Morning dew clung to the academy's tiled training grounds like stubborn thoughts—unwelcome, persistent, and slippery. Kael Vaelthorn stepped into the courtyard with a sigh heavy enough to wilt the grass.
He had hoped today would be uneventful.
That hope was foolish.
Because posted on the tall crystal bulletin board by the fountain was a glowing list in shimmering red letters:
"Mandatory Dueling Pairs – Week of Evaluation Trials."
Kael blinked once. "No."
Lyra, standing beside him, read the list aloud with a grin.
"Group Alpha Duel One: Kael Vaelthorn vs. Dion Hartwell."
Kael looked at her. "No."
"You're doing it."
"I refuse."
"You don't have a choice."
Kael muttered something about fate being a drunk playwright.
From behind, a voice boomed, "Kael Vaelthorn!"
It was Dion. Glorious. Glowing. Perfect teeth. Wind always slightly tousling his golden hair—even when there was no wind.
He stepped forward, hand outstretched, teeth sparkling. "Looking forward to our duel, friend!"
Kael stared at the hand like it might explode.
"Sure," he said. "Looking forward to embarrassing myself publicly."
Dion laughed too hard. "Ah, humility before battle! A noble trait."
Lyra snorted behind her hand. "He's not being humble. He's being accurate."
Kael sighed. "Thank you, supportive partner."
"Anytime, moody swordsman."
---
In the Instructor's Tower
Master Vynn tapped the list and addressed the observing staff. "This is the week we separate potential from pretense."
Professor Mylen nodded. "These matchups… some are odd. Why Kael vs. Dion?"
Vynn smiled slightly. "Because we need to test Kael's ceiling. Or find it."
A quiet voice interrupted. "He doesn't have one."
It was Hema, leaning against the wall, flipping her notes.
Professor Mylen blinked. "Excuse me?"
Hema looked up. "Kael doesn't train. He doesn't study. He shows no ambition. Yet he's unbeaten. Not because he's lucky—but because he doesn't even know how capable he is."
Vynn raised an eyebrow. "Then what's your evaluation?"
Hema closed her notebook with a snap.
"He's a sleeping catastrophe."
---
Later That Day – The Arena
Students filled the stands. The duel between Kael and Dion was announced as a "friendly evaluation." But the tension suggested a gladiator deathmatch.
Dion waved to the crowd. Cheers erupted.
Kael yawned.
"Begin!"
Dion exploded forward, sword glowing with light mana.
Kael sidestepped—because his shoelace was untied.
Dion stumbled past.
"Oof—!"
Kael bent to tie his lace.
Dion spun, charged again.
Kael stood up and accidentally raised his arm—just as Dion swung.
Clang!
The weapons clashed. Dion staggered back, shocked.
"He parried that without looking!"
"He's reading Dion like a book!"
Kael blinked. "I was swatting a bug."
---
Back in the Crowd
Elira stared with wide eyes. "He's untouchable. That stance… it's like he's mocking traditional swordplay."
Raen groaned. "That's not a stance. That's called bad posture."
Elira didn't hear him. "Even his laziness is strategic…"
Raen buried his face in his hands.
---
Final Moments of the Duel
Dion lunged for a finishing blow.
Kael tripped over a stone.
Dion tripped over Kael.
They both fell—Kael landing on top.
The referee blinked. "Match… Kael Vaelthorn wins by pin."
The crowd erupted in confusion and awe.
Kael groaned. "Why is gravity my only ally?"
---
Post-Duel
Lyra handed Kael a drink.
"You did it."
"I slipped."
"You dodged every strike."
"I was trying to leave the arena."
"You're undefeated."
"I'm unfortunate."
She smiled. "You're not fooling anyone anymore."
Kael leaned back on the bench, muttering. "That's the real tragedy."
---
Meanwhile… In the Deep Sanctum of Shadows
A robed figure approached the Seventh Pillar.
"Darklord Kael has bested another would-be hero," the figure reported.
The Seventh Pillar whispered, "He walks the path without knowing. Even his mistakes ripple across nations."
The figure bowed. "Shall we tighten our watch?"
"No," came the soft reply. "Let him stumble. That is how mountains fall."
---
That Night – In Lyra's Room
She sat on the window sill, staring at the moon.
Her thoughts weren't on victory.
They were on how Kael always fought beside her—not for glory, not for power.
Just to keep her from being alone.
And somehow… that was more dangerous than any spell or sword.
She smiled.
"I guess I'll keep walking beside you, Kael. Until you notice."
---
Back in Kael's Room
He stared at the ceiling.
"I need a nap. A long one. Preferably until the exams are over."
Then he rolled to the side.
And fell off the bed.
"Perfect."
---
End of Chapter 37