The night after they got back from the ruin was really quiet. For students at Apex Academy it was just another evening.. For Kael everything was different now. He was standing alone on the academy rooftop staring at the sky. The same sky that now felt different to him. Somewhere beyond it the God Realm existed, watching and waiting.
Kael clenched his fist slowly. The words "God Slayer" echoed in his mind. He remembered the dragons voice, Xerathion, the Divine Tyrant.. What it said. There was a weapon inside him. Kael put his hand on his chest. At first nothing happened. Then a faint warmth flickered,. It was gone as quickly as it came. Kael let out a breath. "I need answers " he said to himself.
The morning a loud announcement echoed across the academy. "All selected students report to Training Sector Alpha." Kael opened his eyes. He had not slept much. He felt sharper more aware. He got ready. Headed out.
The training sector was huge. It was not like the arenas this place was designed for high-level combat. There were reinforced structures, energy barriers and strange devices around. Lyra was already there. She waved at Kael when she saw him. "You look terrible " she said. Kael smiled a little. "I did not sleep " he replied. Lyra stepped closer looking at his face. "Still thinking about the ruin?" she asked. Kael said, "Yeah." Lyras face softened a bit. "That thing, Xerathion... We were not ready " she said. Kael nodded. "But we will be " he said.
Their eyes met for a moment. There was something unspoken between them. Something deeper than being teammates.. Before it could turn into words Rex interrupted. "Still being dramatic I see " he said. Lyra rolled her eyes. "You almost died yesterday " she said. Rex smiled. "Almost " he replied. Then he looked at Kael. "You have changed " he said. Kael did not respond,. Rex could feel it, that energy. It was different now.
Professor Orion stepped into the training field. Behind him were the Elite Squad. Aiden Luxor, Kaelithra Vex, Eryndor Sylph and Rivena Drakos. The atmosphere became serious. Orion looked at all of them. "No basic training " he said. "What you faced in the ruin is the beginning." There was silence. Orion continued, "From today onward you will undergo Special Training." Rex grinned. "Finally " he said. Lyra crossed her arms. "About time " she said. Kael stayed quiet listening and observing.
Orion raised his hand. A strange device activated. The entire training ground changed. The environment shifted the sky darkened and the ground turned into cracked stone. Kael looked around. "This is...?" he asked. "A simulated battlefield " Orion replied. "Enhanced with energy patterns." Aurora stepped forward. "So we fight seriously " she said. Orion nodded. "Yes." Then he pointed. "Your goal is simple. Survive." The second energy surged across the field and figures appeared. Dozens of them creatures made of energy stronger than the ones from the ruin.
Kaels eyes narrowed. "Already?" he thought. Orions voice echoed, "Begin." The battlefield exploded into action. Rex charged first lightning tearing through enemies. Lyra moved with precision her spear cutting down enemies one by one. Aurora froze groups instantly. The Elite Squad joined in. Kael stood still for a moment watching and analyzing. Then he moved, blue energy surging. He struck. An enemy shattered instantly.
There were too many enemies and Kael got hit. He slid across the ground. "Kael!" Lyra shouted. "I am fine " he replied, standing again.. His breathing was heavier now. The enemies kept coming, endless and relentless. Minutes. Everyone was fighting, pushing their limits.. Slowly they began to get overwhelmed. Even Rex started slowing down Lyras movements became less precise. Rivenas summon weakened.
Orion raised his hand. Everything froze. The enemies. The battlefield returned to normal. Everyone stood there breathing heavily. Orion looked at them calmly. "This is your level " he said. "You are strong, but not strong enough." His gaze shifted to Kael. "Especially you " he said. Kael did not look away. "I know " he said. Orion stepped closer. "You rely much on instinct. Your power is unstable." Kael clenched his fists. "Then teach me " he said.
Orion nodded. "Follow me " he said. Later Kael stood in a training area, alone with Orion. "This training is for you " Orion said slowly. Kaels face hardened. "Because of what's inside me?" he asked. Orion looked at him directly. "Yes " he replied. Kael sat down closed his eyes and felt his energy. At first there was nothing. Then he felt the blue energy flowing, moving. And deeper than that something dark, ancient, hidden.
Orion said, "Now go deeper." Kael focused harder. The world around him faded. All he could feel was himself. Then that glow appeared again stronger than before. "You are getting closer " a voice whispered. Kaels eyes snapped open. "What is that?" he asked. Orion did not look surprised. "That is your power " he said quietly. Kaels breathing quickened. "It is not just power " he said. "It feels like a weapon." Orion nodded slowly. "Yes " he said.
That evening Kael walked back slowly his mind full of thoughts about training, power and the weapon. Lyra caught up to him. "Hey " she said. Kael looked at her. "You disappeared earlier " she said. "Training " he replied. Lyra walked beside him and for a moment neither spoke. Then Lyra said softly "You scared me yesterday." Kael blinked. "What?" he asked. "In the ruin when you stood in front of that dragon " she said. "I thought you would die " she said, her voice low. Kael looked at her. "I will not die " he said. Lyra smiled faintly. "You better not " she said.
Their hands brushed slightly as they walked and neither pulled away immediately. Away in a place beyond human reach golden light flickered and a voice echoed. "The boy is awakening." Another voice responded coldly " accelerate the plan." Back, in the academy Kael stood in his room looking at his hand at his chest. Slowly a faint blue glow appeared again for just a second then vanished. Kael smiled slightly. "Soon " he said to himself.. This time he was not afraid. He was ready.