A powerful gust of wind swept across the academy grounds as a massive griffin descended from the sky.
Its wings, wide enough to cast a shadow over dozens of people, beat heavily against the air as it landed with controlled force. Dust rose, scattering in all directions.
Atop the griffin sat an old man.
He appeared to be in his late sixties—perhaps older. His gray hair was neatly combed back, his face lined with wrinkles that spoke of experience rather than weakness. His presence was calm… yet overwhelming.
The moment people recognized him, shock spread like wildfire.
It was Kael Vireon.
The legendary summoner.
The man who had trained nearly every top-tier summoner in the world.
Why… was he here?
And more importantly—
Why had he come personally?
Kael's eyes calmly scanned the area before settling on a single figure.
The unknown young man.
With a gentle voice, he spoke,
"Young man… would you come with me to my office?"
His tone was soft, polite—yet carried unquestionable authority.
A wave of murmurs erupted across the crowd.
Even the strongest present were visibly surprised.
Standing nearby were the pillars of the modern summoning world:
Alaric Wen, ranked third in the world, from China
Victor Hale, ranked second, from America
Takayama Renji, ranked fifth, from Japan
Han Jisung, ranked sixth, from South Korea
Kavita Roy, ranked fourth, from India
And Alex, the current world's strongest, ranked first
Each of them was a legend in their own right.
And yet—
They all bowed their heads respectfully.
All except one.
Alex stood still.
Watching.
Silent.
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile.
"So… all of my students are here. Even you, Alex."
His gaze shifted briefly before resting on Alaric.
"Alaric… your granddaughter summoned a Kunpeng—a mythical beast. She will become someone extraordinary."
There was a pause.
"But don't push her too much. Let her bloom naturally."
Alaric nodded with respect.
"What are you doing here, Master?" one of them asked.
Kael chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"I am here… for an interesting young man."
His gaze returned to the unknown figure.
Then, without hesitation, Kael guided the griffin closer.
He stepped down.
Standing face-to-face with the young man, he spoke again,
"Will you come with me?"
There was no pressure in his voice.
No force.
Only invitation.
The young man looked at him for a moment.
Then simply replied—
"Okay."
No hesitation.
No curiosity.
Nothing.
He stepped forward and climbed onto the griffin.
That alone made several of the strongest people present narrow their eyes.
Before leaving, Kael turned his head slightly.
His eyes met Alex's.
For the first time—
There was seriousness in his expression.
"Alex…"
His voice carried something rare.
Concern.
"You have surpassed me. You are the strongest this world has."
A brief pause.
"And I know that look in your eyes."
His tone grew heavier.
"So listen to this old man… just this once."
"Don't do it."
Silence followed.
Then—
With a powerful flap of its wings, the griffin ascended into the sky and disappeared beyond the clouds.
One by one, people began to leave.
But Alex remained.
Still staring at the sky.
Moments passed.
Then—
A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Even you're warning me, Kael?"
A faint excitement flickered in his eyes.
"Guess I really need to fight him… to see."
---
Lucy ran toward her grandfather.
"Grandpa!"
Alaric Wen gently placed his hand on her head, patting it with quiet pride.
"Go sit in the car. We're heading home."
Lucy nodded.
But before leaving, she turned once more toward the sky.
Her eyes lingered where the griffin had vanished.
Who… was that boy?
---
At the academy entrance—
Ethan walked out to find his uncle, aunt, and Lily waiting for him.
The moment they saw him, they rushed forward.
"I can't believe you summoned an angel!" his aunt exclaimed.
"When that light appeared and the gate formed, I thought you summoned a portal!" his uncle added.
"I thought at best you'd get a Rare beast… but an Angel?!" Lily said, her eyes wide.
Ethan smiled faintly, answering their questions.
But inside—
His thoughts were still in chaos.
Nothing felt real.
Not the ceremony.
Not the summoning.
Not even himself.
His aunt spoke again,
"Did you see that girl? The one who summoned the Kunpeng?"
"Yes," they all replied.
Lily nodded.
"There's no need to be surprised. She's Alaric Wen's granddaughter."
Ethan listened.
But his mind was elsewhere.
Drifting.
Unstable.
---
Meanwhile—
Inside the headmaster's office.
The room was quiet.
The young man sat calmly on the sofa.
Opposite him sat Kael Vireon.
Between them—
A small stone rested on the table.
Kael placed it down gently.
"Would you place your hand on this?"
The young man looked at him.
His gaze—
Sharp.
Piercing.
For a moment, Kael felt as though he was being examined instead.
Still, the young man complied.
The moment his hand touched the stone—
Crack.
It shattered instantly.
Kael's pupils shrank.
That stone extracts mana from the body… its capacity is unknown…
And it broke… in a second?
Just how much mana does this boy have…?
Suppressing his shock, Kael continued.
"Where do you live?"
"I don't remember."
"Which school do you attend?"
"I don't go to school."
Kael's expression stiffened slightly.
"Can you introduce me to your parents?"
"I don't have parents."
Silence.
A thought formed in Kael's mind.
Memory loss…?
Perhaps something had gone wrong during the ceremony.
That was the only logical explanation.
He exhaled slowly.
One last question.
"Your name… what is it?"
The young man didn't answer immediately.
Seconds passed.
Even Kael began to lose hope.
Then—
The young man spoke.
"I am Vaelthar."
The moment the name left his lips—
The atmosphere changed.
The air grew heavy.
Dense.
As if something invisible had descended upon the room.
Kael's body stiffened.
An overwhelming pressure filled the space.
His griffin—
Without command—
Manifested instantly.
It stood in front of Kael, wings partially spread, eyes locked onto the young man.
Not with curiosity.
Not with caution.
But with hostility.
And… fear.
---
The room fell into complete silence.
As if the world itself was holding its breath.
Before a name—
That should not exist.