The cold wind that brushed across the cliffs behind Ashveil Academy was laced with mana—a reminder that even the land breathed arcane energy. Otoku stood at the edge of the North Wing's courtyard, his cloak fluttering gently, the sigil of his fabricated identity—Toku Rael—glowing faintly on the breastplate he wore.
Around him, the Dormitory Induction Ritual had just concluded. The students were now sorted into Four Pillars—factions within the academy that subtly mirrored the politics of the outer realms:
Crimson Fang – ruled by merit and aggression.
Verdant Veil – healers and diplomats.
Obsidian Pact – schemers, shadow-mages, and curse-wielders.
Azure Ember – defenders of tradition and ancient magic.
Otoku had been placed into Obsidian Pact.
Fitting, he thought. A den of masks for one who wears the deepest.
---
Inside the Pact's Hidden Chamber, a masked instructor named Vynn greeted the newcomers.
"The Pact does not seek strength. It seeks leverage. Secrets. Control. If you think this is where you sharpen your blade—leave."
His voice slithered like smoke.
Otoku remained silent, eyes surveying the others—seven students. One in particular caught his attention: a girl with moon-silver hair and blindfolded eyes. Despite her handicap, her mana radiated with eerie clarity.
"She's not blind," Otoku realized. "She's hiding something… like me."
---
Later that night…
Otoku sat on the edge of his cot. His Mark of Rebirth, once hidden, began to pulse again—faintly glowing under his skin. He had avoided using any powers tied to his past life since arriving, but something was stirring.
He had overheard Vynn speaking to another instructor:
"...If the seal breaks, the soul trapped within the Nexus Vault may awaken. We must act before the child of flame disrupts the cycle."
Child of flame? Nexus Vault? The words felt like echoes from his forgotten memories—from a life before the Rebirth Loop.
---
Suddenly, a soft knock.
The silver-haired girl entered.
"You're not who you pretend to be," she said, voice low.
Otoku's hand moved to his dagger.
"Relax," she added. "We're the same. I died once too. And I came back."
She extended her hand.
"Name's Arthelia."
Otoku stared, the gears of fate turning.
---