The Hollow Depths – Kael's Side
The dungeon's breath was ice.
Kael stepped through the threshold of the Rift alone, torchlight flickering against wet stone walls. This was no beginner dungeon—no safe training ground. This was a Class A ruin known as Hollow Maw, sealed years ago after a team of veteran Hunters vanished inside.
But Kael didn't care.
He needed pain.
He needed the edge.
He needed to become something the corrupted feared.
"Let's see how far I can fall… before I rise."
He ignited his soulflame.
The mark on his chest pulsed violently, reacting to the dungeon's ambient corruption. The further he descended, the louder the whispers became. Shadows slithered across the walls. Phantoms clawed at his memories.
Then came the beasts—twisted, eyeless things that moved like smoke and screamed without mouths. Kael met them not with fear, but fury.
He struck, over and over—Soul Pulse, Voidfang, Breaking Style. He fought until his arms trembled, until blood soaked his hands, until the flame inside him flickered into something sharper.
He didn't just want strength.
He wanted control.
Because if he couldn't control the mark…
He'd never be free of it.
---
Grand Arcanon Academy – Rui's Side
The sun warmed the training fields as Rui crossed the central courtyard with Dein and Riva, half-laughing at Dein's exaggerated retelling of his sparring match with a summoned mimic.
Then a voice cut in—warm, confident.
"He lost because he used the wrong footwork. You should've kept your weight back."
Rui turned.
A tall boy with short silver hair and forest-green eyes approached, a confident smile tugging at his lips. His academy coat was perfectly worn, his badge gleaming with the symbol of House Velthorn—one of the noble families known for producing prodigies.
"Kairo Velthorn," he said with a nod. "First-class swordsman, rune-tier spell user, top of the entrance exam. And you're Rui, right?"
She blinked. "...Yeah."
"I've heard of you." His eyes lingered. "The girl who turned down the capital's elite training program to come here. Brave choice."
Dein narrowed his eyes.
"You stalking her or something?"
"Just observant," Kairo said coolly, then smiled at Rui. "If you ever want to spar, I'd be happy to—"
"She's busy," Riva cut in.
Rui laughed awkwardly. "I can speak for myself, thanks."
She turned to Kairo. "Maybe later."
As he walked away, Dein scowled.
"I already don't like him."
"He's not that bad," Rui said—but her tone was uncertain.
Because Kairo's eyes…
They reminded her of someone.
Not Kael.
Someone more dangerous.
---
– Hollow Maw
Kael collapsed beside a broken stone altar, breathing heavily, sweat and blood clinging to him like armor.
He looked at his burned hands.
At the monsters he had slain.
At the creeping dark inside his veins.
But his eyes were clear.
"Not yet," he whispered.
"You won't take me. Not yet."
Above him, deep in the void of the dungeon ceiling, something ancient watched.
And smiled.