Velra stepped forward through the mist of the fountain, steam rising in trails around her boots. Her presence was relentless—every motion radiated fire not just in heat, but in intent.
Kaelion didn't flinch.
She drew no weapon. Her fists were wrapped in heat-conductive linen, char-stained and worn from training. The moment she entered striking distance, her Core pulsed—flame rushing down her arms.
"Let's see what the rumors missed," she said.
Kaelion replied by vanishing.
Void Pulse Step.
Velra struck air, a sharp whip of fire tearing through empty space. Kael reappeared behind her with no warning, palm drawn back—but paused just before landing the hit.
Her foot twisted mid-step, sending a wave of flame behind her. He dodged, barely, flipping sideways to avoid a burning crescent that ignited the shallow water into a sheet of flame.
> [Opponent recognized: Velra Aurelian – Tier 3 Fire Core. Combat experience: advanced.]
[Engaging Tactical Sync.]
Kael's system buzzed lightly in the back of his mind, but he wasn't relying on it now.
This was instinct. Reflex. Combat stripped down to movement, breath, and timing.
Velra darted forward, heat flaring with each step—her punches sharp, her kicks deadly.
Kaelion weaved between them like smoke.
He didn't counter. Not yet.
He was studying her.
Letting her burn.
---
"Why won't you hit me?" she growled, ducking low and sweeping a flaming kick toward his knees.
Kael leapt over it with perfect timing.
"I'm not fighting to win," he said. "I'm fighting to learn."
That made her pause—for a heartbeat.
It was long enough.
Kael's next move was clean and precise.
He blinked forward—using Echo Trace to mask the angle—and struck her ribs with the heel of his palm, a blow that pushed her backward and doused half her Core-flame from shock.
She skidded across the water, boots screeching against stone.
Eyes wide.
Not from pain.
From realization.
"You're not just hiding strength," she said breathlessly. "You're evolving while we speak."
Kaelion didn't answer. He stood with his hands open, his posture deceptively relaxed.
She stared at him in silence for a moment.
Then smiled—wide, wild, like a warrior before a feast.
"I like you."
She extended her hand.
"Kaelion Draythorne. Fight with me again sometime. At the Academy."
He eyed her hand, then slowly shook it.
"You're not like the others," she added quietly.
"I know," he replied.
---
They parted in silence. But the fire she'd stirred didn't go out.
For the first time, someone outside his family had seen him.
Not as weak.
Not as a shadow.
But as a threat.
And far beyond the walls of the estate, others were beginning to notice too.
> [New Notification – System Broadcast Request from External Source.]
[Celestial Academy Interest: Conditional Invitation Detected.]