Morning light streamed through the grand stained glass windows of the imperial academy's eastern wing. Crimson, gold, and sapphire hues spilled across the polished marble floor, bathing the hallway in sacred brilliance.
Kael walked through it all like a ghost in white.
Elegant. Unhurried. Unshaken.
But not unnoticed.
The Academy's first day was meant to be ceremonial. Introductions. Magic orientation. Departmental placement.
But the tension was already thick as snow.
He passed nobles whispering his name.
"That's Kael Faelwinter…"
"The one with the dual SSS talents."
"Did you see the way the Crown Princess looked at him?"
He heard it all.
But said nothing.
Because someone else was watching.
And Kael didn't need to look to know.
Ravian Arklen stood at the far end of the corridor.
Cloaked in golden robes trimmed in royal blue, surrounded by three nobles already pledging loyalty. His blond hair shone like sunlight. His eyes—bright gold and burning—locked onto Kael the moment he entered.
For a long breath, they said nothing.
The golden boy. The white phantom.
A hero chosen by fate.
A threat born from cold silence.
Then Ravian smiled.
The kind of smile forged by power, privilege, and praise.
"Faelwinter," he called, stepping forward. His voice was warm. But his eyes weren't.
Kael stopped.
"Arklen."
They stood before each other—perfect contrasts. Sun and snow. Applause and silence. Admired and ignored.
Ravian's voice dropped just enough for only Kael to hear.
"I see you've made quite the impression."
"So they tell me."
"Two SSS talents. Surprising. Almost impressive."
Kael's lips curled.
"And yet, still one short."
Ravian's smile froze.
[Bond Link System Notification:]
[Nearby Affection Fluctuation Detected: Elara Ignara – 30% → 33%]
[Trigger: Public tension + verbal dominance]
[New Ping: Nerisse Aerunox observing — Affection: 7% → 9%]
From the nearby archway, a silver-haired girl leaned against a column, eyes covered by a silk blindfold. Her head tilted slightly, as if "watching" through some other means.
Nerisse Aerunox. The blind wind seer of House Aerunox.
Kael said nothing to her.
Not yet.
Let her watch.
Let them all watch.
Ravian stepped closer, his voice just above a whisper.
"Whatever you're doing… whatever game you think you're playing—know this."
"You are not me. And this world will never choose you."
Kael's gaze sharpened. Cold. Crisp.
And then he smiled.
"Then I'll stop asking for its permission."
Ravian blinked. Just once.
For the second time in two days.
Kael walked past him, the scent of frost clinging to the air in his wake.
And as he vanished down the corridor—
[System Notification:]
[New Trait Awakened: Glacial Mind – Immune to intimidation, fear, and social pressure from rival class holders.]
[Seraphine Valebliss – Affection: 21% → 24%]
[Elara Ignara – Affection: 33% → 37%]
[New Emotional Ping: ??? – Unregistered presence observed user.]
Kael's steps slowed.
Just slightly.
Because for a fleeting second, a presence deeper than wind or flame had brushed against him.
A warmth buried beneath silence.
Not watching with curiosity…
But obsession.
And somewhere deep within the chapel sector of the academy, cloaked in pure white robes and a quiet smile, a silver-haired girl placed a hand over her chest and whispered:
"Mine."