Chapter 21: Underlying Chaos
The sun cast a molten hue over Emberlight Academy as Kai stood at the highest balcony of the eastern spire. His body still tingled from the aftershocks of yesterday's training with Instructor Vale—his senses sharper, his blood louder, his ki now pulsing with quiet, controlled power. The surge from their battle had elevated him to new heights, and he could feel it in every step.
Strength: 170 → 198
Speed: 164 → 192
Endurance: 172 → 200
Intelligence: 130 → 135
Perception: 135 → 150
Willpower: 151 → 170
The air around him shifted subtly. Someone was approaching.
Instructor Vale stepped onto the balcony, her long brunette hair tied into a high ponytail that swayed down to the base of her back, nearly brushing against her waist. Even in her Academy instructor uniform, she radiated elegance and poise. But to Kai—after witnessing her power with the limiter off—she felt like a force of nature wrapped in silence.
"You're adapting faster than anyone I've seen," she said, eyes narrowing slightly in appraisal. "Faster than even the Emberlight Council expected."
Kai didn't answer immediately. His mind was too busy processing what he'd learned.
Yesterday, after their battle, Vale had shown him a glimpse of her true self. The raw power she released in that one second—Martial Semi-Saint level—was unlike anything he could comprehend. The air had bent, the walls had quivered, and for a moment, the very Realm felt like it teetered on the brink of collapse.
He'd seen strength. But this… this was command over reality itself.
Now, her tone shifted. "Come. It's time you saw what lies beneath Emberlight."
They walked through a series of sealed corridors, passages not open to the student body. Guards in black armor bowed at Vale's presence, stepping aside without question. Eventually, they entered an ancient chamber—lit with low-burning violet torches and inscribed with sigils from an era long past.
In the center of the room stood a massive circular table with eleven ornate chairs surrounding it.
Kai's eyes widened. "This… is the Emberlight Council chamber."
Vale nodded. "The Realm isn't just an academy—it's a sovereign stronghold. The Academy is the face. This is the spine."
She gestured to the empty chairs. "Each seat is occupied by a councilor—former legends of the martial world, some from noble bloodlines, others raised from nothing by sheer power. They shape policy, judge threats to our world, and control access to the Forbidden Gates."
Kai's brow furrowed. "Forbidden Gates?"
"There are places in this world," she said, voice low, "that even the strongest fear to tread. Realms where time moves differently. Where ancient things sleep beneath the soil. The Emberlight Council monitors them—and keeps their existence hidden from the general public."
Kai turned, his eyes narrowing. "Why tell me this?"
Vale looked directly at him. "Because you've stepped beyond what this academy can contain. You're not just a student anymore. You've become a piece on the board. And there are others—nobles, clans, sects—who will see your rise as a threat."
She stepped forward, her voice colder now. "Especially the Veyron Dynasty."
Kai had heard whispers of them. One of the oldest noble martial lineages, their influence was said to stretch across entire provinces. Rumor had it that one of the Councilors was a direct descendent of the Veyron line—and that they were already watching Kai closely.
A heavy silence settled in the chamber.
Kai finally spoke. "What do they want?"
Vale's smile was faint and humorless. "Control. And they see potential in you they cannot control."
Kai clenched his fists. "Then I'll give them a reason to fear it."
As they exited the chamber, Vale paused and laid a hand gently on his shoulder.
"There's more I want to show you," she said softly. "But that can wait. For now—train, grow, and stay alert. Enemies don't always announce themselves."
Kai nodded slowly, stepping back into the corridor's light.
The trial had ended.
But the real war had only just begun.