The academy was quiet after the return from the S-rank gate. Most students rested, healed, or reviewed the battle logs. But for Kaen, rest was optional. He stood beneath a sakura tree in the outer courtyard, twirling an ice cream stick between his fingers, as always.
From the stone pathway behind him came a voice.
"You've got some guts, first-year," said a tall boy with copper hair and a jagged scar down his neck.
Kaen didn't look. "And you must be Tarek—the second-year who broke a dungeon core with his bare hands."
Tarek stepped forward, arms crossed. "Not many first-years would know that. You've been digging."
Kaen turned slightly, smirking. "Let's just say I do my homework."
From the training arena, Alyss approached—cool and composed, her violet eyes sharp as ever. "Is this the infamous Kaen?" she asked Tarek.
"Yup," Tarek said. "He's got a reputation now. Took down a Fragmented Titan with the first-years."
Alyss narrowed her eyes. "That's not something we even see in SS-grade gates."
Kaen bit into his ice cream, nodding thoughtfully. "Want to spar and find out if the rumors are true?"
Tarek burst into laughter. "You're bold. I like that."
Later that day, the three sparred in a private field behind the academy. Kaen didn't use his full strength—he never needed to. But his movements were sharp, efficient, and even Alyss began to sweat.
Zian arrived halfway through, watching from the sidelines. She said nothing, but her golden eyes tracked Kaen's every move with quiet pride—and something more conflicted beneath.
As the match ended, Tarek clapped Kaen on the back. "You're weird. But I like weird. Join us for weekend hunts—no ranks, no rules."
Alyss nodded. "Just don't hold back next time."
Kaen's crimson eyes flashed with amusement. "No promises."
Far off in the administration tower, Professor Drayven watched the match through a surveillance crystal. His form flickered for a moment, like shifting slime, before solidifying again.
"Perfect," he murmured. "Let's see how strong the bonds get… before they're tested."