Kael's breakthrough did not stay within the Viremont estate for long.
By the next afternoon, the news had reached the imperial palace.
Core Formation at his age was rare.
Core Formation with Viremont blood was dangerous.
A royal envoy arrived at the estate before sunset.
The man wore deep blue robes embroidered with the imperial crest.
He bowed formally.
"His Highness, the Third Prince, requests the presence of Young Master Kael Viremont."
The wording was polite.
The meaning was not optional.
Inside the council hall, the elders gathered quickly.
Morvain looked at Kael.
"You will go."
"Yes," Kael replied.
"Be careful with your words."
"I always am."
The imperial palace was built on raised stone platforms overlooking the city.
High walls.
Layered security.
Kael entered without visible reaction.
He observed.
Guards were Core Formation and above.
Hidden presences lingered in the shadows.
The empire was not weak.
The Third Prince waited in a private garden pavilion.
He appeared slightly older than Kael.
Calm eyes.
Relaxed posture.
But his aura—
Core Formation Peak.
Refined.
Disciplined.
"Kael Viremont," the prince said lightly. "You've grown quickly."
"Yes."
"You don't bow?"
Kael met his gaze.
"I acknowledge authority. I don't kneel unnecessarily."
Silence followed.
The guards stiffened.
The prince smiled faintly.
"Interesting."
He gestured to the seat opposite him.
"Sit."
Kael sat.
"I heard you resolved internal clan conflict efficiently," the prince said.
"Yes."
"And intercepted trade disputes."
"Yes."
"And broke through to Core Formation without external assistance."
"Yes."
The prince studied him carefully.
"You are no longer acting like the reckless heir described in reports."
"Reports age quickly," Kael replied.
The prince chuckled softly.
"I prefer capable people."
Kael did not respond.
"The empire will hold a special expedition next month," the prince continued. "An ancient battlefield has resurfaced beyond the eastern ridge."
Kael listened without interruption.
"It contains relics," the prince said. "But also danger."
"And?" Kael asked calmly.
"I want young Core Formation talents to participate."
"You want to measure them."
The prince's smile widened slightly.
"Yes."
Silence lingered.
"You and Aric Vale will both attend," the prince added.
There it was.
Direct comparison.
Not random rivalry.
Official stage.
"Why involve me?" Kael asked.
"Because if you grow unchecked, you become a problem," the prince said plainly.
"And if I grow under observation?"
"You become useful."
Kael nodded once.
Clear.
At least the prince was honest.
"I will attend," Kael said.
"I expected you would."
As Kael rose to leave, the prince added one final remark.
"Do not mistake this for favor."
"I don't," Kael replied.
"And do not assume I am your enemy."
Kael paused briefly.
"That depends on the future."
The prince smiled.
"Indeed."
Outside the palace, the night air was cooler.
Kael's expression remained unchanged.
The stage had widened.
No longer clan politics.
No longer academy rivalry.
Now imperial attention.
Back at the estate, Morvain listened carefully to Kael's summary.
"The prince is watching," the elder said quietly.
"Yes."
"That is dangerous."
"Yes."
"Do you regret accelerating?"
"No."
Morvain studied him for a long moment.
"You're confident."
"Yes."
Across the city, Aric Vale also received the invitation.
His master spoke quietly.
"This expedition will change everything."
Aric nodded.
"I know."
Kael stood on his balcony again that night.
Core Formation Early.
Empire watching.
Protagonist aware.
Internal enemies weakened.
The path ahead was no longer hidden.
Good.
He preferred open conflict.
Because open conflict could be calculated.
And calculation—
Was something he did better than most.