CHAPTER 46 — AFTER THE ROAR
The arena never truly recovered.
Even after healers repaired the stone and instructors erased the suppression array, the scar remained—a massive cleft running through the ground like a wound that refused to close.
Students avoided it.
Not because of fear of danger.
But because of who caused it.
Kael sat on the academy's outer steps, sword resting across his knees. His breathing was steady now, but his hands still trembled faintly.
Not exhaustion.
Aftershock.
Lucien plopped down beside him like nothing had happened.
"Well," he said cheerfully, "you officially broke the difficulty curve."
Kael let out a humorless breath.
"…I heard them screaming."
Lucien nodded.
"Yeah. You used all three forms in one sequence."
Kael's jaw tightened.
"I didn't mean to."
"I know," Lucien replied calmly.
"That's why it's scary."
THE COST OF THREE FORMS
Kael closed his eyes.
When he activated Crimson Declaration, it felt like pride—
a proclamation of existence.
Tyrant's Advance was different.
It felt like the world owed him obedience.
But Blood Crown Descent…
"…It felt like the blade was judging me," Kael admitted quietly.
"Like it was asking if I deserved to stand above others."
Lucien didn't joke this time.
"That's a ruler-type art," he said.
"Not a hero's."
Kael opened his eyes sharply.
"You saying I shouldn't use it?"
Lucien shrugged.
"I'm saying it doesn't forgive mistakes."
Kael clenched his fist.
"…You weren't afraid of me."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"Rivals don't get afraid. They get excited."
That earned a short, breathless laugh from Kael.
FRIENDS' REACTIONS
Elarion approached carefully, holding a mana tonic.
She knelt in front of Kael, her voice gentle.
"You scared a lot of people."
Kael looked away.
"I know."
"…But you also protected them," she continued.
"That matters."
Seraphine leaned against a pillar nearby, arms crossed.
"You used a ruler-class sword art with restraint," she said coolly.
"That alone tells me you're not lost."
She glanced at Lucien.
"Unlike some people who hide too much."
Lucien raised a finger.
"Strategic mystery."
Bron arrived last, hammer resting on his shoulder.
"You broke academy stone rated for A-rank impact," the dwarf said flatly.
"…That was impressive."
Kael blinked.
"That's it?"
Bron nodded.
"Don't do it near my forge."
Lucien snorted.
ALDEN'S POV — THE HERO WATCHES
Alden stood at the edge of the courtyard, hands clenched.
He had seen strong people before.
But Kael's sword—
It wasn't just power.
It was intent.
Alden whispered to himself:
"…If that's what standing at the front looks like…"
His chest warmed faintly.
The Goddess of Light's blessing responded—not with power, but resolve.
Alden took a step forward.
GODDESS OF SIGHT — SPOILING CONTINUES
High above the mortal plane, the Goddess of Sight lounged lazily, watching everything unfold.
"Oh dear," she sighed.
"He used all three already."
Her gaze slid toward Lucien.
"And you," she added softly,
"you're already acting like his anchor."
She flicked her finger.
A thread of fate shifted—so subtly no god but her noticed.
Mental erosion delayed.
Synchronization backlash softened.
Lucien shivered suddenly.
"…Why do I feel like someone just edited my status screen?"
THE ACADEMY RESPONDS
The academy council convened that night.
Reports piled up.
Sealing array: Human-made
Kael's output: Beyond expected Rank D
Lucien Vale: Present at every anomaly
One instructor spoke carefully.
"Should we… separate them?"
A colder voice answered.
"No."
"Those five together are stabilizing each other."
A pause.
"…Except Lucien Vale."
Silence followed.
RIVALRY DEEPENS
Later, under the stars—
Kael stood again, sword drawn.
Lucien leaned against a tree.
"Rematch?" Kael asked.
Lucien waved lazily.
"Nah. You're in cooldown."
Kael scowled.
"You're hiding."
Lucien smiled—wide, teasing.
"And you're rushing."
Their eyes met.
Not hatred.
Not hostility.
Competition.
"I'll surpass you," Kael said firmly.
Lucien nodded.
"Good."
Then, more quietly—
"Just don't let that crown decide who you are."
Kael tightened his grip.
"…Then don't disappear on me."
Lucien laughed.
"Deal."