Morning at the Academy began with the usual chaos: enchanted books flying, sleep-deprived alchemy students chasing runaway potions, and two first-years dueling over a spilled lunch tray.
Kael Vaelthorn ignored all of it.
He sat at the edge of the East Garden, sipping tea under a tree that suspiciously bent its branches to shade him better. His hoodie hood was up. His eyes half-shut. Perfect peace.
Until Lyra dropped into the grass beside him, panting.
"Okay. Okay. Don't freak out."
Kael raised one brow. "You're the one out of breath."
"Because I ran all the way from the Council Hall. Big announcement. Huge. Like, Kingdoms-holding-their-breath huge."
Kael took a long sip. "Did someone spill demon blood into the royal tea again?"
"No. Worse. The Academy just confirmed it. They're hosting the Celestial Crown Tournament."
He blinked. "Sounds dramatic."
"It is dramatic! It's the biggest competition between academies from all seven continents. It's backed by three kingdoms, two dragon clans, and one neutral god!"
Kael frowned slightly. "Neutral gods are still around?"
Lyra ignored him. "Top students from every academy will fight for glory, political ties, and—get this—the right to join the World Council for one year."
He sighed. "Do I have to fight?"
Lyra gave him a look. "You're already nominated."
Kael blinked. "I didn't sign anything."
"They said your silence was confirmation. And someone wrote your name on the form in elegant calligraphy. Might have been enchanted ink."
Kael closed his eyes. "This school needs a hobby."
---
Later That Day – Grand Auditorium
The headmaster's voice echoed through the crystal amplifiers:
"By decree of the Seven Kingdoms, and in alignment with the Dragon Treaty of Northern Flame, our academy will host the Celestial Crown Tournament Trials. All first and second-year students may volunteer. Top four will represent us."
Gasps. Cheers. Confetti—somehow.
"And as per royal nomination, student Kael Vaelthorn will automatically enter Round Three."
The crowd exploded.
Some cheered. Some whispered. Others stared at Kael in stunned silence.
He just yawned.
---
Outside the Hall
Kael walked away from the crowd. A second-year student with sharp green eyes approached him.
"You're Kael, right? I've read about your… matches. Thought it was all exaggeration."
Kael glanced sideways. "Then don't believe it."
"I challenged you to a duel," the student said. "In front of everyone. You didn't respond."
Kael shrugged. "I was drinking tea."
"I won't let you look down on the art of wind magic!"
Kael raised a hand. "Okay, stop."
"Huh?"
"I'm not looking down. I'm trying not to spill my tea."
The student turned red. "This is a sacred technique—!"
Kael reached into his bag, pulled out a folded towel, and placed it gently on a bench.
"Please scream away from the towels."
He walked away.
The student was left in stunned silence, unsure if he'd just been insulted or blessed.
---
Meanwhile – Dormitory Balcony, Shadow Society Watchpoint
Shadow Envoy Report Log:
> Observation 329
Kael Vaelthorn denies aggression while asserting dominance.
Tools used: towel placement, eye contact, tone control.
Psychological warfare? Confirmed.
Cult status among underclassmen: Rising.
Possible prophecy alignment: "He who moves without force."
We await further signs.
---
Evening – Secret Society Inner Chamber
Seven shadows knelt in a circle, each marked by a glowing insignia of their Pillar.
A new voice entered the circle—calm, aged, certain.
> "The Crown Tournament will shift global focus. All seven major forces will watch. Demons will send spies. Dragons may interfere. The prophecy child moves into light."
Pillar of Espionage spoke: "Shall we remove his opponents?"
Pillar of Shadows replied, "No. He must win misunderstood. Always unintentional. It is the way."
A pause.
Pillar of Archives opened a scroll.
> "Line 413: He who deflects with sleeves, yet topples kingdoms, shall wear the Silent Crown."
They bowed their heads.
> "Let it be watched."
---
Back at the Academy
Kael sat on his bed, flipping through a book titled "Tea Recipes of Forgotten Empires."
Lyra peeked in through the doorway. "Did you know your towel placement is now a symbol of divine dueling mercy?"
He didn't look up. "I only did it to keep it clean."
"Well, someone embroidered your name into a practice sword and left it outside. There's a fan chant now. Something about 'Vaelthorn Vibes'."
Kael closed the book.
"I need new tea."
---
End of Chapter 32