BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 37: The Crown Prince's Challenge

The academy grounds were alive with excitement. First-year duels had begun, and today's matchups would set the tone for the year. But while most students worried about their own placements, Kael Veyrin was still processing his recent duel with Leonel Faelthorne.

His victory had been narrow, and that fact gnawed at him. He needed to become stronger.

"Still brooding?"

Kael turned his head as Cassian Duskbane strolled toward him, hands stuffed into the pockets of his midnight-blue first-year uniform, lined with silver and embroidered with the Duskbane sigil. His silver-gray eyes glinted with mischief, and his ashen-black hair was tousled, as if he hadn't bothered brushing it.

Kael exhaled. "Not brooding. Just thinking."

Cassian plopped down beside him on the stone railing overlooking the central courtyard. "You won. That's all that matters."

Kael gave him a flat look. "Barely."

Cassian smirked. "And? You think the rest of us won't struggle? That's the fun of it." He leaned back lazily. "Besides, I'd be more worried about the fact that we have to deal with the Crown Prince."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "He's here?"

As if on cue, a loud announcement rang across the academy:

"Crown Prince Lucian Eldoria, step forward to face your first trial!"

The entire courtyard fell into hushed silence as Lucian Eldoria, heir to the empire, strode into the dueling grounds.

His presence was commanding. Dressed in a regal maroon and gold-trimmed uniform, distinct from the standard first-year attire, he exuded authority. Golden eyes, the mark of Eldoria's draconic heritage, scanned the crowd with quiet confidence.

Whispers broke out among the students.

"The prince is fighting already?"

"He doesn't even need to. His rank is guaranteed."

"I heard he has Draconic Reinforcement. No first-year can stand against him."

Cassian scoffed. "Tch. Great, now we have to deal with 'His Imperial Highness' breathing down our necks all year."

Kael crossed his arms. "You sound bitter."

"I'm not bitter, I just don't like dealing with people who think they're untouchable," Cassian muttered. Then he smirked. "But I bet he'd be a fun challenge."

Kael watched as Lucian's opponent—a promising noble student—rushed forward, only to be sent flying with a single counterstrike, his opponent's sword shattering upon impact.

The match was over in seconds.

Cassian let out a low whistle. "...Okay, that's actually terrifying."

Kael, however, was silent. Lucian's movements were effortless, his power controlled yet overwhelming. Even compared to the strongest first-years, he was on a different level.

"This just got a lot more interesting," Kael murmured.

Cassian stretched. "Welp, at least we'll have front-row seats to all the chaos." He grinned. "Speaking of which, Evelyne is watching, you know?"

Kael blinked. "Evelyne?"

His eyes darted toward the elevated platform where upper-year students observed the matches. Standing at the front, Magnus Grimthorne, a third-year, watched the duels unfold.

Her deep crimson and black academy uniform marked her senior status, and with her broad shoulders and powerful stance, she radiated pure discipline. Unlike Cassian, Evelyne didn't waste time on words—her reputation was built on sheer strength and battle prowess.

Kael couldn't read her expression, but he knew she wasn't just watching for entertainment. The third-years were always looking for potential rivals.

Cassian nudged Kael with his elbow. "What do you think she's thinking?"

Kael sighed. "Probably something like 'Get stronger, or you're not worth my time.'"

Cassian snorted. "That does sound like Evelyne."

A Brewing Storm

As the day's duels concluded, Kael and Cassian made their way toward the academy's main halls. Despite the day's events, the tension in the air hadn't settled—it had only grown.

Cassian suddenly nudged Kael. "By the way, there's a meeting tonight. Darius Zephyrion set it up."

Kael frowned. "A meeting?"

Cassian nodded. "Only for the strongest students—nobles and commoners alike. They want to see who's really worth keeping an eye on this year."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "And I assume we're invited?"

Cassian grinned. "Of course. We're the troublemakers, after all."

Kael sighed. This year was going to be a battlefield.

And he wasn't planning to lose.