As soon as Kairo stepped out of the Kelric family gates, he looked at the sky and clicked his tongue.
One hour… wasted in arguing, he muttered.
Without wasting any more time, he moved at full speed toward the forest cave again.
By the time he reached the cave, the sky was already turning orange.
Inside the cave, Zephiron's real corpse still lay where Kairo had left it.
Kairo walked toward the body calmly, then activated a formation.
Dark light covered the cave for a few minutes.
When the light disappeared—
Zephiron walked out of the formation again.
Kairo had returned to Zephiron's body.
He hid his real body deep inside the cave using formations and stones so that no one would find it easily.
Then he left for the Korvik family.
By the time he reached the estate, it was already night.
He had just entered his room when—
Knock. Knock.
Big brother! Open the door!
It was Piya's voice.
Kairo opened the door. What happened?
Mom and Dad are calling you for dinner, she said.
I'm coming, Kairo replied.
Korvik Family Dinner
The dining hall was large and brightly lit.
When Kairo entered, he saw Zephiron's elder brother Hayan sitting at the table, and beside him sat his elder sister Mira.
At the head of the table sat Zephiron's father and mother.
His mother smiled when she saw him.
Zephiron, today I made your favorite food — fish.
Kairo looked at the food.
He wasn't excited.
He didn't even like fish.
But Zephiron did.
So he acted excited.
Really, Mom? Thank you, he said and sat down.
Just as he was about to start eating, his father spoke in a serious voice:
Do not forget discipline at the dining table.
Kairo immediately lowered his head slightly.
Yes, Father.
After that, he quietly ate his food without speaking much and then left for his room.
After he left, Hayan frowned slightly.
Mom… Zephiron feels a little different today, Hayan said.
His mother also looked thoughtful.
Yes… he does feel different, she said slowly.
Did something happen to him today?
But before they could talk more, the scene faded.
Eighteen Days Later – Royal Academy
The Royal Academy was the most prestigious place in the kingdom.
Only nobles, talented cultivators, and powerful family heirs studied here.
The academy gates were huge, made of black metal, engraved with ancient runes.
Many familiar faces were present.
Ketlos.
His three sisters.
Students from noble families.
Talented cultivators from across the kingdom.
Among the crowd, Ketlos saw Lyra.
He immediately walked toward her.
Hi, Lyra. How are you? he asked.
Lyra looked at him for a moment, but her expression was cold.
I'm fine, she said. I'm going somewhere else. Don't talk to me again.
Then she walked past him without even waiting for his reply.
Ketlos stood there, shocked.
How did she change so much? he thought.
Just then, from a distance, someone was watching Ketlos with an angry gaze.
It was Kaze from the Sorvain family.
But before anything happened, the scene shifted again.
Academy Entrance – Zephiron Arrives
Zephiron — or rather, Kairo — was slowly walking into the academy, observing everything carefully. The buildings, the students, the guards, the strong auras everywhere.
So many geniuses, he thought. This place is perfect.
Suddenly, someone grabbed him from behind.
He instantly turned, ready to attack—
But then he saw who it was.
Diyanma? He said.
Diyanma laughed and hugged him.
Brother! After so many days, we finally meet again!
Kairo smiled slightly. Yeah, brother. Long time. How are you?
I'm good! Come on, let's go to class,
Diyanma said.
The two of them walked together, talking casually, and entered the academy building.
But just as they turned a corner—
BUMP.
They collided with someone.
Ketlos.
Ketlos looked at them, his expression turning cold immediately.
You two, Ketlos said in a dangerous voice, watch where you're going.
Diyanma's face turned pale slightly. He knew Ketlos was very dangerous and very talented.
But Ketlos continued:
If you get in my way again, he said coldly, i will kill both of you.
Diyanma was now clearly scared.
But at that moment, a voice came from the side:
Ketlos, threatening people like that is not a good thing.
Everyone turned to look.
It was Kaze.
He walked slowly toward them, looking at Ketlos with a slight smile — but his eyes were cold.
The air between the three noble heirs instantly became heavy.
Students nearby started moving away.
Because everyone could feel it—
This was not just a normal argument.
This was the beginning of a noble war inside the Royal Academy.