Part One – Smoke and Whispers
Location: Ashenwell Academy – Duel Pit Alpha (Moments After the Duel)
The arena buzzed like a hornet's hive.
Students swarmed the upper levels, voices overlapping like crashing waves.
"Did you see that blade? Golden fire—straight from the myths."
"No way he's just Kindled. That wasn't normal."
"He didn't even use all his power. Did you see the hesitation? Like he was holding back."
"Kael actually smiled after losing? What the hell kind of sorcery is that?"
Grim walked slowly toward the exit gate, cloak flaring slightly from the heat still pulsing off his skin. His siblings stood just outside the threshold, waiting—silent, but proud.
Sparks floated beside his shoulder, whispering:
"You're officially hot now. Figuratively. And literally. Also, we should trademark the 'Solace Step'. It'll trend."
Above – A Witch in the Shadows
High above, near the restricted thirdyear balcony, a figure leaned against the railing.
Long black robes trimmed with silver, a crown of emberwrought leaves floating above her head, and violet flames dancing idly across her fingertips.
Zariya Nightwind.
The Elemental Witch.
Apex of the third years.
Unchallenged for three consecutive years.
Her eyes—glacial and thoughtful—narrowed as she watched Grim disappear from view.
Behind her, one of her attendants shifted nervously.
"He's strong. But raw."
"And rare," Zariya murmured. "Like a weapon hammered by a dying star."
She tilted her head slightly, smirking.
"We'll see how he handles pressure. I'm curious how far he'll climb before he breaks."
Elsewhere – The Forge Response
Kael sat quietly outside the medic wing, his broken gauntlet cradled beside him like a relic.
His squad stood nearby—silent, uncertain.
Kael flexed his bruised fingers, then exhaled a slow breath.
"He didn't crush me," he said.
"He could have."
A pause.
"That's why I'll respect him."
Back at the Dorm – Reunion and Ramble
Grim stepped into the common room, and Ayesha threw a cloth at his face.
"You smell like ash and ego."
Tristan offered a cold drink, smirking. "So… when's my dramatic duel?"
Max nodded toward the crowd forming outside the dorm.
"You know they're calling you 'Solace the Forged' now?"
Hadi giggled. "It sounds like a tragic hero romance novel. I love it."
Sparks appeared again, mock weeping.
"Our baby is famous. I'm so proud. Just don't forget the sarcastic voice in your brain when you win awards."
Grim just smiled.