The School - he's powers

Kael had never seen anything like it.

The academy was massive.

A colossal structure that stretched high into the sky, its gothic towers piercing through the mist. The entire building was carved from dark obsidian stone, glowing veins of gold running through its walls like pulsing energy. Massive arched windows shimmered with an unnatural light, reflecting a world that looked different from the one around him.

Sprawling across what seemed like an entire city's worth of land, the academy grounds boasted towering spires, bridges connecting sky-high buildings, and courtyards filled with lush, glowing flora that pulsed like living creatures.

Students roamed in groups—some levitating off the ground, others conjuring flames or whispering incantations that bent reality.

Kael's stomach twisted.

What the hell is this place?

As he took an uneasy step forward, two figures appeared before him.

A man and a woman.

The woman spoke first, her voice smooth but commanding. "Kael Ardyn, welcome to Velmorian Academy."

She was tall and regal, her piercing silver eyes practically seeing through him. Dressed in flowing black robes embroidered with golden sigils, she radiated power.

"I am Master Seraphina Dainor," she continued. "One of the three ruling Masters of this academy."

Beside her, the man dipped his head slightly in greeting. He had a rugged yet refined appearance, his long dark hair tied back, his emerald eyes sharp with calculation.

"And I am Master Aelric Veylan," he introduced himself. "I oversee the combat training of Velmorian's elite students."

Kael said nothing.

He barely acknowledged them.

His gaze flickered to Zephyr, then back to the towering entrance of the academy. Without a word, he walked past them and followed Zephyr inside.

Master Aelric raised a brow but smirked. "Not much for pleasantries, is he?"

Master Seraphina exhaled. "He doesn't have to be."

---

Inside Velmorian Academy

The grand hall was just as intimidating as the academy's exterior.

Massive pillars lined the corridors, each one etched with ancient symbols that seemed to shift when he wasn't looking. The floors were polished obsidian, reflecting the enchanted chandeliers above that flickered with blue fire instead of normal light.

Kael barely paid attention to any of it.

His mind was racing.

Students walked past him—some sneaking curious glances, whispering to each other. He could hear them.

"Is that him?"

"He looks normal… too normal."

"He doesn't even sense it yet."

Kael exhaled through his nose, annoyed.

He turned his head and locked eyes with Zephyr, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

"Where am I?" he asked.

Zephyr's lips curled slightly. "Magic, Kael."

For the first time in years, Kael let out a short chuckle.

Amused.

But then, just as quickly, his eyes darkened again.

"Cut the bullshit," he said coldly. "Explain."

Zephyr's smirk widened.

"Very well."

He came to a slow stop in the middle of the hall. Kael crossed his arms, waiting.

Zephyr began. "Long ago, before the concept of time was recorded, a war broke out between two great forces—the Nine-Tailed Dragon Lord, Drakarios Valtheron, and Lucifer, the Fallen One."

Kael's expression didn't change.

"Lucifer sought to shatter the balance of realms, unleashing chaos upon both Heaven and Earth. But Lord Drakarios, the guardian of that balance, stood against him. The battle lasted for centuries—neither side yielding. And then..."

Zephyr's eyes darkened. "Drakarios was betrayed."

Kael tilted his head slightly. "Betrayed?"

Zephyr nodded. "A trusted ally turned against him, delivering the final strike. His body was destroyed. But..."

He placed a hand over Kael's chest.

"His soul—his essence—was sealed into the Dragon Orb."

Kael stepped back.

Something was wrong.

His heart pounded. He felt... hot.

"What does this have to do with me?"

Zephyr's smirk returned.

"Because, Kael Ardyn—" he said slowly. "You are the reincarnation of Drakarios Valtheron."

Silence.

Kael blinked.

Then, he laughed. A hollow, bitter laugh.

"You're insane."

Zephyr tilted his head, as if amused. "Am I?"

Kael clenched his fists. "I'm not some reincarnated dragon lord. I'm just a guy who—"

"—who doesn't know why he's different?" Zephyr interrupted.

Kael stiffened.

"Who has dreams of places he's never been? Who can hear and see things others can't? Who has strength that shouldn't be possible?"

Kael's breath hitched.

Zephyr stepped closer, his voice lower.

"Tell me, Kael. Have you ever wondered why you don't feel like you belong?"

Kael's jaw locked.

He had.

Every single day.

He hated how much this man knew.

Kael exhaled. "Fine. If I'm this 'Dragon Lord' or whatever, then send me back to where I came from."

Before Zephyr could answer, another voice cut in.

"That won't happen."

Master Seraphina had reappeared, her arms crossed. "You're too valuable to simply send away."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "So I'm a prisoner now?"

Zephyr smirked.

"Not a prisoner. A student."

Kael scoffed. "Yeah? And what happens if I refuse?"

Zephyr's smirk faded. "Then, Kael, I will personally make sure your mother suffers the consequences."

The air froze.

Kael's entire body went rigid.

His heart stopped.

His mother.

His only reason for living.

Zephyr met his eyes, his voice casual, but the threat was clear. "If you refuse your destiny, Lyria Ardyn will die."

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then—

The temperature dropped.

Drastically.

Students in the hall shivered. A flickering blue light rippled through the air, unseen yet heavy, suffocating.

Master Seraphina's eyes widened slightly.

Zephyr merely smiled.

Kael tilted his head. His expression was unreadable.

His voice? Flat. Emotionless. Cold.

"If you touch my mother..."

The blue glow intensified.

"...I will burn this entire place to the ground."

The chandeliers flickered violently.

"...I will slaughter every living being here."

A low rumble echoed through the academy halls.

"...And I will use their corpses as fuel for the flames."

Unbeknownst to Kael—his eyes had begun to glow.

A piercing, unnatural, icy blue.

Aelric and Seraphina stiffened.

But Zephyr?

He just kept smiling.