Shadows Beneath Greenhold
In the blink of an eye, twenty long days had passed.
Two silhouettes emerged from the mist-draped mountains behind Greenhold Academy, their steps steady as they made their way back toward civilization.
The late afternoon sun fell across the cobblestone road, gilding it in soft gold. Students wandered about the courtyards and corridors, their chatter floating like the rustle of wind through leaves.
Among them, Kai Dawnsworn walked with calm composure—though everything about him had changed. His eyes gleamed like molten gold beneath the light, alive with energy and confidence. The once-lean lines of his body now carried quiet strength. Every step felt lighter, sharper, as if he had been reborn.
Returning here after so long almost felt like stepping into a dream—one that he wasn't sure he had truly left.
"That rascal's finally back after hiding for so long."
"Guess he couldn't keep running. The Fall Quarter Examinations are only eight days away."
The whispers reached his ears as soon as he crossed the courtyard. Faces turned, eyes followed.
Over the past few weeks, the incident during Amaya Green's lecture had spread through every hall like wildfire. The once "infamous" Kai Dawnsworn—the student who hadn't broken through a single plane in three years—had supposedly disrespected their goddess, Senior Sister Amaya. And then, as if that wasn't enough, he had turned right around to flirt with Feya, another beauty adored by many.
Now, his name was etched into the academy's gossip like a stain.
Kai's senses, honed by recent training, caught every muttered insult, every amused chuckle. He exhaled softly through his nose, not angry—just faintly amused.
"Seems like people are looking for trouble," he murmured.
Beside him, Boomer gave a low laugh, though his expression carried more sympathy than amusement.
"How do you feel about that?"
Boomer's black eyes flicked toward the onlookers. Both Amaya and Feya were admired across Greenhold Academy, and each had countless admirers. But Kai had managed to offend their fans—and worse, charm the women themselves.
"It's nothing," Kai said, flashing a lazy grin. "You've got my back anyway, don't you?"
Boomer blinked, confused.
"Shouldn't you be able to handle it yourself now?"
Kai's smirk deepened.
"I have to keep a low profile."
And with that, he clasped his hands behind his back and sauntered off down the path like a man who owned the place.
Boomer stood there, speechless.
Low profile? This was the same guy who had once declared to the entire world that he was a Blade-Seer—back when he couldn't even break through the first plane. And now, when he actually was one, he wanted to "keep a low profile"?
Unbelievable.
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When they reached their shared dorm, the place was already buzzing. Two groups of students were converging from opposite directions, each carrying tension like drawn swords. The air thickened as they approached, exchanging wary glares before deciding, wordlessly, to unite their intent.
Together, they marched toward Kai and Boomer's quarters.
A few bystanders began whispering.
"It's the Society of Knights from the School of Martial Arts…"
"And the people in gold—those are from the School of Spell Craft Arts, the Metal Pavilion."
Both groups were made up of official disciples—real cultivators of standing. This wasn't some petty grudge about women. Something more serious was brewing.
The Knights wore polished silver uniforms that glinted under the sun, symbols of strength and discipline. The Metal Pavilion disciples wore gold, the faint metallic aura around them humming with mana. The contrast between silver and gold was striking, a clash of prestige and pride.
"Senior Brother Shan, a three-star Ascend Knight," someone whispered, "and Senior Brother Nhay, a two-star Ascend Sorcerer from the Metal Pavilion. Both here at once? That's huge."
The crowd's excitement rippled like waves.
"What an honor," someone muttered under their breath. "If both schools are here, it can't possibly be for Kai Dawnsworn…"
Inside the dorm, Kai stood off to the side while Boomer faced the newcomers head-on. Kai's lips curved faintly. Boomer had always stood behind him, silent yet unshakable. But even in the shadows, his strength shone through.
Kai believed in him completely—just as Boomer had always believed in him.
He remembered Amaya Green's words during the last lecture: that Boomer would be exempt from next year's Spring Examinations and given the freedom to choose between the School of Martial Arts and the School of Spell Craft Arts.
Kai had known even then that the higher-ups might not wait for Boomer's choice. They'd come to recruit him themselves.
And now, here they were.
"You should step outside," Shan said coolly, his eyes fixed on Boomer.
Kai understood immediately. Without complaint, he smiled, nodded, and stepped out of the dorm.
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Outside, a sizable crowd had gathered. Greenhold Academy had thousands of outer sect disciples, but only a handful were chosen each year to become official members. Jealousy simmered everywhere.
"Boomer's about to become an official disciple while Kai's on the verge of being expelled. What a joke," someone sneered.
The others laughed, no longer bothering to lower their voices.
"He only made it this far because of Boomer. Without him, Kai Dawnsworn would've been kicked out long ago."
"Can't wait to see him make a fool of himself during the Fall Examinations."
Their laughter rolled through the courtyard like a chorus of jackals.
Kai leaned lazily against the wall, golden eyes half-lidded.
"Instead of worrying about me," he said lightly, "you should worry about yourselves. If you screw up during the exams, that'll be a real tragedy."
The tone was calm, but the barb hit deep.
"How arrogant."
"Fits his reputation."
The mockery returned in waves, but Kai had already closed his eyes, tuning them out.
Moments later, the silver-clad Knights emerged from the dorm. As they passed, Shan stopped in front of Kai.
"I heard," Shan said coldly, "that Boomer's father works as a manager for your family clan."
"Yeah," Kai replied simply.
Shan's gaze remained forward, refusing to even glance at him.
"People are often blinded by family backgrounds," he said, voice sharp as steel. "But as they grow older, they'll learn. People from different worlds should never collide. The more arrogant you are now, the smaller you'll look later. The ones you once thought were beside you will rise so high you'll never reach them again."
And with that, he walked away—never sparing Kai a single look.
Kai's brows furrowed slightly.
What was that supposed to mean?
He wasn't angry—just confused. He knew Boomer wouldn't have accepted any invitation without talking to him first. So why did this Shan act as though Kai had somehow offended him?
They were strangers. Weren't they?
The gold-robed disciples of the Metal Pavilion followed next. Nhay, their leader, passed Shan with a knowing smirk before his gaze found Kai.
"You've got some guts," he said casually. "Flirting with a senior sister like that."
"Uh…" Kai blinked. "So even you heard about that?"
Nhay chuckled.
"Shan's from the School of Martial Arts. Amaya Green's from the House of Swordsmen. Same school, same pride. You do the math."
Then he left, his laughter fading into the hum of the crowd.
Kai stood in silence for a moment, then slowly exhaled. The pieces clicked into place. So that's why Shan had been so cold.
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Inside the dorm, Boomer looked uneasy. His massive frame shifted awkwardly, eyes flicking toward Kai.
"Don't bother thinking about it," Kai said, tossing his friend a grin. "They came just to pressure you into picking sides. It's a joke, really. Don't choose either. Once the Fall Examinations start, they'll see your worth for themselves."
Boomer stared at him for a long moment, stunned by how casually Kai dismissed the entire affair. Then, slowly, he nodded.
He didn't argue.
Because no matter what anyone said—Boomer trusted Kai more than he trusted himself.