The sound of steel echoed through the east courtyard.
Kael stepped through the archway into a space unlike any he'd seen since arriving. Rows of weapon racks lined the stone walls, filled with swords, staves, daggers, and experimental gear designed for those with elemental powers. Training dummies stood at attention in the center, already scorched, sliced, and dented from past classes.
Today was different.
This wasn't a history lecture or beast theory seminar.
This was real.
"First weapons class," Kael murmured under his breath.
[Observe closely, Kael.] Nathan's voice hummed through his mind like static smoothing into clarity.
[Combat is not always about power. Sometimes it's about precision. Position. Pressure.]
Kael nodded subtly and made his way to the lower tier, away from the main group.
A large display above the instructor platform flickered to life.
[Class 12 – Introduction to Combat Gear & Weapons Application]
Instructor: Korven Veyr
The doors opened sharply. In strode a man built like a tower—Instructor Korven, clad in reinforced grey armor. His hair was steel-grey, his eyes a dull silver, and his voice like iron grinding against stone.
"Choose your weapon," he barked. "Then learn it faster than it learns you. Every student is issued a basic gear license upon completing this session. Fail, and you'll train barehanded until you pass."
Students moved quickly, swarming the racks with loud chatter. Power users went for flashy options—flaming spears, charged gauntlets, whirling dual-blades.
Kael didn't move.
Instead, he brought up his HUD in his peripheral vision. A faint shadow pulse followed the edges of his view like a dark mist curling at the corners.
[Nether Code – Level 2 Sync Summary]
Level: 2
Health: 12/12
Matter: 13/13
Reflex: 2.1
Focus Points: 1 (unspent)
[Ability Sync Level: 1]
Mimicry Threshold: Low (Short-term ability flickers) Retention: Minimal Recovery Time: High
[Training Mode Expanded]
Unlock: Simulation Reflex Challenges Unlock: Blade Familiarization Protocols
[Sync Tip – Weapon Connection: The system can adapt to gear you consistently train with. Choose wisely.]
Kael closed the display.
He didn't need a loud weapon.
He needed one that let him survive.
After scanning the racks, his eyes locked on a short blade—a combat knife with a slightly curved spine and a grip molded for speed rather than brute strength. It wasn't flashy, but it felt right.
He took it.
Feyla passed him on her way to the staff rack, pausing only to whisper, "Smart choice," before turning back.
Hidden Threads
High above, leaning against a steel pillar in the viewing gallery, Torrin watched. His arms were crossed, but his eyes were burning.
"He picks a knife?" he scoffed. "Still pretending he's not hiding something."
Zane, another member of the group, gave a dry laugh. "Doesn't matter what he picks. We'll have him caught between drills."
Torrin didn't smile. His lips curled downward.
"Wait. Let him learn. Let him grow. The higher he climbs… the harder he'll fall."
Trial by Edge
Instructor Korven's voice rang out.
"Pair up. Blade-to-blade. You will not use powers. This is about discipline. Technique. Precision."
Kael's heart skipped. No powers again.
Just like the hand-to-hand class. Only this time, with weapons.
He expected no one to pick him—maybe another instructor would assign him. But then a voice cut through the line.
"I'll take him."
Kael turned.
It was Feyla.
No one objected.
They took their places at the center ring. A small circle marked by stone tiles, cracks forming a web beneath their feet.
Korven raised a hand.
"Begin."
Kael moved on instinct. He kept his knife angled low, using his shoulder to guide his stance. Feyla came in smooth, not fast—testing him. The blade of her wooden staff darted out and tapped the side of his arm.
Not hard.
Just enough.
"She's gauging me…"
Kael adjusted, pivoting to the side. He deflected the next strike, stepped back, and countered with a slow horizontal swipe—Feyla dodged it easily but nodded with faint approval.
He could feel it in his muscles—control. Not brute power.
By the end of the drill, he wasn't winning, but he wasn't helpless either.
Korven gave a grunt. "Good. Form 60%. Reaction 75%. Fix your stance."
Kael gave a breathless nod.
[Stat Feedback Updated]
Reflex increased slightly.
Blade Familiarity: 4%
As the class ended, Kael returned the knife to its rack. He felt eyes still on him.
Some curious.
Some angry.
Some afraid.
And above them all, Torrin. Waiting.