The academy was waking up to a new kind of chaos.

News of Kael’s explosion in the Detonation Room spread fast — whispers running through every corridor and training hall. Even upperclassmen paused their drills to watch Class Zero with new eyes.

A Quiet Warning

Kael sat alone on the rooftop, the rain from days ago replaced by a pale dawn.

Reya climbed up beside him, crackling softly with static. “You know, you’re gonna bring the whole school down on us.”

Kael shook his head. “I just want to survive.”

She smiled, lightning flickering from her fingertips. “Survival means fighting back.”

Before he could reply, a shadow moved behind them — Silas appeared silently, eyes glowing faintly.

He held out a worn notebook, pages filled with cryptic symbols.

Kael glanced down.

“Where did you get this?” he asked.

Silas’s gaze didn’t waver. A single word escaped his lips:
“Secrets.”

Unearthing Truths

Later in the underground barracks, Kael poured over the notebook. The symbols hinted at a hidden history—one that spoke of ancient hosts, forbidden powers, and a darkness sealed beneath Valeforge itself.

Reya leaned over his shoulder. “You think this is why we’re here? Not just to train… but to keep something buried?”

Kael nodded slowly. “Maybe that fire inside me isn’t just power. Maybe it’s a key.”

Training with Shadows

Vera’s training grew harsher.

Today was shadow combat — fighting in near-total darkness against Silas and his spectral summons.

Kael felt the shadows press in like living things, cold and whispering lies.

But instead of retreating, he forced the fire inside to flare—a warm glow that pushed back the darkness like dawn chasing night.

Vera watched with a hard smile. “You’re learning. But remember—light blinds just as much as shadows do.”

A New Threat

As the day ended, an alarm blared through the academy.

“Vokari breach — Sector 9.”

Kael, Reya, Silas, and the rest of Class Zero were rushed to the front lines.

The Vokari surged like a black tide, tearing through defenses.

Kael felt his power surge — no longer a weapon to fear, but a blaze to wield.