Chapter 2: A Hidden Path
The bell tower in the heart of Lunaris tolled seven times, signaling the end of the Awakening Ceremony. The crowd of students spilled out into the academy's courtyard, their chatter a blend of triumph and disappointment. Kael and Eryn walked side by side, the former silent as usual while the latter nervously fidgeted with the hem of his uniform.
"So, what's your plan now?" Eryn asked, glancing at Kael.
"Training," Kael replied simply.
Eryn sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "You're impossible, you know that? The ceremony just ended, and you're already thinking about training. At least grab some food first. My treat."
Kael paused, his pale gray eyes scanning the bustling streets ahead. "Fine."
---
The Silver Hawk Tavern was a cozy, bustling establishment nestled near the academy's main gates. Students often gathered there after classes, sharing stories and forming connections. Kael, however, rarely visited.
As they sat at a corner table, Eryn ordered a simple meal of roasted chicken and bread. Kael quietly sipped water, his mind already planning his next steps.
"You know," Eryn began, breaking the silence, "I think people are making a big deal out of nothing. So what if you didn't reveal your class or rank? You've always been different. That's why I think you're going to crush whatever's next."
Kael gave a faint nod but said nothing.
Eryn leaned closer, lowering his voice. "But seriously, what did you awaken as? I won't tell anyone, I swear."
Kael met Eryn's gaze, his expression unreadable. "Necromancer."
Eryn blinked, momentarily stunned. "Necromancer? Isn't that—wait, I've never heard of that class before."
"Because it's the first of its kind."
Eryn let out a low whistle. "Leave it to you to get something so rare it doesn't even exist in the records. And your rank?"
Kael didn't answer, and Eryn quickly held up his hands. "Okay, okay. No pressure. I get it."
---
After their meal, Kael and Eryn made their way to the academy's training grounds, a sprawling field equipped with combat dummies, obstacle courses, and sparring rings. The grounds were mostly empty, as most students were busy celebrating or resting after the ceremony.
Kael opened his status window with a flick of his hand.
Status Window: Kael Ardyn
Class: Necromancer
Rank: SSS
Strength: 5
Speed: 5
Stamina: 5
Endurance: 5
HP: 50
MP: 500
His stats were meager compared to others who had awakened at higher ranks. But Kael knew that stats were just a foundation. Growth came from effort and strategy.
With a thought, he summoned his first skeleton.
The ground in front of him darkened, and a skeletal figure clawed its way up, its bones pristine and gleaming with a faint blue aura. Moments later, four more emerged, standing in a line before him.
Each skeleton was humanoid, their empty eye sockets glowing faintly. Despite their eerie appearance, they exuded a strange sense of order and discipline.
Eryn yelped and stumbled backward. "Whoa! What in the world are those?"
"My summons," Kael said calmly. "Each one starts with 10 in every stat."
Eryn stared at the skeletons, then back at Kael. "You mean these things are twice as strong as you right now?"
"Yes."
Eryn groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great. My best friend is already outclassed by his own minions. This is going to be a long day."
---
Kael started with basic commands. The skeletons moved in perfect synchronization, responding instantly to his thoughts. He tested their limits, making them sprint across the field, lift heavy objects, and spar against each other.
Despite their simple appearance, the skeletons displayed remarkable agility and strength. Kael noted their capabilities with an analytical eye, planning how to best utilize them in future combat.
Meanwhile, Eryn practiced with his bow. As a D-Rank Archer, his skills were average at best, but he refused to let that discourage him. He set up a row of targets and fired arrows in quick succession, his aim improving with each attempt.
"You know," Eryn called out between shots, "this whole 'necromancer' thing could be pretty amazing. Imagine sending these skeletons into a dungeon while you sit back and relax."
"I won't rely on them entirely," Kael replied, his tone even. "I'll grow stronger myself."
Eryn chuckled. "Of course you will. You're Kael Ardyn, after all."
---
Hours passed, the sun dipping below the horizon and casting the training grounds in a warm orange glow. As the boys prepared to leave, a group of students approached, their uniforms marking them as upperclassmen. At the center was Calder Feyn, his smirk as infuriating as ever.
"Well, well," Calder drawled, his green eyes gleaming with amusement. "The mysterious Kael Ardyn and his little D-Rank friend. How quaint."
Eryn bristled. "What do you want, Calder?"
"Just observing," Calder said, his gaze shifting to the skeletons. "So this is what you've been hiding. Summoning a few bone puppets doesn't make you special, you know."
Kael remained silent, his cold gaze meeting Calder's.
Sylvia Crestmoor stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. "I've never seen a class like this before. Necromancer, was it?"
Calder scoffed. "Doesn't matter. Whatever his rank is, it's clearly not worth mentioning. Let's go."
As the group walked away, Caius Thorn lingered behind, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Kael. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod before following the others.
Eryn let out a frustrated sigh. "I hate that guy."
Kael said nothing, his mind already planning his next steps. Training was just the beginning. The path ahead would be long and perilous, but Kael was determined to walk it alone—or with the silent, unwavering loyalty of his summons.