Founder’s Day Shadows

Bright sunlight streamed across the bustling Luminis Academy courtyard, vibrant banners and ornate rune-lanterns decorating every pathway in honor of Founder's Day. The annual celebration commemorated the academy's storied history, attracting not only students but influential guests from Aurelia's noble families. Kaelan stood quietly among friends, carefully observing the festivities.

Despite the cheerful atmosphere, recent sabotage attempts had left him cautious. Powerful factions like House Draven had grown increasingly hostile, making any public event potentially dangerous.

Marcus nudged Kaelan lightly, sensing his tension. "Relax, Kael. Even Draven wouldn't try anything openly today."

Kaelan smiled faintly, eyes scanning the gathering crowd. "That's exactly why today is ideal—everyone's attention focused elsewhere."

Selene exchanged a knowing look with Liam, subtly increasing her vigilance. "Then we'll remain ready."

The headmaster officially began the celebrations with a cheerful speech, students and guests gathering to enjoy rune-tech demonstrations, exhibitions, and friendly competitions. Kaelan's enhanced Mana Awareness gently pulsed, detecting subtle fluctuations nearby—someone was carefully setting up concealed rune devices around the main stage, intentionally hidden yet unmistakably disruptive.

Kaelan subtly expanded his mana perception, pinpointing hidden figures quietly moving among the crowd—senior students he recognized as associated closely with House Draven.

Lucien Stormfire, standing a short distance away, also noticed something off and exchanged a subtle, respectful nod with Kaelan. The Stormfire family had never harbored ill intentions; Lucien had always respected Kaelan's skills, and his awareness now confirmed he was equally concerned about potential sabotage.

Kaelan discreetly addressed Marcus and Selene. "Draven's agents are placing hidden rune devices near the demonstration stages. They're planning sabotage."

Marcus clenched his fist subtly. "What should we do?"

Kaelan calmly considered. "We handle this quietly. No need to escalate publicly unless necessary."

Lucien approached cautiously, voice lowered respectfully as he joined Kaelan's group. "You've noticed it too, Elysian. Those concealed runes—House Draven?"

Kaelan nodded once, appreciating Lucien's straightforwardness. "Yes. Can you subtly inform Instructor Darius? I'll discreetly neutralize the runes before they activate."

Lucien nodded confidently. "Consider it done."

As Lucien smoothly stepped away to alert the instructors discreetly, Kaelan subtly extended threads of mana from his refined Phantom Thread Lance, carefully pinpointing each hidden rune device. With precise, nearly invisible mana manipulations, he swiftly disabled the sabotaging runes, ensuring no disruptions to the celebration.

Minutes later, Instructor Darius calmly addressed the crowd, informed discreetly by Lucien. "Due to minor technical concerns, some rune-tech demonstrations will be briefly delayed. Please enjoy other festivities in the meantime."

Nearby, hidden figures from House Draven quickly withdrew into the crowd, visibly frustrated their plan had been thwarted so swiftly.

Marcus exhaled with relief. "Handled neatly."

Lucien returned briefly, nodding respectfully again toward Kaelan. "Instructor Darius will quietly investigate. Well done, Kaelan. Your swift action saved today's celebrations."

Kaelan returned Lucien's nod respectfully. "Your assistance was invaluable, Lucien. Thank you."

Lucien smiled faintly, clearly sincere. "We're rivals, not enemies. Today reminded me precisely why I respect you. Stay vigilant."

As Lucien departed, Instructor Althea approached Kaelan subtly. Her expression remained calm but serious. "Well managed, Kaelan. House Draven grows bolder; their failures only increase desperation."

"I understand," Kaelan replied quietly. "I'll remain prepared."

She smiled faintly, reassured. "Good."

After the situation stabilized, Marcus spoke softly to Kaelan. "Lucien really respects you. It's good having allies like him."

Kaelan agreed calmly, "Yes. The Stormfires are honorable rivals. The real threat remains House Draven."

Selene sighed quietly, shaking her head slightly. "Political games never end."

Kaelan smiled faintly, resolute. "Then we remain ready."

Later that night, alone in his dormitory, Kaelan calmly assessed his situation clearly:

Status :

• Level: 35 Approaching Level 36 (due to discreet strategic successes and careful skill application)

• Skills :

• Mana Awareness (S-), explicit sensing maintained separately

• Phantom Thread Lance (S+), carefully refined for precise multi-target control

• Woven Mana Barrier (S), enhanced flexibility for adaptive defense

Today's incident clearly confirmed Lucien Stormfire as a reliable peer and honorable rival. House Draven remained explicitly positioned as ruthless adversaries, their subtle threats becoming increasingly direct and dangerous.

Kaelan quietly resolved internally—he would continue careful training, strategic skill refinements, and cautious political navigation. Allies like Lucien and his trusted friends provided essential support, reinforcing his resolve to confidently face whatever challenges lay ahead.