The following morning brought with it a subdued sunrise and a heavy atmosphere. Prince Singh stood in front of a sleek black carriage adorned with silver Spirit Hall emblems, its interior lined with spirit-reinforced silk. The vehicle waited silently as Faen adjusted Singh's newly provided uniform—a black coat with gold lining, the emblem of Sunveil Academy stitched across his chest.
"You'll be watched. Don't forget that," Faen said under his breath, hands brushing down Singh's sleeves. "But they don't understand you. Use that."
Singh nodded. His mind wasn't on the politics anymore. Not after the encounter last night. Not after Lady Selene.
That kiss had been… confusing.
It hadn't stirred romance—it had stirred instinct. Danger. Interest. Possession. He wasn't sure what part of himself it had awakened, but a piece of the Silent Kunai resonated when it happened, whispering its own thoughts of territory and unpredictability.
As the carriage rolled forward, Singh's gaze wandered to the passing trees. The forests parted into wide cobbled roads and sparkling fields, eventually giving way to towering gates guarded by armored soul masters. Beyond them: Sunveil Academy.
The main building loomed like a citadel made of sapphire and marble. It stood taller than most city temples, flanked by two spiraling towers and open courtyards. Spirit beasts carved from crystal flanked the gates, a silent warning to all who entered.
The carriage stopped. Singh stepped out.
He barely had time to take it all in when a voice rang out across the courtyard.
"New blood?"
A tall youth, perhaps seventeen, with crimson hair and a half-cocked smirk strode forward. He wore the same academy robes, but his bore two additional streaks of red—marks of a second-year combat class student.
"You must be the 'Spirit Hall wonder,'" the boy said. "Prince Singh, right? I'm Kael Drayden. Head of the second-year combat elite class."
Singh inclined his head. "Pleasure."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly at Singh's calm demeanor. "We'll see if you're still so composed after today."
Before Singh could respond, another figure appeared—this time a girl.
She was striking: tall, tan-skinned, and sharp-eyed, with tightly braided black hair and a scar running down her left cheek. She didn't introduce herself, only gave Singh a curt nod before walking past.
"She's not ignoring you," Kael said. "That's Valea. She just doesn't talk much. Unless it's with a blade."
Singh followed as Kael led him past the courtyard into a massive atrium. Statues of legendary spirit masters lined the walls, their glowing eyes seeming to watch every move. Students bustled through hallways, some levitating small stones with their spirit power, others sparring in open dojos.
The trio reached a chamber where an instructor waited—an older man with long white hair and stern blue eyes.
"You're late," he snapped at Kael.
"Forgive me, Master Shen. I was welcoming the prodigy."
Shen's eyes met Singh's. "So, you're the one who caught Selene's attention."
Singh stiffened slightly. Kael's eyebrows rose.
"Oh?" Kael chuckled. "She doesn't usually make house calls."
Singh remained silent.
"Never mind that," Shen said. "We'll see today what your title is worth. Initiation starts now. All new combat candidates are to report to the Forgeground."
---
The Forgeground was a wide stone arena surrounded by tiered seating. The air shimmered with spirit energy—enhancement arrays lined every pillar, preventing permanent damage to the grounds.
Singh stood in the center, flanked by seven other first-year students. Each of them looked experienced, with rings already glowing around their feet. Most had at least one yellow ring; a few had two.
Master Shen stepped forward. "Today's test is simple. Each of you will enter the arena one by one. Opponents will be selected at random from upper-year ranks. Survive. Don't win—just last five minutes."
"First up," he called. "Prince Singh."
Murmurs spread across the stands. Singh stepped forward.
"Opponent: Kael Drayden."
The crowd erupted in hoots and laughter. Kael smirked and jumped into the arena with a casual flip.
"Don't take it personally," he said, his voice light. "I've been itching to spar since you showed up."
Singh didn't respond. He extended his hand.
Golden fire burst to life—the Eternal Sun Lotus flaring open behind him. One yellow ring rose beneath his feet.
Then—
A flicker. Shadow twisted. His second spirit appeared: the Silent Kunai, hovering in the air like a whisper of death. Its own yellow ring pulsed.
The audience gasped.
"Twin spirits!"
Kael's smile faded slightly.
"Well... this got interesting."
"Begin!" Master Shen shouted.
Kael moved first—fast. His martial soul was a fire-tipped halberd that extended from his palm in a burst of red. His first attack came in a wide arc, aiming to test Singh's defense.
Singh ducked, barely sliding past it. The kunai shimmered forward on its own, striking out with precision. Kael blocked, sparks flying.
"Not bad," Kael muttered, twisting midair and summoning his second spirit ring. Flames exploded outward in a spiraling inferno.
Singh pushed his palm forward. The Eternal Sun Lotus flared brightly, absorbing and redirecting a portion of the heat, forming a barrier of golden light.
He didn't counter with strength—he used timing, angles, and momentum. His movements weren't flashy, but every dodge and strike felt deliberate, almost surgical.
Four minutes passed.
Kael breathed heavily now. His red halberd flickered, but Singh stood with only a minor burn on his forearm.
The Silent Kunai had returned to his side, floating with eerie stillness. The Eternal Sun Lotus glowed faintly behind him.
"Enough!" Shen called.
The crowd erupted. Whispers turned to cheers.
Kael walked up to Singh and extended a hand. "You've earned that uniform, freshman."
Singh took the handshake. "And you fight well."
Kael chuckled. "I'll want a rematch someday."
As the arena settled, Singh glanced toward the top of the stadium—where a single figure stood, arms folded.
Lady Selene.
Watching.
Smiling.