A week had passed since the Sky Simulator test, but something about that day still stayed in Kael's mind. He didn't tell anyone—not even Mikaho—what the demon had said.
Still too early… Kael.
What did that even mean?
Kael stood near the academy's outer wall, looking out at the island trees swaying gently in the wind. Mikaho walked up to him, carrying two wooden swords.
"Training?" she asked.
Kael nodded, taking one of the swords. They both stood facing each other. For a moment, there was only silence… and the sound of wood tapping against wood as they sparred.
"Kael," Mikaho said while blocking a strike, "Are you hiding something?"
Kael stopped moving for a second. "Why do you ask?"
"You're not acting like yourself."
He didn't answer.
Meanwhile, inside the main academy hall, students were being called in for an announcement. A tall man walked onto the stage. He wore a long dark coat and a white mask that covered his entire face—only his sharp, gray eyes were visible.
"I am your new combat instructor," he said. "Call me Sir Argon."
The room was dead silent.
Zehr leaned toward Lian and whispered, "What kind of teacher wears a mask like that? Is he trying to be scary or cool?"
Argon's eyes shifted toward Zehr without turning his head.
"I can hear whispers. Be quiet if you want to survive."
Zehr straightened his back immediately.
The man's voice was calm, but powerful. Each word felt like a weight dropping in water.
"I will be selecting ten students for special training starting tomorrow. Demons are evolving. So must you."
Later that day, Argon walked through the school corridors alone. A soft voice echoed from the shadows.
"Why are you here, Argon?"
He stopped. "To test the fire in their hearts."
"And if it's too strong?" the voice asked.
"Then I'll break it."
Back in the dorm room, the friends gathered around Zehr, who was mimicking Argon's voice.
"Be quiet if you want to survive," he said in a deep, serious tone.
Everyone laughed—even Kael cracked a small smile.
But then something happened.
Kael's ears began to ring. Just for a second.
He heard it again.
That same voice.
Too early… Kael.
Kael grabbed his head. Mikaho noticed.
"Kael?!"
"I… I'm okay."
But he wasn't.
Later that night, while everyone slept, Kael stepped outside alone.
He sat on the academy wall and looked up at the moon.
Then he heard footsteps behind him.
"I thought I'd find you here," said a familiar voice.
Ashen.
Kael looked up. "Why are you here?"
Ashen sat beside him. "You felt something during the simulator test, didn't you?"
Kael didn't answer.
Ashen sighed. "It's starting earlier than I thought."
"What is?" Kael asked.
Ashen stood up, looking at the moon. "Things that were supposed to stay buried."
He turned and walked away, his coat blowing in the wind.
Kael looked back at the sky, confused but curious.
Next Episode Preview:
The academy prepares for Argon's special training, but strange events begin to unfold at night. A student vanishes, and Kael finds a strange mark on his hand—one he's never seen before.