Chapter 5: Ripples in the Academy

The sun cast its pale glow over Aetheris Academy, its towering spires jutting against the morning mist like the bones of some long-dead giant. Cael Mavros moved through the halls as he always did—unseen, unheard, a ghost in a place where names and power meant everything.

It had been two days since the Grand Gauntlet tournament was announced. Two days since whispers of an unknown contender had started stirring among the students. A contestant with no recorded victories, no prestigious lineage, and no official recognition. Someone who had shattered illusions and expectations in the underground duels.

Someone like him.

Cael wasn't stupid. He knew the rumors were already creeping dangerously close to his name. But unlike most, he had no interest in prestige or validation. He preferred the quiet shadows, the anonymity that let him operate unseen. But this time… this time, someone was trying to drag him into the light.

And he had a good idea who.

"You're getting sloppy."

The voice came from above, smooth yet laced with irritation. Cael didn't need to look up to recognize Soren Draeven perched on a high balcony, arms crossed, his silver-streaked black hair catching the sunlight.

The academy's golden boy. The heir of House Draeven. And, as far as Cael was concerned, the biggest thorn in his side.

"I could say the same to you." Cael didn't break stride. "Standing up there makes you an easy target."

Soren smirked but didn't move. "Only for someone like you."

Cael sighed inwardly. This wasn't just a random encounter. Soren was here for a reason.

"What do you want?"

"You already know."

Cael finally stopped and met Soren's gaze. The noble's violet eyes gleamed with something unreadable. Interest? Amusement? Annoyance?

"I didn't enter the tournament," Cael said flatly.

Soren scoffed. "No, but someone did. Under the name 'Nox'." He leaned forward, elbows resting on the railing. "And we both know there's only one person in this academy who fights like a shadow."

Cael clenched his jaw. Nox. The alias he used in underground duels. Someone had submitted his name without his permission.

"I assume you're here to accuse me?"

"No." Soren pushed off the railing and landed effortlessly in front of Cael, the sheer arrogance of the movement grating on his nerves. "I came to warn you."

"Of what?"

Soren's smirk faded. "High Chancellor Malrik is watching."

A chill ran through Cael's spine. That name again.

Soren continued, voice lower now. "Someone—probably one of the faculty—submitted your name. And Malrik isn't pleased. He doesn't like unknowns upsetting the system." He studied Cael's expression. "You could decline, of course. But that would make it seem like you have something to hide."

Cael exhaled slowly. This wasn't just a tournament anymore. This was a move. A test. A trap.

And there was only one way out of a trap.

Lirienne Valis stood by the academy's main courtyard, watching the announcement board with an unreadable expression.

A crowd had gathered. Students whispered among themselves, pointing at a new name listed among the contenders.

Nox.

Her gloved fingers curled slightly. The underground rumors were true. The one who fought like a shadow, who moved without sound, who saw patterns before they formed—he was real.

And she had a feeling she already knew who he was.

A presence moved beside her. Soren. He sighed as he followed her gaze.

"Looks like the game has started."

Lirienne glanced at him. "Did you speak to him?"

Soren nodded. "He's cornered. He'll either play along or disappear."

She exhaled. "And what do you think he'll do?"

Soren smirked. "What do ghosts do when you shine a light on them?"

Lirienne didn't answer.

But deep down, she knew.

Cael Mavros would not run.

He would fight.