The Combat Simulation class had just ended, and Kael's reputation was quietly rippling through the student body like a drop in a still lake.
But to him, it was just lunchtime.
He walked through the glass-paneled corridors toward the cafeteria. Warm sunlight streamed in from above, casting gentle shadows on the immaculate floor. The Academy's architecture was a fusion of futuristic design and classical grandeur.
As Kael entered the dining hall, his eyes scanned the vast expanse of tables and shimmering food displays.
"Lavish…"
He hadn't expected this. Rows of high-quality meals laid out buffet-style steamed gryphon meat, elemental fruit medleys, mana-infused broths, enchanted desserts… this wasn't a cafeteria, it was practically a royal banquet.
He filled his plate with practiced restraint and made his way to an empty table at the far end. It didn't matter how nice the place was he still preferred solitude.
Kael sat, calmly eating, quietly watching.
Even without meaning to, he caught a few glances.
Students, mostly girls, stole peeks at him. With his unbothered posture, striking features, and quiet confidence, Kael drew attention whether he liked it or not.
But he didn't acknowledge them. His focus was on his food until a tray slid across the table in front of him.
A voice followed it. Bold, casual.
"Hey."
Kael looked up and met the sharp gaze of Sam Solaris.
His golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, his blue eyes full of confident fire. He took a seat without waiting for permission.
"Care for a spar?" Sam asked between bites of meat.
Kael didn't blink.
"No."
Sam blinked in surprise. Then laughed a hearty, honest laugh.
"Haha! Straight out, huh? Most people hesitate."
Kael went back to eating, unbothered.
"Not in the mood."
Sam leaned forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "You're stronger than your rank suggests. I'm the only person in the top 10 in the battle simulation class. Not even I took out two hundred monsters in that simulation. And you're barely sweating. So how'd you get so strong?"
Kael paused, then slowly raised his gaze to meet Sam's.
"Experience."
Sam tilted his head. "Experience?"
Kael set down his fork.
"I spent some time in the Elowen Forest. Lived there. Trained there. Killed beasts to survive. Day and night. In the rain. In the dark. Without rest."
The golden-haired prince's eyes widened slightly. "You survived there alone?"
Kael nodded once. "I didn't just survive. I grew. That place was my teacher."
Sam leaned back, impressed. "No wonder you're a monster. Guess it makes sense for my rival to be this strong."
Kael stood, picking up his tray.
"I'm not your rival."
He said it plainly. Not with arrogance, not with coldness just calm truth. Then he walked away.
Sam watched him go, smiling wryly.
"Not yet, maybe…"
Kael returned to his dorm, the quiet hum of the academy surrounding him like a comforting blanket.
He entered his room and tossed himself onto the luxurious couch, letting his muscles relax for the first time that day. The ceiling lights dimmed slightly in response to his presence smart magic tech responding to fatigue levels.
"This place really is something…"
His thoughts drifted to the past few days.
He was just about to close his eyes when Knock. Knock.
Kael sat up slowly, blinking at the door.
"Now what?"