Chapter Twenty-Three — The Symbol
Location:
Argent Blade Academy — Council Hall & Noble Quarters
Time: Two days after the outbreak
Scene 1: Whispers Turn to Fear
The academy had not slept.
Walls were repaired, blood scrubbed away—but fear lingered.
"Did you see it?"
"He crushed a commander-class beast… alone."
"That wasn't sword aura."
Celsius walked through the courtyard.
Conversations stopped.
Eyes followed.
Scene 2: Council Pressure
Location: Council Hall
Aurelion stood before representatives of multiple houses.
Noble Envoy: "Granting emergency authority to a student sets a dangerous precedent."
Another Envoy: "Especially one who uses forbidden power."
Celsius listened quietly.
Celsius: "I didn't ask for authority."
Silence fell.
Celsius: "I used it because people were dying."
No one answered.
Scene 3: A Father's Message
A sealed letter arrived.
Magnus's crest.
Celsius read it alone.
"Power reveals enemies faster than weakness ever did."
He folded the letter carefully.
Scene 4: Shadows at Court
Location: Noble Guest Wing
Two nobles whispered behind silk curtains.
Noble A: "If House Valerius claims him—"
Noble B: "—balance breaks."
A shadow passed the wall.
They froze.
Nothing happened.
Scene 5: The Prince's Choice
Location: Western Balcony
Alaric approached.
Alaric: "The court fears you."
Celsius: "Good."
Alaric smiled wryly.
Alaric: "Then I'll stand beside you."
They shook hands.
A royal alliance formed quietly.
Scene 6: The Night's Next Move
Location: Underground Sanctum
A blood-stained map lay open.
Night Leader: "Phase Three is ready."
A figure stepped forward—
a young woman with silver eyes.
???: "Target confirmed."
She smiled.
Scene 7: Resolve
That night, Celsius trained alone.
Shadow bent perfectly to his will.
Eridiaries: "You are becoming inevitable."
Celsius exhaled.
Celsius: "Then let them fear."
To be continued.