Spar with Jin

Kael entered the high-grade training room of the academy, the quiet hum of mana barriers resonating faintly through the air. The moment he stepped inside, he felt it the weight of power, the density of talent clashing like storms.

In the center of the arena stood Jin Eldraven and Elira Morvayne both bathed in sweat, their auras flaring violently against one another like two celestial beasts. Kael watched as their movements blurred at Mach speeds, spells and sword strikes weaving together in perfect choreography. Jin's wind-enhanced strikes clashed with Elira's crimson blade coated in blood force.

Despite Elira's relentless onslaught, precise footwork, and mastery of her family's dark arts, Jin remained unshaken dodging, deflecting, and countering with chilling efficiency.

Then, with a flash of movement, Jin's sword found its way to Elira's neck, barely touching her skin.

She froze.

And then… something rare happened.

Elira smiled.

It wasn't sarcastic, sadistic, or smug like usual. It was faint subtle but genuine. Her red eyes lit up in a way that made Kael pause. This was the first time he'd ever seen her look… human.

She exhaled. "You win… again. But I'm getting better."

Jin lowered his blade, his breathing calm. "You are. But don't get comfortable."

Kael stepped forward now, slow, measured. His footsteps echoed lightly across the mana-stabilized floor. "Beautiful spar," he said casually, clapping once.

Jin's eyes flicked toward him cold as ever. "Kael," he said in a flat voice. "Why are you here?"

Kael smirked. "Woah, Jin. Didn't know you were so clingy. I know I'm charming, but don't worry I'm not here for you."

Jin's brow twitched slightly.

Kael pointed with his chin at Elira. "I'm here to speak with her."

Elira's smile vanished instantly, her expression going stone cold. It was like Kael had imagined the warmth he'd just seen.

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I need to speak to you," Kael said. "Privately."

"No," Elira said flatly, turning her back.

Kael blinked. "Wait just like that? You didn't even hear me out."

"I'm busy training. Can't you see?" She began walking toward her sword again, picking it up with deliberate grace.

Kael's eyes narrowed. Alright, he thought. Time to shake the room up a bit.

Without hesitation, he said loud enough to cut through the tension, "Tell your brother or whoever that guy is to fuck off."

Elira stopped.

She didn't turn. Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword tighter. Jin's eyes immediately locked onto Kael with razor focus.

For a long moment, nothing moved. Even the mana in the room felt like it paused.

Elira slowly straightened her back and then turned her head slightly, enough for Kael to see the edge of her sharp crimson gaze.

"I suggest," she said, voice cold and elegant, "you watch your mouth when speaking about Vael."

Kael raised his hands slightly. "Relax. I'm just saying I need to talk to you. Alone. What I have to say isn't for his ears, and it's important."

Jin narrowed his eyes. "Why should she waste her time on you?"

"Because," Kael said, stepping forward, "what I'm working on might affect more than just me. And I know she's curious enough to at least want to know what I'm up to."

Elira looked between Kael and Jin, then back at Kael again. "This better not be a waste of my time."

"Would I ever waste the precious seconds of the Morvayne heir?" Kael said with mock sincerity.

She sighed. "Ten minutes. Make it count."

Kael smirked. "That's all I need."

As they walked toward a quieter hallway outside the training room, Kael glanced back. Jin stood where he was, watching them go his aura silent, but burning.

Kael thought to himself:

This better work. Because if I piss off Jin or Elira again today, I'm going to end up in a coma.