POV: Garron IronclawLocation: Gravedge Forgehouse, Morning
The hammer rang once, twice — then silence.
Garron set it down, sweat dripping from his temples. Even at his age, the forge still pulled at his bones.
But today, it wasn't the heat that made him uneasy.
It was the presence outside.
He knew that step.
Too light to be a soldier. Too sharp to be a peasant.
The knock came a moment later.
Three taps. A pause. Then two.
Academy code.
"Already…? Damn vultures are early this year," Garron muttered.
He opened the door.
Standing there was a woman in a long black coat, Academy insignia gleaming at her collar: a golden quill behind a crystal blade.
Her hair was midnight blue, eyes silver like coin.
She smiled faintly. "Garron Ironclaw?"
"No refund, no repairs, and I don't teach tourists."
She extended a scroll.
"By order of the Outer Circle of Ars Magna Academy, Realm Sector 17, Gravedge Province: I'm here to assess local talents born under high-growth markers."
He narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not your problem, miss."
"I'm not here for you," she said, stepping past him.
"I'm here for the boy. Kael."
_____________________________________________________
POV: Kael DarkflameSame time, training yard behind the forge
The blade whispered as it sliced through the morning fog. Kael's movements were smoother now, anchored in muscle memory rather than thought.
He felt the blade now.
And more importantly…
He felt what it wasn't yet.
He paused mid-form as Garron and the academy woman stepped outside.
"Kael," Garron called gruffly. "You've got a guest."
Kael turned.
His system pinged before the woman even spoke.
System Notice – Potential Opportunity Detected
🎓 Institution Detected: Ars Magna AcademyRecruiter Class: Observation Magister
⚠ Growth Potential: High➤ Path of Advancement: Fast-Tracked
Challenge Required: Public Trial
Note: First exposure to noble systems. Proceed cautiously.
"Kael Darkflame," the woman said, studying him carefully. "Your file says you're unregistered, but your growth markers suggest two combat traits awakened, and a weapon path begun."
Kael gave no answer.
"Your village is one of twelve under assessment this cycle. Every child with potential over 20% is to be tested. The exam is in ten days, held at the Ironbrand Testing Grounds."
She tossed him a scroll.
"Open it. Decide by tonight. The carriage leaves tomorrow."
She turned to Garron.
"He'll come. Or he'll never leave this place."
Then she vanished.
_____________________________________________
POV: Garron
"I hate when they do that disappearing crap."
He turned to Kael, who was still watching the scroll like it might explode.
"Well?" Garron asked.
Kael said nothing.
But his eyes were already burning.
_______________________________________________________
POV: Selene Frost (Forest's Edge)
She'd heard every word.
And she hated it.
He's leaving.
She didn't know why it made her stomach twist.
She didn't like people. She didn't care for crowds. She didn't trust nobles.
But Kael was different.
Because he looked at her like she mattered. Like her silence wasn't something to fix.
System Prompt — Selene Frost
💠 Affection Marker Shift: [Recognition → Loyalty I]➤ Emotion Flag Detected: Anxiety (Unspoken)
Optional Action: Follow the boy.
She didn't answer.
But she began packing anyway.
_________________________________________________________
POV: Kael (Later that night)
He sat beside the forge, scroll unopened in his lap.
He wasn't afraid of the test.
He was afraid of what it meant.
"You'll be seen," Garron had warned. "And once you're seen, you can't hide again."
Kael clenched the locket at his chest.
"Maybe I don't want to hide anymore."
He opened the scroll.
[Trial Scroll: Ars Magna Academy Preliminary Test]
Test Type: Public EvaluationDate: 10th Moon, 3rd DayLocation: Ironbrand Province Grounds
Trial One: Combat Skill AssessmentTrial Two: Affinity DisplayTrial Three: System Echo Reading (Classline Scan)
Examiner Rank: Gold-tier Observer
Failure may result in forfeiture of advancement. Nobles may make offers. Bystanders will attend.
He exhaled.
This was the first step.
To reaching the next realm.
To reaching her.
To avenging them.
________________________________________________
POV: Lyra Darkflame (High Realm)Location: Mirrorwater Tower
The crystal basin shimmered.
Lyra dipped her fingers into the silver fluid and gasped.
She saw him.
Red eyes.
Black blade.
A crowd.
Then blood.
And a name whispered through the basin.
"Shadow Reaper…"
She clutched her chest.
"Kael…!"
_____________________________________________
POV: Ancient Entity – Lower Realm Ruins
The creature fully emerged now.
Its broken mask still hung across one horn.
It sniffed the air.
"Reaper scent."
It began walking.
Toward the Ironbrand Province.
__________________________________________
POV: Kael
He stood in the forge one last time before dawn.
Garron handed him a small travel pack and an obsidian-thread armband.
"Don't wear it for protection," Garron said, gruff. "Wear it to remember who kept you alive until now."
Kael nodded.
Selene appeared at the door.
"I'm coming too."
No explanation.
Kael only smiled.
"Alright."
System Update — Chapter Milestone Complete
✴ Act I – Prologue to Legend: COMPLETEChapters: 1–12
🏆 Current Achievements:• First Elite Kill• Bloodline Spark• Weapon Bond• Combat Bond Formed
💠 Arc Transition Incoming: Academy Trials
End of Chapter 12