Shadows Beneath Greenhold
Twenty endless days had sped by in the time it takes to blink an eye.
Two dark figures emerged from the mist-shrouded mountains at the rear of Greenhold Academy, walking firmly towards civilization.
Late afternoon sunlight cast down the cobblestone road, bathed it in warm gold. Students moved through the courtyards and corridors, their voices a murmur like the sound of wind through leaves.
Among them was Kai Dawnsworn, striding with quiet confidence—though every aspect of him was different. His eyes sparkled like molten gold in the light, full of vitality and assurance. The slender lines of his frame now exuded quiet power. Each step was lighter, crisper, as if he were born anew.
Coming back after so many years was almost like entering a dream—one that he wasn't even certain he had escaped.
That scoundrel's finally returned after being in hiding for so long."
"Guess he couldn't run anymore. The Fall Quarter Examinations are merely eight days away."
The whispers came into his hearing as soon as he passed through the courtyard. Faces turned, eyes glanced.
During the last few weeks, the entire incident during Amaya Green's lecture had swept along every corridor like wildfire. The former "notorious" Kai Dawnsworn—the student who had not shattered so much as a single plane for three years—had allegedly slighted their goddess, Senior Sister Amaya. And then, to cap it all, he had promptly turned around to flirt with Feya, another beauty much loved by everybody.
Now, his name was carved in the academy's rumor like a stain.
Kai's heightened senses picked up every snickered insult, every tittered laugh. He breathed softly out through his nose, not upset—just slightly amused.
"Looks like folks are seeking trouble," he said quietly.
To his side, Boomer let out a low laugh, but his face held more sympathy than humor.
"How do you feel about that?"
Boomer's dark eyes darted at the spectators. Both Amaya and Feya were popular throughout Greenhold Academy, and each had scores of fans. But Kai had gone out of his way to insult their admirers—and more importantly, seduce the women themselves.
"It's nothing," Kai replied, grinning lazily. "You've got my back anyway, don't you?"
Boomer blinked in puzzlement.
"Can't you handle it on your own by now?"
Kai's smile grew wider.
"I have to lay low."
And with that, he folded his hands behind his back and strolled off down the trail like a man who owned the property.
Boomer just stood there, stunned.
Low profile? This was the same man who had once announced to the whole world that he was a Blade-Seer—back when he couldn't even get through the first plane. And now, when he actually was one, wanted to "keep a low profile"?
Unbelievable.
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By the time they arrived at their common dormitory, the area was abuzz. Two parties of students were moving towards each other from either side, each armed with tension in the manner of drawn swords. The atmosphere charged as they moved towards each other, trading suspicious glances before agreeing, silently, to combine their purpose.
They marched to Kai and Boomer's room together.
Some onlookers started whispering.
"It's the Society of Knights from the School of Martial Arts…"
And the golden people—those are from the School of Spell Craft Arts, the Metal Pavilion."
Both of these crowds consisted of official disciples—actual cultivators of reputation. This was not some petty grievance over women. Something more serious was afoot.
The Knights had shining silver uniforms that caught the sunlight, indicators of power and discipline. The Metal Pavilion students had gold, the tenuous metallic field surrounding them buzzing with mana. The difference between silver and gold was stark, a clash of honor and pride.
"Senior Brother Shan, a three-star Ascend Knight," a voice whispered, "and Senior Brother Nhay, a two-star Ascend Sorcerer of the Metal Pavilion. Both of them here together? That's colossal."
The excitement of the crowd ran like waves.
"What an honor," someone grumbled under his breath. "If both schools have come, it can't be for Kai Dawnsworn…"
Inside the dorm, Kai stood off to the side while Boomer faced the newcomers head-on. Kai's lips curved faintly. Boomer had always stood behind him, silent yet unshakable. But even in the shadows, his strength shone through.
Kai believed in him completely—just as Boomer had always believed in him.
He recalled what Amaya Green had said in the last lecture: that Boomer would be exempt from next year's Spring Examinations and allowed the option to choose between the School of Martial Arts and the School of Spell Craft Arts.
Kai had suspected even then that the powers that be might not leave it to Boomer to make his choice. They'd already come to make him an offer.
And now, here they were.
"You ought to go out," Shan said nonchalantly, his gaze locked on Boomer.
Kai knew at once. He didn't grumble at all, smiled, nodded, and went out of the dorm.
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Outside, there was a considerable throng. Greenhold Academy consisted of thousands of outer sect disciples, but only a few were selected yearly to be official members. Envy brewed in every place.
"Boomer's about to become an official disciple while Kai's on the verge of being expelled. What a joke," someone sneered.
The others laughed, no longer bothering to lower their voices.
"He only made it this far because of Boomer. Without him, Kai Dawnsworn would've been kicked out long ago."
"Can't wait to see him make a fool of himself during the Fall Examinations."
Their laughter crashed out into the courtyard like a jackal chorus.
Kai stood with his back against the wall, half-closed golden eyes.
"Rather than fretting over me," he drawled, "you need to fret over yourselves. If you mess up during the tests, that'll be a tragedy."
The voice was even and untroubled, but the barb found its mark.
"How conceited."
"Becomes him."
The mockery crashed in on them again, but Kai had already closed his eyes, ignoring it.
A few moments later, the silver armor-clad Knights moved out of the dorm. Passing by, Shan halted in front of Kai.
"I heard," Shan uttered icily, "that Boomer's father is a manager for your family clan."
"Yeah," Kai said matter-of-factly.
Shan didn't look at him, his eyes still fixed ahead.
"People are often blinded by family backgrounds," he said, voice sharp as steel. "But as they grow older, they'll learn. People from different worlds should never collide. The more arrogant you are now, the smaller you'll look later. The ones you once thought were beside you will rise so high you'll never reach them again."
And with that, he walked away—never sparing Kai a single look.
Kai's brows furrowed slightly.
What was that all about?
He wasn't upset—merely perplexed. He knew Boomer would not have extended any invitation without consulting him first. Why, then, was this Shan behaving as if Kai had done something to offend him?
They were strangers. Weren't they?
The golden-robed pupils of the Metal Pavilion trailed behind. Nhay, the leader of them, glided past Shan with a wise smirk before his eyes landed on Kai.
You've got some nerve," he said matter-of-factly. "Flirting with an elder sister like that."
"Uh…" Kai blinked. "So even you knew about that?"
Nhay laughed.
"Shan is from the School of Martial Arts. Amaya Green is from the House of Swordsmen. Same school, same pride. You do the math."
And he walked away, his laughter mingling into the buzz of the crowd.
Kai stood silent for a moment, then released a slow breath. The pieces fell together. So that was why Shan had been so aloof.
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Within the dorm, Boomer seemed uncomfortable. His huge body shifted awkwardly, eyes darting to Kai.
"Don't even think about it," Kai said, throwing his friend a smile. "They showed up just to try to get you to take sides. It's all a joke, I swear. Don't take either. When the Fall Examinations are underway, they'll discover your value for themselves."
Boomer gazed at him for a moment, shocked at how nonchalantly Kai brushed aside the whole business. Then, incrementally, he nodded.
He didn't protest.
Because whatever anyone told him—Boomer believed Kai more than he believed himself.