Silently, Sylas led Kael back through the hidden corridor to Augs’ shop. There, Kael gathered the ingredients for Professor Nora. He managed to return to the academy in time to meet Lia and Zaros in the cafeteria.

  The guards only asked to see his bag, and they let him pass without further questions. Kael made a short detour to Nora’s office on his way and placed the bag in front of the door, knowing Nora was busy with lectures during the day.

  After that, he joined Lia and Zaros. The three of them spent a pleasant time together, trying new meals and joking around as they always did, if only for a short while.

  Eventually, Kael excused himself. He told them that he intended to resume his sword training after resting for more than a week. Both Lia and Zaros immediately protested, reminding him that he was still in pain, even when walking. Kael reassured them that he would take it slowly and only train with straw dummies.

  Of course, that wasn’t the whole truth. He knew he had to be ready once the rebels' plan was set in motion.

  When he arrived at the training grounds, several heads turned toward him in surprise. No one had expected him to return so soon.

  Ignoring the others, he let his gaze drift toward Cassandra, searching her expression for answers. Her recent behavior had unsettled him deeply. Yet she didn’t even look at him, calmly speaking with her classmates while preparing her sword.

  She stalks me, then ignores me? Kael thought. She was always unpredictable, but this? I can’t make sense of it at all.

  His attention shifted when he noticed Liam and his peers watching him. Their former confidence was gone, replaced by simmering rage and resentment. Kael could feel their hesitation, though he didn’t know why. Shrugging it off, he approached Instructor Turin.

  Turin looked at him as indifferently as ever, but Kael caught a trace of something new in his eyes: Respect.

  "I'm here to resume my training," Kael said. "But only alone. The medics advised against sparring with others.”

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  Turin nodded and pointed to a corner where several straw dummies stood.

  Kael didn’t hesitate and walked straight toward them, gripping his sword as he went.

  It feels strange, he thought, adjusting his grip several times. After wielding a sword every day since I'm at the academy, even a short break changes everything.

  A quiet chuckle escaped him. Maybe the pause helped me find my own style.

  He stood before the straw dummy and struck, only to hiss as pain shot through his shoulder. He grabbed his arm and massaged the aching muscle.

  The pain is still there, but it’s manageable. I’m slower than before, but that’s okay. I just need to adapt.

  He continued striking and slashing, experimenting with footwork and stances. He deliberately avoided the techniques Zaros had taught him, instead mimicking the movements he had used instinctively during the evaluation.

  After some time, Kael set the sword aside, resting his hands on his knees and breathing heavily.

  He realized that this way of moving was unfamiliar yet comforting. It’s raw and unfinished. I wouldn't stand a chance without my ability yet, but it feels right.

  His expression hardened.

  My fighting was never about strength or speed. It was about my ability. About connecting with it. Shaping it into what I need.

  He straightened. Training alone isn’t enough. I need answers, and only Nora can provide them.

  "This is my ability," Kael muttered bitterly, "yet everyone seems to know more about it than I do."

  The signal marking the end of training startled him. He was the last to leave the grounds.

  That was when he noticed Liam waiting near the exit.

  “What’s up, loser?” Liam sneered, his grin as arrogant as ever.

  Kael ignored the insult. "I'm fine. How’s your shoulder?”

  Liam’s smile faltered for a moment before turning into something uglier. He stepped closer, his eyes burning with cold hatred.

  “Listen, bastard,” Liam spat, his face inches from Kael’s. “Just because I’m not allowed to touch you doesn’t mean I’ll let you parade around like you’re untouchable after winning a coward’s fight. Got it?”

  Kael would have laughed at Liam’s fragile pride if one detail hadn't caught his attention.

  “Not allowed?” Kael asked quietly. “What do you mean? You can’t touch me?”

  Liam’s grin widened, laced with mockery. "You'd like to know that, wouldn't you?"

  He stepped back, his eyes flickering with something Kael hadn't expected:

  Fear.

  Liam turned and walked away toward the dormitories. Then he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.

  "Trust me," he said softly. "My fists would be kinder than the interest someone else has taken in you."

  Then he disappeared, leaving Kael standing alone before the training grounds with unease creeping deep into his chest.