The Mirror Of The Heart Is Gate Of Power

The exams were finally over. Out of 3,160 participants, only 947 had managed to pass.

Inside the victors' room, tension hung in the air. The newly accepted students assessed each other, already sizing up the competition. However, one stood out—not for his strength, but for how embarrassingly difficult his battle had been. Caspian Harkin. His match had been long, clumsy, and anything but impressive. Some students held their tongues, understanding that not everyone could be as strong as the elites. Others, however, sneered and whispered, convinced that Caspian wouldn't last a month at Blaunxnarth Academy.

Teryl, on the other hand, didn't seem to care about the murmurs. He greeted Caspian with his usual energy, slapping him on the back with a wide grin. "Man, a shadow mage! That's rare," he said excitedly. "It's been a long time since I've seen one in person. Those shadow beasts of yours were something else!"

Odessa, lounging comfortably in a chair nearby, smirked. "Mmm, so interesting," she mused, resting her chin in her palm. "Come on, Caspian, show me more. I want to see what else you can do."

Before Caspian could respond, an unwelcome presence cut through their conversation.

"Shadow mage…"

Kairos Varelius.

He stepped forward, his expression as unreadable as ever. His golden eyes regarded Caspian with something between disappointment and amusement. "It took you that long to defeat the knight," he said flatly. "Pathetic. You'll be easy prey for me. Stay out of my way."

Before Caspian could react, Kairos suddenly moved. In a blink, Caspian was slammed to the ground, the impact sending a sharp jolt of pain through his back.

The room went quiet.

Kairos placed his foot on Caspian's chest, pressing down just enough to keep him pinned. "Thank you," he said, his tone mockingly polite. "Your efforts will be noted."

Caspian gritted his teeth, his face burning with humiliation. His body was too exhausted to fight back.

Teryl, however, had seen enough. His usual carefree grin vanished as he grabbed Kairos by the sleeve, pulling him back. "Hey, hey, hey… don't you think this is a bit much, Kairos?"

Kairos barely spared him a glance. "If he can't handle this, how does he expect to survive here?"

Teryl tightened his grip, his expression darkening. "Look, we all get it—you're strong. Probably stronger than most of us here. But you don't need to humiliate the guy just to prove it."

Kairos sighed as if the entire situation bored him. He lifted his foot off Caspian, stepping away without resistance. "Fine," he said, dusting off his coat. "But don't blame me when he dies in his first real battle."

With that, he walked off, his presence leaving a lingering chill in the room.

Caspian coughed as he pushed himself up, wincing at the soreness in his body. His pride was in tatters, but the worst part was knowing that Kairos was right. If he wanted to survive at Blaunxnarth, he needed to get stronger.

Odessa stretched lazily, still seated, her amusement undiminished. "That was dramatic," she commented. "But hey, Teryl's right. You won, same as the rest of us. You earned your place."

Teryl grinned, offering Caspian a hand. "Yeah, and besides, shadow magic is rare as hell. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be mopping the floor with guys like Kairos."

Caspian exhaled sharply, gripping Teryl's hand as he pulled himself up.

He couldn't let this moment define him. If he wanted to stand among the strongest, he had no choice—he had to grow stronger. No matter what it took.

Kairos turned sharply, his golden eyes gleaming with arrogance before he burst into laughter.

"Mopping the floor with me?!" he scoffed, shaking his head in amusement. "If that dormant weakling ever manages to lay a hand on me, then I swear he'll be the next Grand Magister before he even figures out how to hold a grimoire properly!" His laughter echoed through the victor's room, drawing a few snickers from those who shared his disdain.

But then—

A shadow loomed behind him.

Kairos felt it before he even turned. A presence heavy, like a storm waiting to break. As he slowly pivoted on his heel, his laughter caught in his throat. There, standing just a breath away, was Ladon Roselei. His ash-grey hair with streaks of red seemed to shimmer under the dim lighting, and that wide, manic grin stretched across his face like he was enjoying this far more than he should.

"You called me weakling?" Ladon's voice was quiet, almost amused, but there was a weight behind it that made the room feel smaller. "You, who strut around like you're untouchable, looking down on everyone as if you're already standing at the peak?"

Kairos opened his mouth to speak, but Ladon wasn't finished.

"You're a coward," Ladon said, his grin widening. "You hide behind the Arunites' readings, letting them dictate who is worthy and who isn't. You call others weak, but you never pick fights with those stronger than you. I wonder why?" He tilted his head mockingly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, that's right. Because deep down, you know. You're not the strongest here. Not even close. You're just a kid with a big sword, hoping no one realizes how fragile you really are."

The room went dead silent.

Kairos' smirk twitched. His fingers curled into fists. His breathing sharpened.

And then—he snapped.

"Gravimeria!" he roared, magic bursting around him like a shockwave. "BONESHATTERING PRESSURE!"

The air itself seemed to collapse. A monstrous gravitational force erupted beneath Ladon's feet, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the floor as a crater formed beneath him. The pressure was suffocating, dense enough to crush an ordinary person into the ground.

But Ladon didn't move.

Not an inch.

His arms remained crossed, that same maddening grin plastered across his face.

Kairos' eyes widened in disbelief. "Wha—what?! No one can stand under this pressure!"

Ladon chuckled. A slow, eerie sound. "Is this all?" he mused, lifting his foot off the ground.

And then—he stepped forward.

The moment his foot met the ground, the force of his movement sent a shockwave through the room, powerful enough that even one of the elite knights standing at a distance was blasted backward, smashing through the wall and disappearing into the depths below.

Another step.

The pressure thickened, but Ladon only grinned wider.

Another step.

The ground beneath Kairos' feet trembled.

Another.

And now, they stood face to face.

Kairos, for the first time in his life, felt something foreign grip his chest—panic.

Ladon leaned in slightly, his breath warm against Kairos' ear as he whispered, "You should pick your fights more carefully, 'Golden Prodigy.'"

Kairos Varelius—the heir to the Varelius Province, a prodigy of the south, the pride of the Azzrat Kingdom—had never known fear.

Until now.

The crushing weight of his own magic had always been absolute. No one had ever stood under his Bone-Shattering Pressure without collapsing, let alone walked through it unscathed. But Ladon… Ladon had done the impossible. He hadn't just withstood it—he had torn through it as if it were nothing.

Kairos felt his throat tighten, his breath coming in uneven gasps. His hands trembled as he instinctively dismissed the spell, stepping back as though distance alone could explain what he had just witnessed.

"Wh—what?! What the fuck was that?!" His voice cracked, raw with disbelief. "You—You're a dormant! A weakling among weaklings! That pressure should have crushed every bone in your body! You—You should be DEAD right now!"

His golden eyes darted around, searching for anything—a logical explanation, an answer, a reason why this shouldn't be happening. But there was nothing. Just Ladon, standing there, grinning like a devil who had just proven that the gods themselves had no say over him.

Kairos clenched his fists, his breath sharp and erratic. "No… no, this is impossible! I refuse to believe this!"

Ladon's grin widened as he rolled his shoulders, his knuckles cracking like thunder. "Oh? You don't believe it?" he mused, his tone dripping with amusement. "Well, here's something you can believe!"

He took a single step forward, his movements terrifyingly precise—like a trained warrior, like someone who had spent years honing his body for moments like this. His muscles coiled, veins bulging as his fist tightened. The moment stretched, time slowing as Kairos saw it—the inevitable, the sheer force behind Ladon's strike, the raw power that defied all logic.

For a split second, Kairos saw something else. A scythe. Not Ladon's fist—but Death itself, placing its cold, merciless blade against his throat.

And then—

CRACK!

Ladon's punch landed dead center on Kairos's face, the sheer force ripping through the air like a cannon blast.

Kairos didn't just stumble. He didn't just fall. He was launched.

His body rocketed through the air, shattering through several walls, stone and debris exploding in his wake as the shockwave rattled the very foundation of the academy. The once-proud heir of the Varelius Province crashed back into the arena, his broken form tumbling across the battlefield for all to see.

Silence.

Kairos lay there, face unrecognizable—his nose shattered, his cheekbone cracked, blood smeared across his once-pristine clothes. His eyes, normally full of arrogance, were glazed with shock and horror. He hadn't just lost.

He had been humiliated.

Teryl snapped back to reality, his instincts kicking in as he rushed forward, stepping in front of Ladon and holding out a hand. "Okay, stop! That's enough! Hey, hey—enough!" His voice carried urgency, his usual grin replaced by genuine concern.

Ladon, however, merely yawned and stretched his arms as if he had just finished a light workout. "Relax," he said with a sigh, waving Teryl off. "I'm not gonna do anything. I got my point across." He turned and walked away without another glance at Kairos, who remained crumpled and unconscious on the ground, his once-pristine image now reduced to nothing but shattered pride and bloodied humiliation.

Caspian, still processing what had just happened, stared at Ladon's retreating figure. "A dormant mage…? How is this possible? How can someone like him be this strong…?" His gaze flickered toward Kairos, still out cold, his body completely motionless.

The victor's room was dead silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone like an invisible force. For most of them, this was unthinkable—unheard of. But to Caspian, something about it felt right. If a dormant mage could crush someone like Kairos, then perhaps there was hope for him too.

Meanwhile, Orion and Elias casually made their way toward Ladon, exchanging glances before giving him an approving nod. "You're insane, y'know that?" Orion smirked. "I like it."

Elias chuckled, crossing his muscular arms. "Took the words right out of my mouth. I'd say we should keep an eye on each other, yeah?"

Ladon glanced at them, his smirk returning slightly. "Guess I don't mind having a few allies. Just don't slow me down."

At the same time, Sylvia, Vivienne, and Odessa gathered together as well, forming their own small group. Their gazes lingered on Ladon, their expressions unreadable. While the boys viewed him as dangerous, the girls saw something else—something unpredictable, something wild.

Caspian and Teryl, however, instinctively chose to keep their distance. "Things are getting crazy, huh?" Teryl muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Caspian nodded. "Yeah… we need to be careful. This is just the beginning."

Before any further tension could rise, a voice boomed across the hall.

"Welcome!"

All heads turned as Eryx and Cal stepped forward, their presence immediately commanding attention.

"I want to personally congratulate each and every one of you," Eryx continued, his eyes scanning the crowd. "You have proven yourselves worthy of Blaunxnarth Academy." He clapped, his applause echoing across the hall.

Marfiera stepped up next, her voice warm yet firm. "We will now be contacting your guardians and families regarding your success. Prepare yourselves."

Before anyone could react—

A blinding flash of light engulfed them.

The moment their vision cleared, the students found themselves standing in front of something breathtaking.

A majestic and colossal castle stretched before them, its towering spires piercing the sky, its pristine white stone reflecting the sun's golden rays. Intricate banners adorned its walls, each one woven with symbols of power, wisdom, and legacy.

This was Blaunxnarth Academy.

And its gates opened wide, welcoming the next generation of mages into its halls.

The Sorting Ceremony Begins

As the students stepped into Blaunxnarth Academy, the grandeur of the vestibule overwhelmed them. Towering pillars of enchanted stone lined the massive hall, glowing faintly with intricate runes that pulsed with magic. A domed ceiling stretched high above, painted with a celestial map that shifted and twinkled like a living night sky.

At the very center of the vestibule, four powerful figures sat on ornate chairs, exuding an unshakable aura of authority. Their presence alone commanded respect, yet something even more intriguing lay between them—an object hidden beneath a heavy velvet cloth.

Eryx stepped forward, a knowing smile playing on his lips. His voice rang clear and confident as he motioned for the students to settle in.

"Students, take your places. You have passed the trials, but your journey is only beginning."

With deliberate movements, Cal and Eryx positioned themselves around the mysterious object, their gazes steady, filled with anticipation.

Eryx exhaled, his expression momentarily solemn before continuing. "Before we begin, let me introduce you to the masters of the four great houses of Blaunxnarth Academy."

He lifted a hand, and immediately, the first figure rose to his feet.

The Four House Masters

"Reynard Roctorn, House Master of Ignis."

A towering man with broad shoulders and a fiery presence stepped forward. His crimson and gold robes shimmered as if woven from flames themselves, and his piercing amber eyes seemed to burn with an unwavering intensity. His very presence radiated heat, power, and unshakable resolve.

"House Ignis values willpower, passion, determination, and above all, honor. Those who refuse to bow, who forge their own paths through sheer tenacity, will find a home within Ignis."

Reynard gave a sharp nod, his scarred hands resting at his sides, before stepping back.

Next, a woman of stunning poise and grace stood.

"Seraphin Nova, House Mistress of Lumen."

Her robes were a deep shade of midnight blue, embroidered with threads of silver and gold that shimmered under the magical light of the vestibule. Her ice-blue eyes held a gaze that seemed to see through all deception, a strategist's mind always calculating.

"House Lumen values wisdom, strategy, and leadership. It is not enough to be strong—you must be able to wield power with intelligence, guide others with clarity, and shape the world with purpose."

She bowed her head slightly before taking her seat once more, her eyes scanning the crowd with quiet assessment.

Then, a hulking figure stood, his sheer size and presence enough to send a shudder through the assembled students.

"Brogk Hillor, House Master of Terra."

His robes were earthy brown and deep green, resembling the very land he represented. His arms were thick as tree trunks, his skin weathered like ancient stone, and his expression was one of unshakable resolve.

"House Terra values endurance, loyalty, and most importantly, the protection of the weak. We stand as the shield between chaos and order. Strength is not only measured in battle, but in the burdens you bear for others."

His voice was a deep rumble, like mountains shifting beneath the earth. A few students straightened their postures, already feeling the weight of such an ideology.

Finally, a woman draped in elegant black and violet robes stood. Unlike the others, she moved with a serpentine grace, her long silver hair cascading like a waterfall of moonlight.

"Vayna Ji Rozé, House Mistress of Umbra."

Her dark, piercing eyes glowed ever so faintly, an unsettling yet captivating presence surrounding her. Unlike the previous house masters, she smiled slyly, as if she already knew each student's secrets before they spoke a single word.

"House Umbra values cunning, adaptability, resourcefulness, and individualism." Her voice was like silk, smooth yet laced with quiet danger. "Those who walk in shadows, who think beyond simple power and brute force, will find their home with us."

With an amused smirk, she settled back into her chair, her gaze lingering on a few students longer than necessary.

Eryx clapped his hands together. "You will not choose your house. Instead, the house will choose you."

With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed the velvet cloth and pulled it away, revealing an ancient, ornate mirror. Its silver frame was etched with shifting runes, and the glass itself swirled with a mysterious mist, as if it were alive.

"Behold, the Mirror of the Heart!"

A hushed whisper ran through the students as the legendary artifact was revealed.

Eryx smiled. "This mirror—old as time itself—will see through your very soul and reveal the house that best suits you."

The energy in the room changed. This was it. This was the moment that would define their paths within Blaunxnarth Academy.

"Step forward, one at a time," Eryx announced. "And let the Mirror of the Heart reveal where you truly belong."

The students waited in quiet anticipation as Marfiera continued to call their names. One by one, they stepped forward to face the Mirror of the Heart, the artifact that would determine their fates, their houses. It was a moment of destiny for each of them, a moment where their inner essence would be revealed for all to see.

"Ladon Roselei," Marfiera called out, her voice cutting through the silence.

Ladon strolled confidently to the mirror, hands casually tucked in his pockets. He had always carried himself with an air of quiet determination, but today, there was an unmistakable spark of fire within him. As he stood before the mirror, it seemed to pulse with an energy all its own. The surface of the glass shimmered, and then suddenly, the reflection began to burn with an unyielding flame, its flames dancing as if alive. Ashes swirled within the mirror, and from them emerged the House Ignis emblem: a phoenix rising from the ashes in a furious blaze.

"House Ignis!" Eryx announced, his voice carrying across the room, filled with a sense of pride and approval. "Welcome, young man, to the House of Ignis. Your willpower is undeniable, and I can feel the fire within you."

Ladon gave a nod, his smirk deepening as he stepped away from the mirror, his place in the House of Ignis secured. He walked confidently toward Reynard Roctorn, the House Master of Ignis, whose sharp gaze studied him carefully, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The students watched intently, some admiring the confidence in Ladon's stride, others with a glimmer of fear at the raw power he had just revealed.

Marfiera's voice rang out again, calling the next student. One by one, they approached the mirror. As names were called, students stepped up, each house emblem shining brightly before them—House Lumen, House Terra, House Umbra. The procession continued, a rhythm of destiny unfolding.

Until, the name that would shake the room was called: "Kairos Varelius... Kairos Varelius?"

A murmur passed through the students as the silence stretched on. Kairos, the heir to the powerful Varelius family, was nowhere to be seen. The absence was noticeable, even more so after the incident that had unfolded earlier. A student stood from their seat and approached Marfiera, explaining that Kairos had been taken to the infirmary, recovering from a sudden… confrontation.

A soft gasp rippled through the room. The heir, who had seemed untouchable, had been defeated.

"We will see what Kairos's fate holds when he returns," Marfiera said, her tone slightly tinged with uncertainty, as if even she was unsure what that would look like. "For now, we move on. Instead of him, we call up... Odessa Stephyn."

The room fell silent as Odessa Stephyn made her way to the mirror. She was an barrier mage, stoic and unyielding, with an intensity that mirrored the strength of the cold. Her steps were measured, precise, and when she finally stood before the mirror, it seemed to react to her presence. The air around her grew heavy, and the mirror shimmered, as if acknowledging her quiet power. A beautiful nature scene emerged, surrounding her reflection—a landscape of snow-capped peaks and icy winds, the emblem of House Terra rising like a mountain.

"House Terra!" Eryx's voice rang clear, and Odessa's gaze softened, her place secured among the House of Terra. She turned and nodded respectfully to Brogk Hillor, the House Master of Terra, a giant of a man whose solid presence matched the endurance his house valued. Odessa moved to stand by the other students of House Terra, her face calm, but a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

The mirror pulsed again, interrupting the flow of the ceremony. It flickered once, twice, and then a name appeared—Teryl Volcaryn. The fire mage, the master of flame, stepped forward. His gaze was sharp, and a mischievous grin played at his lips. The mirror reacted immediately, displaying the emblem of House Lumen: a sun rising above distant mountains. Teryl stood still for a moment, the glow of the emblem catching his eyes, a sign that he belonged to the house of wisdom, strategy, and leadership.

"House Lumen!" Eryx confirmed.

Teryl's grin widened as he moved to join Seraphin Nova, the House Mistress of Lumen, whose sharp eyes acknowledged his placement. Teryl's magnetic presence had secured his place in the house of light and intellect.

The students were starting to settle into their new homes when the mirror rippled again. Sylvia Raelis, a graceful and quiet beauty, stepped forward with an elegance that seemed almost ethereal. She stood before the mirror, and its surface shimmered, reflecting her in a stunning golden gown, an embodiment of her inner harmony. The emblem of House Lumen appeared once again.

"House Lumen," Eryx said, his voice filled with approval. Sylvia gave a serene smile and took her place beside Teryl.

Then, the winds shifted once more as Orion Faelan, the carefree wind mage, approached the mirror. His presence was like a breeze, light and free, yet powerful in its own way. As he stood before the mirror, it shimmered with the power of the wind, and the emblem of House Lumen appeared once again.

"House Lumen!" Eryx called out.

The room was beginning to feel charged with the energy of the chosen. One by one, the students took their places, the houses forming with a sense of inevitability.

"Elias Thornhart." The crystal mage approached, the air around him humming with the energy of the mountains. The mirror shimmered once more, reflecting the power of the earth itself as mountains surrounded Elias, and the emblem of House Terra emerged.

"House Terra," Eryx confirmed. Elias stood tall and proud, his heart swelling with pride. He joined the rest of his housemates.

Finally, it was Caspian Harkin who stood before the mirror. The shadow mage, a quiet enigma, approached the mirror with a sense of purpose. As he gazed into its depths, the room seemed to darken, and the reflection before him was surrounded by an eerie, inky darkness. The emblem of House Umbra emerged: a crescent moon, shrouded in shadow.

"House Umbra," Eryx called out.

Caspian smirked, the darkness swirling around him as he stepped away. He moved toward Vayna Ji Rozé, the House Mistress of Umbra, her sharp eyes watching him closely.

And then, after him, Vivienne Crowne, the blood mage, stepped forward. Her power, dark and quiet, swirled around her as she stood before the mirror. It shimmered, displaying the emblem of House Umbra, confirming her place in the house of cunning, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

"House Umbra," Eryx's voice rang out one last time.

With the final words spoken, the sorting ceremony came to an end. The students now knew their places in the academy, their futures unfolding before them like the pages of a book, and the magic of the Mirror of the Heart had revealed what was to come.

The students were led by their respective House Heads to their new homes, each house boasting a unique design, reflective of its values and the personalities of those who resided within. As they walked, the buildings seemed to breathe with a life of their own, each one tailored to its house's essence.

Odessa and Elias, both of House Terra, were escorted to a magnificent structure that seemed to rise out of the earth itself. The house was built from natural stone and timber, with winding paths and lush greenery all around. The atmosphere was serene, calm, and welcoming. Inside, they found several large rooms, each one tastefully furnished and bathed in warm, earthy tones. The house boasted a magnificent bathhouse, complete with natural hot springs that bubbled with healing warmth. The air was thick with the scent of fresh pine and earth, and the soft sound of water flowing from nearby streams created an almost meditative atmosphere. It was a perfect sanctuary for those who valued endurance and protection.

Meanwhile, Teryl, Sylvia, and Orion, all from House Lumen, found themselves standing before a towering structure that pierced the sky—a grand, high tower built with gleaming white marble and shining gold accents. It was both awe-inspiring and imposing. The tower stood tall, like a guiding light for those who sought wisdom and leadership. The students marveled at the sight of it, knowing that their new home was a beacon for those who would one day lead. Inside, the rooms were large, with countless windows that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The corridors were lined with ancient scrolls and books, and there were multiple training grounds equipped with all manner of sparring equipment. One of the most impressive features was the enormous pool, crystal clear and massive in size, perfect for both relaxation and rigorous physical training. It was clear that House Lumen was designed to foster those who would think, lead, and guide others from the front.

Then came the turn of Ladon and later, Kairos, the two powerful members of House Ignis. As they approached their new home, the heat of their destination seemed to radiate from the building itself. House Ignis stood in all its glory: a fortress of stone and flame, built to withstand the fiercest of battles. It was here that the warriors, the passionate and the willful, would sharpen their skills. The building was dominated by an expansive battleground, where the sounds of clashing steel and the roar of battle filled the air at all hours of the day. The house was outfitted with an impressive array of weaponry, from swords to bows to more mystical armaments, ready for combat. What struck the students the most, however, was the Healing Room, a specially designated area for mages who could repair the damage caused by their fierce training. It was a sanctuary for warriors who, despite their strength and desire to fight, still needed care after pushing themselves to their limits. For Ladon and Kairos, who thrived on power and combat, this was the perfect home.

Finally, there was House Umbra, a house shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Caspian and Vivienne were guided down into the depths of the academy, where the architecture shifted from grand to ominous. They descended into a dark, sprawling complex beneath the academy, hidden from the untrained eye. The walls of House Umbra were built from dark stone, and the air was thick with a sense of quiet danger. Inside, the rooms stretched on endlessly, with long corridors leading to multiple chambers—each one designed to reflect the house's values of cunning, adaptability, and individuality. The students discovered a large, ancient library within, filled with dusty tomes and books of forbidden knowledge. The library was said to hold many secrets, some dark and others ancient—mysteries that could change the very fabric of magic. For Caspian and Vivienne, whose mastery of the shadows and blood magic made them outliers, this was the place where they could truly thrive. Surrounded by darkness, they were finally among their own kind, where their powers could flourish.

As the students settled into their respective homes, each space began to feel more like a reflection of their inner selves. These houses weren't just buildings—they were the foundation upon which their futures would be built. And for each of them, this was just the beginning. Their true journeys were about to unfold.

As the day wore on, the students began to settle into their new homes, each house becoming a temporary sanctuary from the unknown challenges of the academy. Shortly after their arrival, they were given their official house uniforms—crisp and pristine, each design reflecting the essence of their house. Along with the uniforms came carefully organized schedules, detailing their lessons, training hours, and expected activities. In addition, they were provided with textbooks, some old and worn with age, others new and unblemished, each one holding the secrets and magic of the academy.

For now, however, they were granted some free time—time to relax, explore their new surroundings, or simply get to know one another better. The students, eager to bond and shake off the exhaustion of the day, gathered in the large, open buffet hall, a place where students from all the houses could mingle, eat, and unwind.

At one of the long tables sat Teryl, Odessa, and Caspian. The conversation flowed easily between them as they sampled the impressive array of food laid out before them. Teryl, ever the chatterbox, couldn't help but boast about his new house.

"I must say," he grinned, picking at a piece of roasted meat, "the House Lumen is incredible! You wouldn't believe how many people there are eager to learn. There are so many who want to join the Oaths... it's complete chaos sometimes. But it's the good kind of chaos, you know?"

Odessa, who had been sipping from her goblet of chilled fruit juice, looked over at him with a raised brow. "My house isn't too different, actually," she said, the corners of her lips twitching into a smile. "I can't wait to try out the hot springs. They're supposed to be one of the best features of House Terra."

The mention of hot springs caught Caspian's attention immediately. He put down his fork and leaned in. "Hot springs?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise. "Man, that sounds incredible! All we got in House Umbra is a dark, creepy library."

Teryl chuckled, nudging Caspian with his elbow. "Well, we've got a massive training area to 'beat each other up,' as you like to call it."

"Well, that's not my fault," Caspian giggled, shrugging as if it weren't anything new. "I don't make the rules. But hey, the library could be cool... if you're into that kind of thing."

Odessa rolled her eyes at the exchange. "You're all hopeless," she muttered, before taking another sip of her drink. "But, honestly, I can't wait to feel the steam in those hot springs. It's like nature's way of saying, 'You earned it.'"

Meanwhile, over at another table, Orion and Elias had found themselves in a somewhat awkward position. They were both at Ladon's side, serving him like he was some kind of royalty. The two were so eager to please, trying to be helpful in any way they could. However, Ladon was growing increasingly irritated by their over-the-top attempts to serve him.

"Stop this," Ladon groaned, glancing at Orion and Elias with an exasperated expression. "I'm not looking for pets. I'm looking for partners. You guys have no idea what kind of alliance we could form if we actually stick together and work as equals. So... stop staring at me like I'm some kind of goddamn king."

Orion sheepishly lowered his eyes, realizing he may have taken things a bit too far. Elias, on the other hand, just shrugged with a playful grin. "Well, you do look like a king, Ladon," he teased, though his voice had an undertone of sincerity. "But we're with you, we'll back you up."

Ladon sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to calm his frustration. "I need strength, not sycophants," he muttered, looking around the hall for someone, anyone, who didn't idolize him. But for now, it was clear that Orion and Elias were willing to stick by his side, even if they did have a strange way of showing it.

Elsewhere, a different scene was unfolding—one filled with quiet bitterness and self-loathing. Kairos was seated alone, his plate of food untouched. He had been in the infirmary for hours following his humiliating defeat at the hands of Ladon. The memories of the crushing pressure, the single punch that had sent him flying, were still fresh in his mind. His face was bruised, and he still had trouble looking anyone in the eye.

He couldn't believe what had happened. Ladon had broken through his defenses with such ease, reducing him to nothing more than a punching bag. Kairos' fists clenched as he stared at the food in front of him, unable to stomach it. He wasn't sure what bothered him more—the fact that Ladon had humiliated him so easily, or the nagging feeling that he couldn't even begin to understand how it happened.

"What the hell was that?" he muttered under his breath. "I'm supposed to be the strongest... but he… one punch..."

A surge of anger built up inside him, but it quickly gave way to a deeper frustration. He had always been a prodigy, someone who had been told from a young age that he was destined for greatness. To lose so completely, to have his pride shattered like that—it didn't sit right with him.

Kairos had always considered himself above everyone else, but Ladon's overwhelming power had made him question everything. How had Ladon done it? Was it his sheer strength? His mastery over the elements? Or was there something else at play here—something Kairos had overlooked?

The more he thought about it, the more Kairos hated himself. He had been defeated by a dormant mage, someone who shouldn't have even been on his radar. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed inside him—something fundamental—and he wasn't sure whether it was his ego or his ambition that was fueling his anger.

"I'll get stronger," he whispered, clenching his fists. "I'll make him regret this."

The anger that had been bubbling inside Kairos was like a wildfire, spreading through his thoughts and clouding his mind. He stared at the food in front of him again, but this time, his hunger was gone, replaced with an insatiable desire for strength—strength that would ensure he would never be humiliated again.

The thought of Ladon kept him awake, a bitter reminder of the one who had humbled him with such ease. "I will surpass him," Kairos muttered quietly, the intensity in his voice unmistakable. "I will show him... show everyone." His hand clenched tighter, nails digging into the wooden table.

Across the room, the others were still laughing, talking, and enjoying their meal. The sounds of cheer and camaraderie seemed distant to Kairos now. He was no longer part of that world. The defeat had severed his connection to it, pulling him into a lonely abyss where only his ambition and drive mattered.

He was no longer a boy trying to prove himself. Now, he was a man consumed by his need for power. The image of Ladon, effortlessly bringing him to his knees, played over and over in his mind. He couldn't let it go.

The sound of footsteps approaching pulled Kairos from his thoughts. He glanced up and saw Teryl walking toward him, a playful grin on his face.

"Hey, man," Teryl said, sitting down across from him. "I know you've been through a lot today, but... you don't have to sit alone. We're all in this together, right?"

But Kairos didn't respond. He stared at Teryl, eyes sharp, almost cold. He wasn't interested in camaraderie right now—he had a singular goal, and nothing would distract him from it.

"Don't come near me," Kairos muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Teryl to hear. "I don't need anyone right now."

Teryl blinked, surprised at the venom in his tone. For a moment, he considered pushing back, offering his usual charm and lighthearted banter. But something in Kairos's eyes told him it wasn't the right time.

"Alright... if that's how it is," Teryl said softly, standing up to leave. "But remember, man... when you're ready, we're here for you."

Kairos didn't respond. He just sat there, his gaze once again falling to the empty plate in front of him. His mind wasn't on food or friends—only on the power he needed to claim, the strength he would carve into existence. He had made up his mind. He would rise above Ladon, above everyone who doubted him.

Back in the House Lumen tower, Teryl, Sylvia, and Orion were in the middle of their own conversation, though the mood was much lighter.

"Man, do you feel that?" Orion said, looking out the large windows at the city below. "It's like we've entered a new world. Blaunxnarth... it feels like nothing I've ever seen before."

Teryl nodded in agreement. "Yeah. The whole place is... just different, you know? Like it's alive in its own way. I'm looking forward to whatever's coming next."

Sylvia, who had been quietly listening, added with a small smile, "It's not just the place. It's the people too. We've met some real powerhouses today. Ladon, Odessa, and even Caspian... each one of them has something extraordinary about them."

Orion turned to Teryl with a questioning look. "What about you, man? You're gonna make a name for yourself here, right?"

Teryl's eyes gleamed. "Of course," he said, his voice confident but not overly cocky. "But I think for now, the most important thing is staying grounded. If you let your ego get the best of you here, it could be your downfall. Blaunxnarth isn't kind to arrogance."

Sylvia leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against the table. "I get what you mean. But... we all have our reasons for being here, right? No one's here by accident. I think, deep down, everyone wants something from this place. Power, wisdom, strength..."

"And allies," Orion added, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, that's a big one. Having the right people at your side makes all the difference."

Teryl looked thoughtful for a moment. "True. But Ladon... he's a force. And that Kairos guy... I can't shake the feeling that there's something off about him. He's got the power, but something's broken inside him."

Meanwhile, back in the House Ignis quarters, Ladon was pacing in his room, his mind focused on the strange alliance he had started to form with Orion and Elias. He wasn't one to rely on others, but something about those two made him believe that they could be valuable allies in the days to come. Still, he didn't trust them fully yet.

Kairos's defeat still lingered in his thoughts. He hadn't been trying to humiliate him, but the ease with which he had brought him down—one punch—had been... strange. Kairos had been more than just an arrogant student. There was something darker, something more complex about him.

"You did good today," Ladon muttered to himself, staring out the window at the academy's towering structures. But he knew that if Kairos didn't learn from this, if he didn't change, then it wouldn't be long before their paths crossed again. And next time, it might not be as easy.

But for now, Ladon focused on the present. Kairos was down, and that was all that mattered.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges. And in Blaunxnarth, the stakes were always high.

As the night drew closer, Kairos remained seated in his own personal corner of the world. The quiet around him only deepened his isolation, and the shadows seemed to whisper his name. But he didn't care. In this silence, he could focus.

"I will make them all pay," he thought, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I will rise."

And with that promise, the night seemed to grow colder, darker... as though the academy itself sensed the storm brewing within him.

As the last remnants of night dissolved into the soft light of dawn, a quiet stillness settled over the academy. The students, exhausted from the trials of the day, rested in their rooms, unaware of the shadow that lingered in the heart of Blaunxnarth. Deep within the labyrinthine halls of the academy, a man sat alone in a dimly lit room, his form cloaked in flowing black robes. His face remained hidden in the shadows, a faint smirk curling at the edges of his lips.

The room was sparse, save for a table cluttered with a few objects, but it was the two photographs resting before him that commanded attention. He reached forward with gloved hands, picking them up delicately, almost reverently. The first photograph was of Kairos Varelius, his proud stance captured at the moment of triumph—before his defeat at the hands of Ladon.

"Heir of the Varelius provency," the man mused softly, his voice cold as he traced a finger along the edge of the photograph. "Defeated by someone like him... hm. What an intriguing pawn to play with." A laugh, quiet but menacing, escaped his lips as he set the photo down and regarded it with something akin to admiration. "I shall see how you rise from this, Kairos. If you rise at all."

With a swift motion, he picked up the second photograph. This one was of Teryl Volcaryn, standing tall, his fiery expression showing determination and ambition. The man's eyes glinted with dark interest as he gazed at the image. "And you..." he whispered to the photo. "A fine piece for my collection. You will prove most useful, I am certain."

He studied the two photographs for a moment longer, as if weighing their potential, before turning to a large corkboard that stood against the wall. On it, the word "Candidates" was written boldly at the top, the letters scrawled with deliberate, almost cruel intent. He pinned both photographs to the board, side by side. His fingers lingered over the pins, a satisfied look on his face as he admired his work.

"Yes, yes... you two will be essential," he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "Each in their own way... such talent, such fire... both of you will be perfect."

There was a pause, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts. He stared at the board for a long while, eyes flicking between the faces of his chosen candidates. His mind worked in silence, forming plans that stretched far beyond the academy's walls. His smirk deepened, and there was an almost predatory gleam in his eyes as he spoke again, this time with greater certainty.

"You will play your parts in the game... whether you realize it or not."

A sudden, sharp noise interrupted the stillness—a sound like the soft flutter of wings. The man's head turned, his smile widening. He didn't seem startled or alarmed. Instead, he stood, his movements smooth and calculated, as if expecting this very moment. The sound was fleeting, almost imperceptible, but it seemed to carry a promise of something much larger, something much darker.

As the man's silhouette merged with the shadows of the room, his voice rang out once more, though it was now barely more than a whisper, lost to the walls of the academy.

"Let the game begin."

The photograph of Kairos Varelius and Teryl Volcaryn flickered in the dim light as if touched by a force unseen, their faces now pinned down by the hand of fate itself. A game of power, ambition, and darkness was set in motion—and neither of these young men, nor anyone else at Blaunxnarth, would know how deeply their lives had already been altered.

The man in black robes melted back into the shadows, leaving the photographs on the board, waiting.