The moment Kairos stepped out of the arena, the weight of a hundred stares pressed against him. Whispers trailed in his wake, some in admiration, others in disbelief. His battle with Leon had been nothing short of spectacular, and now his name was firmly embedded in the ranks of Astralis Academy.
Selene walked beside him, her arms crossed, lips curved into an amused smirk. "You really know how to make an entrance, don't you?"
Kairos let out a tired sigh. "I didn't exactly plan for a grand introduction."
"Doesn't matter. Everyone's talking about you now." She nudged his shoulder. "And trust me, that's not always a bad thing."
As they walked through the academy corridors, Kairos couldn't shake the strange sensation running through his body. It wasn't exhaustion—if anything, his energy felt endless. His body had adapted, evolved beyond its former limits, but something else had awakened deep within him.
Aether had called it an "awakening."
What exactly does that mean?
Selene suddenly stopped. "We should go see the Headmaster."
Kairos raised an eyebrow. "The Headmaster?"
She nodded. "Aether's not just some administrator—he's the strongest mage in the academy, maybe even the world. If anyone knows what's happening to you, it's him."
Kairos considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Lead the way."
---
The Headmaster's Domain
The office of Headmaster Aether wasn't just an office—it was a grand chamber filled with ancient artifacts, glowing runes etched into the walls, and floating books that turned their pages as if searching for knowledge on their own. A massive window overlooked the academy, casting a golden glow across the room.
Aether sat behind a dark wooden desk, his piercing silver eyes studying Kairos the moment he entered. "You felt it, didn't you?" His voice was calm, yet it carried a weight of undeniable authority.
Kairos hesitated before nodding. "Something changed after the battle. My body feels… different. Stronger."
Aether tapped his fingers against his desk thoughtfully. "Your awakening was no accident. The power within you—it's something I haven't seen in centuries."
Selene tilted her head. "Centuries? You make it sound ancient."
Aether stood, walking toward a large bookshelf. With a flick of his fingers, one of the books floated toward him, its worn leather cover bearing strange symbols. He opened it to a page filled with intricate drawings and text written in an ancient language.
"There is a prophecy," Aether began, his voice measured, "of one who will walk the path of ascension—not through birthright, but through an evolving power unlike anything before." He turned the book toward them, revealing an illustration of a lone figure standing against an unknown force of darkness.
Kairos frowned. "And you think that's me?"
Aether nodded. "It's no coincidence that you found the system when you did." He glanced at Selene. "Tell me, how did you discover your powers?"
Kairos hesitated before answering. "I found a hidden chamber in my grandfather's house. The moment I entered, something activated, and… the system bonded with me."
Aether's eyes darkened. "Then the Forgotten Vault has finally been opened."
Selene's expression shifted. "Wait… you knew about it?"
Aether exhaled, closing the book. "I suspected its existence, but no one alive knew its location. That chamber wasn't just hidden—it was sealed. It was never meant to be opened by just anyone."
Kairos clenched his fists. "Then why was I able to access it?"
Aether studied him for a long moment. "Because the system chose you."
A silence settled over the room.
Kairos swallowed, his mind racing. "Then… what is the system's true purpose?"
Aether shook his head. "That, I do not know. But I do know this—the power you wield was meant to evolve. To prepare you for something greater."
Kairos exhaled sharply. Every answer only seemed to lead to more questions. But one thing was clear—his journey was far from ordinary.
Selene clapped her hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, so we have a prophecy, a mysterious evolving power, and a guy who just stomped one of the top-ranked students. That's a lot to take in." She smirked at Kairos. "Guess you really are special."
Kairos shot her a look. "That doesn't exactly make me feel better."
Aether gave a small, knowing smile. "It shouldn't. The path ahead will be difficult. But if you truly wish to understand the system's purpose, then you must grow even stronger. The battles you've fought so far are only the beginning."
Kairos nodded, determination settling in his chest. "I'm ready."
Aether chuckled. "We shall see."
---
New Challenges Await
As they left the Headmaster's office, Selene glanced at Kairos. "So, how does it feel to have a mysterious cosmic force deciding your fate?"
Kairos sighed. "Like a headache that won't go away."
She laughed. "Well, at least you've got me to keep things entertaining."
He gave her a sideways glance. "Somehow, that sounds more like a warning than a comfort."
As they walked back toward the student dormitories, the feeling in Kairos' chest never faded. Aether was right—this was only the beginning.
But no matter what awaited him, he would push forward.
Because the system had chosen him for a reason.
And he intended to find out why.