The air in Astralis Academy was thick with an unspoken tension.
Albert could feel it the moment he stepped out of the training chamber. His body was still warm from the intense drills with Professor Calen Rhyds, but his mind was already shifting to what lay ahead. The training session had pushed him, refining his control over Coherence, but he knew it was only a fraction of what he needed to master.
As he moved through the academy's towering halls, his steps steady despite the residual fatigue, he caught sight of a familiar figure leaning against a pillar near the courtyard.
Toren.
Albert's expression didn't change, but his senses sharpened. Toren looked as composed as ever, his dark uniform pristine, his arms crossed as if he had been waiting. His eyes flicked toward Albert, a glint of something unreadable in them.
"Well, look who's finally walking again," Toren drawled, pushing off the pillar with effortless grace. "Heard you almost burned yourself out."
Albert met his gaze evenly. "I'm still here."
Toren smirked. "Barely." He stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly. "That stunt you pulled at Serpent Veil—people are talking. Some are impressed. Some think you're reckless." He tilted his head. "Me? I think you're dangerous."
Albert felt the weight of Toren's words but refused to let them settle. "Dangerous to whom?"
Toren's smirk deepened, but he didn't answer. Instead, he gestured toward the main assembly hall. "You'll find out soon enough. Veyra's about to make an announcement."
Albert studied him for a moment longer before stepping past him. Toren let him go without another word, but the lingering presence of their exchange sat heavy on Albert's thoughts.
---
The academy halls were alive with movement as students made their way to the assembly. The buzz of speculation filled the air, but Albert was barely paying attention—because just ahead, he spotted three familiar figures.
Mira, Elara, and Sera.
They were standing together, talking in hushed tones. Mira, with her usual confident smirk, was the first to notice him. "Well, well, look who's gracing us with his presence."
Elara turned, her smile bright but tinged with something softer. "Albert! We were wondering when we'd see you again."
Sera, always the quietest of the three, merely met his gaze and gave him a small nod.
Albert stopped in front of them, a flicker of warmth cutting through his usual guarded demeanor. "I didn't think I was gone that long."
Elara huffed, crossing her arms. "Long enough." There was an edge of worry in her tone, but she covered it quickly.
Mira nudged Albert's arm lightly. "You missed us, admit it."
Albert gave her a look. "I was unconscious for most of it."
"Doesn't mean you didn't miss us," Mira shot back.
Albert shook his head, but before he could respond, Elara stepped closer—just enough for him to catch the way her blue eyes searched his. "Are you okay?" she asked, quieter this time.
The sincerity in her voice made something tighten in his chest.
"I will be," he said. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the full truth either.
Elara studied him a moment longer before nodding. "Good."
Mira exhaled dramatically. "Alright, before this turns into something out of a romance novel, we should probably get to the assembly."
Elara shot her a glare, but Sera only chuckled softly.
Albert smirked. "Yeah. Let's go."
---
L
The assembly hall was packed. Rows of students filled the massive chamber, their hushed conversations bouncing off the high ceilings. At the front of the hall stood Veyra—one of the academy's highest-ranking officials. Her presence alone commanded attention, and as soon as she stepped forward, silence fell over the room.
Her gaze swept over the crowd, sharp and assessing. Then she spoke.
"Astralis Academy has always been a place of growth," she began, her voice carrying across the hall. "A place where the strongest rise, and where those who seek power must prove they are worthy of it."
Albert's fingers curled slightly at her choice of words.
"To that end," Veyra continued, "we will be holding a Mini-Tournament within the academy—an opportunity for our students to test themselves, to refine their skills, and to prove their place in the hierarchy of Astralis."
A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd.
Albert remained still, his mind already racing.
Veyra raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "Participation is not optional. Every student will be expected to take part. Consider this… a test of worth."
Toren's words from earlier suddenly made a lot more sense.
Dangerous.
Albert's jaw tightened.
Veyra's gaze lingered on the crowd for a moment longer before she gave a final nod. "Prepare yourselves. Dismissed."
As the students began to file out, the weight of the announcement settled in Albert's chest.
The Mini-Tournament wasn't just about proving strength.
It was a statement.
And he intended to make his own.