Trial by Glare

Kael Vidarson lay motionless on the wide bed, the faint red hue of the walls casting a mellow glow around the dimly lit room. The gentle hum of wind brushing against the windows, paired with the silence of solitude, made it the most peaceful place he had been in over a year. His body, worn and battered from relentless training, sparring, and humiliation, finally found rest on the soft mattress. He had barely managed to take off his boots before his limbs gave out completely, and sleep took him like a long-awaited old friend.

This room wasn't a luxurious suite like those in the noble dormitories, but it had an odd comfort. A black door with silver markings led into the chamber. Red walls gave it a warm yet bold presence, and a modest sitting area with a small sofa and two cushioned chairs surrounded a square table. A desk stood near the window, paper and ink prepared for study. The place had Hailey's cold precision written all over it.

But Kael didn't care about any of that.

He just... slept.

The Next Morning – SCORPIO Sector

Kael stepped out of his room, his eyes still adjusting to the bright morning light. He headed toward the main hall inside the SCORPIO sector, a separate wing reserved solely for the elite class under Hailey's rule. As he entered the breakfast area, a thick silence fell upon the room.

Twelve girls sat at a long table lined with exquisite dishes. Each one of them held an aura of royalty, power, or terrifying mystery. The infamous 12 Beauties of the Era. Seated at the far end was Hailey, cool and unreadable as ever, sipping tea with a casual grace that was anything but relaxed.

Kael took a cautious step forward, eyeing the food.

Before he could say a word, Hailey's sharp voice cut through the hall like a blade.

"No breakfast after 7:30."

Kael blinked.

It was 7:32.

"Seriously…?" he mumbled under his breath. But he nodded respectfully and took a seat in the corner, still watching the girls.

Every single one of the Beauties stared at him.

Cold glares. Curious glances. A few faint smirks.

Then, one girl clicked her tongue. Seraphina Libra, the second daughter of the Libra family, tossed her golden hair back and said with distaste:

"Peasants have no sense of time."

Kael exhaled slowly, pretending he didn't hear her. He wasn't here to start fights. Not yet.

Later That Day — Magic Class at Astral Sanctum

Kael found himself in a large stone lecture hall filled with glowing runes. The instructor, Ara Thorne, an elven professor specializing in combat theory, guided the students through advanced magical spell formations.

Kael, who couldn't use magic, still paid close attention.

He sat beside Rem, the mysterious blue-and-pink-haired maid whose reputation came before her. Her gaze was distant, her posture stiff.

"Why are you even here?" she whispered, eyes fixed on the instructor.

"I can't use magic," Kael answered, smiling faintly. "But I can learn how to counter it."

She blinked once. Then turned away without another word.

Kael took it as a good sign.

SCORPIO Sparring Hall — Afternoon

The training ground within the SCORPIO sector was unlike any in the Academy. Wide, circular, covered in ancient glyphs that glowed with power, it was where only the strongest students clashed blades or cast magic. Standing in the center of the ring was Hailey, dressed in black training attire with red accents, her hair tied up, her eye patch glinting under the skylight.

"Let's see what your instincts say about battle," she said flatly.

Her red eye flared. "First up. Marin."

Marin Demo, the demon princess, stepped forward confidently. Purple hair cascading behind her, short horns glowing with mana. She raised her arm and conjured a dark-blood spell, launching a Blood Piercing Spiral directly at Hailey.

Without moving, Hailey's red aura flared.

Then — silence.

Marin froze mid-cast, trembling, unable to move.

Hailey appeared behind her in an instant, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You're too slow."

With a flash of red light, Marin fell to her knees, breath shallow.

"Aura Glare," Hailey said coldly. "Not physical. Pure killing intent focused into aura. Mentally destabilizing. Most can't resist it without a trained mind."

Kael's eyes widened. A non-magical, mental strike? That was something he could actually learn.

One by one, the remaining members of SCORPIO stepped forward.

Yuel, the elf princess — dropped to her knees mid-step, paralyzed in fear.

Liz Fenror, the demi-human, tail twitching — resisted for six seconds before collapsing with a snarl.

Ayaka, the Eronel sword princess — actually managed to lunge forward before staggering to the side.

Even Seraphina Libra flinched when it was her turn, clenching her teeth but unable to land a hit.

The room was dead silent.

Then Hailey turned to him.

"Now… the male."

Kael stood.

He felt every eye pierce through his body as he stepped into the ring.

Twelve girls. One instructor. A thousand rumors.

All watching the only male ever accepted into SCORPIO.

His fists clenched. The sword on his back hummed. His aura — magenta — began to flare lightly as he took a stance.

Hailey smirked.

"Let's see what Eorun's student can do… when he's the prey."

[To Be Continued]

"I WAS SICK LAST WEEK SO THE UPDATES WERE SLOW, SORRY"