The arena roared to life.
As Kael stepped out of the shadowed corridor onto the sandstone floor, a wave of cheers washed over him. Thousands of eyes were fixed on the Chroniclers as they entered the battleground. The sun hung high in the sky, turning the sand into a golden sea beneath their feet.
The nineteen students arranged themselves in a line, with Kael lingering a step behind. His gaze swept upward to the platform where the academy's leaders had gathered. The professors stood in disciplined rows, and the Vice-Headmaster himself stood at the center.
His expression was carved from marble. Cold. Unreadable. Watching.
A few seats to the right sat Professor Nora with his hands folded and his posture composed. For a brief moment, Kael wondered if the man's calm demeanor retained any memory of yesterday's sorrowful display.
But his thoughts were cut short when the vice headmaster stood up.
The crowd fell instantly silent.
"Welcome." The vice headmaster began, his voice ringing through the stadium with effortless authority. "Welcome to the evaluation of the most prestigious class within this academy."
His gaze swept across the arena, and it felt as if even the air held still to listen.
"These students," he continued, raising a hand toward the line of Chroniclers, "have proven themselves through countless trials and examinations. They have shown that they may one day earn the title of Chronicler."
But then his tone shifted, becoming sharper and colder.
"However, there is a difference between a Chronicler and a great Chronicler." His eyes locked onto them with unsettling precision. "Our professors are among the finest this empire has ever produced. They have traveled beyond the safety of these walls. They have encountered knowledge and nightmares beyond your imagination."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"They do not share their knowledge lightly," he declared. "Only those who prove their exceptional worth will earn the privilege of becoming their private students. Only the final three will be considered."
He leaned forward slightly, and for a moment, Kael felt those piercing eyes aimed directly at him.
"Show your potential. Show the Empire your value." A beat. "Show us your worth."
The threat beneath those words coiled like a blade beneath silk.
Kael swallowed. Zaros was right. This man is terrifying.
Just as quickly as the darkness had revealed itself, the vice headmaster smiled again, perfectly composed.
"And now," he said pleasantly, lifting a sealed envelope between two fingers, "I have the honor of announcing today's evaluation matchups."
He let the envelope flutter lightly.
"These pairings were drawn earlier," he added. "The result is already decided."
Kael glanced aside, skepticism evident in his expression. Drawn earlier? Sure, and I'm the Emperor's missing heir. His eyes rolled without permission.
"The first two winners of the first round will face each other in the next round, and so on," the vice headmaster concluded, barely glancing up from the list in his hands. "Let us begin."
He opened the envelope.
"First match: Cassandra versus Amelia."
The crowd murmured with anticipation. It was no surprise.
Kael's focus slipped. His eyes searched the stands instead, and he found them immediately. Zaros was waving his arms frantically and shouting Kael's name so loudly that the surrounding students flinched. Lia simply grinned and gave him a confident thumps-up.
Kael shook his head and let out a quiet laugh. Incorrigible. Both of them.
He turned his attention back to the vice headmaster just as his future was decided:
"Kael versus Aric."
Kael exhaled slowly. Relief washed over him.
Good. No Liam. Nor Cassandra. At least, not yet.
He spotted Aric across the lineup. Their gazes locked, cautious and measured. They were assessing each other like a problem to be solved.
We're similar, Kael thought. More mind than muscle. But I've trained. I can win this.
He didn't notice Liam until the boy's shoulder brushed his — far too close. Liam's voice slithered into Kael's ear like poison.
"Your luck saves you again," he whispered through gritted teeth. "But don't worry. I'll be there when it runs out."
A thin, calm smile curled his lips.
"I do hope you make it to the final five..." His eyes narrowed, and a glint of hunger shone like a drawn blade. "It would be such a shame if someone else crushed you before I could."
Liam stepped away, satisfied.
Kael stood frozen for a moment, his jaw tight and his lungs heavy. His gaze lingered on Liam. He didn't notice Cassandra watching them, her expression unreadable.
Professor Jade led them back into the preparation room. Once everyone had taken their seats again, she stepped forward.
"Now, we will begin the first match," she announced. Her gaze shifted to Cassandra and Amilia. "You two. Prepare yourselves. The winner will return here. The loser may either stay to watch or leave. The choice is yours. Fight well."
She moved aside. Cassandra and Amelia rose silently and composedly and made their way toward the arena entrance. Their figures disappeared into the bright corridor, swallowed by the roar of the crowd outside.
Kael leaned back against the wall, arms crossed loosely.
Cassandra will win—that's not even a question. I'm just curious how long it will take her.
But then... silence.
The thunder of the spectators died so abruptly that it made Kael's pulse hitch, as if the arena were holding its breath.
He stared toward the door, his brows lifting. That was fast.
A heartbeat later, the stadium erupted in cheers so loud that the walls trembled.
The door burst open.
Cassandra stepped inside.
Not a hair was out of place. There was not a trace of exertion. She looked as if she had simply gone for a leisurely walk.
With a stone-cold, bored expression, she returned to her spot, ignoring the stunned looks that followed her.
Even Liam, who thrived on sneers and mockery, froze for a moment, a hint of reluctant respect breaking through his usual arrogance.
Kael swallowed.
She had defeated one of the academy's strongest fighters in less than a minute. He drew in a slow breath, unable to hide his awe.
Just how wide is the gap between us? Who would win: Cassandra or Astra? That would be quite the sight.
He pushed the thought aside and clenched his hand around the hilt of his sword.
There was no room for distraction. No room for doubt.
Everything around him faded away—the muffled roar of the crowd, the shifting footsteps of his classmates, and the flicker of torchlight.
Only the quiet beat of his heart and the match that awaited him remained.