Kael shifted in his chair, Lady Seraphina's words pressing heavily on his chest. He had barely processed the magnitude of the threat he had uncovered, and now the town's leaders were offering him a reward for his actions.
"A reward?" Kael asked, his voice steady despite the mix emotions within him.
Lady Seraphina's gaze remained unwavering. "Indeed. Your contributions to Raven Town have been invaluable. Without you, our town would have fallen, and the kingdom itself might now be under siege by this... force."
The other ministers nodded in agreement. Even Alden, whose skeptical eyes had followed Kael from the moment he'd entered the room, now seemed begrudgingly respectful.
Kael looked around the room, uncomfortable with the sudden focus on him. "I... I didn't do it for a reward," he said. "I only did what needed to be done."
"And that," Seraphina replied, "is precisely why you are deserving of one."
She gestured to Evelyn, who produced a thin but long, smoothly carved wooden box from beneath the table. She placed it before Kael, her expression softening slightly.
"This is one of the options we had considered," Evelyn said as she opened the box.
"This," Evelyn started, placing the box before Kael, "is a reward that we believe you will find both fitting and invaluable."
Kael hesitated before opening the box, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. Inside lay a weapon—a blade unlike any he had ever seen.
Its hilt was dark and smooth, crafted from an unknown metal that gleamed faintly, and the blade itself was embedded with a fragment. The fragment pulsed softly with light, its energy rippling along the length of the weapon like an aura.
Kael stared, a mixture of awe and confusion written on his face. "A fragment weapon?"
"Yes," Evelyn confirmed. "Currently it's rare—extremely rare. Fragments are indestructible, except for when corrupted or drained of energy, and unable to be melted to be turned into a weapon, as research so far has confirmed.
Instead this blade was infused with the fragment of the Phoenix constellation, granting it self-regenerative properties and the ability to amplify your strikes with heat energy."
Neo's enchanting voice played in Kael's mind. "This is no ordinary weapon. Its fragment isn't just decorative—it's powerful. More than they think."
Kael lifted the blade carefully, feeling the weight and balance. The energy emanating from the fragment was warm, like a faint heartbeat in his palm.
"But... I already have a fragment," Kael said, glancing at the glowing shard in his hand. "How does this work? Can I merge with this one too?"
Evelyn shook her head, her tone matter-of-factly. "No. Through months of study and experimentation, we've learned that it's impossible for a person to merge with more than one fragment. The body and mind simply can't handle the strain of multiple fragment energies. Those who have tried... well, they either became corrupted or died outright."
Kael frowned, gripping the weapon tighter. "So this is just a tool, then? Not something I can merge with?"
"Precisely," Evelyn said. "Fragment weapons are designed for exactly this reason. While a person can only merge with one fragment, they can still channel the energy of others through external tools. A weapon like this allows you to harness the power of a fragment without the risk of corruption."
Lady Seraphina spoke. "This weapon was forged by master craftsmen under the guidance of the royal capital's scholars. It's one of the finest examples of fragment technology in the kingdom."
Kael turned the blade in his hands, marveling at its craftsmanship. He could feel it hum faintly in resonance with his own fragment, as if the two energies were aware of each other.
Neo had told him that all fragments hum due to them being out of balance with the universe.
"It's incredible," Kael admitted, his voice tinged with awe. "But why give something like this to me? Surely it's worth a fortune."
Seraphina's gaze softened. "Because you've earned it, Kael. And because we believe you'll put it to better use than anyone else. This town owes you a debt, one that cannot simply be repaid with words."
Kael's jaw tightened as he looked at the weapon again. The idea of carrying such a powerful thing, weighed heavily on him.
Neo's voice whispered in his mind. "Accept it. You'll need every edge you can get for what's ahead."
Kael nodded slowly, returning his gaze to Lady Seraphina. "Thank you. I'll use it to protect others—to protect this kingdom and everything it stands for."
Lady Seraphina's voice broke the silence. "There's more. If you were to stay in Raven Town, we would also offer you land and a position as a protector of the town—a title befitting someone of your skill."
The room fell silent, the significance of the offer settling over Kael. Land, a title, and a fragment of unimaginable power. It was everything a man could hope for—a life of comfort, purpose, and stability.
But Kael's thoughts drifted to Lira, to the sister he had lost in the chaos with the Skybreakers. She was out there somewhere, possibly in danger, and he had promised himself he would find her.
He shook his head slowly, his decision firm. "I can't accept this."
Gasps rippled through the room, and Seraphina's brow furrowed in surprise. "Why not?"
Kael met her gaze, his voice becoming resolute. "I'm grateful for everything you've done, but my journey isn't over. I was separated from my sister during the attack. She's out there, and I need to find her. Staying here... it's not an option."
The ministers exchanged glances, some murmuring softly to one another.
Kael's heart was steady. "I can't rest until I know she's safe."
Seraphina studied him for a long moment before nodding. "I respect your decision, Kael. But if you won't stay, then tell us—what can we do for you? Surely there must be something."
Kael hesitated, unsure of what to say. He had no grand desires or material needs, just a burning determination to continue his journey.
Neo's voice cut through his train of thought. "The Interstellar Academy."
Kael frowned slightly, his confusion evident. "What?"
"The Interstellar Academy," Neo repeated. "It's in the royal capital. If you're going to face what lies ahead, you'll need what they can teach and what's in their library."
Kael's brow furrowed. "But my father said it is place for nobles?"
Neo's responded. "Yes, and no. Commoners can join—but the path is... complicated. If Lady Seraphina sponsors you, it would bypass some of the barriers."
Kael considered her words. The Interstellar Academy was a legendary institution, spoken of in hushed tones even in his remote village. It was said to be the pinnacle of study and combat training, a place where the brightest minds and strongest warriors gathered.
But it was also notoriously exclusive, with a history steeped in noble privilege and discrimination. For a commoner like Kael to join, it would take more than skill—it would take a miracle.
Lady Seraphina's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Kael? Is there something you have in mind?"
Kael straightened, meeting her gaze. "There is, but it's a lot to ask."
Seraphina tilted her head, intrigued. "Speak your mind."
Kael took a deep breath. "I want to enroll in the Interstellar Academy."
The room fell silent once more, Kael's request hanging heavily in the air. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions ranging from shock to disbelief.
Alden was the first to speak. "The Interstellar Academy? That's... unprecedented. A commoner has never been accepted, let alone attended."
Evelyn frowned. "Not entirely true. The rules have changed in recent years. Commoners can enroll—but it's not simple. They need a recommendation from a noble of significant rank, at least a count, and even then, they must pass a rigorous examination. The academy is unforgiving, Kael. Are you sure this is what you want?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "I'm sure. I need to learn more—about fragments, about the world, and about myself. The academy can give me that."
Lady Seraphina leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled thoughtfully. "It's not an unreasonable request, but it won't be easy. The academy is known for its elitism. Even with my recommendation, you'll face scrutiny—and not just from the examiners."
"I don't care," Kael said firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Seraphina studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll write the recommendation myself. But you must understand—the rest will be up to you."
Kael inclined his head, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
The room buzzed with murmurs once more, the ministers debating the implications of Kael's decision.
"This is the right path, Kael. The academy will challenge you in ways you can't imagine. But it will also prepare you for what's to come." Neo said to him.
Lady Seraphina rose from her seat, her movements deliberate and graceful. "Then it's decided. But before we proceed—"
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Kael. "You've made your decision. Now, let us make ours."
Kael frowned, his confusion evident. "What do you mean?"
Seraphina's lips curved into a faint smile. "Your bravery and selflessness deserve recognition, Kael. But this town owes you more than just gratitude."
She straightened, her tone firm. "We must honor you properly. If you won't accept land or a title, then we'll find another way."
The ministers murmured in agreement, and Kael shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Seraphina's gaze softened. "You've given us so much, Kael. Allow us to give something back."
Kael hesitated, his thoughts racing. Before he could respond, Seraphina spoke again.
"We will reward you, Kael Reed," she said. "And it will be worthy of what you've done."