POV: Kael Darkflame Location: Academy Trial Barracks, Nightfall
The invitation came at midnight.
A silent knock. A folded envelope, pressed with a golden wax seal — no crest, no symbol, no house name.
Blank.
Kael stared at it under torchlight. Selene, as always, watched over his shoulder, fingers already brushing a hidden dagger.
"You're not going," she said flatly.
Kael didn't reply at first. He held the envelope to his system scanner.
System Alert – Noble-Grade Communication
➤ Identity Mask: Encrypted (Tier-A)➤ Sender: Registered under 'Astra'➤ Offer: Private meeting, Garden Hall
Time: One hour from now Attendance: Candidate Kael only
⚠ Passive Affinity Ward Detected (Anti-eavesdrop)
Risk Level: Moderate
"Do you know her?" Kael asked.
Selene nodded slowly. "Heard the name in passing. One of the floating houses. Old families who don't claim land, just… power."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes."
Kael stood. "Then I'll go."
Selene was on her feet instantly. "Then I'm coming too."
_______________________________________________________
POV: Garden Hall – One Hour Later
The Garden Hall was built into the cliffs beside the arena, suspended above a river of light. Moon lilies floated in the air. Veins of crystal webbed the ceilings, humming with pure mana.
Kael walked through the gate calmly, flanked by Selene — who was already scanning exits and scent trails.
They were led by a silent steward, into a silver dome filled with low, burning lanterns and pillows instead of chairs.
Waiting there was Lady Astra.
She was even younger than Kael expected — maybe seven, maybe eight. A girl with long black hair and gold-rimmed eyes that shimmered like liquid metal.
"This girl… she's not just a noble. She's something else."
She smiled softly. "Kael."
He bowed his head, careful. "You sent for me."
"I did."
She gestured to the cushions.
"Please sit."
They didn't.
Kael remained standing. So did Selene.
Astra didn't seem offended.
"I watched your trial today," she said. "And the combat before it. Your style is… distinct. Your affinity, too."
"Did I fail your expectations?" Kael asked, voice neutral.
Astra chuckled. "No. You exceeded them."
Then she leaned forward.
"I want to know your class."
Kael's fingers twitched toward Broodfang.
Selene stepped between them in a blink.
Astra raised a hand. "Easy. No threat intended."
"Then don't ask that," Selene said coldly. "He doesn't share that with strangers."
"Ah, but we're not strangers anymore, are we?" Astra said.
System Alert – Subtle Pressure Detected
Effect: Minor Soul Probe – Noble-grade technique Origin: Astra of the Hidden StarStatus: Blocked
Response: Passive Bloodline Flare (6%)
Result: Failed probe Attacker stunned (micro-seconds)
Astra's smile froze.
Then her pupils dilated.
She blinked once… twice… and then leaned back slowly.
"I see…"
Kael said nothing.
Selene stepped forward, daggers half-drawn.
Astra waved it off. "No harm done. You are… interesting. I'll keep watching."
"You didn't invite us for a compliment," Kael said, finally speaking with weight.
"No," Astra admitted. "I invited you because you're being hunted."
__________________________________________________________
POV: Deep Beneath the Arena – Ruins Sector
The black mist thickened now, swirling into form.
A hunched figure emerged — no longer human, not quite beast. Its mask was cracked. One antler horn. One broken arm. And endless, hungry eyes behind stitched sockets.
It reached a hand toward the ceiling.
"He calls."
"The Reaper sparks."
It began to rise.
______________________________________________________
POV: Garden Hall – Kael
"Hunted?" Selene echoed.
Astra nodded. "Do you think it's coincidence that you were paired against Veyar? Or that the Thorncrests have suddenly moved to disqualify unknowns from inheritance rights?"
She reached into her sleeve, producing a folded sigil.
"Your enemy isn't just the monsters in the next trial, Kael."
She tossed the sigil into the air.
It unfolded.
House Thorncrest.
Kael's jaw tightened.
"They know something."
"They suspect," Astra said. "And if you awaken fully before you're ready, they will do more than just disqualify you."
"Why are you telling me this?" Selene asked.
Astra stood.
The light behind her formed a faint halo — not divine, but ancient.
"Because one day, he'll either kill the gods… or replace them."
Then she turned.
And vanished into mist.
System Alert – Trial Three Incoming
Class Echo Reveal: 8 hours
Warning: System will attempt to scan your lineage
Suggestion: Prepare for Echo Masking
_____________________________________________________
POV: Kael (later that night)
He sat in the barracks again, Broodfang across his knees, the world spinning in his mind.
The whispers were louder now.
His shadow flickered.
His blood burned.
And deep within him…
The Reaper stirred again.
End of Chapter 17