Supreme Hunter of Beautiful Souls

The morning sun bathed the stone corridors of the academy, reflecting faintly on the stained-glass windows that told stories of ancient heroes and legendary mages. The murmur of students echoed through the wide halls, each one rushing to their respective classes.

Kael walked calmly, hands in his pockets, observing the frantic flow of students running from one place to another. His new uniform seemed to carry a different weight—not just because of the change in attire, but because of the meaning it held. The black battle suit with golden details gave him a noble and intimidating appearance, while the dark red velvet cape swayed gently with the soft breeze passing through the stone archways.

"Seems like a busy day," he commented, his voice carrying a slight note of boredom as he watched a group of students struggle to cross the courtyard without tripping over their own capes.

"We're in the adaptation period," Amelia responded beside him. Her version of the uniform was similar to his but tailored to her figure, giving her an elegant and refined silhouette. The snug lines of the fabric allowed mobility without sacrificing the imposing nature of the attire. She exuded a natural authority, something that suited the new position they both held.

Kael looked around, taking in the details of the academy. The characteristic scent of old scrolls mixed with the aroma of magical herbs cultivated in pots scattered throughout the corridors. The institution's towering spires rose in the distance, almost touching the clouds, while floating platforms transported students between buildings without the need for stairs.

The movement in the vast central courtyard was intense. Professors, draped in long robes, discussed spells and theories, while combat apprentices practiced swordplay and magic in designated areas. Every corner of the academy seemed to pulse with knowledge and power—a true fortress of learning and mastery.

"I see," Kael murmured, glancing at the students rushing to their classes, some still adjusting their grimoires and equipment along the way.

"This is it," Amelia said, stopping in front of a colossal black oak door.

Amelia let out a slight sigh and crossed her arms, her eyes analyzing the magical seal at the center of the door. It was a recognition spell, something that prevented anyone from entering without proper authorization. An interesting detail, considering this was where the so-called "Strongest" of the academy gathered.

"I suppose this means we can't just walk in," she commented, lightly touching the seal, which glowed in response to her touch.

Kael clicked his tongue. "I think we just need to show who we are."

He raised his hand, and the moment his palm touched the seal, a golden glow spread across the engraved sword. The energy flowed as if it were alive, recognizing their presence before vanishing in a flash of light. The door creaked slightly before opening on its own, revealing the chamber's interior.

Inside, the atmosphere was entirely different from the rest of the academy. The stone walls were adorned with trophies from past tournaments, banners of ancient houses, and legendary weapons sealed in crystal displays. The floor was made of black marble with golden details, reflecting the light of blue flames dancing atop floating chandeliers.

And then, they saw them.

Seated around a grand round table were the members of the new team—the academy's "Blades." Each of them exuded a unique presence, and Kael quickly realized that this group was far from ordinary students.

A tall, muscular man with black hair had his feet up on the table, sharpening a dagger without even looking at the newcomers. His red eyes held a predatory gleam, as if he were always on the hunt for a challenge.

A girl with dark blue hair, sitting cross-legged atop a stack of books, nibbled on a quill while studying a parchment. Her expression was indifferent, but the air around her seemed distorted, as if she were manipulating space itself.

In the corner of the room, a young man with white hair and a bored gaze sipped from an ornate teacup. He radiated a calmness that was almost irritating, as if nothing in the world could disturb him.

And at the center of it all, reclining in the highest seat, was a man with an elegant appearance, wearing a uniform similar to Kael and Amelia's, but with golden insignias marking his leadership. His sharp eyes analyzed Kael and Amelia with silent interest before he smiled.

"So, you've finally arrived," he said, his voice carrying both curiosity and challenge. "Welcome to our table... Let's see if you truly deserve to be here."

Before Amelia could react, everything happened in the blink of an eye.

The black-haired, red-eyed man who had been casually sharpening his dagger moved like lightning. The blade gleamed in the air as he lunged directly at Kael, his speed and murderous intent as clear as day.

But what happened next… was surprising.

Kael didn't even move.

The moment the dagger was about to pierce his neck, a translucent mana shield materialized before him, appearing as an instinctive reflex. The impact sounded like a hammer striking glass, and magical sparks danced through the air. The blade stopped right there, motionless, without even scratching the invisible barrier.

The attacker widened his eyes but quickly retreated, twisting in midair before landing a few meters away with a sheepish grin.

"Well… seems like the rumors weren't exaggerated." He said, twirling the dagger before sheathing it.

Kael, on the other hand, showed no humor. His gaze was as sharp as a blade, cold as steel. For a moment, the room seemed to grow heavier, the pressure around them increasing as if the very atmosphere was responding to his displeasure.

Amelia frowned, feeling a chill run down her spine. This wasn't just the lazy Kael who slept through classes… this was a predator.

"If you try that again…" Kael finally broke the silence, his voice low and cutting. "There won't be a shield. Just a body on the ground."

The red-eyed man raised his hands, laughing nervously. "Relax, relax, it was just a test… I need to see with my own eyes who's joining us, right?"

The group's leader, still seated, clapped his hands slowly, as if entertained. "Impressive. And here I thought we'd have to teach some lessons to the newcomers…"

Kael didn't respond immediately, only letting out an irritated sigh, the tension in his gaze gradually fading. But the message had already been delivered.

He was not someone to be trifled with.

The room remained in heavy silence for a few seconds until Kael finally spoke:

"Kael Scarlet."

His name echoed through the hall, but it was the surname that made the expressions shift. The air seemed to grow even heavier, and even those who had remained confident until now showed a hint of hesitation.

Amelia noticed the reaction and seized the moment. She straightened, placing a hand on her hip and casting a firm gaze at the group before introducing herself with the same controlled coldness:

"Amelia Valroth."

This time, the silence that followed was different. It wasn't just surprise—it was recognition.

Two names of weight had just joined them.

The silence was broken by a low, rough chuckle.

"Tsk, this just got interesting."

The man who had attacked Kael was the first to recover. He twirled the dagger between his fingers before securing it in a holster strapped to his chest, then flashed a sharp grin.

"Zane Drakmor." His eyes glowed with something between respect and provocation. "If we're going to work together, at least let me see how much you can handle."

Kael ignored him completely, as if he didn't exist, which only made Zane's grin widen.

Next to speak was a young woman with golden hair tied into a long braid, her emerald-green eyes analyzing Kael and Amelia with curiosity. Her uniform was immaculate, and she carried herself like someone accustomed to leadership.

"Clarissa Von Edelweiss." Her voice was firm and refined, carrying a faint noble accent. "If you were chosen to be part of the Blade, I imagine you have merit. I hope you don't disappoint me."

Amelia exchanged a quick glance with Kael before giving a slight nod to Clarissa.

Beside her, a tall, muscular man crossed his arms. His skin was slightly tanned, and his short, messy brown hair framed his golden eyes, which gleamed with a wild intensity.

"Darius Ironfang." His voice was deep and carried a careless tone. "Good to have more strong people around. Just don't get in the way."

Kael almost laughed at the irony of that statement but remained silent.

Next, a slender young man wearing glasses adjusted his posture. His uniform had slight modifications, with magical symbols embroidered on the sleeves. His dark blue hair fell over his sharp eyes, and he regarded Kael and Amelia with a calculating interest.

"Liam Solcrest." His tone was neutral, but his gaze made it clear he was already assessing the new members.

Finally, a tan-skinned girl with short black hair leaned against the wall, arms crossed. She looked indifferent, but there was something in her crimson gaze that warned she was not to be underestimated.

"Riven Noctis." She raised an eyebrow. "Well, let's see if you actually know how to play as a team."

The group was now complete.

Kael analyzed each of them. These would be his allies… or future problems.

"So, what's the next step?" he asked, his voice laced with indifference.

Before anyone could answer Kael's question, the door burst open with a loud bang.

"I'M HEEERE—"

The excited voice was abruptly cut off.

The girl who had just entered froze for a moment, her golden hair shimmering under the magical light of the room. Her bright blue eyes widened in shock as they landed on Kael.

Then, like a lightning bolt, she shot toward him.

"KAELLL!!!"

Kael didn't even have time to react.

The impact was strong enough to make him take a step back as thin but surprisingly strong arms wrapped around his neck.

"What—?"

The entire room was left in stunned silence. Zane let out a low whistle, Clarissa raised an eyebrow, and Amelia… well, her expression hardened in an instant.

The girl pulled back just enough to get a better look at him, her hands still gripping his shoulders.

"I can't believe it! It's been so long—I finally found you!! You never looked for me? Never sent any sign?! Do you have any idea how much I searched for you?!"

Kael blinked a few times before letting out a sigh.

"Irelia..." The name came out almost as a murmur, but it was enough to confirm everything.

"So… you two know each other?" Darius asked, crossing his arms with an intrigued look.

"Know each other?!" Irelia exclaimed, turning to the others. "Kael is my training partner! He was my rival every single day!! My disciple!"