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Chapter 34 — First Steps, First Shadows
The academy's entrance hall felt like stepping into a different world. Marble floors gleamed beneath golden chandeliers. Wide staircases split off into wings lined with banners depicting past graduates — heroes, generals, archmages.
Kael scanned the faces. Some looked noble and bright, others grim and scarred. Legends, or the academy's propaganda?
—Probably both, SIDE answered. History is just well-edited storytelling.
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A guide in academy blue led the new recruits into the orientation chamber — a massive amphitheater where faculty sat on a raised dais.
"Welcome," said an older man at the center, his robe embroidered with runes that glowed faintly. "I am High Instructor Veylan. Here you will learn to master your mind, body, and magic. Fail to meet our standards, and you will be dismissed without hesitation."
The words weren't bluster; the way the room quieted told Kael the academy had no shortage of dropouts.
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As names were called for dorm assignments, Kael's gaze drifted across the room. That's when he noticed him — a tall, broad-shouldered noble with golden hair, wearing an easy smirk like a crown.
"That's Aric Valefort," someone whispered nearby. "Top of his class in the pre-academy tournaments. His family's been knights for generations."
Aric's eyes locked on Kael for a heartbeat too long. A faint curl of the lip — not quite a smile. A challenge.
—Great, SIDE murmured. You've barely stepped inside and already collected a peacock rival.
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Dorm Life
Kael was placed in Dorm C, a long hall with modest rooms. His assigned roommate was lean, dark-haired, and busy sharpening a dagger when Kael entered.
"Name's Ryn," he said without looking up. "Commoner. You?"
"Kael."
Ryn finally glanced up, eyes narrowing slightly. "Cromwell? Didn't you place first in the brawn trial?"
Kael shrugged. "Just had a good day."
A short laugh. "Right. Good day."
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The First Hint
That night, Kael stood at his window, looking toward the dark line of the city beyond the walls. The memory of the stranger in the mist hadn't faded — the red eyes, the way he'd said Kael's name.
A ripple of cold pricked at the edge of his senses. Not a breeze, not a sound — just presence.
—There, SIDE's voice was tight. South wall, watchtower level.
Kael's gaze snapped to the spot. A silhouette stood there for just a second, too far to see details. Then it was gone.
"Shadow's Rival," Kael muttered under his breath. "Looks like you're keeping your promise."
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