The next day, Kael left the dormitory with his sword in hand. A dull heaviness clung to him like a second skin. His thoughts still circled around his mistakes and Cassandra’s final words, which echoed in his mind like a cracked bell.

  The first thing he saw when he stepped outside was Zaros leaning casually against the wall beside the entrance, grinning as if the world were perfectly fine.

  “Yo,” Zaros greeted him, lifting a hand.

  Kael blinked. "Why are you here?" he asked, his voice rougher than usual.

  “I’m accompanying you to your evaluation,” Zaros said, pushing himself away from the wall. But when he finally took a proper look at Kael’s weary expression, his smile faded. “What happened to you?”

  Kael shrugged and forced a crooked half-smile. "I just slept badly. Must be nerves for today.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t you have classes?”

  Zaros raised an eyebrow. But Kael continued before Zaros could ask more questions.

  "Come on, man. You don't have to skip class just to show me how devoted you are. I already know you worship me.” He winked, his teasing attempt weak but serviceable.

  Zaros stared at him, unamused. "Very funny." But then his expression shifted. "Wait, you really didn't hear the news?"

  Kael frowned. “What news?”

  “The vice headmaster announced yesterday that your evaluation matches will be open to all students. He wants the whole academy to 'witness its finest fighters.' Pretty cool, right?”

  Kael froze.

  "...What?" His stomach sank. “When did he announce that?”

  “Yesterday. After lectures."

  Great, Kael thought bitterly. One day I shatter someone’s trust, and the next I get to be humiliated in front of the academy. Wonderful.

  He only managed a thin smile for Zaros. "Yeah. Fantastic. Is Lia coming, too? She hates this kind of stuff.”

  "You know she'll be there to cheer you on," Zaros chuckled.

  Kael looked down at his sword. "Yeah, I'll need a lot of that."

  They walked toward the arena, which was on the opposite side of the academy grounds. By the time they arrived, the streets leading up to it were packed with students buzzing and pushing to get inside.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Zaros scanned the crowd, searching for someone. “I promised Lia we’d meet her before you head into the preparation area.”

  Kael’s chest tightened. He didn’t want to see her now. Not like this. "Sorry, man," he said quietly. "I need to go ahead. I’ll see you two later, all right?”

  Zaros blinked, surprised, but nodded. He placed a hand on Kael’s shoulder. "Good luck. I know you can do it. Just apply what you learned from your mysterious teacher.”

  Kael flinched; the words struck far deeper than Zaros knew. He forced a thumbs-up and turned away.

  He walked to the entrance reserved for participants. The guards let him through immediately; they recognized him from his class. A narrow, dimly lit corridor stretched ahead. At the end of the corridor, Kael entered a larger antechamber where the students gathered.

  Most sat alone, wrapped in silence. They sharpened blades, steadied breaths, and rehearsed footwork in their minds.

  Cassandra stood out immediately. She spoke with two other nobles, her posture perfect and her mask firmly back in place. When her gaze briefly slid over Kael, she looked through him as if he were nothing more than moving air.

  Kael exhaled sharply and retreated to a quiet corner. He sank down against the wall and closed his eyes.

  It would've been a good time to paint, he thought with a tired smile. Figures, I didn’t bring my notebook.

  Gradually, the last students arrived. Finally, Professor Jade and Instructor Turin entered. Jade was composed as ever, while Turin practically vibrated with excitement.

  “Students!” Turin boomed, his voice echoing through the stone room. "I'm thrilled to announce that your evaluation begins now! I can’t wait to see who rises—” His eyes slid to Cassandra’s group. "—and who falls."

  Then his gaze snapped to Kael, and his smile thinned to icy indifference.

  Guess he’s still not over me beating Liam with 'luck,' Kael thought, smirking bitterly.

  Professor Jade stepped forward. "As you know," she began, "this exam will be publicly viewable. The academy wants every student to witness the standard of excellence expected at the top. Perform well.”

  She let her eyes sweep across them. "You will begin with one-on-one duels. After two rounds, only five of you will remain. Those five will compete in a final free-for-all battle to determine the top three."

  Kael’s brow furrowed. Five fighters thrown into one arena? I can’t tell if that’ll be an advantage or a death sentence.

  Before he could think further, another student raised a hand.

  “So, one person won’t have to fight in the first round? Since there are nineteen of us?”

  Turin’s grin widened. He’d been waiting for this.

  Professor Jade nodded. "Normally, yes. However, due to Student Astra's unofficial departure, the faculty has decided to reinstate a previously expelled student who showed exceptional results in the labyrinth. If he finishes in the top three today, he will be reinstated.”

  A cold dread crawled up Kael’s spine.

  Please, not him. Anyone but—

  "Welcome your former classmate," Professor Jade said, turning toward the doorway. "Liam Blackhelm."

  The door opened.

  Liam stepped inside, radiating arrogance like heat. When his eyes found Kael, the arrogance twisted into cold, razor-sharp fury. It was a silent promise of payback.

  Kael rolled his eyes. Perfect. Another disaster to add to the list.

  Liam sat with a group of students who greeted him like a king returning from war.

  Professor Jade’s voice echoed again. “We will draw the arena matches. Follow us.”

  Instructor Turin left first. Cassandra followed immediately, her group trailing behind like loyal soldiers.

  Kael was the last to stand. He breathed out long and slow.

  "What a shitty day," he muttered, stepping into the deafening roar of the arena beyond.