Return from the Ruins
The journey back to the academy was far quieter than the path that led them to the ruins.
No monsters attacked.
No hunters appeared.
But the silence itself felt heavy.
Kael walked at the front of the group, his thoughts focused on the battle with the commander. The difference in power was clear.
He was strong.
But not strong enough.
Leon walked beside him, arms crossed.
"That guy… he wasn't normal," Leon said.
Kael nodded.
"He wasn't even trying to win."
Seraphine glanced at Kael.
"He was measuring you," she said. "Trying to see how close you are to your father's level."
Kael looked ahead at the distant academy walls.
"And?"
Seraphine hesitated slightly.
"You still have a long way to go."
Kael smiled faintly.
"Good."
The Abyss Ring pulsed softly on his finger.
The more he learned about his father…
The more he realized just how powerful he needed to become.