In Kael's dormitory room in Nethrys, Eldoria, Nevan, after taking a shower, Kael dresses up into the Asta Academy's practical uniform with the logo of the Wrymswood on his right shoulder.

*Asta Academy Gate Practical uniform (Male): The combat uniform is designed with a balance of protection, mobility, and futuristic aesthetics, adhering to Asta Academy’s black-and-white theme. Bodysuit: A sleek, black, form-fitting base layer made from a durable, flexible material that adapts to the student's movements. The material is heat-resistant, lightweight, and reinforced with nanofibers for enhanced durability. Armor Plating: Chestplate - White, high-density composite armor covering the torso, engraved with the academy emblem in silver. Shoulders -White pauldrons with sleek edges, designed to deflect strikes while allowing free arm movement. Forearms and shins - White segmented armor on the forearms and lower legs for additional protection, featuring subtle glowing lines to indicate an energy absorption system. Footwear - Black, reinforced combat boots with silver accents, designed for traction and stability in various terrains. Utility belt - A black utility belt with silver buckles, featuring several compartments for carrying small tools, potions, and weaponry. Accessories: A detachable white hood for environmental protection, A face mask with a sleek design, offering filtration and minor ballistic protection, and Black gloves reinforced with white plating on the knuckles, designed for hand-to-hand combat and grip enhancement. Aesthetic details: Subtle glowing lines run along the seams of the bodysuit and armor, adding a high-tech look and serving as indicators for energy levels or enchantments.

"Looks like it's finally time for that training camp. I've been waiting so long for this," Kael said as he stretched his arms.

"That Xan guy was so strong so I'm sure his training will be effective. You aren't able to raid D Tier gates and above so this is the perfect chance to receive your stats," Alastair said.

"Yeah..." Kael grabbed his skull face mask from his drawer, put it on, and added, "Shall we go, to the Asta Academy training camp."

In the female dormitory, in Ada's room, Ada is dressed in the female Asta Academy's gate practical uniform.

* Asta Academy's Gate Practical uniform (Female):  Bodysuit: A sleek, black, form-fitting base layer crafted from a durable and flexible nanofiber material. The bodysuit adapts to the wearer’s movements, offering enhanced mobility, heat resistance, and lightweight protection. Armor Plating: Chestplate: Contoured white armor covering the torso, engraved with the academy emblem in silver for a distinguished look. Shoulders: White pauldrons designed for optimal arm movement, with angled edges to deflect strikes effectively. Forearms and Shins: Reinforced white segmented armor offering protection for limbs, featuring glowing seams that enhance the high-tech aesthetic. Additional Padding: White armor padding on the thighs and elbows for extra coverage during combat. Footwear: Black, high-performance combat boots with silver accents, designed for stability, grip, and protection on various terrains. Utility Belt: A streamlined black belt with silver buckles, equipped with multiple compact compartments for carrying tools, potions, or light weaponry. Accessories: A detachable white hood, providing environmental protection without restricting vision,  A lightweight, sleek face mask offering filtration and minor ballistic resistance, Black gloves with reinforced white knuckles for hand-to-hand combat and grip strength. Aesthetic Details: The uniform includes subtle glowing lines running along the seams of the bodysuit and armor, acting as energy indicators and adding a futuristic visual appeal.

"Lady Ada..." Anneliese called.

"This is the perfect chance for me to grow stronger, Anneliese. I've been stuck at the beginner level for too long. I want to grow strong and fight in the frontlines," Ada said, afterward she summoned the Heavenfall and added, "This my chance."

Meanwhile, in the training grounds of the Asta Academy, Arthur is fighting a battle against simulated Ashenfiends with his spear drawn out. As he battles, memories of Kael killing his teammates with a purple glow in his eyes, and his father walking away from him flash in his head.

"You were awakened with S Tier Astral Magic and were chosen as a Heraldm don't get the wrong idea. You're still the son of a woman who ran away with the King's ration. Why don't you run away like she did, you illegitimate child," said Arthur's brother.

Arthur thrust his spear so hard, leaving a large dent in his wall, and he says with an emerald glow in his eyes, "All these damn commoners. Talking as if they're above. I must tap into the power of the Angel of Light more, then I can kill Kael Voss, take down my brother who's the crown heir, and become the King of Nevan."

Arthur returns the spear to his inventory and puts the towel over his head, "And this will be the perfect opportunity."

In the Celestial Forge Headquarters...

"You fool! Haven't you ever heard of retirement!? The king who is far younger than you is stepping down and giving his crown to the heir so why can't you do the same and sit back!?" Isolde yelled at Xan.

"I have more experience fighting in gates and battling Ashenfiends for all the time I've been a Magi. I'll be the perfect one to educate them," Xan said, drinking a cup of tea with his right leg resting on his left eye.

"So you want to use the Forge train to go to Ish?" Isolde asked.

"Yes. You're my granddaughter are you not?" Xan replied.

"No way. The Forge train is used for transporting the portions and goods the Celestial Forge has produced all over the Kingdom of Nevan. Not to transport a bunch of kids," Isolde said.

"Come on, there are some adults amongst them too. I'm nurturing these people," Xan said.

"Then why don't you use the Academy's bus? The Academy  can fund this even can't they?"

"They approved but are not directly involved. Just me and about four educators."

Isolde lets out a sigh and says, "... Just promise you'll be okay?"

"You worry too much. I'm not that old where I'm feeble and can't hold my own."

"Take care of the company, Isolde. I'll be heading out."

"Grandfather..."

Two hours later, all the students of Class A gather at the entrance of the Asta Academy.

"Okay ladies and gentlemen, today begins our three weeks training camp. The event has been approved by Goto Sato, the Regional Overseer of the Eldoria Astral Magus. They will send us Astral Magi to aid us in case we face an attack at the hands of a Hazard or a gate spawn. There are 21 of you so we're going to divide you into teams of three," Xan said.

"Teams? I thought this was going to be solo work" Lucille questioned.

(He's right, I can't increase my stats high enough if I'm fighting with a team.)

"When raiding a gate, an attack team consists of this; Warriors, Rangers, Tankers, Spellcasters, and healers. Each of these is to watch out for each other. If one goes down, the whole team crumbles. Sure some don't need team stats like Reapers, but what do you think can happen if you work as a team? This is the perfect chance for you to get along so the first will be team red, which consists of Kael Voss, Eve Wilson, and Ada Heiliger," Xan dictated.

Kael jolts and stares at Xan in shock.

"I see. Wherever I go, I seem to be with Kael. Interesting," Eve said.

"Dr. Xan, isn't there a way to change teams?" Anneliese questioned.

"Sorry, but the decisions have already been made a long time and cannot be overwritten. It goes against everything we have planned," Xan replied.

"But--"

"It's okay, Anneliese. Thanks for worrying about me but I will be okay," Ada said, afterward she walked up to Kael, looked him in the eye, and said with a flustered face, "I look forward to working with you."

(Is she that embarrassed for working with me?) "Not likewise."

The students murmured...

"I can't believe the face of the school and the most beautiful woman is working with that guy?"

"Don't worry dears, everything will be okay," Eve said, afterward winking at them and the students are flustered with their hearts racing.

"What's with those guys? A screw loose or something?" Lucille questioned.

"But she sure is beautiful right?" Arthur said with a flustered face.

"Gross. I knew the Gods weren't thinking when they selected you as the apostle of salvation," Lucille said.

(Tch, why did I have to team up with the same two people I'm trying to avoid? This is so much of a drag.)

"The following team will be Team Blue, consisting of Arthur Armstrong, Elara Moore, and Calrix."

Arthur looks at Elara and Elara looks away with her arms folded.

"Team Green will be Lucille Gallagher, Eris Wagner, and Anneliese. Team Grey will be Faelion Cameron, Williams, and Fusao."

Xan keeps listing every team.

"The reason for forming these teams is that in your third year when you head out for practical, you'll be led by a C Tier Magi for missions. You'll need to know how to co-ordinate. That's another strength you should build."

Eve looks at Kael and smiles at him, and Kael is annoyed.

"Now everyone get on the Forge train. We'll head out for Ish."

In the Astral Magus Association quarters in Eldoria, in Goto's office...

"Sir Goto, the students of the Asta Academy are on their way here," the attendant said.

"Welcome them with open arms. The Prince, Heiress, and the Heiliger daughter on their way here. Don't let them feel the slight of discomfort," Goto said.

"Right!"

The attendant leaves the office. Goto heads to the couch and takes a seat, placing his hand behind the couch.

"I let you kill my Silent Blades to shake up the Association and invest in you guys with your projects. Are you sure this will work?" Goto questioned as next to him is Xyrenia seated drinking tea with her mask off (Face not revealed but has red lipsticks).

"It won't completely succeed but it will sure cause an uproar. Then your seat as the Sato family being the main family and you being the Duke of Eldoria will be assured. You just keep supporting us," Xyrenia said.

A wide grin emerges on Goto's face with his eyes glowing red, "You don't have to worry. I'll do just that."

After a few minutes, the students of the Asta Academy arrive in the city of Ish. The city is bustling with merchants, artisans, and scholars.

"Welcome to the City of Ish. The secondary city after the Capital city of Eldoria, shall we go?"

They climb the bus of the city and the bus takes them to the Quarters of the Eldorian Astral Magus Association. They arrive, get off the bus, and the guards guide them into the building.

"There sure were so many trees here," Ada said.

"Well, this city is on the edge of the Kingdom. The mountain is where the camp will be taking place, past that mountain is another Kingdom aligned with the Kingdom of Skyrhold," Xan said.

"Welcome sir, you must be Dr. Caelum Xan, the only battle Alchemist who fought alongside the King and the previous Zenith Sovereign," the Astral Magi approaching him said.

"Oh, I'm nothing but a retired old Magi working as a professor," Xan said.

"Well, we'll guide you to the Regional Overseer. He's waiting for you," the Astral Magi.

The Magi guides the students and Xan into the building's dining hall located in the lobby.

"Woah, this place is huge for a dining hall," Eris said.

"That's because it's not your usual dining hall."

Goto comes walking into the dining hall with his hands in his pockets and two royal guards behind him.

"Goto Sato," Xan said.

"You don't have to worry, I gave the Zenith Sovereign a call so there's nothing to worry about," Goto said.

"I see..."

"So it's true the cursed child became awakened and managed to join the Asta Academy."

Goto walks up to Kael and looks Kael in the eye even though Kael is three feet taller than him.

"Though he does look different from 12 years ago."

"What?"

"How old are you child?" Goto questioned.

"Seventeen years old," Kael replied.

"You're quite tall for a seventeen-year-old. Is it a growth spurt?"

"Sir."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to fathom everything. I do sense mana coming from him, but it's different," Goto said.

"May we take our seats? I see you've prepared quite the welcoming feast," Xan said.

"You're right. Go ahead."

Xan, Goto, and the students take their seats and they begin sharing their meals.

(I feel like everyone is staring holes into me. Makes sense since a Regional Overseer approached me with no hostility.)

"So this camp is to help boost their stats. Do you think they'll be able to pull it off in three weeks?" Goto questioned.

"The Asta Academy has always produced great Magi so I have great faith in my students. A boost in stats means a boost in confidence, a boost in confidence means a boost in performance," Xan said.

"I see, very smart. Just one warning, the students shouldn't wander too deep into the mountains. That's a restricted area allowed to only the Association personnel," Goto said.

"Understood. We wouldn't want to violate the rules after gifting us a place to train," Xan said.

A gentle smile emerges on Goto's face and he says, "Good." He added, "Kael Voss, now a question for you."

"Hm? What is it you want with me?" Kael snarked.

"Respect idiot! Thar's the Regional Overseer!" Ada yelled while striking Asahi's head.

"It's okay, Ms. Heiliger. So Kael Voss, have you seen anything like a massive purple serpent larger than a planet in your dreams?" Goto questioned and Alastair, Arthur, and Ada jolted.

Arthur remembers his battle with Kael in the forest.

"No, I haven't," Kael replied.

"That so?"

'I remember that very well. It was when Kael Voss awakened that ability that stole Valiant away from me?' Arthur thought to himself as the image of Kael looking down on him with a shadowed face and silver ominous glowing eyes flashed in his head.

"What's so important about the snake?" Kael asked.

"Don't sweat the small details. Weren't you supposed to head out to prepare for your training camp," Goto said.

Ada stares at Goto with a pensive frown.

The students leave the banquet hall and they gather before the entrance of the mountain.

"The Regional overseer sure was sketchy," Ada said.

"Just give him a break would ya," Arthur said.

'But now I got another clue to Kael's mysterious power. If I can just ask the Academy access to their underground library, I'll get to the bottom of this,' Ada thought to herself.

"Okay listen up everyone. I'll give you a brief explanation about the mountain you're about to train. The reason we chose this is the training ground because this mountain has constant gates that keep spawning in this area. They're all D Tier but I'm sure you can handle it. Unlike where you enter gates, this one Ashenfiends leave the gate. Kill them all and increase your stats. Don't go deep into the mountains. Now, begin."

All the Students all walk past the gates of the mountains.