Ren practiced in the training room
Outside.
"Hey there, bro," a voice called out.
Kael turned to see Stellan Silverleaf approaching.
He has silver hair and emerald-green eyes.
Stellan Silverleaf—the Elven Prince.
The Future Stormchaser.
The strongest student in the second year.
"You called for me?" Stellan asked.
"Yes," Kael replied simply.
Kael couldn’t help but admire the prince.
He has read about him in novel.
He was everything a warrior should aspire to be—skilled, disciplined, and respected.
But what made him truly remarkable was his personality.
He carried himself with grace and humility, never looking down on others despite his overwhelming talent.
’Well I can beat him,’
’Am i being becoming narcissistic here,’ kael thought.
Well my respect for him wasn’t without reason.
Most of it stemmed from Stellan’s rivalry with his older brother, Mystro, a legend in his own right and a student at another prestigious academy.
The sibling rivalry was the stuff of epic tales, with both brothers constantly pushing each other to new heights.
And Stellan wasn’t just a warrior—he was a man of culture.
His girlfriend was none other than the Elven Princess of another kingdom, the dream of countless fantasy enthusiasts.
Two nations, united by their love.
Stellan raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"
"No," Kael said quickly. "Anyway, the reason I called you..."
He trailed off, gathering his thoughts as he prepared to explain.
"Senior," Stellan said with a slight smile.
Kael gave him a small nod before speaking.
"Big brother, I wanted to ask you about something."
"Yes?" Stellan replied.
"As you are the second-year President, I was wondering if you’ve noticed someone in your year who has suddenly grown stronger in the past two or three days," Kael asked.
Stellan’s brows furrowed slightly in thought.
"Hmm… I don’t know much about that. I just returned to the academy yesterday, but I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I notice anything unusual."
Kael nodded, appreciating the response.
"Is there a problem, though?" Stellan asked. "If there is, tell me. I can help."
Kael hesitated. Should I tell him?
He looked at the calm yet commanding presence of the Elven Prince before him.
Stellan was undoubtedly strong—someone who would step in and take charge of any situation.
But that was exactly the problem. If Stellan discovered the full truth, he’d undoubtedly try to handle it himself, not wanting his junior to risk anything.
No. He’ll take the burden alone, and I can’t let that happen, Kael thought.
"Well, nothing serious," Kael said finally.
Stellan’s sharp green eyes studied him for a moment before he gave a small chuckle.
"Oh? Alright then. If you don’t want to tell me, I won’t push you."
Kael said nothing, his expression unreadable.
’There’s definitely something he’s hiding,’ Stellan thought.
The silence lingered for a moment before Stellan spoke again.
"Well, you called me out of the blue. I wanted to meet you in person anyway. The first-year students say you’re the strongest among them, and from what I’ve heard, if it weren’t for you, many of them wouldn’t have survived their missions."
"And what do you think?" kael asked.
Stellan shrugged. "You seem normal—cool, even."
A faint smirk tugged at Kael’s lips.
"Care to test that?"
"What?"
"Do you want to duel?" Kael asked.
Stellan chuckled, shaking his head.
"Another time, perhaps. I just got back, and I’d rather not push myself unnecessarily today."
Kael nodded. "Fair enough."
"Alright, then. I’ll take my leave." Stellan turned towards second year dorminatory.
"Oh, if you change your mind about telling me what’s bothering you—let me know, okay?"
"I will, senior," Kael replied.
As Stellan walked away, Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly, observing the Elven Prince’s retreating figure.
By sensing his aura alone, he must be at least A-rank, he thought.
Kael sighed inwardly.
The reason I suggested a duel wasn’t for fun.
If I could show him I’m stronger than him, maybe he’d open up and share anything he notices.
Follow current novels on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.
But now I’ll have to wait.
Stellan, on the other hand, was deep in thought as he walked.
’That kid has something he’s not telling me. He’s sharp, though, and his presence is calm. But still... calling me out like this without revealing much? I’ll keep an eye on him.’
Kael walked through the quiet halls of the academy, the stillness of the night wrapping around him.
It was late—around 11:30 p.m.—and most students no all the students were asleep.
Yet, as he passed the training room, a faint sound caught his attention.
’Who could it be at this hour?’ Kael wondered.
His curiosity piqued, he silently opened the door just a crack to peer inside.
There,in the room, was Ren, drenched in sweat, his bowstring taut as he aimed at a distant target.
Each release was followed by a sharp twang, the arrows flying with precision.
Despite his fatigue, Ren showed no sign of stopping.
’Ren?,’ Kael thought.
In the novel, he was just a minor character—a background presence at best. His story wasn’t explored much. But here he is, training late into the night. That’s... admirable.
It might be due to my effect.
’What the fuck am i becoming narcissistic,’
Kael observed for a moment longer, then quietly closed the door and walked away, a small smile tugging at his lips.
It’s good. Hard work like that pays off eventually.
And leave it aside.
I should focus on Elise as she is destined to die in Abyssal blossom.
_______
(POV: Lumia)
In her room, Lumia sat by the window.
’I am nothing compared to him,’ she thought.
Her mind replayed the duel earlier that day—how Kael had defeated her and her entire team with such ease, as if they were mere toys.
Every swing of his blade, every calculated movement, had been flawless, almost mocking in its precision.
’How can I face him like this?,’
She lowered her head, the weight of her inadequacy pressing down on her chest.
’I’ve spent my whole life by my mother’s side, basking in her power, learning from the best. And yet... what do I have to show for it?,’
Her mind drifted to her mother, the legendary Celestara, the Vampire Queen—a being of unparalleled might and grace.
What would she think of me now, losing so pathetically?
I can’t even stand on equal ground with him.
I’m ashamed.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she wiped them away, determination blazing in their place.
’I promise myself, Kael,’ she thought, her heart swelling with resolve.
I will reach your level one day.
No matter how hard the path, no matter how long it takes, I will stand as your equal—or surpass you.
I’ll show you that I’m not someone to be looked down on.
Lumia rose from her seat, where she was sitting.
’But am I even trying?,’
She shook her head.
No. Not enough.
I’ve been coasting, relying on my natural talent, my heritage, thinking that alone would carry me forward.
But you showed me how foolish that was.
If I want to stand in the same realm as you, I have to push myself harder than ever before.
Starting tomorrow, I’ll train like never before. I’ll master my blade and my magic.
I’ll learn to think beyond my instincts, to fight with strategy and precision like you.
No more excuses.
No more being the shadow of my mother.
Lumia stood tall, her posture firm.
I will not be left behind. I will not be a weak link.
Watch me, Kael.
Her fingers brushed the hilt of her sword as she whispered to herself,
"I’ll make you proud."