The wind howled through the capital's southern training fields, stirring Kael's snow-white hair as he stood with arms crossed. His crimson eyes scanned the horizon, but his mind wandered far beyond the skyline.
Today was supposed to be simple—just another squad-level sparring day between new recruits.
But nothing in Kael's life was ever simple.
The field had been split into two halves: on the left, the Black Bulls, unruly and chaotic, most of them cheering or betting on each other's fights. On the right, the Golden Dawn, pristine and composed, their recruits standing in perfect formation under the watchful eye of Captain William Vangeance.
And in the center… stood Kael.
Again.
---
The Invitation
It had started that morning.
After his mission in Greycloak Woods, word of Kael's performance spread fast. His combination of anti-magic, elemental finesse, and leadership had reached ears in high places—including the top squad itself.
That morning, William Vangeance himself had arrived at the Black Bulls' base with an invitation.
"You are wasted in chaos," he had said, his voice calm but sharp. "The Golden Dawn values order, talent, and loyalty. I see these traits in you."
Captain Yami hadn't said much at first. He simply smoked his cigarette and stared at Kael with his usual unreadable expression.
"Your choice," he had muttered at last. "But if you're thinking of running off to the perfectionist parade, you better be damn sure."
Kael hadn't answered immediately.
And now, here he stood, moments from a friendly match—yet weighed down by something much heavier.
---
Fighting for Identity
The referee clapped his hands. "Three versus three. First team to yield or immobilize all opponents wins. Team Black Bulls: Kael, Magna, Luck. Team Golden Dawn: Aleck, Ravis, and Leo."
Kael stepped forward slowly, his spatial blade forming in his hand with a shimmer of light. Beside him, Magna cracked his knuckles.
"Don't go holding back just 'cause they're shiny nobles," he grinned.
Luck was already bouncing on his toes, lightning crackling around him. "I hope they're fast. I wanna chase one!"
On the other side, Aleck—the squad leader for the Dawn rookies—narrowed his eyes. "He's still undecided," he muttered. "Let's remind him where true power lies."
"BEGIN!"
---
The Clash
Lightning met light as Luck launched forward, cackling madly. Kael followed in a blur, his elemental blade clashing against Aleck's crystalline constructs. Magna hurled a fireball that spiraled around Ravis's wind shield.
Kael weaved through spell after spell, his instincts enhanced by the system.
> [New Battle Style Detected – Adaptive Dual Casting]
[Synchronization Rate Increasing: 32% → 41%]
He created a barrier of anti-magic to deflect Aleck's light pillars, then launched a fusion blade of fire and gravity, pinning Ravis in place.
Leo tried to flank him—only for Kael to vanish and reappear mid-air, thanks to a spatial blink.
He landed behind the Golden Dawn mage, placing his blade at Leo's neck.
"Yield," Kael said calmly.
The young noble hesitated—then dropped his weapon.
Cheers erupted from the Black Bulls' side, while the Golden Dawn watched in stunned silence.
---
The Answer
After the dust settled, William Vangeance approached once more. "An impressive showing," he said. "Your coordination and skill surpassed my expectations."
Kael bowed slightly. "Thank you, Captain."
William stepped closer. "You could rise faster under my command. Your talents… they align more with us than with the chaos of the Bulls."
Kael's eyes flicked to the Black Bulls—Luck laughing as Magna helped him up, Vanessa sipping wine as she applauded lazily, and Asta yelling "THAT'S MY BROTHER!"
Then he turned to Noelle, standing silent but proud, arms folded, a small smile touching her lips.
Kael faced William again.
"I appreciate your offer," he said, voice steady, "but I've made my choice."
William's brow lifted. "The Bulls?"
Kael nodded. "They're not perfect. But they let me be me. Not a mold. Not a rank. Just Kael."
Behind him, Yami chuckled. "Told you, Vangeance. Can't steal what's already loyal."
---
The Badge Reaffirmed
That evening, Kael sat on the roof of the Bulls' hideout, watching the stars. Noelle joined him without a word, sitting beside him and letting the silence stretch comfortably.
"You could've had everything," she said quietly. "Wealth. Prestige. Even nobility."
"I have everything," he said, eyes still skyward. "Friends. Family. A squad that fights with heart."
She leaned slightly closer. "Even me?"
He turned, his crimson eyes meeting hers.
"Especially you."
She turned crimson, smacking his arm with a flustered huff. "Idiot."
He just smiled.
> [System Alert: Loyalty Marked – Squad Allegiance: Black Bulls – Permanent Perk Unlocked]
[Squad Perk: Chaos Compatibility – +10% Resistance to Magical Disruption in Unstable Combat Environments]
A soft breeze passed between them. Somewhere inside, Luck and Magna were already arguing again, Vanessa was humming a tune, and Yami probably needed someone to buy more toilet paper.
It wasn't the Golden Dawn.
But it was home.