Kael could feel it in their eyes.
No longer the open mockery of before. Now it was suspicion.
More restrained. Colder. Almost… fearful.
No one mentioned what had happened that night.
But no one had forgotten.
He noticed it the moment he stepped into the classroom. The seats next to him remained empty, even though the room was full. And Master Elah? She seemed quieter than usual. No harsh reprimand when he arrived late—just a brief, measuring glance that lingered a second too long.
"Today we begin training in Chi combat styles," she said eventually. Her voice was calm but firm. "This is part of the first entrance trial. You won't just be tested on whether you possess Chi—but on how you use it."
The class fell silent. Even Eder, who never missed a chance to make a snide remark, said nothing.
"Each element has its own way of expression in combat," she explained. "Fire-users strike with direct force—techniques like Flame Fist or Blazing Edge. Water-users rely on redirection, control, balance—Flow Grip, Falling Stream. Wind is agile and fast—Whirl Kick, Blade Thrust."
Some students scribbled notes. Kael didn't. He knew there was no technique for someone like him.
"Combat style is more than movement," Elah continued. "It's the connection between your body, your will, and your Chi. Those who can't find harmony will never rise beyond the rank of the Unaligned."
Kael's fists clenched unconsciously.
Not because he was clumsy. Not because he couldn't fight. But because… nothing came. No spark. No element. No style. Only his own will—and even that had never been enough.
After class, a new notice had been pinned to the hallway wall:
ENTRANCE TRIAL – LEVEL I
Date: In 3 days
Location: Veld Examination Hall
Lead Instructor: High Warrior Naro
For all Unaligned: Mandatory Participation
Note: Four attempts allowed. Failure on the fourth results in dismissal.
Test Areas:
– Elemental Manifestation
– Combat Techniques
– Physical Endurance
– Strategic Thinking
Kael stared at the words.
His final chance. One last shot to belong in this world.
Or be cast out forever.
Eder stepped up beside him.
"Don't stress, Kael. Maybe Naro will let you train as the punching bag."
A soft ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.
Kael didn't react.
Because while the others laughed, he felt it again—that whisper, deep inside. No element. No power. Not yet.
But it was growing.
That night, he returned to his storeroom.
He practiced. Movements he'd memorized from books. Strikes, kicks, balance drills. Over and over.
The raven's object lay on the floor beside him. Silent.
But Kael had the feeling he wasn't alone.
Something was watching. And maybe… it was waiting.
For what—he didn't know.
But the storm was coming.