KAI KALISTER

Austin Ringoff wasn't in the best of moods—then again, when was he ever?

The training center vibrated with each blow to the punching bag, the impact echoing like thunder across the chamber. Sweat trickled down his huge, muscular frame. Most described Austin as a brute, especially with his constant obsession with battle and proving his strength.

Total opposite of—

"Kai, you've gone soft since they slapped that Alpha title on you," Austin said, hopping from one leg to the other, getting ready to strike again.

"Says the guy who's still stuck as a Beta," Kai replied, sipping his black coffee.

Austin inhaled deeply and slammed a right fist into the heavy bag, punching a hole straight through the center.

"That's true, that's true," he muttered with a dry laugh. "But it won't be too long. I'd be past you already—if I wasn't busy shepherding a bunch of goofy kids."

"These kids are the future of the Slayers Academy."

A smooth voice cut through the tension.

"Gosh, the testosterone in here is suffocating."

Elena Young walked into the room, heels clicking, posture flawless.

"Well, if it isn't Elena Young," Austin said with a grin. "Didn't think you'd show your face after last year's fiasco."

"It is strange, isn't it? So many Elite Slayers in one place," Elena replied, taking a seat and crossing her slender legs. "What can I say? Duty calls."

She pulled out a list. "So, have you heard about the new batch? What do you think of this one—Ryker Marrow?"

"Red Code. Interesting," Kai said, finally joining the conversation. "He's young, but already has a power control level of twelve. Endurance and speed... not great. Five and six."

"Says the King of Speed himself," Austin snorted.

"Hmm. Shocking," Elena muttered, her eyes scanning the list. "Someone with zero abilities?"

Her pen hovered over a name.

"I was shocked when I saw it too. Weak," Austin added with a sneer, shifting from punches to kicks.

"Pactless, huh…" Kai murmured, taking another slow sip of coffee.

Could it be...

An alarm beeped in the room, but none of them flinched. It was only the tone for an incoming message.

> "This is Colonel Walter. Kai Kalister, Austin Ringoff, Elena Young, Zain Pierres—report to the General's Hall."

"He's going to be joining us, huh?" Elena said as they moved toward the exit.

--------

The courtyard buzzed with energy as students gathered in uniform, clustered in tight groups by rank. The stronger tiers—Alpha, Beta, even Delta—stood proudly at the front, commanding attention.

At the very back, as always, stood the Zetas—ignored, overlooked.

All of them, except one.

Kol stood beside Sage in the rear, arms folded and eyes sharp. His presence drew sneers and sideways glances from the other Alphas—but he didn't seem to care.

Kol leaned closer. "You're about to see the reason most of us even applied."

Before Sage could respond, the lights dimmed.

Boom.

A low hum filled the air. The stage at the center glowed with blue light as four figures emerged—each one wrapped in power like a second skin.

"Elite Slayers," the announcer said.

The crowd roared.

Elena Young stepped forward—graceful and lethal. Austin Ringoff cracked his knuckles like a war drum. Zain Pierres didn't even glance at the crowd.

Then Kai Kalister stepped into view. Still. Unreadable. Cold.

He spoke—offering words of inspiration, survival, legacy. But Sage didn't hear a single word.

> [SYSTEM ALERT: High-Priority Observation Detected]

[Initiating Passive Scan...]

[SYSTEM UPDATE – QUEST UNLOCKED]

NEW QUEST: Seek the Thirteenth Ring

Objective 1: Establish Contact with Kai Kalister

Kai holds key knowledge regarding the missing Ring. Gain his trust—or his attention.

WARNING: Do not reveal System Activity.

[Quest Timer: 7 Days]

Sage's fingers curled into the fabric of his uniform. Something had shifted.

The applause thundered again as the Slayers turned to leave. Kol clapped enthusiastically beside him.

Then Kai paused.

His eyes scanned the students—until they landed on Sage.

For half a second, the world stopped.

> [SYSTEM WARNING: Threat Level Rising—Abort Eye Contact]

Sage didn't move.

Too late.

Kai smiled.