BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 38: The Gathering of Titans (1)

Location: The Midnight Hall, Eldoria's Academy of Magic and Combat

The Midnight Hall was an exclusive chamber within the academy, reserved only for the most elite students. Tonight, it was dimly lit by enchanted blue flames, casting flickering shadows over the marble floors. The air buzzed with tension, charged by the sheer presence of those gathered.

Kael stood near the entrance, adjusting the dark-blue trimmed cloak that marked him as a first-year noble student. He had been invited, but he knew this wasn't a friendly gathering. This was a battlefield of influence, strength, and pride.

Across the room, Cassian Duskbane, dressed in the same first-year noble attire, grinned when he spotted Kael.

"Finally, you showed up! Thought you were gonna hide after that little duel," Cassian teased, nudging Kael's shoulder.

Kael rolled his eyes. "You know me better than that."

Cassian smirked. "True, true. But I had to say something. Selene was worried."

From nearby, Selene Duskbane, dressed in a flowing black cloak with silver embroidery (the signature of the Duskbane family), turned her gaze toward them. Her silver eyes were unreadable.

"I was not," she said flatly.

Cassian chuckled. "Sure you weren't."

Selene ignored him and looked directly at Kael. "Your duel against Leonel. You barely won."

Kael felt a flicker of irritation. "I'm aware."

She studied him for a second before turning away. "Good. At least you're not arrogant."

Cassian snickered. "That's her way of saying she cares, by the way."

Selene shot him a glare, and Kael smirked. He wouldn't admit it, but he enjoyed their back-and-forth.

The Strongest of the Academy Gather

The hall continued to fill with students of immense power and talent. Among them:

Darius Zephyrion, leaning casually against a pillar, lightning sparking at his fingertips.

Magnus Grimthorne, his massive frame radiating quiet menace, dressed in deep red noble robes with gold lining.

Leonel Faelwyn, recovered from the duel, now standing with his usual confident smirk.

Elias Caine, the commoner prodigy, wearing simple but well-fitted combat gear instead of noble robes.

Rin Ashford, dagger strapped to her hip, watching the crowd with sharp eyes.

And then, a heavy presence filled the room.

The doors swung open, revealing a figure in regal black-and-gold robes.

All conversation stopped.

Crown Prince Lucian Eldoria had arrived.

The Crown Prince's Presence

Lucian strode in, his golden eyes sweeping across the room with effortless authority. Unlike the nobles who wore their academy-issued capes and colors, Lucian's attire was distinct—a high-collared royal black tunic with golden embroidery, the crest of the Eldoria family shimmering across his chest.

Though he was only a first-year, his presence alone made even the strongest upperclassmen tense.

"I see everyone's here," Lucian said smoothly. "Good."

His gaze landed on Kael for a brief moment before moving on.

Kael felt a strange pressure—not of magic, but of something deeper. The Draconic Heritage of the Eldoria family was legendary, and standing before him was a direct heir.

Lucian stepped further into the room, his expression calm but unreadable. "Since we're all here, let's not waste time. The academy is not just a place of learning—it's a stage where the future of Eldoria is shaped. This gathering exists to ensure that we, the strongest, understand who our true rivals are."

He smirked. "That includes nobles, lesser nobles, and commoners alike. Power is what matters here."

His words sent a ripple through the crowd. Some looked at him in admiration. Others in challenge.

Kael clenched his fist slightly. This was a declaration of dominance. A challenge.

And he would answer it.