Two days had passed since the final midterm evaluation.
The air across the academy was charged whispers, taps on projection screens, panels flashing names.
Students crowded around digital boards glowing across the halls and dining areas. One by one, the results of the first-year midterm evaluations were released.
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>Physical Performance Ranking
1. Riven Ortega
2. Vin Serantes
3. Arthur Crisostomo
4. David Ruiz
5. Eduard Rodica
>Written Assessment Ranking
1. Enzo Rhavoz
2. Julienne Arc
3. Kael Navarro
4. Min Ji Lee
5. Cyrhelle Elsinora
>Live Combat Evaluation (Sparring)
1. Charlotte Gravielle
2. Elise Fontaine
3. Kael Navarro
4. Vin Serantes
5. Tairen Voss
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Okay, hold up." Levi stared at the projection like it had insulted his bloodline. "You're telling me I didn't place in anything?"
David snorted, arms crossed. "And I did. Fourth in Physical. Gravity training's not just for show, bro."
Levi mock-clutched his chest. "I feel betrayed. By my own body."
Charlotte sipped her tea without looking up. "You were aiming for 'Most Loud,' not 'Most Fit.'"
Cyrhelle smiled gently. "Kael placed third in both sparring and written. That's impressive."
Kael didn't respond. He sat, still and unreadable, one hand wrapped around his drink.
Levi pointed. "You. Explain. How do you end up in the top three twice and still look like you just crawled out of a meditation cave?"
David leaned in. "Didn't you say it was the cat? I'm starting to believe you."
Charlotte smirked. "Smart cat. Smarter than most of you."
"Hey!" Levi raised his hands. "I may not be on that list, but I bring morale. And snacks."
"Snacks don't count as contributions," Charlotte muttered.
Cyrhelle scrolled her panel and looked over at Charlotte. "First in sparring. You surprised everyone."
Charlotte set her cup down. "Did I?" she said calmly. "I didn't plan to."
Levi whistled. "No offense, but I figured you'd place high in written, not wipe the floor in combat."
"Emotion is my specialty," Charlotte replied softly. "I just used it."
Before Kael could deflect, something or rather, someone caught his eye.
By the far end of the hall, near the faculty exit, stood a tall man in black. His coat was long and simple, the cuffs lined with silver thread. A glint of grey hair peeked from under his collar, and on the right side of his neck—barely visible—was a faint cross-shaped tattoo.
Kael's fingers froze above his cup.
Father Lucian Revilla.
The others kept chatting, unaware.
Kael stood. "Back in a second."
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The rooftop wind was gentle but sharp, brushing through Kael's jacket like cold breath across a wound.
Lucian stood near the edge — calm, composed, a black silhouette against the pale sky. He didn't turn when Kael arrived. Didn't need to.
"Too early in the year for winter," Lucian murmured. "And yet, here we are. Ice in the wind. Storms behind calm."
Kael stopped a few paces behind him.
Lucian's eyes followed the distant horizon.
"I watched your match. You kept your hands steady. Almost."
Kael didn't speak.
"You held back well," Lucian continued, "until you didn't."
That made Kael glance up.
Lucian turned slightly, the faintest smile at the corner of his mouth — but his eyes were old steel. "The problem with carrying too many blades is that sooner or later, one will slip."
A pause.
"I counted five weapons," he added. "And two shadows."
Kael's fingers tensed.
"You didn't show your full hand," Lucian said softly. "But you let the cards glint a little."
Another gust passed between them.
"There are eyes here, Kael. Not just from the academy. Not just from this world."
Lucian stepped closer, his voice dropping just enough.
"Some doors, once cracked open, don't close quietly. And some names… echo louder than you realize."
Kael's jaw clenched. "I'm not trying to be noticed."
"I know," Lucian said. "But the world notices all the same."
He turned away again, his coat catching in the breeze like a shadow peeling from the wind.
"You're doing well," Lucian added. "But even silence, if it sings long enough, becomes a song. Be careful who listens."
Kael said nothing for a long while.
Then: "You think I'm losing control."
Lucian shook his head. "I think you're still learning how deep your ocean goes."
As he walked past, he gave Kael one last glance, quiet, calm, but clear.
"And if the tide ever rises too fast… I'll be there. But so will others."
He left without another word.
Kael stayed behind, staring out at the world. Quiet. Heavy. And for the first time in days, aware of how loud his silence had become.