The weeks following the dungeon brought significant changes.
Vaelor's team had earned a reputation. Marcus, the boy who had nearly died, became one of his most vocal defenders. Elena, the girl who had seemed superficial, revealed a hidden talent for strategy that blossomed under proper guidance.
"You should consider forming an official group," Professor Kael suggested during one of their private sessions. "The academy allows students to create factions after the first year. With your performance in the dungeon, you'd have more than enough candidates."
"I'll think about it."
But Vaelor had already considered it. A faction meant visibility, which went against his low-profile strategy. On the other hand, it also meant resources, information, and a network of allies he could mobilize when needed.
"An army needs soldiers," he recalled. "And soldiers need a visible leader."
◇ ◇ ◇
Cassian Valoris was not happy with the developments.
The noble had expected the "border freak" to die in the dungeon, or at least fail spectacularly. Instead, Vaelor had emerged a hero, while Cassian's own team had lost a member.
"This can't continue," Vaelor heard through Gris during one of the secret meetings in the noble dormitories. "That plebeian is gaining influence. If we don't stop him now—"
"Patience, young Valoris." The voice was Lady Morwen's, who apparently frequented the academy. "The selection process is advancing. Soon you will have the power needed to deal with any rival."
"How much longer?"
"A few months. The rituals cannot be rushed."
Vaelor filed the information away. Cassian was being prepared for something, something related to the gods' "envoys." If he could discover exactly what...
◇ ◇ ◇
The opportunity came during the winter solstice.
The academy celebrated the event with a formal ball attended not only by students and professors but also nobles and guests from across the empire. It was the most important social event of the academic year.
And also the perfect distraction.
"Are you sure about this?" Mira looked at him worriedly as they prepared in an empty room. "If you're caught in the forbidden area during the ball..."
"They won't catch me." Vaelor adjusted his mask. "As long as you and the others keep up appearances in the hall, no one will notice I'm gone."
"And if there are guards?"
"They're reassigned to the ball. I checked."
Mira sighed.
"Sometimes I wonder if you plan everything weeks in advance."
"Months, usually."
◇ ◇ ◇
The forbidden wing was indeed deserted.
Vaelor moved like a shadow, using skills he had developed over years of survival. The empty halls echoed with his silent footsteps as he approached the room he had been watching for months.
The door was locked, but the academy's locks were surprisingly primitive. After a few moments of manipulation, it yielded with a soft click.
What he found inside took his breath away.
It was a circular chamber, walls covered with symbols Vaelor recognized from the dragon valley ruins. In the center stood a black stone altar, and upon it, a crystal pulsing with golden light.
'This is... divine,' he realized. 'Energy of the gods.'
He approached the altar, studying the symbols carved on its surface. They were instructions, he noted. A ritual to connect a human soul with a divine entity.
"The selection of envoys," he murmured. "This is how they do it."
There were documents on a nearby desk. Vaelor quickly reviewed them, memorizing names and dates. Cassian Valoris was scheduled for the ritual in three months. There were other candidates too, students from various academies across the empire, all being evaluated to serve the gods.
Then he found something that chilled his blood.
A report on "anomalies" detected in the academy. Students with abilities that didn't fit the normal system. Mira's name was on the list. Theo's too.
And his own.
"Vael," he read aloud from the report. "Unknown origin. Unusual bonding abilities. Permanent mask. Possible threat. Recommendation: intensive surveillance and, if necessary, elimination."
They knew about him.
Not everything, clearly. Not his true nature nor his connection to the dragons. But enough to consider him dangerous.
"Interesting reading, isn't it?"
Vaelor turned.
In the doorway, with a satisfied smile, stood Lady Morwen.
"I knew you'd come here eventually." The woman entered the room, closing the door behind her. "A mouse so curious can't resist such tempting cheese."
"Were you waiting for me?"
"For weeks." Lady Morwen approached, her eyes glowing with something not entirely human. "Tell me, little intruder... who are you really?"
Vaelor weighed his options. Fighting was possible, but escape would be difficult. And revealing his true nature...
"I'm someone who shouldn't be here," he finally answered. "But I suppose you already knew that."
Lady Morwen smiled.
"Oh, I know much more than you imagine." She stopped a few steps from him. "But what intrigues me is what I don't know. That mask, those eyes... there's something ancient in you. Something my masters are very interested in understanding."
"Your masters?"
"The gods, of course." Lady Morwen extended her hand, golden energy beginning to gather in her palm. "And I think it's time you present yourself before them."
Vaelor prepared to fight.
But before either could act, an explosion shook the building.
And chaos began.