The academy buzzed louder with each passing day.
"Kael? That weak prince?""He saved the Second Prince last week.""Rumor is, he's actually… smart?"
Some praised. Some whispered. Most doubted. But now, they noticed.
Kael didn't care. He didn't seek attention. His mind was elsewhere—haunted by flashes of past wars, falling stars, and a name burned into his soul.
Zareth.
🏛️ Grand Assembly Hall – Morning
A golden bell rang across campus. Students gathered in excitement.
The Headmaster, a towering figure with glowing runes across his robes, stepped forward.
"This year's Divine Entry Exam will be… special," he boomed."A combined event. Magic combat. Tactical warfare. And for the first time… the Ruins of Echohart dungeon will be opened."
Gasps echoed. That was no simple school event—it was a danger zone from the ancient war of gods.
"Top-performing teams will receive a royal crest and be sponsored by high houses.And the winner…" he smiled mysteriously, "will receive a wish from the Crown."
Kael's heartbeat quickened.A wish? Could that grant him the power he once lost? Or… awaken what was sealed?
🎒 After Assembly – Dorms Courtyard
Kael sat under the starblossom tree again. Lyria sharpened her blade nearby. Elira practiced floating water shields.
Then—a sudden gust of rose-scented wind.
A girl floated down, landing gracefully. She had long crimson hair, bat wings tucked behind her back, and eyes that shimmered like rubies.
"Kael Virelion… I heard you're forming a team," she said.
Lyria rolled her eyes. "Demon nobles. Great."
The girl bowed dramatically. "I am Selene Drakmora, half-demon duchess of the Western Wilds. And you intrigue me."
Kael blinked. "…Why?"
"Because you're weak… but not." She grinned. "You hide something. I love secrets."
Before Kael could answer, a mechanical whirring sound echoed behind them.
A short girl in goggles walked up, her hands glowing with enchantments and tools orbiting her waist.
"He's already taken, batgirl.""I scanned his mana field. It's… weird. I want to study it. Maybe him too."
Kael sighed.
"…And you are?"
"Myra Gearspark. Tech-mage, third-year, and your newest teammate."
Kael looked between the new arrivals and whispered to himself:
"Why do powerful women keep gravitating toward me…"
Lyria crossed her arms. "Because fate likes chaos."
Elira giggled. "Or maybe… your godhood is leaking."
Kael froze.
They're right. The dungeon… could trigger more memories.
🌌 Meanwhile… in the Realm of Shadows
A winged goddess with silver armor sat on a throne of stardust.
"He awakens… and now she moves?"
A servant knelt. "Yes, Lady Lunaria. Selene, daughter of the Drakmora line, has entered his orbit."
The goddess closed her eyes.
"Let them gather. Every bond brings him closer to remembering.And when he does… this world will burn or be saved."