Location: Imperial Academy — Grand Tournament Arena
The second round of the school tournament had begun.
Thousands of students packed the colossal Grand Arena, a breathtaking structure crafted from white marble and enchanted crystals. Floating screens projected the battles for everyone to witness.
The air buzzed with excitement.
Betting stalls shouted odds.Nobles whispered alliances.And hidden in the shadows, assassins sharpened their knives.
Kael Solaris stood at the center of the ring, his black and silver cloak rippling, the faint glow of the Mooncore Seed still radiating from his body.
Opposite him stood his opponent:Raven Duskthorn — a third-year prodigy known for his brutal combat style and cruel smirk.
The Match Begins
"Fight!" boomed the announcer.
Without hesitation, Raven lunged, his body wrapped in black fire.
Spectators gasped — Raven wasn't holding back.
Normally, Kael would have dodged, letting his enemy exhaust himself.
But tonight was different.
Tonight... he would show the world a glimpse of who he truly was.
Power Unveiled
Kael lifted a single hand.
The ground shook.
A silver aura burst from his body like a tidal wave, cracking the arena floor and shattering Raven's black flames before they even touched him.
The crowd went dead silent.
Raven's eyes widened in horror.
"W-What the hell are you?!"
Kael didn't answer.
He appeared behind Raven without even moving — like a ghost slicing through reality.
With a casual flick of his finger, he knocked Raven out cold, sending the boy flying across the arena into the wall.
Dust billowed.
Silence hung heavy.
And then—
The crowd exploded into chaotic shouting.
"What power was that?!""He's supposed to be powerless!""Who is this monster?!"
From the VIP box, nobles leaned forward, eyes gleaming with greed, fear… and murderous intent.
Unexpected Betrayal
Before Kael could step out of the arena, a sudden killing intent targeted him.
He spun around—only to see a figure leaping toward him from the stands, blade gleaming red.
It was... one of the tournament judges!
"DIE, TRAITOR TO HUMANITY!" the man screamed.
Time slowed.
Kael's mind sharpened.
He realized instantly — this was no random act.
It was a planned assassination.
Perhaps by the Fallen Ones...Perhaps by nobles who feared the "useless prince" was no longer useless.
Either way, they made one mistake—
They attacked without understanding the storm they provoked.
Kael caught the assassin's blade between two fingers.
The audience gasped.
Kael's eyes glowed a deep, celestial silver.
And with a twist, he shattered the sword like glass — and knocked the judge unconscious with a single, precise strike.
Blood sprayed.
Security rushed in.
Chaos reigned.
The Aftermath
The Academy tried to cover it up, but the rumors spread like wildfire:
"The First Prince has awakened terrifying power!""An assassin tried to kill him!""Even the judges aren't safe!"
Kael's name was now on everyone's lips — for better or worse.
But not all attention was good.
In the shadows of the arena, a masked woman watched Kael with burning eyes full of hatred.
"You cannot be allowed to live, Kael Solaris," she whispered."For you carry the curse of the heavens."
Her silver ring pulsed darkly.
Another enemy revealed themselves — more dangerous than anything Kael had faced yet.