Episode 13 – "Dorm of the Chosen Shadows"
The hallway to the Elemental Observation Dormitory was eerily quiet. Smooth black marble tiles reflected the flickering blue flames from the floating lanterns above, while ancient murals of elemental beasts adorned the walls—some moved as if alive.
Kael walked ahead, calm and unreadable, while Lyra followed beside him, glancing around nervously.
"This place feels...different," Lyra whispered.
"It is," Kael replied. "This dorm was created for irregulars—people who don't fit the standard elemental mold."
A faint hum echoed from the walls. The air was charged with a strange energy. When they arrived at the grand wooden door of the dorm, it creaked open by itself.
Inside was a wide circular hall with six corridors leading in different directions. At the center sat a floating crystal orb, surrounded by swirling light.
Two students were already inside.
One leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. He had sharp green eyes, short silver hair, and a calm, calculating aura.
The other sat on a chair by the fireplace, eyes closed, with a flute resting in his lap. His presence was more subtle, almost as if he blended into the background.
"New ones," the silver-haired student said, walking forward. "You're the ones with the Principal's seal."
Kael gave a slow nod.
"I'm Saren. Element: Wind and Sound. That guy over there is Vale. We don't know what his element is. He doesn't talk much."
Vale opened one eye, glanced at them, and then closed it again.
Lyra stepped forward politely. "I'm Lyra. Water and Ice."
Kael simply said, "Kael."
Saren smiled. "Quiet type, huh? Well, welcome to the misfit wing. You'll find we don't follow many rules here."
Just then, a sharp knocking echoed through the room. An instructor stepped in—tall, muscular, with flame tattoos on his arms.
"I'm Instructor Drevas," he said. "Your orientation is tomorrow. You'll be tested on basic element control, physical ability, and synchronization with your weapon. Since you two are Principal Recommendations, don't embarrass yourselves."
He tossed two envelopes on the floor. "Your room keys. Boys' hall to the west, girls' to the east. Dinner is served in the central mess hall. And remember—this academy does not protect the weak. It cultivates the worthy."
With that, he left, his boots echoing through the corridor.
Lyra sighed. "He's... strict."
"Most are," Kael said.
They separated to their rooms. Kael's chamber was simple—stone walls, a single bed, a study desk, and a circular window looking out at the training fields. His sword lay silently by his side. He placed his hand on its hilt.
It pulsed faintly, glowing with soft silver light. Not fully awakened—but aware.
> "Vetraakasha..."
A whisper echoed in his mind.
He closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Lyra sat on her bed, looking at her ice pendant. "Why do I feel like this place will change everything?"
She touched the hilt of her blade. It glowed faintly blue and frost gathered at her fingertips.
Outside, night fell upon the Academy, but in the shadows of the eastern tower, masked figures watched through enchanted mirrors.
"She's here... and he's with her," one of them murmured.
"They don't know yet. But the prophecy is in motion."
A candle blew out. Darkness crept closer.
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