The Morning Before the Match
Sunlight bathed the academy with golden light, but an unnatural tension hung in the air like invisible chains.
Kael stood alone in the arena before the match, eyes closed, hand resting on the smooth stone wall.
He whispered.
"They're not just sending students anymore…"
Behind him, Mira appeared like a soft dream.
"They're scared of what you're becoming."
"Let them be scared," Kael said.
She walked beside him barefoot, her presence as weightless as starlight.
"I saw a vision last night," Mira whispered. "The sky cracked. Blood poured from it. And you… walked through the storm wearing a crown made of flame."
Kael smiled faintly.
"Sounds like me."
Match 2 – Team 13 vs. Team Eclipse
Unlike the last battle, this team was different.
Their leader wore a divine marking on his chest, enchanted chains coiled around his arms — a clear sign he was a blessed vessel.
Team Eclipse specialized in one thing: soul-binding combat.
And they had only one goal.
"We were sent to break the Fallen One," the vessel said. "This isn't a school match. It's judgment."
The Trap is Sprung
From the moment the match started, it was clear — this wasn't a normal duel.
The arena shifted mid-fight, becoming a prison of black chains and spectral barriers.
"This is divine containment magic!" Selene shouted.
"They lured us into a soul trap," Zara growled. "Kael! This is an assassination attempt!"
But Kael didn't flinch.
"Keep them busy. I'll handle the god who thinks this will work."
Rayna and Zara launched into combat, their movements a storm of thunder and fire.
Lyra provided aerial suppression. Mira summoned ethereal barriers to protect the others.
Then the vessel's eyes glowed white.
And Kael was pulled into a mental prison.
Inside the Mind Realm: Confronting the Divine Assassin
Kael opened his eyes to find himself in an infinite white void — face to face with a god.
Virinox, the God of Chains.
One of the minor gods who had once bowed before Kael in the old age — and betrayed him during the divine war.
"I never thought I'd get another chance to bind you, False God," Virinox hissed.
"You didn't bind me then," Kael said. "You watched me burn your temples."
"You're weak now. Human. Forgotten."
Chains launched at Kael, wrapping around his arms, legs, throat—
But Kael didn't resist.
"Wanna know the secret, Virinox?"
"What?"
Kael's eyes slowly opened. His pupils flickered gold.
"I never needed full power to beat you. Just rage."
Kael Awakens: A Glimpse of Godhood
Suddenly, the chains cracked.
Kael's body radiated heat.
His shadow stretched across the void.
Golden glyphs spiraled from his chest — not holy, but forbidden runes of the First Flame.
With one word:
"Burn."
The mental realm exploded.
Back in the Real World
The divine arena shattered.
Team Eclipse's vessel collapsed, screaming as the mark on his chest burned itself away.
The crowd panicked.
Kael landed at the center of the field, surrounded by dust and divine light.
He looked up at the stands, where a divine observer in disguise was trying to escape.
"Run back to your gods," Kael said. "Tell them I remember everything now."
Aftermath – The Truth Spreads
Whispers spread.
"Did Kael just… burn a godmark?""That's impossible!""He's not human—he's something else!"
The gods above stirred.
Old records that were sealed in heaven began to glow.
"He's awakening," said the Goddess of War."We were too late," murmured Aureon.
At Night – Mira's Vision
Later that night, Mira sat beside Kael, gazing at the stars with her eyes glowing faintly.
"Your future is dangerous."
"What else is new?"
"But so is your heart," she said quietly. "You're collecting people. Girls. Souls. Not by charm… but by truth. And they'll die for you."
Kael turned toward her.
"Would you?"
She didn't hesitate.
"Already have. In another life. You just haven't remembered yet."