The dorm room was dark, save for the dim pulse of a silver orb hovering above Kael's hand. The Soul Relay Orb hummed softly, threads of blue mist curling around his fingers.
A deep, resonant voice echoed through the haze.
"You're late with your report, Kael."
The mist formed into the faint figure of Master Ardyn, face lined with shadow and years of bloodshed.
Kael smirked faintly. "Didn't know you kept track of time anymore, old man."
Ardyn snorted. "Someone has to, since you clearly don't. Now—tell me. How's the mission?"
Kael leaned back, resting against the window frame. "The academy's calm. Elara's unaware. I've blended in. No signs of trouble so far."
"Good." Ardyn's gaze softened, then turned thoughtful. "And the others? Have you… made any progress socially?"
Kael blinked. "Socially?"
"Yes. Friends, Kael. They're called friends."
The assassin tilted his head. "Is this part of the mission or a new kind of torture?"
Ardyn chuckled, a sound like cracked stone. "Consider it training. A blade with no one to guard dulls quickly."
Kael frowned, not sure if his master was serious. "You used to say attachments get you killed."
"I did," Ardyn said quietly. "And it's true. But solitude kills slower — and much worse."
The orb dimmed slightly as his tone softened.
"Meet people. Learn how to live. I trained you to survive the dark, but you'll never escape it unless you find something brighter to walk toward."
Kael didn't respond. He simply watched as the mist dispersed, leaving only silence behind.
Then, for the first time in years, he smiled faintly.
"Friends, huh…? Guess we'll see."
Morning sunlight spilled into the dormitory common room. Laughter, shouts, and the occasional small explosion from a poorly controlled fire spell filled the air.
Kael opened his door to see chaos: students bumping into one another, a spilled cup of water freezing midair from someone's experiment, and two boys arguing over stolen rations.
A freckled boy waved at him. "Hey! You're the quiet one who helped that commoner yesterday, right?"
Kael blinked. "I prefer the term taught valuable life lessons."
The boy laughed. "Name's Renn. First-year, wind magic. You?"
"Kael," he said.
Another student leaned over from a table — short, brown-haired, glasses slightly too big for his face. "People've been talking. That noble you tripped yesterday? Incredible."
Kael shrugged, grabbing a cup of tea. "He fell on his own. I just… encouraged gravity."
The group laughed, and Kael's lips twitched. For a brief second, he felt lighter than he had in years.
Renn nudged him. "C'mon, Kael. We're doing sparring rounds — no serious duels, just fun. You in?"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I enjoy practice?"
Renn grinned. "No, but you look like you'd be good at it."
Kael thought for a moment. He'd already trained before sunrise, but blending in meant acting like a student."Fine," he said finally. "But if I break someone's arm, that's on you."
"Deal!" Renn laughed.
A few more students gathered, curious about the quiet, calm boy who didn't seem to be afraid of anyone.
The academy's courtyard buzzed with energy. Instead of formal lessons, students sparred in small groups.
Kael watched as a young girl tripped over her robes, nearly toppling a stack of practice swords. He caught them in one smooth motion, setting them back neatly."Careful," he muttered. "The floor is not your enemy."
The girl blushed and bowed slightly. "Th-thank you!"
Renn tried to channel wind magic, but misfired and nearly sent himself flying. The other commoners howled with laughter.
Kael walked over, adjusting the boy's stance with calm precision. "You're forcing it. Magic breathes — don't choke it."
Renn blinked at him. "You sound like a master."
Kael paused, realizing the slip. "…Just something my teacher used to say."
They trained until noon, exchanging jokes and playful blows. Kael even taught Renn a few subtle hand movements to redirect wind currents — nothing lethal, just enough to impress.
For the first time in years, Kael didn't feel like a weapon — just another student.
After lunch, Kael wandered into the common room, noticing other students quietly struggling with their lessons. A small group of first-years stared at a tattered book, clearly too complex for their level.
Kael crouched beside them. "May I?" he asked, nodding toward the book.
They nodded eagerly. He explained the basics, demonstrating a few simple techniques. Soon, the students were smiling, asking questions, and even teasing him lightly.
"Hey, Kael," one whispered, "you're not like the other scholarship kids. You actually care."
Kael paused. It was strange to hear someone say that. Most only feared him."Just… pay attention. You'll survive longer that way," he said, voice calm but not cold.
Another student nudged him. "Do you want to join our study group tomorrow?"
Kael hesitated, then shrugged. "I'll think about it."
For once, he didn't feel obligated to decline.
By late afternoon, the dormitory halls were quieter. Kael sat by the window, watching the sun dip behind the academy towers, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
Renn and the others argued over a game of chess below, laughter echoing faintly up to Kael's room.
"Don't get attached," Master Ardyn's words echoed in his mind.
Kael ignored it.
A soft knock drew his attention. It was the shy commoner he had defended on the first day. "Um… Kael? I just wanted to say thanks again. People aren't picking on me anymore."
Kael nodded. "Good. Keep practicing. And watch your back — magic doesn't always obey the rules."
The boy's eyes widened. "I'll try!"
Kael smirked. "Good. Try not to die before the exams."
The boy ran off, laughter trailing down the hall.
Kael leaned back, letting the golden light wash over him. For now, there was no threat, no shadows lurking at the corners. Just a rare, peaceful moment.
He placed a hand on the hilt of his dagger — habit, more than fear — and let it rest.
"Maybe I can survive this 'student' thing after all," he murmured.
Outside, thunder rumbled softly, far off. The storm would return eventually. But for tonight, the assassin allowed himself a rare, quiet smile.
And for the first time, Kael felt that maybe, just maybe, friends weren't so dangerous after all.