The crowd began to split.
Kael glanced back once, then stepped into the Grand Hall.
It was vast, lit by chandeliers and stained glass windows. Marble floors stretched beneath his boots. Murmurs spread among the upper-class students as they eyed the commoners with suspicion—or outright disdain.
At the front stood Principal Orvahn, flanked by a tall, broad-shouldered man with a military cut and deep burn scars running down the left side of his face. His uniform was crisp, his posture even sharper.
"This man beside me," Orvahn announced, "is Mr. Grevon Hask, assistant principal and head of discipline. If I'm unavailable, direct your concerns to him."
Students nodded silently.
"That's all for now," Orvahn said. "Your assigned instructors will take it from here. They'll explain the school's structure and show you around. Good luck, and try not to slack off."
Kael folded his arms. He wanted to ask where the academy's museum was—but before he could, someone tapped his shoulder.
He turned.
A boy stood slightly taller than him—dark brown hair, golden-brown skin, yellow eyes that gleamed with curiosity. A pair of small gold earrings glinted in the light. His clothes were regal but worn from travel.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"
The boy grinned. "Hola, amigo!"
Kael blinked. What?
His confused expression must've said it all, because the boy laughed. "Right—sorry. I'm Emilio Vasquez. Third prince of Solmaria."
"…I see," Kael said cautiously. "And what do you want from me?"
Emilio held a hand to his heart, suddenly serious. "I heard what happened to the Hero of Eirenthal. Your family—House Veyron—they were my idols. When I heard what happened, it made me… triste."
Kael narrowed his eyes. Emilio was fast-talking, cheerful, and loud—too loud.
Was this pity disguised as praise?
"You don't have to worry about me," Kael said flatly. "I don't need your sympathy."
He turned and walked away.
Before Emilio could reply, a shadow fell over Kael.
He looked up—straight into the bored eyes of Salvius Veil.
Hands in his pockets, hair windblown, that same lazy expression on his face.
"You're Kael, right?" Salvius asked.
"Yes."
[Be careful. This one's strong,] the Ash Crow's voice growled in his mind.
Kael froze for a second. If it was reacting… this man wasn't ordinary.
Salvius glanced him over. "Hmm. You're weak. And skinny. Kind of a mystery how you're still alive."
Kael's glare sharpened.
Salvius grinned. "Relax. I like a challenge."
He clapped a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Well then, my new student—let's go meet your team."
"Team?"
Kael turned. Standing nearby were three figures:
Emilio, still smiling like nothing had happened.
The white-haired girl from before, eyes wide with uncertainty.
The third girl in the group had dark brown skin and jet-black hair. Her expression was blank—cold, unreadable, like a corpse. She didn't smile. Didn't blink. What caught Kael's attention, though, was her clothing—minimal, tight-fitting, and revealing. Everything about her stood out, but not in a way he could easily understand.
Salvius gestured lazily toward the trio.
"Meet your squad."
Kael didn't complain. Not like he had a choice.
"Hehe, I'm glad we're on the same team, amigo!" Emilio grinned.
"Introduce yourselves!" Salvius said with a lopsided smile.
"I-I'm Serina Wellehart…" the white-haired girl said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm… glad to be here."
"She's cute," Emilio said, nudging Kael. Then he looked toward the last girl.
She didn't respond right away.
"I'm…" she muttered, then looked away. "Neira Vell'Aska."
Salvius let out a yawn. "Right, enough social hour. Time for the rundown."
He held up four fingers. "There are four reasons we group students into squads, even if you're in the same class."
"First: Divine Beast resonance compatibility. Every awakened student here is bonded to a divine beast, whether it's obvious or not. This academy trains you not just to fight, but to survive as a team. Synergy matters."
"Second: Combat readiness. We're not here to hand out gold stars or help you make memories. This school prepares you for real war—against monsters, enemy kingdoms, and especially dragons."
Kael's fists clenched.
Dragons…
Even hearing the word filled him with rage. The first time he saw one, it was like watching a living mountain, breathing fire and death. He'd never forgotten it.
Salvius noticed. A small smirk tugged at his lips.
This one's burning for blood. Interesting.
"Third: Merit Points. Every mission you complete earns points. Points mean rank. Rank means perks. Access to rare scrolls. More freedom. Even time outside the academy. And…"
He paused, letting the weight of his next words settle in.
"…entry into the underground museum library."
Kael's eyes lit up. "You mean we can access it? Read what's inside?"
Salvius raised an eyebrow. "No. You can look—under supervision. You'll get limited time. If I were you, I wouldn't try anything reckless. Not unless you've got a death wish."
Kael's blood ran cold.
Did he figure it out?
"So," Salvius stretched and turned away, "I'll see you all here at dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."
"Wait, what about the fourth reason?" Emilio asked. "You said four!"
Salvius glanced over his shoulder and stuck his tongue out. "That one's my secret."
He walked off without another word.
"But… we don't even know where our dorms are," Serina said timidly, glancing around.
"Damn it… what kind of teacher—" Emilio started to protest.
[Calm down, brat,] the Ash Crow growled in Kael's mind. [That man isn't normal. You're lucky he didn't call you out. Let it go—for now. Focus on training.]
"…Yeah. I understand." Kael sighed.
Then, unexpectedly, Neira spoke up.
"I'll take you. I repeated the class once. I know where everything is."
The group exchanged glances, then followed her lead.
"I'm glad we're on the same team, amigo!" Emilio repeated with a bright grin. "Maybe we'll make a name for ourselves, yeah?"
Kael didn't answer. He just kept walking.
From behind a nearby pillar, someone watched them.
Prince Daranth.
A thin smirk curled on his lips as he stared at Kael.
"A survivor of the Northern Duke's house…" he murmured. "I should inform my father."