Kael stood before the three glowing paths, his heart pounding.
The Academy of Combat – a path of warriors, where raw strength and battle instincts were sharpened to perfection.
The Celestial Institute of Magic – a place where the mysteries of the arcane were unraveled, shaping reality with the power of the mind.
The Institute of Knowledge – a haven for strategists, scholars, and tacticians who sought to control the world not through power, but through wisdom.
Seraphine had already chosen the path of magic, walking toward the Celestial Institute's blue-lit entrance with unwavering confidence.
Kael clenched his fists. His Vanquish Armor made him a fearsome warrior, and battle was where he thrived. Combat had always been his strength. But something inside him hesitated. He had spent his life fighting—was there more to power than just brute force?
"Make your decision," Master Theron's voice echoed in his mind.
Kael inhaled deeply, then stepped forward—
A New Path Begins
The moment Kael's foot touched the glowing platform, a surge of energy pulsed through him. The world around him blurred, and he felt weightless, as if he were being pulled into another dimension.
Then—light exploded.
When Kael's vision cleared, he was no longer in the Hall of Beginnings. He stood inside a massive training arena, surrounded by towering walls of ancient stone. Other students who had chosen the same path were appearing one by one, each looking around in awe.
A deep voice boomed across the arena.
"Welcome, warriors. You have chosen the path of Combat."
A man stepped forward—tall, broad-shouldered, with a scar across his face. His presence alone radiated authority.
"I am Commander Ragnor, your instructor. From this moment on, you are no longer children seeking power—you are soldiers. Warriors. And if you cannot prove your worth, you will not last here."
His eyes swept over the students, pausing on Kael for a moment before continuing.
"You are here because you believe in your strength. But strength is nothing without skill. In this academy, you will learn to master every weapon, every technique, every strategy. You will fight against each other, against monsters, against enemies far stronger than you. And if you survive, you will become something far greater than a simple warrior."
Kael grinned. This was exactly what he wanted.
"Your training starts now!" Ragnor roared.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shifted. Weapons racks emerged from the stone floor, and targets appeared in the distance. The walls trembled as massive iron doors began to open, revealing a dark tunnel. From within, the sound of something growling echoed.
The first trial had begun.
Kael's eyes burned with determination.
Let's see what this academy can teach me.