Wind lashed against the armored sky-carriage as the Skyfang Drake cut through the clouds. Its scales shimmered bronze in the sunlight, massive wings beating like war drums. The beast carried three reinforced compartments, each assigned to elite noble heirs.
Inside one, Kai sat with arms folded, peering out the hex-crystal window. Below, the world stretched wide—jagged mountain ranges, forests veined with silver rivers, broken wastelands of red stone.
It was the first time he'd seen how vast the realm of Valdrak really was.
> [SYSTEM NOTICE]
Region Shift: Entered Eastern Highwind Corridor
Slayer Network: Active
Nearby Power Signatures: Detected (3)
Status: No threats locked—but caution advised
His fingers flexed on the leather-wrapped armrest. He wasn't alone.
From the neighboring cabin, voices carried through the wall.
"…Drakonis heir is here? I thought he'd be taller."
"He's just another royal brat. Watch him fold during the entrance trial."
A faint smirk tugged at Kai's mouth.
The door hissed open.
A tall young man stepped in, armor dark green with runes glowing faintly. His hair was silver-white, his boots tracked in ash, and his eyes held the calm arrogance of someone born above consequences.
> [Appraisal Active]
Name: Ren Vaelthorne
House: Archdukes of the Verdant Flame
Level: 9
Core Trait: Emberheart Physique – Rank D
Attitude: Mildly antagonistic
"You're the Slayer Prince?" Ren said, cocking his head. "Expected someone… bigger."
Kai didn't bother standing. "And I expected a better insult."
Ren grinned. "Well, at least you've got sharp teeth."
Another figure slipped in behind him. A girl in a dark violet coat, curved daggers at her hips, and hair like a shadow under moonlight. Her presence was quiet but hard to ignore.
> [Appraisal Active]
Name: Elira Nyxveil
House: Marquisate of Nocthollow
Level: 10
Core Trait: Veilstep – Rank D
Attitude: Observant. Reserved.
"You two Valkyros-bound?" Kai asked.
"Obviously," Elira replied, voice smooth. "They don't send lowborns in storm-hardened carriages."
Ren took a seat. "This year's Slayer class might actually be interesting. You've got nobles, guild-born, even some monster-touched freaks."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Monster-touched?"
"Bloodlines twisted by beast essence," Elira said. "Some die from it. Some turn into something else."
Kai nodded slowly. "Sounds like competition."
"No," Ren said, leaning forward, "it sounds like hunting season. Three months to prove you belong. If you're not climbing ranks, you're cannon fodder."
Kai held his stare. "And if you're at the top?"
"You gain backing," Elira said. "Access to armories, forbidden arts, mercenary teams."
Ren chuckled. "And maybe, just maybe, you earn the right to lead."
---
> [QUEST TRACKER UPDATE]
Phase Initiated: Entry into Valkyros Academy
First Trial: The Culling Field
Objective: Survive and place in Top 5 during initial combat trial
Bonus Rewards:
– Skill Unlock: [Blood Reaver Strike]
– Rank Title: [Combat Prodigy – Rare]
---
Suddenly, the sky-carriage rocked.
A projection flickered to life above them—an armored messenger in dark robes spoke calmly.
> "Valkyros Academy: Arrival in 30 minutes. Prepare for descent."
Elira stood. "Time to meet the rest of the wolves."
Ren gave Kai a sharp look. "Try not to bleed out before the gates. I'd hate to get bored."
They exited, leaving Kai alone once more.
He stared out the window again.
There it was—Valkyros Academy, rising from a crag of dark stone and floating platforms. The buildings were massive, carved with metal veins that pulsed faint light. Training fields burned with elemental trials. Dozens of drakes, wyverns, and airships circled the spires.
Valkyros didn't look like a school.
It looked like a battlefield built in the sky.
And he was ready.