Monday Morning - 6:00 AM
Kaelen woke to the familiar pre-dawn darkness, his body pulling him from sleep with practiced efficiency. The weekend's exhaustion had faded, replaced by a restless energy that made lying still impossible.
He dressed quickly and stepped outside.
He went on to complete his daily quest.
By the time he finished, it was starting to get bright.
[Daily Quest Complete: Physical Conditioning]
[Rewards: +30 XP (Base & System) | +1 Stat Point]
[Base Level: 9] (410/2300 XP)
[System Level: 7] (1110/2100 XP)
[Stat Points: 12]
Another notification popped up. One he had being expecting a penalty from.
[Weekly Quest: Novice Trials]
[Requirements: 3/4 Fulfilled]
- Complete 7 Daily Quests consecutively (7/7) (Complete)
- Attend all scheduled classes (4/5 days) (X)
- Win 1 sanctioned sparring match (X)
- Allocate at least 5 Stat Points (Complete)
[Partial Completion Detected]
[Rewards: +250 XP (Base & System) | +2 Stat Points | +50 SP]
Kaelen blinked at the screen. The System had actually... accommodated the mission? He'd not accept or challenge anyone to a match and had missed Friday's classes to train for the Scourged Zone expedition, and instead of penalizing him, it just reduced the rewards. He had only assigned 5 stats to intelligence on Sunday, passing the requirement.
[Base Level: 9] (660/2300 XP)
[System Level: 7] (1360/2100 XP)
[Stat Points: 14]
[Shop Points: 150]
That was more generous than he'd expected. The System doesn't care about his reasons, only results.
[Weekly Quest Updating]
"It was getting an update, is that the reason it didn't pop up yesterday," Kaelen thought to himself.
Kaelen dismissed the interface and headed back to shower. Mission debrief was at 9:00 AM, and he wanted to be early.
...
The debrief took place in one of the Unique Combat Division's smaller conference rooms. All four team leaders stood at the front while Instructor Mira reviewed mission reports on a holographic display.
"Team 1, northern site," Mira began, her amber eyes scanning the data. "Survey completed successfully. No major incidents. Three F-rank Beast encounters, all handled appropriately. Good work, Roan."
Roan nodded, his expression neutral but satisfied.
"Team 2, western site. Survey completed. Minor equipment malfunction, but Sofia's team adapted well. Two F-rank encounters. Solid performance, Seraphine."
Seraphine inclined her head slightly, her color-shifting eyes catching the light.
"Team 4, base camp and backup." Mira's tone shifted to one of approval. "No emergency calls needed, but your rapid response protocols were excellent. Ibukun, your coordination kept everyone safe."
Then she turned to Kaelen.
"Team 3, eastern site." Mira pulled up their mission report, and the holographic display showed the anomalous readings, the Crystal Serpent encounter, the Scourge Hound pack pursuit. "Survey completed under adverse conditions. One E-rank Crystal Serpent engagement, handled without casualties. Emergency extraction due to E-rank Scourge Hound pack."
She paused, letting the room absorb that.
"You were the only team to encounter multiple E-rank threats. Not only did you survive, you completed your primary objective and brought back valuable materials." Mira's expression was one of genuine approval. "Exceptional work under pressure, Kaelen. Your team performed beyond expectations."
Kaelen felt his teammates' eyes on him, along with several other students. Pride mixed with embarrassment made his face warm slightly.
"The anomalous readings you documented are under investigation," Mira continued. "The academy is sending a specialized team to examine the site. The Crystal Serpent materials have been processed and your team will be given bonuses accordingly. Either as credit or RP."
She dismissed the holographic display. "All teams performed well. First missions are never easy, but you proved you can handle real fieldwork. Dismissed."
The students began dispersing, conversations picking up immediately. Several people congratulated Team 3 as they passed.
Davrin clapped Kaelen on the shoulder. "Told you we'd do fine."
"We got lucky," Kaelen said.
"Luck is preparation meeting opportunity," Oren quoted, adjusting his blade's sheath. "We were prepared."
Vyne appeared beside Kaelen, as she always did, smiling that knowing smile. "See? Things work out."
Kaelen wanted to argue, but he was too tired. "Yeah. They do."
Before leaving, Kaelen stopped by the equipment office to return the gauntlet. The officer accepted it with a nod.
"Good care taken," the man said, examining the weapon. "No damage. If you want to requisition one permanently, you'll need to fill out Form 17-B and get instructor approval."
"I can?"
Kaelen filed that information away. The gauntlet had been useful, but he wasn't sure if making it permanent was necessary. Something to think about later.
As he left the equipment office, his wristband chimed.
[OFFICIAL ACADEMY SUMMONS]
[Student: Kaelen Burn]
[Report to: Private Conference Room 7, Administration Wing]
[Day: Tuesday]
[Time: 2:00 PM]
[Attendance: Mandatory]
The message was formal, professional, completely neutral in tone.
But Kaelen knew.
He knew with absolute certainty who had requested this meeting.
Lord Cassian Pyrell.
His stomach dropped. The anxiety he'd been pushing aside for the last two days came rushing back all at once.
Tomorrow. 2:00 PM. Private meeting.
With an Ascendant-level cultivator who could probably kill him with a thought.
Kaelen's hands were shaking slightly as he dismissed the notification.
...
The rest of Monday passed in a blur of nervous energy. Classes felt distant, conversations with friends muted. Even lunch with his usual group didn't help.
"You're doing that thing again," Lira said, waving her hand in front of his face. "The thousand-yard stare."
"Sorry," Kaelen muttered.
Daniel looked up from his tablet. "The Pyrell meeting is tomorrow, right?"
"2:00 PM."
"You'll be fine," Torven said in his deep, calm voice. "You've survived worse."
"Have I?" Kaelen asked.
Sera, who'd been eating quietly, finally spoke. "Yes." Her crystalline gray eyes were steady. "You can survive a conversation."
"It's not a conversation," Kaelen said. "It's an evaluation."
"Then be worth evaluating," Sera replied simply.
That night, Kaelen couldn't sleep. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, running through scenarios, possible questions, ways things could go wrong. By the time dawn came, he'd maybe slept two hours total.
...
Tuesday Morning - 6:00 AM
Despite the exhaustion, Kaelen dragged himself through his daily routine. Push-ups, pull-ups, running. The physical exertion helped calm his mind, focusing everything down to breath and movement.
[Daily Quest Complete: Physical Conditioning]
[Rewards: +30 XP (Base & System) | +1 Stat Point]
[Base Level: 9] (690/2300 XP)
[System Level: 7] (1390/2100 XP)
[Stat Points: 15]
Classes passed in a haze. Professor Nyra's lecture on advanced aether circulation barely registered. Combat Fundamentals drills felt mechanical. By lunch, Kaelen's anxiety had crystallized into a cold, focused dread.
His friends noticed immediately when he sat down at their usual table.
"You look terrible," Daniel said.
"Thanks," Kaelen replied.
Lira pushed her tray toward him. "Eat something. You need your energy."
"I'm not hungry."
"Eat anyway," she insisted. "Trust me, you don't want to face that meeting on an empty stomach."
Kaelen picked at the food without really tasting it.
Sera leaned forward slightly. "Remember what I told you. Powerful families measure you by your reaction to pressure. If you show weakness, they exploit it. If you show strength without arrogance, they respect it."
"And if I just survive without embarrassing myself?" Kaelen asked.
"That's the goal," Sera said. "Set realistic expectations."
At 1:45 PM, Kaelen stood from the table. His friends wished him luck in various ways. Lira squeezed his shoulder. Daniel gave a nervous thumbs up. Torven nodded with quiet confidence. Sera simply met his eyes and said, "You've got this."
Kaelen hoped they were right.
...
Administration Wing - 1:55 PM
The Administration Wing was different from the rest of the academy. The corridors were wider, the lighting softer and more refined. The walls were lined with portraits of past chancellors and distinguished alumni, their painted eyes seeming to track Kaelen as he walked.
Everything here spoke of prestige, history, and power carefully maintained.
Kaelen found Conference Room 7 easily enough. The door was elegant dark wood with silver trim, the room number etched in flowing script rather than plain digits.
He raised his hand to knock.
The door opened before his knuckles made contact.
A woman stood there, and Kaelen's brain stuttered to a complete halt.
Aris Vale.
She wore formal attire now, different from the crimson coat he remembered. Her outfit was professional and refined, dark navy with silver accents, and on her collar was an insignia he'd never seen before. Three interlocking rings surrounding a central star.
"Kaelen," she greeted, her voice warm but carrying a formality that hadn't been there during recruitment. "Please, come in."
Kaelen stood frozen for a heartbeat, his mind trying to reconcile what he was seeing. "You... I haven't seen you since you scouted me."
Aris's expression softened slightly, something almost apologetic crossing her features. "I know. Things have been busy." She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "We'll talk about that after. For now, Lord Cassian Pyrell has requested to speak with you privately."
The name made Kaelen's stomach clench.
"I'll be remaining in the room," Aris continued, her tone shifting to something more reassuring. "Academy policy requires oversight for meetings between students and external parties. No harm will come to you here, Kaelen. I promise."
There was weight behind those words, a guarantee that carried more authority than Kaelen understood.
He stepped inside.
The conference room was elegant. A long table of polished dark wood occupied the center, surrounded by comfortable chairs. Large windows overlooked the academy grounds, filtered light casting everything in warm afternoon tones. The walls held subtle artwork, abstract pieces that seemed to shift slightly when viewed from different angles.
And at the far end of the table, standing with his back to the window, was Lord Cassian Pyrell.
The moment Kaelen's eyes found him, the world seemed to tilt.
Cassian was tall but not imposing in stature, his frame lean and refined rather than bulky. His hair was the same crimson as Matthias's and Aldren's, though streaked with silver at the temples in a way that suggested distinguished age rather than weakness. His eyes were amber-gold, sharp and calculating, carrying an intelligence that felt predatory.
But it was his presence that hit Kaelen like a physical force.
The air around Cassian seemed to bend, reality itself acknowledging his existence in a way that made Kaelen's instincts scream danger. It wasn't hostile, not threatening in any overt way. But the sheer weight of his cultivation pressed against Kaelen's awareness like standing at the base of a mountain and suddenly realizing how small you were.
Kaelen's System, which usually tried to scan everything automatically, didn't even attempt it. Some instinct deeper than conscious thought recognized that scanning this man would be not just futile, but potentially dangerous for him.
This was what Ascendant-level cultivation felt like.
Not power you could fight. Power you could only acknowledge and hope to survive.
"Mr. Burn," Cassian said, his voice smooth and cultured, carrying an effortless authority. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
Invitation. As if Kaelen had any choice.
"Lord Pyrell," Kaelen managed, his voice steadier than he felt. He bowed slightly, the kind of respectful acknowledgment he'd seen other students give to high-ranking visitors.
Cassian's lips curved into something that might have been approval. "Please, sit."
Kaelen moved to one of the chairs, acutely aware of every movement. Aris took a position near the window, far enough to give the appearance of privacy but close enough that her presence was felt.
Cassian sat across from Kaelen, his movements fluid and controlled. For several seconds, he simply studied Kaelen with those amber-gold eyes, as if reading information written on his soul.
"You're nervous," Cassian observed. Not mocking him, just stating the fact.
"Yes," Kaelen admitted. Lying seemed pointless.
"Good. Fear is healthy when properly calibrated." Cassian leaned back slightly in his chair, his posture relaxed but somehow still commanding. "It means you understand the situation. That's more intelligence than many demonstrate."
Kaelen didn't respond, wasn't sure if he was supposed to.
"Tell me about yourself, Mr. Burn," Cassian said. It wasn't a request.
Kaelen took a careful breath. "I'm from the lower districts. I was a Null until four months ago when I awakened. I was repaired aether-techs before coming to the academy. I'm here on scholarship."
"Humble origins," Cassian said. "No family connections, no inherited advantages. Yet here you are, S-rank Unique, defeating my son in sanctioned combat." His expression didn't change. "How did that happen?"
The question felt layered with multiple meanings.
"I merely trained," Kaelen said carefully.
Cassian's eyes sharpened with interest. "Fascinating." He paused. "And the fights? Jax Hanlay, then my son. Why engage them?"
"Jax was bullying someone," Kaelen said. "I intervened."
"Many would have walked away."
"I couldn't."
"Why?"
Kaelen met Cassian's gaze, trying to keep his voice steady. "Because I know what it's like to be powerless. To be dismissed as worthless just because you don't have a Trait. If I have power now and I don't use it to protect people like that, what's the point?"
Something flickered in Cassian's expression. Not quite approval, but acknowledgment.
"And Matthias?"
"He challenged me," Kaelen said. "After insulting my friends."
"My son has a talent for making enemies," Cassian replied dryly. "He insulted your companions, and you accepted a duel against an AA-rank Mage with superior cultivation and family resources." He tilted his head slightly. "That seems tactically unsound."
"Probably," Kaelen admitted. "But they stood by me when I had nothing. I wasn't going to let that insult stand."
"Loyalty," Cassian said quietly. The word carried weight. "A rare quality these days. Most students at this academy measure relationships by advantage gained."
He stood suddenly, moving to the window. His back to Kaelen, he looked out over the academy grounds.
"Do you know why I requested this meeting, Mr. Burn?"
"To determine if I'm a threat," Kaelen said, the words coming before he could stop them.
Cassian glanced back, and for the first time, something like amusement touched his features. "Honest. Good." He turned fully. "You're partially correct. I wanted to see the boy who humiliated my son so decisively. Matthias has trained with Crimson Tyrant since childhood, has every resource my family can provide, carries the Pyrell name with all the advantages that entails."
He walked slowly back toward the table.
"And you beat him unconscious in front of the entire academy."
Kaelen's throat was dry. "I didn't mean to go that far."
"Didn't you?" Cassian's tone was curious, not accusatory. "I watched the footage multiple times. You lost control at the end. Rage overtook discipline. The instructor had to physically remove you." He sat down again. "That concerns me."
"It concerns me too," Kaelen said quietly.
That seemed to surprise Cassian. "Does it?"
"Yes. I've been working on control. That fight showed me I still have a long way to go."
Cassian studied him for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he nodded. "Self-awareness. Another rare quality." He leaned forward slightly. "Let me be direct, Mr. Burn. I am not here to threaten you, recruit you, or eliminate you."
Kaelen blinked. "You're not?"
"No. I wanted to meet you personally to understand who you are. What drives you. Whether you're a fool who got lucky, or something more interesting." Cassian's amber eyes were intense but not hostile. "My son needed that loss. Arrogance unchecked becomes weakness. You taught him a valuable lesson, and for that, I'm almost grateful."
Kaelen had no idea how to respond to that.
"However," Cassian continued, his tone shifting slightly, "that doesn't mean I'm unconcerned. You're a variable now. An S-rank Unique with rapid progression and a track record of exceeding expectations. My family pays attention to variables."
"What does that mean?" Kaelen asked.
"It means you have our attention. Not our enmity, but our interest." Cassian stood again, this time moving toward the door. The meeting was ending. "Other families will notice you as well. Some won't be as civilized in their approaches."
He paused at the door, looking back.
"Build your strength, Mr. Burn. Cultivate allies. And be very careful who you trust." His expression was unreadable. "Power without backing is vulnerability. Remember that."
Then he opened the door and left, his presence disappearing like pressure lifting from the room.
Kaelen sat frozen, his mind racing. That was it? No threats, no recruitment pitch, no demands? Just... evaluation and warning?
"Breathe," Aris's voice came from behind him.
Kaelen realized he'd been holding his breath. He exhaled shakily.
Aris moved to sit where Cassian had been moments before, her expression gentle. "You did well."
"I barely said anything," Kaelen muttered.
"You were honest. You showed conviction. And you didn't try to impress him with false confidence." Aris smiled slightly. "Cassian Pyrell respects authenticity. You gave him that."
Kaelen's hands were still shaking slightly. "He's terrifying."
"He is," Aris agreed. "Cultivation isn't just power. It's presence. You felt a fraction of what he's capable of, and he was being gentle."
That thought made Kaelen feel sick.
Aris reached across the table, her expression becoming more serious. "Now, before you leave, there's something I need to address." She gestured to herself. "You didn't know who I was, did you?"
Kaelen shook his head. "You scouted me. I thought you were just... a scout."
Aris laughed, a genuine sound. "I am a scout. Among other things." She tapped the insignia on her collar. "I'm also Vice Chancellor Aris Vale."
Kaelen's brain took several seconds to process that. "Vice... Chancellor? A–As in the third highest authority in the academy administration."
"Yes." Her expression turned mock-stern. "Four weeks you've been here, Kaelen. Four weeks, and you never thought to learn who runs this academy?"
"I've been busy," Kaelen said weakly.
"Surviving duels and leading missions, yes." Her stern expression melted into warmth. "Which is actually what I wanted to talk about. I've been monitoring your progress."
"You have?"
"Of course. I scouted you personally. That means I have a vested interest in your success." Aris pulled up a holographic display from her wristband, showing mission reports, combat footage, assessment scores. "The Jax fight showed raw potential. The Matthias fight showed tactical adaptability. And Saturday's mission demonstrated leadership under pressure."
She dismissed the display. "Team 3 was the only group to encounter multiple E-rank threats. Not only did you survive, you completed your objective and brought back valuable intelligence. The anomalous readings you documented are already being investigated by specialized teams."
Kaelen felt overwhelmed. "I just did what needed to be done."
"Exactly. And that's why you're exceeding every expectation we had." Aris stood, moving toward the window. "The academy invests in students it believes have potential. You, Kaelen, have more than potential. You have drive, conviction, and the ability to grow under pressure."
She turned back to face him. "That's rare. Protect it."
"From what?" Kaelen asked.
"From politics. From families like the Pyrells who'll want to use you. From your own ambition if it becomes reckless." Her expression was serious now. "You've caught attention, both good and dangerous. The academy will protect you where it can, but ultimately, your safety depends on your own strength."
She walked to the door, opening it. "Keep training. Keep growing. And maybe try learning who your superiors are." The mock-sternness returned. "I expect better next time I see you."
Kaelen stood, still processing everything. "Thank you. For being here today."
"Always," Aris said.
Kaelen left the conference room in a daze, walking through the Administration Wing's corridors without really seeing them. His mind was spinning with everything that had just happened.
He survived. Cassian Pyrell had evaluated him and decided he wasn't a threat worth eliminating. That was victory, even if it felt hollow.
But the warnings lingered. Other families would notice. Power without backing was vulnerability.
And Aris, the woman who'd scouted him, was apparently one of the academy's highest authorities and had been watching him the entire time.
By the time Kaelen reached his dorm, evening had fallen. The academy's lights were beginning to glow, painting everything in soft blue and gold.
He collapsed onto his bed and stared at the ceiling.
His wristband chimed softly. Messages from his friends, asking how it went. He'd respond later. Right now, he just needed to think.
He opened his system interface going through his current status.
[Base Level: 9] (690/2300 XP)
[System Level: 7] (1390/2100 XP)
[HP: 380/380]
[A.E.: 450/450]
[Stat Points: 15]
[Shop Points: 150]
A hundred and fifty Shop Points. Resource he'd been hoarding without clear purpose.
Maybe it was time to actually use them.
But not tonight. Tonight, he was too mentally exhausted to make strategic decisions.
Kaelen closed the interface and let his eyes drift shut.
He'd survived meeting an Ascendant-level cultivator. Had earned praise from a Vice Chancellor. Had learned that attention, both protective and dangerous, was now focused on him.
He just wanted to be left alone, but it's unavoidable.
Outside his window, the academy hummed with evening activity. Students laughing, training, living their lives without the weight Kaelen carried.
He envied them, just a little.
But he wouldn't trade his path for theirs. Not now. Not after coming this far.
Sleep came slowly, but when it finally did, it was deep and dreamless.
And somewhere in the upper districts of Veyra Enclave, Lord Cassian Pyrell sat in his study, reviewing footage of a first-year student with crimson eyes and impossible potential, making careful notes about a variable that had just become very interesting indeed.