Weeks had passed since the attack on the Academy, but its scars remained fresh.
The once-pristine courtyards were lined with scaffolding as workers toiled to rebuild shattered walls and broken towers.
The air was heavy with a mix of mourning and resolve as the Academy tried to recover from the chaos that had claimed so many lives.
The funerals had been held three days after the battle. Students, instructors, and guards who had fallen defending the Vault were honored in a solemn ceremony.
Rows of coffins, each draped in the Academy's crest, had lined the main hall. Families wept openly, their cries mingling with the mournful dirges sung by the Academy's choir.
Sang-hoon had stood at the back of the hall, his gaze fixed on the caskets.
Each one was a reminder of his failure.
He could still see the faces of those who had fought beside him, their bravery etched into his memory.
Kaelith perched silently on his shoulder, unusually subdued. The little dragon seemed to sense the weight of the moment, his usual chirps replaced by a low, comforting hum.
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The capital city's central plaza was unrecognizable, transformed into a grand stage for the ceremony. Banners of deep blue and gold adorned every corner, and the streets were lined with citizens eager to witness the event.
At the heart of the plaza, a raised platform had been constructed, flanked by rows of seats reserved for the honored families of those being recognized.
Behind them stood the royal guards, their silver armor gleaming under the midday sun.
Sang-hoon shifted uncomfortably among the other students and instructors who had been summoned to receive medals of merit.
His newly tailored uniform felt stiff, and the polished lance strapped to his back was a constant reminder of the battle that had earned him this unwanted attention.
The King of Altheris, a tall man with a commanding presence and a crown of gold adorned with sapphire gems, stood at the podium. His deep voice carried across the plaza, addressing the crowd.
"Today, we honor those who defended not just the Academy, but the very heart of our nation," he began. "In the face of betrayal and shadow, they stood firm. Their courage reminds us that even in our darkest hour, the light of Altheris cannot be extinguished."
The crowd erupted into applause, but Sang-hoon's thoughts were elsewhere.
His eyes scanned the rows of families seated near the stage, searching for faces he had never seen but should have recognized.
Where are they?
Despite his best efforts, Sang-hoon had been unable to find any information about Elyska's family.
The Academy records were sparse, mentioning only that Elyska was from a minor noble house on the kingdom's western border. Yet, no one from that house had come forward, not even after Elyska was publicly named a hero.
The King's speech concluded, and the royal attendants began calling names. One by one, students and instructors ascended the stage to receive their medals.
When Sang-hoon's name was called, the crowd erupted in cheers. He walked toward the podium, his heart pounding.
As the King pinned the medal onto his chest, their eyes met briefly. The King gave him a nod, his expression unreadable.
Sang-hoon bowed deeply before stepping aside, joining the others who had already received their honors.
As the ceremony continued, his thoughts wandered.
Why hadn't anyone from Elyska's family appeared?
Even if they were estranged, surely they would have come for something as public and prestigious as this?
His musings were interrupted when his gaze was drawn to the royal family seated behind the King.
Among them sat Princess Arielle, the kingdom's heir apparent.
Her golden hair, braided intricately, shimmered in the sunlight, and her sapphire-blue eyes scanned the crowd with an intensity that belied her composed demeanor.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Sang-hoon felt a jolt of something he couldn't quite describe. The Princess's gaze lingered, her expression unreadable, before she turned her attention back to the ceremony.
Kaelith nudged his cheek, chirping softly as if to ground him.
"Yeah, I know," Sang-hoon muttered under his breath. "Focus."
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As the ceremony concluded and the crowd began to disperse, Seraphina lingered near the edge of the plaza, her Phoenix perched gracefully on her shoulder.
She glanced at Sang-hoon, who was engaged in a quiet conversation with Mira and Elena.
Something about him didn't sit right with her—not his actions during the battle, but the knowledge he had displayed beforehand.
She had seen how the headmaster had called him for a private conversation immediately after the battle. Whatever they discussed had left the headmaster more thoughtful and reserved than usual.
Seraphina's thoughts drifted to instructor Darien.
Sang-hoon had known his true identity, had known there would be an attack. Yet, he had provided no explanation as to how.
Her gaze shifted to a young man standing nearby, dressed in inconspicuous but well-tailored clothing. She approached him with quiet purpose.
"Casen," she said, her voice low but firm.
The man turned, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Seraphina. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I need you to look into someone," she said, handing him a small slip of paper with Sang-hoon's name written on it. "Discreetly. No one can know."
Casen raised an eyebrow. "Elyska Grayson? A hero of the Academy? What are you after, cousin?"
"Answers," Seraphina replied. "There's more to him than meets the eye. And I intend to find out what it is."
Casen chuckled, tucking the note into his coat. "Consider it done. But you owe me for this."
Seraphina nodded, her eyes hard. "Just find the truth."
As Casen disappeared into the dispersing crowd, Seraphina's gaze returned to Sang-hoon.
Whatever he was hiding, she would uncover it. For the Academy's sake—and her own.