[POV Kael]
CLACK -CLACK
The rhythmic clashing of metal echoed through the academy’s training grounds as Kael walked.
Among them, a lone figure moved with sharp, disciplined grace. Lumia.
Even on a holiday, she was training.
Kael watched her for a moment, her sword slicing through the air with precision, her form unwavering.
She was completely focused, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead, her breathing controlled.
"Hey, Lumia," Kael finally called out.
She finished her last strike before turning to face him.
"Hii," she said, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
Kael folded his arms. "You really don’t take breaks, huh?"
Lumia smiled, resting the tip of her sword against the ground. "I could say the same about you."
He smirked. "Fair enough."
A breeze passed between them, carrying the distant sounds of students chatting and training.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
It wasn’t awkward, just... quiet.
"You’re up early," Lumia said, tilting her head slightly. "Thought you’d still be holed up in your room, planning something."
Kael sighed. "I wish. Too much to do."
"Midterms?"
"That, and..." He trailed off, glancing at the sky. "Other things."
Lumia didn’t pry. She never did.
That was something he appreciated about her.
Just as he was about to say something else, a voice interrupted them.
"Kael!"
Ren came sprinting towards them, looking frantic.
His breathing was heavy, and his eyes darted between the two of them.
Kael immediately tensed. "What is it?"
Ren stopped in front of them, barely taking a moment to catch his breath.
"Someone’s waiting for you at the academy gate. And—" he hesitated, "Shirone and Stellan… they’re injured. They’re getting treated right now."
Kael frowned. Injured? How?
His mind raced. Stellan was strong, and Shirone wasn’t weak either.
For both of them to be hurt meant something serious had happened.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
"Do you know what happened?" Kael asked.
Ren shook his head. "No details yet."
Kael exhaled sharply.
Something isn’t right.
He quickly pieced together the situation—Shirone and Stellan had been investigating.
If they ended up injured, that meant they found something... or someone.
Or worse, someone found them.
He clenched his fists. "I’ll ask them directly once they’re stable. But first, let’s see who’s waiting for me at the gate."
Lumia, who had been silent throughout, wiped her sword clean and sheathed it.
"I’ll come with you." She said.
Kael glanced at her but didn’t argue.
He nodded, and the three of them started making their way toward the academy entrance.
As they walked, the weight of unseen gazes fell upon them.
Whispers floated through the air.
"So the rumors were true..."
"They really are dating, huh?"
"They look good together..."
Kael’s brow twitched.
Lumia, who had been walking beside him, suddenly stiffened.
A faint pink hue crept up her cheeks.
Kael sighed internally.
Why do people always assume things?
He shot a glare toward the students whispering nearby, and they quickly averted their gazes, pretending to be interested in the sky or the ground.
Lumia pursed her lips.
’Besides, if Lumia were interested in someone, it wouldn’t be me. I just saved her father, that’s all. She respects me for my strength, nothing more.’
They’re overthinking it.
’Well it can be possib — leave it aside’
As they reached the main gate, the atmosphere shifted.
Kael’s focus sharpened, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
His mind was already filled with questions—Shirone and Stellan were injured, a strange visitor was waiting for him, and now this?
Something was definitely off.
He glanced at the gate guard, who stood stiffly.
"Who wants to meet me?" Kael asked.
The guard wordlessly pointed toward a man standing a few meters away.
Kael’s gaze followed the gesture, locking onto a tall figure with striking red hair and deep crimson eyes.
His posture was relaxed, hands in his pockets, yet his presence was oddly commanding.
Kael frowned. I don’t know him.
Still, there was something about the way the man observed him—as if he recognized him.
Deciding to take the direct approach, Kael walked up to him. "Hello."
The red-haired man turned to face him fully. For a brief moment, his eyes widened, but the surprise was quickly masked.
"Hello," he responded, his voice measured.
Kael studied him. "What do you want?"
The man exhaled, as if expecting Kael to already know. "I need information about portal."
Kael didn’t react.
He had already suspected what this was about, but he wasn’t about to start spilling secrets to a stranger.
"I’m not sure what you mean," Kael said coolly.
The man sighed and reached into his coat, pulling out a small card before flicking it toward Kael.
Kael caught it effortlessly and glanced down.
Neutral Association – Captain Rank.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Neutral Association?
That changed things.
In the novel, the Neutral Association only became aware of the portals a year and a half later.
Yet, here was a high-ranking officer already investigating.
The events are accelerating again.
Kael tapped the card against his palm before letting out a quiet breath.
"Follow me," he said, turning toward the jungle without waiting for an answer.
The man didn’t hesitate.
He simply fell into step behind Kael as they made their way into the depths of the forest.
.
The air inside the cave was thick.
Kael moved forward cautiously, his footsteps light against the uneven ground, while the red-haired captain followed closely behind.
As they ventured deeper, an unnatural stillness settled around them.
Then—
A flicker of movement.
Kael’s sharp senses caught the shift immediately.
Shadows clung unnaturally to the cave walls. He wasn’t alone in noticing it.
The captain stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as his hand hovered near his weapon.
Kael didn’t need to say anything.
The feeling was mutual—watchful eyes, silent figures hidden in the depths of the cave.
They weren’t just wandering into an empty hideout.
Something was here.
The captain exhaled through his nose. "Alright, brat. Let’s go back."
Kael had already decided that this was a bad idea.
If they pushed any further, they might not walk out unscathed.
Without another word, they retraced their steps, stepping back into the open air.
The moment they were outside, the captain reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek black device—a phone, more advanced than anything Kael had seen commonly used.
Bringing it to his ear, the man spoke in a calm, clipped tone.
"I found out about it. Arkon Leather."