Kael just wanted to sleep.
That morning, he had planned to find a quiet spot and nap through his theory class. But before he could close his eyes, a loud voice shook the room.
"The Azure Clash begins this week!" boomed Vice Principal Halreth. His voice was so strong, Kael was sure the windows rattled.
"No naps during the event!" the man added.
Kael opened one eye.
"…No what?"
He sat up, annoyed now.
No naps? This was serious.
All the students around him started talking excitedly. Some smiled. Some looked nervous. Lyra, sitting next to Kael, looked like she wanted to hide.
"Azure Clash… That's the battle between first-year and second-year students," she whispered.
Kael frowned. "Why name it after a color?"
Raen turned in his seat. "Because the second-years wear blue. It's supposed to sound cool."
Kael stared at him. "It doesn't."
Elira Valciel, sitting a few rows away, sighed. "Try not to embarrass our whole class, Kael."
Kael gave her a lazy thumbs-up and leaned back again.
---
Later That Day: Arena Time
The Academy's biggest arena was packed with people. Magic lights flew around the sky, showing the fighters' names and power levels.
Kael had only one goal: Show up. Win. Sleep.
But things changed when Instructor Rehlan pointed at someone.
"Lyra, you're first," he said.
Lyra's eyes went wide. "W-What?! Why me?"
"You're our top healer," Rehlan replied. "And we need someone to start strong."
Lyra looked like she might cry.
Kael yawned. "Want me to go instead?"
Everyone turned to him.
"…You're volunteering?" Rehlan asked, surprised.
"If I finish quickly, I can leave early, right?" Kael said.
---
First Match: Kael vs. Tevrin the Lightning Swordsman
Tevrin, a second-year student, walked into the arena with a confident smile. His armor sparkled, and his sword buzzed with lightning.
He looked at Kael and laughed. "They sent a sleepy first-year? This'll be quick."
Kael slowly walked into the arena.
"Just don't yell too much," he said. "I skipped breakfast."
The bell rang. The match started.
Tevrin rushed forward, sword glowing with lightning.
Kael didn't move.
Then—Kael sneezed.
A wave of power burst out from him. Tevrin's sword shattered. The boy flew backward across the arena and slammed into the wall.
Everyone went silent.
Kael rubbed his nose. "Ugh. Dust."
"…Winner: Kael Vaelthorn! In under five seconds!" the announcer shouted.
The crowd went wild.
---
After the Match
Kael walked back to the waiting room with his cup of tea.
Raen stared at him. "You sneezed him into the wall."
"He was standing too close," Kael said, sipping.
Lyra stared at Kael like he had turned into a god.
Elira frowned. "There's no way that was just a sneeze…"
---
A New Face Appears
High in the stands, someone else was watching Kael with interest.
A young man, wearing a royal school coat, lounged upside down on a floating chair. He was grinning from ear to ear.
Prince Nyx Valciel. Elira's younger brother. A prince, a clown, and possibly insane.
"He's funny," Nyx said, watching Kael. "I like him."
He pulled out a notebook and scribbled:
> "Find sleepy boy. Become friends. Maybe join secret society. Buy more snacks."
"Yup," he nodded. "My new favorite."
---
The School Plan: 5 Years of Pain
Kael looked at the school's class scroll. It listed everything students had to go through:
> Year 1 – Basic magic, simple combat, safety, and history
Year 2 – Real missions, team fights, advanced magic
Year 3 – Awakening powers, global tournaments
Year 4 – War simulations and dangerous magic
Year 5 – Final battles, hero exams, and graduation war
Kael stared at the list.
"…That's five years of noise," he said. "I just wanted a nap."
---