CHAPTER 126: INSIDE HIS DORM.

Alina’s expression turned thoughtful, her usual playfulness shifting into quiet admiration. "She’s been training harder than any of us. You can see it in the way she moves. Edwin might be ranked number one, but... I’m starting to think Elysia’s just as powerful—maybe even more powerful than Edwin."

Liora raised an eyebrow and leaned in a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she glanced around to make sure no one else was listening.

"And did you guys notice Kael near the end? One moment he was there... and then he was gone. Just disappeared into the forest without a word."

Seraphina’s smile faded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she thought back.

"Yeah... I saw that too. It’s strange. He doesn’t talk much, doesn’t draw attention, but he’s always where the action is. And he’s... fast."

"Right?" Alina said, her eyes widening. "It’s like he knows exactly what he’s doing, but he never brags or even explains himself. Honestly, I thought he was just another quiet guy, but now... I’m not so sure."

Seraphina nodded slowly. "There’s something different about him. I don’t know what it is, but he’s not just some regular student too."

Alina met her eyes. "You feel it too?"

"Yeah," Seraphina said. "That guy is hiding something."

For a moment, they talked while walking back to their dormitory. Then Liora gave a small shrug and leaned back against the log.

"Well... whatever it is, we’ll find out sooner or later. I just hope he’s on our side when the time comes."

The others murmured in agreement, their earlier laughter replaced by a thoughtful silence, each of them wondering just who Kael really was.

They reached at the Front of the Academy

Academy staff and medics stood ready, rushing to help those who limped or looked particularly pale. Some handed out water, others guided students toward the infirmary.

Kael walked and reached the front of the academy. Dirt clung to his boots, and a faint bruise marked the side of his jaw.

Still, his eyes were clear—quiet, as always.

From the side, a familiar voice called out, "You made it back."

Kael turned his head slightly.

It was Veyla—the healer who had been assigned to his group at the beginning. She walked up to him, holding a small water bottle in her hand.

"You went off solo, didn’t you?" she said, offering the bottle with a raised eyebrow.

Kael accepted it with a quiet nod. "I like being alone," he said casually.

That was a lie, of course. But it was easier than explaining anything else.

Veyla didn’t seem convinced. "Uh-huh. Sure. And the beast core you submitted?" she asked, tilting her head playfully.

"That came from a ’little’ beast too?"

Kael gave a faint smirk. "It wasn’t that big."

"Right," she laughed, clearly not buying it. "I saw the list. That thing was worth a lot of points."

He didn’t respond, just opened the water bottle and took a slow sip.

Veyla smiled gently. "Well, either way... I’m glad you’re okay."

Kael glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. He gave a small smile. "Thanks."

Night had fallen over Arcadia. Most students had already returned to their dorms, resting after the grueling exam.

High above, on the balcony of the faculty office, three professors stood watching the last few stragglers below.

Professor Sylvia stood at the railing, her arms crossed, as she observed the students dispersing.

Behind her, Professors Yulia and Kalden were deep in quiet conversation. Kalden stepped forward and joined Sylvia at the balcony.

"Good batch this year," he commented, folding his arms. "Smart, resilient... and surprisingly cooperative."

Sylvia nodded slowly. "They faced a forest full of beasts. No major injuries. No deaths. That was impressive."

Professor Yulia leaned against the doorway behind them. "Some of them surprised me."

Kalden turned his head slightly. "You noticed it too, didn’t you?"

Sylvia didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she pulled a thin file from the papers tucked under her arm.

She held up the last page, a name circled in red ink at the bottom.

"Kael Ashford."

Yulia stepped forward, curiosity in her eyes. "The quiet one?"

Sylvia nodded. "He’s changing. Not just in skill, but in behavior. He’s adapting too quickly, picking things up that should take months."

Kalden furrowed his brow. "Anything concerning?"

"Not yet," Sylvia said. "But I’ve already forwarded his performance record to the Headmaster."

Yulia raised an eyebrow. "You think he’s dangerous?"

"I think he’s worth watching," Sylvia said firmly. "Closely—but quietly."

The three professors stood in silence for a moment, the breeze tugging gently at their robes as the academy lights flickered below.

Far below, in the shadows near the dorms, Kael walked alone—his steps silent.

And the academy was starting to take notice.

Students returned to their dorms and some headed home for the break. The air was quiet, heavy with fatigue.

Most of them barely spoke. Some collapsed straight into bed without even changing out of their battle-worn uniforms.

Others lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the memories of the fight flashing behind their tired eyes.

A few scribbled notes into journals, recording moments of fear, bravery, and regret. The forest, the beasts, the chaos—it wasn’t something they’d forget anytime soon.

Inside his room, Kael sat by the open window, a gentle night breeze brushing against his face.

His satchel rested near the bed, and his sword leaned against the wall. Moonlight filtered through the trees outside, casting long shadows across the floor.

He held a small stone in his hand—something he had picked up near the beast’s body.

Absent-mindedly, he turned it between his fingers, his thoughts elsewhere.

The battle played over and over in his mind. Not just the moment they landed the final blow—but also the strange flickers in the shadows he had seen, just at the edge of his vision.

The strange whispers. The pulsing sense of darkness that had briefly clouded his senses.

(Was it just exhaustion? Or something else?)

(What... am I becoming?) Kael thought to himself. He didn’t feel the same as before. And he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Kael turned, pulled slightly from his thoughts. "Come in," he said.

The door creaked open, and one of his classmates stepped in..