Chapter 35: Auron's Gambit
The battlefield of the Faction War still crackled with lingering energy—smoke and broken spells drifting like mist between the shattered banners.
Ren Kamizuki stood alone at the center, his black coat fluttering in the cold wind, Codex Nullum sealed tightly at his side.
In the distance, scattered students whispered. Fear. Awe. Confusion.
And far above them, in the hidden balconies reserved for faculty and nobles, Auron Veylor watched it all with narrowed eyes.
"He's too dangerous to crush openly now," Auron muttered under his breath.
Beside him, a cloaked figure shifted. "Then we move quietly. The Headmaster favors fair play—but the rules of the Faction War… have loopholes."
Auron's lips twisted into a cold smirk.
Loopholes.
Exactly what he needed.
Later that night, deep within the inner chambers of House Veylor, Auron gathered his closest allies: silver-robed heirs of old noble lines, their faces hidden by masks of tradition.
Maps of the Academy grounds were laid out before them.
Dozens of spell sigils and hidden route markings sprawled across the parchment like veins.
"He's a Nullborn. That alone should've disqualified him," one heir spat. "What are we even waiting for?"
Auron silenced him with a glance.
"Wait? No. We provoke. We isolate him. We corner him during the Faction War battles—and we use the Trial Writs."
The others fell silent.
Trial Writs: ancient Academy permissions allowing for sanctioned duels, sabotage raids, even public judgment trials... if framed correctly.
Auron tapped the center of the map, right over the Sealing Grounds.
"Force him to defend something he can't afford to lose," he said. "Break him not in body—but in reputation. In spirit."
Whispers of agreement filled the room.
Meanwhile, in the lower gardens, Selvara cornered Ren near the Library's overgrown pathway.
"You're being set up," she said quietly, eyes darting around. "House Veylor... they're buying influence. Faculty members, arena judges—maybe even reaching the Hall of Decrees."
Ren's gaze hardened.
He already expected betrayal.
But now, the timeline was accelerating.
"They're planning to use Trial Writs against me," Ren murmured, piecing it together. "Force me into public battles. Rig the outcomes."
Selvara nodded grimly.
"And worse. They might invoke an Arcanum Trial. If they do… you won't be fighting students anymore. You'll be fighting the Academy itself."
Ren closed his eyes for a moment.
The Codex Nullum pulsed faintly at his side, almost as if waiting.
If this was the road forward, then he had no choice.
He would walk it.
And burn it behind him if he had to.
Chapter 35 (Part 2): Auron's Gambit
The echo of blade against barrier sang through the Arena.
Ren stood unmoving, the aftershock of his last strike cracking the reinforced floor beneath him. Across from him, Kael staggered—his armor scorched, one arm hanging limp, the other gripping his halberd with raw desperation.
Above them, the enchanted dome shimmered, pulsing with runic symbols straining to contain the Void energy still rippling around Ren.
Yet… the fight wasn't over.
Not for Auron Veylor.
From the judges' platform, Auron's voice rang out—clear, commanding.
"Enough games. Invoke Clause 17—House Proxy Override."
The crowd gasped. Even the Headmaster's illusion flickered in alarm.
Kael's eyes widened. "Auron… no—!"
Too late.
Chains of light surged from the floor, snaring Kael mid-breath. Auron stepped forward, his ceremonial robe burning away to reveal black battleplate etched with crimson runes.
He wasn't just Kael's older brother.
He was House Veylor's true enforcer.
And now, under Faction War law, he was stepping in as Kael's proxy.
Ren's eyes narrowed. "This wasn't about Kael losing… it was about baiting me."
Auron's grin was cold. "Welcome to the real trial, Ren Kamizuki."
The Arena twisted.
Spectators were pushed back by unseen force.
Elders began shouting. The Headmaster's projection tried to override the override.
Failed.
"Clause 17 is in effect. Combat escalated to Proxy Duel. Arena seal initiated."
Ren's system flared.
[Warning: Opponent classified as High Threat – Divine-Class Signature Detected.]
[Codex Nullum: Whisper Active.]
"He wears a false crown of blood. Do not show mercy."
Ren raised his hand. Void spiraled around it.
Auron's gauntlet ignited.
Then they clashed.