Chapter 23
The academy buzzed with anticipation.
The Celestial Exhibition wasn't just an event—it was a proving ground. Every corner of Sanctum Astrae became charged with a strange energy: students pushing themselves to extremes, mentors forging last-minute strategies, artisans whispering over enchanted threads.
And in the highest chamber of the western tower, golden bells rang. That sound alone marked the official beginning of the trials.
Dorm D was no longer overlooked.
It was watched.
---
Astern walked the campus quietly, his thoughts split between memories of Ezeriel and the growing tension in his chest. He still hadn't used the scroll. He kept it sealed in his drawer like a flame he refused to light.
Lunaria met him by the arcane fountains near the summoning garden.
"I've seen the brackets," she said. "They've grouped us by specialization."
"And we're in?"
"Top third. Somehow."
Kaela landed nearby, her boots kicking up dust. "Because we're freaks. Strong ones. The nobles want to see if we're just flukes or actual threats."
Astern didn't argue.
Because she was right.
---
The exhibition began in the Grand Spire Arena—a coliseum carved into the clouds, suspended by chains of living starlight. It could host a thousand spectators and three dozen battlegrounds, each tailored to the challenges ahead.
The first event was strategic summoning.
Each team was tasked with invoking a spiritual creature from the local leyline—without overwhelming or damaging it.
The first few groups failed. One summoned a serpent that burned through the barrier. Another conjured a flame wisp that consumed its caster's robe.
Then came Dorm D.
Kaela led the sigil. Lunaria stabilized the field. Astern extended his aura.
They did not summon a beast. They summoned a veilwing.
A creature of light and shadow, half-born between realms. It coiled in the air, silent, beautiful, watching.
The judges leaned in.
One of them—an angel from the capital—whispered, "That's not supposed to exist outside the Astral Plane."
But it did.
And it bowed to Astern.
---
Back in the preparation hall, nobles approached them.
Some came with praise. Others with warnings.
But one, a tall boy in white and cobalt with a silver rapier, stepped forward. "Astern of Dorm D," he said, "I challenge you."
Kaela groaned. "Already?"
Lunaria narrowed her eyes. "That's Cassian Valemar. Second heir to the High Lineage of Radiant Flame."
"I've heard of you," Cassian said, ignoring them. "Your performance was… intriguing. I'd like to see what you can do under pressure."
Astern glanced at his friends, then at Cassian.
"I accept."
---
The duel was set for the following evening.
Astern sat under the moon that night, watching the stars flicker behind passing clouds. His aura was calm, but his heart buzzed with quiet anticipation.
Kaela joined him without a word.
After a while, she said, "Win or lose tomorrow… it won't change what you are."
He turned to her.
She shrugged. "But I'd still prefer if you won."
He smiled.
And far above them, in the throne room of the Ghoul King, a whisper curled through ancient air:
"Soar higher, little flame. So I may strike you down myself."
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