Chapter 22
The academy's central courtyard shimmered in golden twilight as the aftermath of the Crucible trials settled. Rumors fluttered like restless birds—some students had broken under pressure, others whispered of seeing lost family, and one rumor repeated more than most:
"Someone faced themselves—and won."
Astern tried to avoid the noise. But every step brought another glance, another whisper.
He no longer walked through Sanctum Astrae unseen.
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The next day began with an unexpected summons.
Not from Nysera or Seraphon.
But from the one called The Left Hand of Umbrenox.
Kaela whistled when she saw the seal on the scroll. "You've got the attention of some high celestial brass now."
Lunaria only frowned. "Be careful, Astern. The higher you rise, the more eyes linger below you."
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The chamber was located high in the west tower—one rarely used, flanked by sentinel statues made of obsidian and pale silver.
Inside stood a tall man robed in deep violet, hair swept back like a midnight flame. His aura was layered—not aggressive, but coiled with power like a blade not drawn.
"You may call me Ezeriel," the man said.
Astern bowed slightly. "You're the Left Hand."
"I serve the Umbrenox lineage. And protect its legacy. And you, Astern… are a piece of that legacy hidden for far too long."
The room dimmed.
A memory projection unfolded—one of Astern's parents standing before a tribunal, cloaked in the very symbols of the Umbrenox family.
"They wanted you erased. You were too dangerous, too different. But your father—he made a deal. He sent you away, and gave his life for it."
Astern's throat tightened. "Why are you showing me this now?"
"Because you are no longer hidden. And soon, others will come. Some to recruit you. Others to destroy you."
He held out a black scroll sealed with silver thread.
"This is your right. A summoning sigil to call me once. Should your blood call for it."
Astern hesitated.
"I'm not ready for this war."
Ezeriel stepped closer, placing the scroll in his hand.
"No one ever is. But blood has already chosen you."
---
Later, as he left the tower, Rylen caught up with him.
"You met with the Left Hand?"
Astern didn't answer.
"I did once," Rylen added. "When my sister was nearly chosen to be Sanctum's prodigy. He looked at her and said, 'Too bright to last.'"
Astern raised an eyebrow. "And she?"
Rylen's voice softened. "She fell in the Second Siege."
They walked in silence.
---
That evening, Kaela brought news again. "Guess what's coming?"
Lunaria raised an eyebrow.
Kaela smirked. "A celestial exhibition. First years from all over the five capitals will compete. Including us."
Astern frowned. "Public combat?"
"Combat. Strategy. Summoning. Even relic forging."
"Which means," Lunaria said, "the noble families will all be watching."
And somewhere, deep in the ruins of the fallen ghoul planet, the Ghoul King whispered to himself:
"Let the feathers burn. I want to see if he soars—or falls."
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