The Black Land was not a place for the faint-hearted. Everyone knew it, but hearing about it and seeing it for yourself were two entirely different experiences. You had to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and maybe even spiritually before stepping foot there.
Seraphina Dusk's voice carried through the classroom, sharp yet calm, her words meant to weigh heavy on the cadets gathered before her.
"Cadet Kael Vi-rel," she said, her violet eyes scanning the room until they landed on him. "You seem calmer than most of the students here."
Kael didn't flinch. "Everyone here is just a cadet," he replied, his tone even. "But I've had a lot of experience in that place. That's why I wasn't surprised."
A faint murmur spread among the seated students, their curiosity piqued by his words.
"So you believe you're ready," Seraphina said, tilting her head slightly.
Kael gave a small shrug. "Because we're hero cadets, aren't we? I simply answered the way I thought a hero should."
Her lips curved faintly. "I see. What you said… there's truth to it."
He leaned back slightly in his seat. "It was just a model answer, honestly. I said what came to mind."
Her gaze swept over the rest of the class. "Everyone who has gathered here is no ordinary person. You are hero cadets those who will, in time, become heroes. But remember this: if you avoid challenges, if you turn away from danger, you will never truly become one."
Her words hung in the air like a silent challenge. Kael noticed the subtle shift in the room the glances, the measuring stares. And then there was her.
Selene Whitmore's eyes locked onto him like a hawk sizing up prey. Her stare was sharp enough to draw blood.
Don't make eye contact, Kael told himself. Whatever happens, just don't. He looked away, focusing instead on the window, watching the light drift through the glass.
The bell rang, releasing the tension with its metallic chime.
"That will be all for today," Seraphina announced. "See you next time."
Kael rose, but his mind was already elsewhere. I'll need to keep an eye on them. Especially Selene Whitmore.
---
A short while later, Kael Vi-rel found himself in a small, bustling café, the warm scent of roasted beans and cocoa curling through the air. The hum of chatter surrounded him, the sound of cups clinking and steam hissing from the espresso machine providing a strange comfort.
He sat in a corner booth, nursing a mug of hot chocolate. "Physical training, stamina drills…" he muttered under his breath. "I should also start looking for a power officially. And there's so much else to prepare. It's exhausting. I feel like I could throw up."
The door chimed, and a high school girl stepped inside, scanning the crowd.
"Hey, over here!" Kael Vi-rel called, raising his hand.
Clara Winslet's expression was hesitant as she approached. "Um… hello," she said awkwardly.
They'd spoken before, but it still felt like there was an invisible wall between them.
She slid into the seat opposite him, her posture a mix of politeness and caution.
"Want to order something?" Kael Vi-rel asked.
"I'm fine," she replied quickly.
"What about chocolate?" he offered casually.
Her eyes lit up just slightly, but enough for him to notice. The name alone seemed to stir something pleasant in her. Kael Vi-rel almost smirked. She's trying too hard not to show it.
"So," Clara said after a pause, "why did you call me here?"
Kael leaned forward, lowering his voice. "I want us to clear a dungeon."
Her brows drew together. "What kind of dungeon?"
Kael studied her for a moment. Clara Winslet was a cautious person too cautious at times. Once, she'd brimmed with ambition, but over the years, self-doubt had eroded her confidence. She believed her abilities lagged far behind her peers. That belief had made her desperate obsessed, even over the idea of acquiring a skill cube.
Kael knew this about her. And he intended to use it. Not to harm her, but to bring out the talent she didn't yet see in herself.
"We're not going to an ordinary dungeon," Kael said, sipping his hot chocolate.
Clara tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"I found a hidden dungeon. One where the skill cube is untouched."
Her eyes widened. "A… hidden dungeon?"
"Exactly."
"You're not talking about a regular dungeon, are you?"
"If it were just a regular one," Kael said plainly, "I'd go alone."
She hesitated. "Then the reason you need me is…?"
"There's a condition," Kael replied. "One that benefits both of us. If you cooperate, we clear the dungeon and divide the spoils. The skill cube will be split based on what we each need most."
Clara's expression wavered. "That's… generous. But what are the chances we'd even clear it?"
Before Kael could answer, a familiar voice cut in. "Even if you do, I'm coming too."
Both Kael and Clara turned to see Selene Whitmore standing by their table, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Selene Whitmore?" Kael's tone held both surprise and wariness. "What are you doing here?"
She raised a hand in an almost casual wave. "Hi."
Clara blinked, still startled. "Wait how did you even?"
Selene just grinned, stepping closer. "Let's just say I have my ways."
Kael stared at her for a moment, his mind already running through the new complications this would bring. Three people meant more strength… but also more tension. And Selene was not the kind of person you could predict easily.