Kaelen sat across from Jasper at a sun-bleached table near the training courtyard. Two cups of tea between them, one full and the other half-finished. An uncomfortable silence hung between the two. Both seemed to be taking their time, assessing the other. One with caution in his eyes, the other with amusement.
This part of the courtyard was a place not frequently visited. Occasionally, a few people would pass by, sparing long glances, whispers trailing like ghosts in their wake.
Jasper, however, looked perfectly at ease. Relaxed posture. Easy smile. Like he was having so much fun.
"You always this quiet, or is that just the brooding Aetherwrought charm?" Jasper asked, swirling his tea. The green vest with saffron thread shimmered in the light, each movement deliberate.
Kaelen leaned back in his chair. His body still ached. He adjusted slightly. "I'm not one to try charming anyone. Neither am I quiet."
"Oh, I can tell," Jasper smirked. "But it's easier to assume."
Kaelen raised a brow. "Jasper, why did you want to see me?"
"Straight to the point, huh." Jasper said, gently placing the tea back on the table.
Kaelen stayed silent.
Jasper continued. "I have an offer that I think might interest you." His bright emerald eyes staring at Kaelen's crimson red ones.
***
Jasper's offer replayed in Kaelen's mind, as he walked towards the massive doors of the Ancient Hall that loomed ahead.
He was going to the Ancient Hall to get his badge that was to guarantee him his hunter status.
Each badge worn in the Aetherwrought clan was crafted to reflect the unique essence of the dragon it represented. Some bore the shimmering scales of a fire drake; others the jagged claws of a mountain wyrm. But beyond their beauty, these badges came in graded ranks, symbols that dictated a hunter's standing in the Aetherwrought society.
Kaelen's own badge should have been awarded the day of the Trial ceremony had he not fallen unconscious at the crucial moment. Now, as he neared the doors of the hall, he smiled at the thought of the hunter status in sight.
Kaelen stepped into the massive Ancient Hall. The chamber was pretty much empty, save for the apprentices that were around. The walls carved from blackstone, was etched with thousands of names. The fallen, the passed, and the legends.
At the end of the chamber stood Trial Master, arms folded, ceremonial robes draped over his frame. His face was stone, unreadable as always.
"Kaelen Emberwake," he began, his voice carrying like a bell toll. "Your Trial was unlike any we've seen. You did not pass. You rewrote what the core responds to."
Kaelen said nothing. His heart thudded once, slow and deliberate.
The Master extended a hand. In his palm was a badge. Obsidian, threaded with molten ember lines that pulsed faintly with life.
"This is the Ember Sigil," Trial master declared. "Last awarded seventy-two years ago. You are now recognized as a First-Rank Hunter. High responsibility. And high expectation."
Kaelen stepped forward and took it. The moment his fingers touched the obsidian, a jolt ran up his arm. Not pain just awareness. The badge was more than metal. It was a symbol. A beacon.
"You've made many proud," Trial master continued. "Now, it is up to you to continue the Aetherwrought legacy."
***
From the hall, next on his agenda was the Hunter camp. Kaelen entered the camp through the south checkpoint, directed to a stone outpost flanked by two silent guards in blackened mail.
Inside, the air was thick with ink, parchment, and the sharp scent of sealing wax. A grizzled clerk sat behind a broad oak desk, his hands moving with practiced speed as he logged names, ranks, and unit assignments into a massive leather-bound ledger. When Kaelen presented his badge, the man barely looked up until he saw the crest etched into its surface. His pen paused mid-scratch.
"Emberwake, huh," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Trial badge, flame-forged. Grade II." A stamp came down hard, sealing Kaelen's name into the official roster.
A moment later, a metal insignia bearing the emblem of Strike Unit Three was pushed across the desk. "Report to the central ring. Commander Heshra's expecting you."
It all happened so fast. Not a moment later, Kaelen was outside, observing the environment. The camp was alive with motion, armored figures jogging, weapons clashing, beast calls echoing from the distance.
Kaelen stepped past the outer ward, badge clipped to his chest. People noticed. Heads turned. Conversations paused mid-sentence.
A tall woman waited at the center sparring ring, short-cropped silver hair and a black leather pauldron over one arm. Her presence radiated authority.
"You're Emberwake," she said as he approached. "I'm Commander Heshra. You've been assigned to Strike Unit Three. Fast-tracked. Not my decision."
"I didn't ask to be fast-tracked," Kaelen replied.
"Didn't say you did," she said with a shrug. "You've got the badge, so you better earn it."
She motioned to the group forming behind her, five Hunters, all seasoned, all watching him like a hawk eyes a new pup.
"Training bout," she said. "Let's see if that fire's still burning, or if it was a one-time flare."
Kaelen stepped into the ring, muscles still sore but mind sharp.
A tall spear-wielder stepped forward, face marred by an old scar. "Don't take it personal, rookie," he said. "We've just seen too many who burned out fast."
Kaelen nodded once. "Let's see if you're still standing when the ash settles."
Heshra grinned. "Begin."
The spear came fast, whistling toward Kaelen's side. He pivoted, arm snapping up as flame surged just beneath his skin. A flare of heat struck the air, knocking the spear aside. The small crowd murmured.
Another strike. Another dodge. Then Kaelen stepped forward, closed the gap and with a sudden burst, his fist ignited, stopping inches from the spearman's chest.
The ring went silent.
Heshra's voice broke the stillness. "Enough."
Kaelen stepped back, breath even.
The spear holder stared at him, then gave a grunt..
"You're fast. And smart. You'll do. Don't make me regret saying this," Heshra muttered.
Kaelen exited the ring. His heart was racing, from the excitement of the promising camp.
***
Jasper stood atop one of the outer walls, wind tugging at his coat. A scroll was tucked under one arm, a raven perched beside him.
He watched the training yard from a distance, eyes locked on Kaelen's tent.
"So that's Kaelen Emberwake," he murmured.
The raven tilted its head.
"He doesn't even know what he is yet. That's the best part." Jasper brandished the scroll from under his arm, a devious smile plastered on his face as he did so.
"To the High Council," he whispered to the raven.
With a grin, Jasper tied the scroll to the raven's leg and sent it flying.