Frosthold's inner district looked nothing like the muddy streets Kael first walked through.
This was steel, marble, and gold.
Guild banners hung from towering buildings. Fighters in armor strutted like gods. Merchants argued over monster cores. Mages tossed fireballs casually into the air.
> This isn't a city. It's a battlefield in disguise.
Kael followed a silent escort through the guild's marble halls. Garen Rhys had disappeared, and Lyra — the frost girl — hadn't said a word since the trial.
> Which is fine. One rival at a time.
---
Inside a large chamber, five new initiates stood before a long table.
Seven seated figures waited — guild masters and elites.
The woman in the center wore black robes with silver trim, eyes like sharpened obsidian. Her presence alone pressed down like a mountain.
She stood.
"I am Valessa Nightweaver, commander of the Iron Fang Division," she said. "Welcome to the guild."
Everyone remained still — except Kael.
He took a quiet step forward. "What are the rules?"
Whispers echoed.
One of the seated men scowled. "Watch your tone, boy."
Valessa raised a hand. Silence fell.
"Rule one," she said, stepping forward, her voice ice-cold. "Your strength determines your rank."
"Rule two. If you fail your first live assignment, you are removed."
"Rule three…" She leaned closer to Kael. "We kill traitors. Quickly."
Kael met her gaze. No fear. Just fire.
"Understood," he said.
She smiled — slightly.
---
🏅 New Status Unlocked
> Rank: Initiate - Iron Fang
Authority: Basic
Access Unlocked: Missions, Arena, Archives
New System Tab: Reputation
---
Later, in the training yard…
Kael stood alone, flipping his blade in his hand, studying its balance. Around him, other recruits were whispering.
"That's the guy who beat Lyra."
"He's not even noble-born."
"Maybe it was luck."
He ignored them.
Until someone didn't.
A large figure stepped in front of him, sword resting on his shoulder.
"I'm Drev Malric," the man growled. "Third son of House Malric. You humiliated my cousin in the trials."
> Ah. Nepotism and bruised egos. Classic.
Drev sneered. "You don't belong here, mudblood. Walk away now, or I'll break that little sword in half."
Kael blinked. "Which half do you want me to stick in you?"
The yard fell silent.
---
[System Alert]
> Threat Detected: Drev Malric (Ranked Combatant)
Danger Level: High
Emotion Surge: Locked – Cooldown 10 mins
Recommended Action: Evade or Trigger Passive
Kael didn't flinch.
He stepped into range, blade low.
Drev swung — fast and heavy.
Kael barely dodged. Sparks flew as the blade scraped stone.
He countered with a jab to the ribs — Drev caught it with his elbow and backhanded him across the yard.
Pain exploded in Kael's head — but he rolled, sprang to his feet, and smirked.
"Slow."
Drev roared and charged again.
---
Kael ducked, pivoted, slashed Drev's thigh. Blood sprayed. A shallow cut — but enough.
> I don't need to beat you. Just outthink you.
He baited another swing. Sidestepped. Slashed again. Elbow to the jaw.
Drev stumbled.
Kael raised his blade.
"Next time you swing that lump of steel," he said, "make sure you can follow through."
---
A voice shouted.
"Enough."
Valessa stood on the balcony above.
"Good. You're both still breathing. You start your first assignment tomorrow. Together."
Kael froze. "Together?"
Drev spat blood. "You've got to be kidding me."
Valessa smirked. "Let's see how well enemies work as allies."
---
> Next Chapter: "Blood and Bonds"