Khael's POV

We were finally back at Veyl Academy, the familiar towering spires and gleaming halls standing in sharp contrast to the quiet, earthy charm of Vernara Village. We had already said our goodbyes to the villagers warm farewells, shared smiles, and promises we probably wouldn't keep but wished we could.

Kaen Suro, the protagonist of this world, walked beside me. He started talking about his previous mission, the one they had just returned from.

I only nodded, letting him speak. I already knew the outcome. After all, I'd read about it in the manga… in my previous life. Kaen Eclipse.

"In that village of Pyrosend," Kaen said, "there were so many strong people. And oh… the Eclipse Vanguard of Flame was there too."

My mind immediately conjured the image: Kurosawa Zeke. An Eclipse Vanguard with a jagged scar slashing across his left eye, his cloak burned and tattered from wars long past. His affinity wasn't just Flame. It was Magma — flame so dense and violent it could melt steel in seconds.

Kaen continued, his voice dipping into memory.

"At first, we bickered…"

I could picture it.

["Tsk, a Voidborn brat," Kurosawa had said, his tone dripping disdain.

"I'm not a Voidborn," Kaen had shot back. "I'm Kaen."]

Kaen's voice brought me back to the present.

"In the end, he recognized my worth and taught me how to better harness my flame affinity."

He smiled then, clenching his fist like he could still feel the heat.

I looked at him quietly. Kaen… one day, everyone will recognize you for who you are. But before that… you'll face hardships no one should have to bear.

Of course, I couldn't tell him any of this. I couldn't tell him he was the protagonist of a manga. So instead, I just listened to his story, letting him have his moment.

…

The narrow stone path wound between the academy's west courtyard and the old oak garden, the late afternoon sun casting fractured beams through swaying branches. A faint breeze stirred the air, rustling loose petals across the cobbled ground. Footsteps echoed softly—three sets—until a figure appeared from the shadow of a tall archway.

It was Ceyla Nox, her wolf-cut hair shifting with the wind. The faint tang of rain clung to her presence—her Storm Affinity always seemed to bring a charged scent to the air. Her expression was tight, her jaw rigid.

"Khael…" she called, her voice clipped but edged with urgency.

Khael slowed his pace, one hand in his pocket, a lazy tilt to his head. "Sup…"

Her teeth ground together. Even speaking the next words seemed to pain her. She wasn't the type to ask for aid—especially not from anyone here.

Khael's gaze sharpened slightly. "What is it?"

"I need your help… tsk." Her eyes darted away, as if forcing the request through gritted defiance.

A faint, amused exhale left Khael. "Hoh…" He glanced sideways at Kaen.

Kaen raised a brow, equally puzzled. "…?"

Ceyla pivoted on her heel. "Just follow me!" she barked, already striding off.

The two boys exchanged a brief look before trailing after her. Their boots tapped in sync with her sharper steps, the air thick with unspoken tension. The faint sound of muffled barking guided them toward the academy's garden enclosure.

They emerged to find a young student crouched beside a large dark-furred dog, patting its flank carefully. But it wasn't just any dog its frame was lean but powerful, with glimmering fangs catching the sunlight, and one crimson eye fixed sharply ahead. Its tail gave a protective twitch.

Ceyla's voice cracked the air. "What are you doing!!!"

The student rose, no, not just a student.

Andromeda Ban. His polished boots clicked against the flagstones. White gloves gleamed faintly under the dappled sunlight. The faint glow of his Echo sigil pulsed at his collar, a constant reminder of his status. His presence was completed by the creature beside him—Junjun, his bonded Echo Beast.

The canine stepped forward, muscles coiled, a low growl rumbling in its throat. Before Ceyla could move, Junjun's stance shifted, cutting her off with silent warning.

Kaen's eyes narrowed, recognition sparking. "Ban?"

Andromeda's lip curled faintly. "Tsk, Kaen."

Fourteen years old. Loud. Arrogant. A noble-born bully who once thought himself untouchable—until Kaen broke that illusion in the mock battle. Something in his eyes was different now, though. The edge of arrogance remained, but there was something quieter beneath it, something tempered.

"What are you doing?" Ceyla demanded, her Storm affinity making the air prickle between them.

"Tsk," Andromeda muttered, his gaze drifting to the dog. "I just helped this dog. Saw her injured."

Kaen stepped in, his tone calm. "Ceyla… calm down. Andromeda is from the Ban clan. Their family is renowned for dog Echo Beasts—he's an expert at this."

The wind shifted, carrying with it the faint scent of rain and Junjun's steady, animal warmth. Around them, the courtyard had fallen silent, as if the entire academy grounds had paused to see what would happen next.

After the misunderstanding had been cleared, Andromeda spoke coldly.

"That dog must've been abandoned by her master… thinking of her as nothing more than a useless mutt."

Ceyla's jaw tightened, teeth grinding.

Khael glanced at her, his thoughts heavy.

(I know… you sympathize with her. After all, you were abandoned by the Nox Clan too—cast aside for your uncontrollable nature.)

Kaen clicked his tongue in disgust.

"Tsk… how cruel can they be?"

Andromeda's voice cut in again, sharp and dismissive.

"Well, a useless mutt is still a useless mutt."

"WHAT did you say?!" Kaen and Ceyla shouted in unison, stepping forward, their tempers boiling over.

Before they could advance, Khael moved in front of them, raising a hand.

"Calm down."

Andromeda simply turned his back and walked away without another word.

"Why did you stop us?" Kaen growled. "We could've shut that bastard's mouth!"

Khael's tone was firm.

"Enough. First, we need to get this dog to the medical room."

The injured dog whimpered softly, its wounds already partially healed by Andromeda's beast companion.

Ceyla clicked her tongue.

"Tsk. Fine."

Kaen gave a reluctant nod.

Khael's gaze lingered on Andromeda's retreating figure.

(Andromeda… you're furious too. I saw your fist clench. It must've been hard to hold back—especially for someone from a clan renowned for taming Echo Beasts like this dog.)

…

Meanwhile, with Andromeda…

Andromeda's jaw was tight, teeth gritting so hard his gums bled.

(I'll kill the vermin who did this to her.)

Junjun looked up at him, eyes full of concern.

"Let's go, Junjun."

"Arf."

To be continue