The city was quiet when they returned.
But something had changed.
Guards at the academy gates stared longer. Whispered more.
And when Kael walked through the training grounds, people stepped aside like he was someone else now.
Zehr noticed. "You scare them."
"I didn't ask to," Kael replied.
That night, Kael couldn't sleep. He sat near the old water tank behind the academy, staring at the moon. Ashen joined him, arms folded.
Kael looked at him. "Can I ask you something?"
Ashen didn't answer, just nodded once.
Kael spoke slowly. "Why are you with us? You're the strongest man on this island. People talk about you like you're a legend… but you're walking with a bunch of kids."
Ashen smirked faintly. "And?"
"It doesn't make sense," Kael said. "You could lead armies, break seals, hunt demons alone. Why waste time with us?"
Ashen didn't answer immediately. He looked up at the moon.
Then, he spoke.
"Because it has a meaning."
Kael blinked. "What meaning?"
Ashen's eyes didn't move. "One you'll understand when the time is right. Maybe not today. But someday."
Kael wanted to press more. But something about Ashen's calm made him stop.
"Alright," Kael said softly.
Ashen stood. "Get some rest. The world's watching you now."
Later that night…
A sharp sound woke Kael.
He sat up, Pulsefang in hand.
Mikaho stood by the window. "Something moved in the trees."
Before Kael could answer, a blade flashed through the darkness—straight at the window.
CRASH!
Zehr rolled off his bed as glass shattered. "We're under attack!"
Three masked figures leapt into the room, fast and silent. Assassins.
Kael blocked a blade just in time. Sparks flew.
Mikaho spun, kicking one in the chest.
Zehr knocked another back with a table lamp.
But Kael was already moving.
His blade met the assassin's, and in two quick slashes, he knocked the mask off.
A boy.
Maybe just a little older than him. Eyes cold. No fear.
"Who sent you?" Kael demanded.
The boy didn't answer. Instead, he bit something—smoke filled the room.
They vanished.
Later, the masters arrived.
They checked the damage, questioned the group.
Ashen entered silently. He looked at the broken window, then at Kael.
"You held your own," he said.
Kael nodded. "They weren't demons. They were trained."
Ashen's face darkened. "Not all threats wear horns. Some wear masks."
As morning light rose, Mikaho sat beside Kael.
"They're trying to stop you," she said.
Kael looked down at his hands.
"Then they're too late."
Next Episode Preview:A hidden message found in the assassin's dropped blade points to a place no one dares visit—the Garden of Eyes. And waiting there is someone who knows Kael's name… and fears it.