Chapter 6 : A glimpse
The Great Training Hall of Vel'karth was a monument to Centralis, one of its pivotal areas.
Arched ceilings laced with vein-like runes. Luminous panels pulsing with regulated mana. Open sparring grounds large enough to fit a Leviathan Graven corpse.
At the highest point of the dome, the light split through the centre like a crown itself. Iridescent runes lit the room in a soft, holy glow.
Kael stood near the southern ring. Alone, for the moment. Watching a squad of students clash in the distance.
Their Crownlight flared in synchronised bursts—bright waves of red and violet against the dull obsidian floor.
It had only been a day since induction. One day since Soahc's wild laughter. Since Veyna's constant distrust. Since Sol's quiet, unreadable posture.
Kael hadn't really slept. Too much noise in his skull.
Now, here he was. Trying to think clearly. Of course, that peace didn't last.
A ripple of Crownlight approached from the western gate. Three figures in cloaks trimmed with living fire. Their crowns were active, flickering in hues of deep orange and ember. The air itself began to shift, heat scenting the room.
At their centre strode someone who didn't need an introduction.
August of Scorchveil. Heir to one of the largest Ashborne clans.
He moved with the confidence of bloodline and legacy. Runic tattoos crawled across his arms. A slow-burning grin rested on his lips.
"Didn't expect to see a clanless mongrel standing on consecrated ground," August said, voice calm and sharp.
"I thought this place was for real Crown bearers, not anomalies like you."
Kael didn't flinch and studied him, keeping silent.
August stepped closer, arms folded. Crownlight pulsing lazily.
"Oh man, you just have that look. one of those fraymarks. Probably does something useless, like sharpen air or shift shadows. One of those powers that gets you killed by Broods before you can even react."
A chuckle sounded from behind Kael. It was Soahc.
It started small. Then got louder. Then full-blown laughter.
August blinked. "You find something funny, Soahc?"
Soah sauntered forward. Cracked lips stretched wide. His Crownlight leaked like a wound. Pulling all the attention to him.
"You're cooking a boy you don't even know. That's rich, especially for someone who inherited every ounce of their fire from a daddy who burnt his name into the history books."
Soahc's grin widened. "You're just a sheep with the same old boring aversion as the rest of them."
The heat in the room wavered.
The air chilled. Despite the flickering flame cloaks.
Kael narrowed his eyes. August's expression didn't shift. But something flickered behind his gaze.
Then— unexpectedly—
August took a step back. Just one. But it was enough.
"Watch yourself," August muttered.
"I know what you are, Soahc. You can't hide behind your madness forever."
Soahc smiled wider. "Oh, but I'm not hiding. I'm just enjoying its view."
Sol stepped forward, his voice firm. "Cut it out. We don't have time for this."
August's eyes flicked to Sol. Paused.
A different look crossed his face. Unreadable. A flicker of something Kael couldn't name.
But then August turned. And with his entourage, walked away.
August had backed down.
And that shouldn't have been possible.
No one made August back down.
Sol stood quiet, expression neutral. But Kael noted the way August had looked at Sol. With hesitation, almost… restraint.
Interesting.
Soahc leaned beside Kael now. Voice casual.
"That was fun. Are you going to thank me for saving your pride, or are you too busy brooding?"
Kael didn't answer right away. His eyes stayed on the training field.
Sol broke the silence first. "Did you two sleep at all last night?"
"Barely," Kael muttered.
Soahc grinned. "I slept like a corpse."
Sol nodded. "Saw a fight on the way here. Verdant girl getting hassled by Ashborne initiates. Real venom in the air."
Kael raised a brow. "Did she win?"
"She didn't back down. That's enough."
Soahc tilted his head. "That green-black hair kind of girl? Toxin Crown or something?"
Sol nodded once.
Kael exhaled. Then stepped toward the sparring zone.
The warmth of August's flames had long faded. But the impression remained.
For all his arrogance, August was strong.
Kael couldn't deny his hubris is expected, given his capabilities.