Kael stepped through the main gates of the Ardent Combat Academy, the golden light of the morning glinting off the steel and stone of the sprawling campus. The academy was alive with activity—students of all ranks practicing, sparring, and casting low-level spells in open courtyards.
The faint hum of energy everywhere reminded Kael that he wasn't in the city streets anymore. Here, everyone was stronger, faster, sharper. But that didn't worry him. Not yet.
I just need to observe.
---
Bell walked beside him, her fiery personality calm for once. "You'll survive," she said confidently. "Just… don't draw attention to yourself."
Kael nodded. He already knew that. Every glance, every flicker of energy, could reveal him. He had survived S-rank dungeons, defeated intelligent monsters, and even faced a core entity. But here… one wrong move could ruin everything.
[Dragon System – Partial Suppression Active]
The golden glow along his chest dimmed, appearing just slightly above average for an E-rank. Any scanning device or magical detection would register him as an ordinary, slightly above-average student. Perfect.
---
The academy grounds were vast. Students practiced combat in the training fields, honing their elemental skills, swordplay, and martial techniques. Kael walked slowly, noting patterns, the way energy fluctuated, and how tactics were executed in real-time.
Observation… study… adapt.
He didn't interact with anyone directly. He didn't need to. The Dragon Core thrummed in quiet anticipation. This was the perfect place to learn—without anyone knowing how dangerous he really was.
---
After a brief orientation, students were instructed to submit for a full power evaluation. Magical scanners floated above each applicant, reading energy levels, potential, and adaptability. Kael stepped forward, heart steady, mind focused.
The scanner glowed as it assessed him, humming softly. Numbers and symbols flickered in the air. Kael's energy output appeared consistent with a high-end E-rank, as intended.
The examiner muttered, "Interesting… adaptive signature is unusual… but raw output is average. Approved."
Kael exhaled slightly. No one knew. Not a soul.
---
Classes began immediately after evaluations. Kael followed quietly, observing instructors and students alike. Each lecture focused on strategy, elemental control, and combat tactics. Most students were focused on flashy moves, showing off their strength to impress peers. Kael remained calm, absorbing every detail.
They think power is just strength, he thought. They don't see subtlety, control, or intelligence as weapons.
Bell leaned toward him during a break. "You're quiet… as usual. But you're paying attention, aren't you?"
Kael smirked faintly. "I don't need to show them anything. I need to learn."
---
By late afternoon, the first practical training session began. Students were paired for sparring exercises, elemental control tests, and small team challenges. Kael chose to observe from the sidelines, testing minor manipulations of the environment—moving debris subtly, adjusting shadows, shifting airflow—to see how students reacted.
He didn't use power offensively. He didn't need to. Every reaction was data. Every hesitation was insight.
Bell noticed, shaking her head. "You're insane. You could crush half of these students without trying."
Kael's expression was calm. "And if I did… everyone would watch. And then everyone would know. Not yet."
---
As the sun set, Kael found a quiet rooftop overlooking the academy. Lights flickered across training fields, and faint energy signatures glowed from students practicing late. He activated the Dragon System lightly, running Observation and Adaptive Influence in secret.
Golden light shimmered faintly around his hands—hidden enough to remain undetected—but Kael felt the subtle thrill of growth.
This is only the beginning, he thought. I'll learn, I'll adapt… and one day, I'll be stronger than anyone here suspects.
The city below and the academy beyond were both unaware of the quiet shadow watching them. Kael smiled faintly.
Patience. That's the true power.