The next day, Kael sat slumped on the battered couch in his cramped apartment, every muscle aching. Eren had healed what he could, but Eternal Ashfire left scars that healing magic couldn't erase—burns on the soul itself. His body screamed for rest, but his mind wouldn't stop racing.
The holo-screen on the wall flickered, static buzzing before the news broadcast came into focus.
News Anchor:"Breaking news. In the last seventy-two hours, dungeon activity across Arcanvale has risen by 38%. Reports confirm new gates opening in the Western districts, as well as in smaller towns along the borderlands. The Protectors have issued a city-wide alert, urging all citizens to remain vigilant and for registered hunters to prepare for increased deployment."
Kael's eyes narrowed. More dungeons meant more beasts. More beasts meant more cores. And more cores meant growth—strength.
The broadcast continued, switching to a stern-faced spokesperson of the Protectors, clad in a black-and-gold uniform with the association's insignia gleaming at their chest.
Protector Official:"Effective immediately, the Protectors will begin enrollment for the Ascension Trials. This program is designed to identify, train, and support hunters of exceptional talent, starting from Rank E. All applicants will undergo competitive evaluation—physical combat, dungeon clearance, and tactical coordination. Only those who survive the trials will earn a place in the Protector Vanguard, with access to exclusive resources, advanced skill books, and top-tier support."
Kael leaned forward, every trace of exhaustion bleeding away. Ascension Trials…
His hands clenched into fists. This was no ordinary recruitment drive—this was a chance to step into the spotlight, to measure himself against others, to climb.
The anchor's voice returned.
"Registration for the Ascension Trials begins in five days. Competition will be fierce. Analysts predict that thousands of hunters from across the region will apply, but only a fraction will be accepted into the Vanguard."
The screen cut back to the studio, but Kael wasn't watching anymore. His mind burned hotter than his Eternal Ashfire.
"This… this is exactly what I need." His voice was low, but the fire in his eyes spoke volumes.
Eren, resting in the chair beside him, looked up. "You're thinking of applying, aren't you?"
Kael smirked. "Thinking? I will apply. But not as an F-rank weakling. If I want to stand a chance, I need to level up—and fast."
"What about you ?" Kael Asked
"You know ? if it was the former me I'd have said no, but now I'm not backing off" Eren said with eyes of determination.
"Hehe that's more like it, we have to get you to rank E too" Kael said.
He stood, ignoring the dull pain coursing through him. "Five days. That's enough to clear more dungeons, gather more cores, and step into Rank E. The Protectors want the best of the best? Then I'll give them something they've never seen before."
His eyes drifted back to the faint scar on his palm, a reminder of the Eternal Ashfire's merciless nature. It didn't matter. He'd tame it. He'd master it.
Because for Kael, this wasn't just about joining the Protectors. It was about rising high enough to rip apart the chains of a broken world.
The fire within him blazed, hotter than ever.The countdown to the Ascension Trials had begun.