The aftermath of the Molten Maw raid rippled across the adventuring world.
Blazing Dawn had cleared a C-rank dungeon that should have overwhelmed them. And word had gotten out—they'd done it without guild backing.
They weren't a fluke.
They were rising.
Emberglow Plaza – Three Days Later
The central plaza buzzed with students, guild scouts, and magical reporters.
Aira leaned against the fountain, fire swirling lazily around her fingers as Korin and Mira argued over lunch.
That's when he arrived—on a gust of wind.
Literally.
A gust of emerald wind spiraled through the plaza, scattering papers, flipping skirts, and spinning a vendor's umbrella into the sky.
And at its center stood a silver-haired boy with a crooked smile and a long green mantle embroidered with runes of flight.
"Sorry," he said, not sorry at all. "I have a habit of making dramatic entrances."
---
Kael Windstride – Profile
Class: Aeromancer
Talent Level: S-rank
Specialization: Wind Manipulation, Spatial Distortion, Flight
Known For: Solo-clearing an aerial dungeon in Skyveil Canyon
Rumor: Expelled from the Tempest Arcane Institute for "reckless independence"
---
"I've been watching your team," Kael said as he hovered in the air, arms behind his head. "Flames, shadows, lightning, healing... but you're missing one thing."
Aira raised a brow. "Hot air?"
He laughed. "No. Speed. Tactical disruption. Crowd control. Flight. All of which I can offer."
Mira crossed her arms. "Why us?"
Kael's expression turned serious for a moment. "Because you're the only team not shackled by rules, guild chains, or noble politics. You move how you want. That's rare."
He pulled a gust-forged letter from his coat and offered it to Aira.
> Request to Join Party: "Blazing Dawn"
Kael Windstride (S-Rank) — Aeromancer Class
Terms: No binding contracts. Freedom of action. Mutual trust.
Aira looked him in the eyes. "No leash. No crown. Just fire."
He smirked. "And wind."
She nodded.
> Kael Windstride has joined "Blazing Dawn".
Party Bonus Activated: Elemental Synergy — Fire + Wind Boosts
New Passive Unlocked: Combustion Draft — Fire skills gain increased range and velocity when paired with wind skills
Phoenix Resonance: 54%
---
Training Grounds – That Evening
Kael demonstrated his skill by conjuring a cyclone and riding it upward, dodging Lina's illusions mid-air and launching razor-sharp air blades.
Mira healed from range. Korin sparred with him to test combat instincts.
And Aira?
She smiled as her flame danced higher—amplified by his wind.
In combat, she launched a fire lance.
He split it midair into five spiraling fire arrows.
The synergy was undeniable.
---
That Night – Emberglow Dorm Rooftop
Kael joined Aira on the rooftop where she often watched the stars.
"You're not like the others," he said. "Most leaders want control. You want something else."
"I want freedom," she replied. "For all of us. The power to choose our own path… and to burn down an
ything in the way."
He nodded slowly.
"In that case," Kael said, grinning, "I'm in until the sky falls."