.
"This year," he murmured under his breath, "will be… challenging."
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V. The Underworld Watches
High above, in the shadow of a suspended bridge, a cloaked figure knelt over a dark crystal.
"Lord Malek," he whispered, "the prodigies have arrived. Kael Varos… Serin Vail… and more gathering around them."
Static crackled.
Malek Voren's voice—cold, focused, ancient—answered:
"Good."
The crystal pulsed like a heartbeat.
"Let them bond. Let them laugh. Let them trust."
A quiet, chilling breath.
"It will make breaking them… far more effective."
The crystal dimmed.
The spy dissolved into black smoke.
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VI. Dorm Assignments
A herald rang a bell.
"ATTENTION! Dorms and class assignments are posted on the crystal slab!"
Students swarmed the board.
Ryven yelled first. "KAEL! You're in Arclight with us!"
Korran nodded. "Good. We'll train together."
Serin stepped forward smoothly."As expected."
Kael scanned the list:
Serin Vail — Arclight Sect
Ryven Dask — Arclight Sect
Korran Hale — Arclight Sect
Kael Varos — Arclight Sect
Lyria squeezed Kael's arm."I'm in Eclipsal… with Nira!"
Nira clapped excitedly. "We'll share a dorm!"
Kael smiled. "You'll both do amazing."
Lyria blushed.Ryven muttered, "Smooth."Kael almost tripped again.
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VII. Nightfall
The Arclight dorm towered above the courtyard, draped in banners of silver and gold. Kael entered his assigned room to find Serin already unpacking—folding his clothes with surgical precision.
"You're my roommate?" Kael blinked.
Serin sighed. "Try not to snore."
Valdyros flopped on Kael's bed.« This arrangement will be… entertaining. »
Kael laughed under his breath.
Later, when the lanterns dimmed and the ground hummed faintly with Source currents, Kael stood by the window overlooking the capital—a sprawling sea of lights.
He felt it then.
A presence.
Distant.Cold.Watching.
Somewhere deep in the undercity… something stirred.
A whisper rode the night wind:
"Kael Varos…"
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Valdyros lifted his head sharply.
« Stay alert, child. You are no longer hidden. Your journey begins—and so do your enemies. »
Outside, moonlight washed over the courtyard.
And in the deepest shadow beneath the city and academy walls…
A Dark figure smiled.