After the Fall
Kael slowly opened his eyes.
Everything felt heavy.
The first thing he noticed was the ceiling above him—smooth white stone, illuminated by soft magical light.
The academy infirmary.
"You're finally awake."
Kael turned his head slightly. Seraphine stood beside the bed, arms crossed, her expression calmer than usual.
"How long?" Kael asked quietly.
"Two days," she replied.
Kael frowned.
"Two days…?"
Seraphine nodded.
"You pushed your body beyond its limits. That last attack nearly tore your mana core apart."
Kael exhaled slowly.
But despite the exhaustion, he could feel something different.
The abyss inside him felt… stable.
Stronger.
More controlled.
The system window appeared.
LEVEL UP
LEVEL 27
Kael stared at it.
He had grown again.
Seraphine watched him carefully.
"That power you used… it wasn't normal."
Kael closed his eyes briefly.
"I know."
He remembered the moment clearly.
The feeling of complete control.
But also—
The danger.