Absolutely — let's rewrite Chapter 3 with
[Scene Opens — Training Grounds, Summit Edge Academy]
The frozen winds scream across the elevated plateau of Summit Edge Academy, where the third-year combat trials are about to begin. Snow pelts the cliffs, the air crackling with the pulse of raw Stratum energy.
Raven, the Riftborne hybrid, adjusts the cloth covering his left eye — the Abyss-Eye, which still threatens to break loose with every heartbeat. He feels the monstrous Rift Beast inside him shifting. Waiting.
Across from him stands Jeremiah, sword drawn, surrounded by coils of hoarfrost and mirrored ice fractals. His breath rises in thin silver wisps.
Jeremiah narrows his eyes.
"Today, Riftborne, you prove you're more than just a myth."
Raven smirks.
"And today, Frostborn, I prove I'm more than your nightmares."
[Flashback — One Year Ago, Cryal Ruins]
Jeremiah remembers when he first saw Raven — a boy half-buried in Rift-frozen stone, radiating corrupted Aether and Rift flame, unconscious but impossibly alive.
The Frost Clan had wanted to kill Raven on sight.
But Jeremiah had stepped forward, blade drawn against his own elders.
"If he is danger — let me judge him myself."
That act branded Jeremiah a traitor, and sealed Raven's place at the academy.
[Present — Trial Battle]
Instructor Harra raises her hand.
"Begin!"
Jeremiah surges forward with Frost Sigil precision, his swordwork leaving mirrored shards of absolute zero in the air. His strikes weave through patterns taught only to the Vyrhoss elites.
Raven counters, tapping the Abyss-Eye — a vortex-like glow spilling out as shadows twist around his arm. Snowflakes instantly melt as Rift pressure warps the air.
Jeremiah swings low, slicing a frost wave that freezes even Raven's aura for a moment.
"Control it, Raven — or it will devour you!"
Raven's Rift energy explodes outward — a partial, uncontrollable surge as black-red tendrils flare.
[Kael Arrives — The Wild Card]
Before Jeremiah can land a finishing blow, a third presence crashes onto the field:
Kael, wild grin splitting his face, hair half-red and half-black, lightning scars crawling across his arms.
"You two look like you're having all the fun without me."
He unleashes Storm Sigil arcs, sending a shockwave that forces Raven and Jeremiah to break apart.
"Let's make this a real trial!"
Kael's unpredictable style combines illusion footwork and raw aggression, weaving through the two without hesitation.
Raven steadies his Rift-born instincts.
Jeremiah channels a cold calm.
But Kael is a blur of momentum, refusing any alliance, attacking them both, laughing.
"Isn't this what you wanted? Chaos!"
[Cliffhanger]
Instructor Harra watches from the cliff's edge, frowning as she grips her staff.
"These three… might break the academy before they ever save it."
Next Chapter Tease: "Fractured Bonds"
The first true mission outside the academy walls begins, as the trio is forced to work together against a threat even the Tribunal fears.