Chapter 23: Bonds Forged in Fire

The golden spires of Eryndor's Royal Academy shimmered under the afternoon sun, casting long shadows over the cobbled pathways. Students bustled through the grand courtyard, clad in elegant uniforms denoting their ranks and affiliations—mages, knights, scholars, and adventurers alike.

Kaiser Ashbourne leaned against a marble railing, arms crossed, watching the activity below. It had been a few days since the encounter with the Obsidian Order, and while his body had recovered, his mind remained restless.

"Spacing out already?"

Kaiser turned to see Selene approaching, her silver hair catching the sunlight. She carried two training swords, tossing one to him with a smirk. "Time to train, Lord Ashbourne."

Training Grounds

The Academy's sparring arena was a massive coliseum lined with enchanted barriers. Students gathered in groups, practicing their swordplay and mana control under the watchful eyes of instructors.

Kaiser and Selene stood in the center, wooden swords at the ready. Around them, several students watched with interest—some out of admiration, others out of jealousy.

Selene lunged first, her movements swift and precise. Kaiser barely deflected her strike before countering with a feint that forced her to step back.

"You're improving," she remarked, her stance shifting.

"I always do," Kaiser replied, smirking. "Besides, I have a good teacher."

Their clash intensified, their blows sending sparks through the air as mana-enhanced strength fueled their strikes. The watching students murmured among themselves, impressed.

Then, without warning, Kaiser activated his Hohō technique, vanishing from sight.

Selene's eyes widened. "You—"

Before she could react, he reappeared behind her, stopping his blade just short of her shoulder.

"Match over."

Selene sighed, lowering her sword. "Unfair. You keep pulling off these strange techniques."

Kaiser grinned. "All part of my charm."

New Faces, New Alliances

After training, Kaiser and Selene made their way to the Academy's central hall, where students gathered for afternoon discussions and assignments.

A tall elf with emerald-green eyes and a dignified air approached them, flanked by two retainers. His uniform bore the crest of House Vaelthorne, a powerful noble family.

"Kaiser Ashbourne," he said, his voice smooth yet authoritative. "I am Lucian Vaelthorne. I've heard much about you."

Kaiser studied him. "Good things, I hope."

Lucian chuckled. "Mostly. Your performance in battle has drawn attention. I represent the Academy's Elite Council. We'd like you to consider joining."

Selene's brow furrowed. "The Elite Council? They're only for top-ranked students."

Lucian nodded. "Which is why we're offering him a place. You, as well, Lady Selene."

Kaiser tapped his chin, intrigued. He had little interest in school politics, but having access to the Academy's highest resources could prove useful.

"I'll think about it," he said.

Lucian smiled. "Good. The Academy is changing, Ashbourne. You'll want to be on the right side when it does."

As Lucian walked away, Selene crossed her arms. "I don't trust him."

"Neither do I," Kaiser admitted. "But knowing the players in this game is just as important as playing it."

A New Challenge

Later that night, as Kaiser rested in his dorm, his system chimed.

[New Mission: Defeat an Elite Council Member in a Duel.]

[Reward: 4,000 points.]

Kaiser smirked. "So, they want to test me? Fine. Let's see how they handle a real fight."

The next day, Lucian himself challenged Kaiser to an official duel—an event that would gather the Academy's best spectators.

As Kaiser stepped onto the dueling stage, he knew one thing for certain.

This was just the beginning.