BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 35: Arrival at Eldoria Academy

A Final Morning at Home

Kael stood before his mirror, still getting used to his reflection. He had grown taller, his body lean but undeniably stronger. His once-soft features had sharpened slightly, and his deep red eyes carried an intensity that wasn't there before. Five months of relentless training had transformed him.

His stats reflected that growth:

[Kael Veyrin – Level 4 Arcane Sigilist]

Age: 12

Rank: Adept Mage / Apprentice Knight

Strength: 20

Dexterity: 19

Endurance: 22

Mana: 47

Intelligence: 42

Charisma: 30

Abilities:

Arcane Sigil – Level 4 (Competent Sigilist) → Allows him to inscribe and store four active runes for immediate casting.

Arcane Resilience → His body passively absorbs and redirects 10% of mana-based damage.

Berserker's Ascent → Grants +10 to all stats for 2 minutes; usable twice per day.

Crimson Sigil (Blood Runes) → Enables instant rune casting at a cost of mana and blood.

Healing Rune → Allows him to rapidly heal minor to moderate injuries.

Arcane Server → A condensed mana slash that disrupted the magical flow and weakens mana based defenses

Kael exhaled. He was ready.

Downstairs, his family was waiting.

Lady Isolde, his mother, adjusted his collar with a rare look of motherly concern. "Remember, Kael. The academy is not just about strength. It's about survival and alliances. Choose your friends wisely."

His father, Duke Veyrin, stood tall with his usual imposing presence. "You've trained hard, but this is only the beginning. Hold your ground, never bow to weakness, and remember—Veyrins do not falter."

Elira smirked, arms crossed. "Try not to get too arrogant, little brother. Not all fights can be solved with just brute force."

Rheon ruffled Kael's hair. "If anyone gives you trouble, just challenge them to a best-of-three duel. Works every time."

Kael chuckled. This was the last day he'd spend at home for a long time.

The Journey to Eldoria Academy

The grand convoy to Eldoria Academy was filled with elite noble heirs from all across the empire. Luxurious carriages carried the scions of Duke Houses, Marquis Houses, and high-ranking noble families.

Kael, sitting beside Elira and Rheon, watched his potential rivals carefully. Some students were already making alliances, forming factions even before arriving.

Darius Zephyrion sat a few seats ahead, casually tossing a lightning-infused coin between his fingers. His piercing blue eyes met Kael's, and he grinned. "I hear the entrance duels are quite brutal, Veyrin. Hope you're not planning to disappoint."

Kael smirked. "I never do."

Darius chuckled. "Good. I'd hate for my 'rival' to be boring."

The air hummed with tension—not of hostility, but of competitive excitement.

Arrival at Eldoria Academy

The academy was an awe-inspiring sight.

A massive fortress with towering spires, enchanted stone walls reinforced with ancient runes, and training fields large enough to host hundreds of warriors at once.

As they entered, the students were greeted by Headmaster Varian Drakos Eldoria, a man of immense magical presence. His voice carried easily across the courtyard.

"Welcome, heirs and warriors of Eldoria! You stand at the gates of greatness. Strength alone will not earn you power here—only skill, intellect, and willpower will forge your future."

The Seven Strongest Families were acknowledged, their banners displayed. Each had their own signature fighting style and a reputation that shaped the empire.

Kael could already feel the eyes on him.

The Academy's Power Structure

After the speech, the students were introduced to the academy's hierarchy:

The Student Council – The ruling elite, handpicked from the strongest and most influential students.

The Elite Circle – A select inner group of the best warriors and mages, known for their dominance in duels.

The Factions – Smaller groups of nobles and commoners alike, formed for protection, strategy, and influence.

Elira nudged Kael. "You'll want to pay attention to them. The academy isn't just about strength—it's a battlefield of politics too."

Unexpected Challenge – The Entrance Duels

To determine class placements, new students had to undergo a public combat assessment. Some students volunteered to duel, while others were forcefully challenged.

Kael stood among the crowd when a familiar voice rang out.

"Kael Veyrin! I challenge you to a duel!"

The crowd turned as a boy stepped forward with a confident smirk.

It was Leonel Faelwyn, the second son of House Faelwyn, one of the Seven Strongest Families.

He had wild golden hair, piercing green eyes, and a presence that demanded attention.

"I hear you're strong," Leonel said, cracking his knuckles. "They're calling you a prodigy. Well, let's see if you're worth the title."

The students murmured with excitement.

Darius chuckled from the sidelines. "Well, well… looks like you have more than one rival now."

Kael smirked. This was exactly what he wanted.