After the day of the duel, not much had happened.
No more trouble seekers.
Jack was hospitalized.
His followers had vanished as if swallowed by the earth.
Kael made steady progress in his studies and rehabilitation. On the surface, everything had become peaceful.
Too peaceful.
He had begun noticing eyes on him, and on Julian , during their daily routines. At first, he assumed it was normal curiosity after the duel. But the more he observed, the more deliberate it felt.
The same faces.
The same distances.
The same calculated restraint.
They weren't watching out of admiration.
They were evaluating.
One afternoon after class, they were blocked once again.
But this time, there was no hostility.
Seven students stood before them. All wore golden badges engraved with ruby-colored characters: Student Council Board.
At their center stood a young man with slicked-back hair and a golden monocle resting over his right eye. His posture was relaxed, yet subtly dominant.
Kael instantly marked him as the leader.
The monocled boy stepped forward, offering an inconspicuous smile.
"We greet Mr. Kael Dravenheart and Mr. Julian Grates. We are representatives of the Student Council. We would like to invite you for a discussion."
Kael observed carefully.
No concealed weapons.
No hostile mana fluctuations.
No killing intent.
Just discipline.
He calmly replied,
"And what business does the council have with us? And how should I address you?"
The boy gave a light chuckle.
"Ah, forgive me. I neglected my introduction. My name is Cole Bueford. You may address me as Cole. As for the purpose of your summons… I am merely a messenger. However, given the urgency, I suspect it is something of good importance."
A brief silence passed.
Then Kael answered evenly,
"Very well. I will go. But if this matter proves unworthy of my time, you shall answer for it."
Cole's smile widened slightly.
"I like you humor Kael."
"I was not joking....", coldly replied Kael
After a moment of silence, both said nothing then Cole turned and broke the awkward silence by saying.
"Please follow me."
After a short walk, they arrived before a massive obsidian gate engraved with arcane inscriptions that pulsed faintly with mana.
Cole gestured toward it.
"The Council Chamber lies beyond. I am not permitted to enter. Please proceed."
Kael nodded and stepped inside.
The moment his foot crossed the threshold
Pressure.
Not crude killing intent.
But the suffocating weight of elite presence.
Thirty individuals sat along the left and right sides of the chamber. Their gazes were sharp, calculating. At the center, elevated above the rest, sat four figures. The true pillars.
Kael did not waver. He briefly glanced at Julian. And Julian, as always, looked amused.
Kael stepped forward.
"I was informed the council requested my presence. State your purpose."
One of the four, a broad-shouldered man with warrior's bearing, smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Kael. We have heard much about you."
He gestured casually to his side.
"Allow me to introduce us."
"To my left sits Viktor Voss, representative of the Alchemy Faculty."
A composed young man with silver-framed spectacles gave a small nod.
"Beside him is Sylvana Thornheart, representative of the Summoner Faculty."
A sharp-eyed woman with dark braided hair regarded Kael as though measuring his soul.
"Next is Lyra Valecrest, representative of the Magic Faculty."
A serene yet piercing beauty whose gaze carried frightening intelligence.
The warrior leaned back slightly.
"And I am Ragnar Valdric, representative of the Combat Faculty."
As the introductions continued Kael wondered why they were introducing themselves then Ragnar paused.
The air felt heavier.
Ragnar's smile thinned.
"Kael Dravenheart… we have summoned you to extend an offer."