The atmosphere around Mystic Heights Academy shifted with Kai Renhardt's arrival. His presence alone sent ripples through the student body—half intrigued by the prestige of an Arcadian transfer, half suspicious of his sudden appearance.
Zayne, however, was firmly in the second half.
As he watched Kai move through the halls, the new student carried himself with a quiet confidence that didn't come from arrogance but from certainty. He knew he was strong. That wasn't in question. What was in question was why someone from Arcadia—a place for elite adventurers—was sent here, of all places.
That suspicion only grew stronger when Professor Solomon Lewis called for an all-student gathering later that evening.
The Grand Hall of Mystic Heights was rarely this full outside of formal events, but tonight, nearly every student sat at attention. The upper balconies were packed, and the sound of murmured conversations filled the vast space.
Zayne sat with his team near the front. Malo leaned back with his arms crossed, already bored, while Seraphina tapped a quill against her notebook, ready to take notes if anything important happened. Elias, as always, observed in silence.
At the front, Headmaster Vaughn stood with Professor Lewis at his side. But it was Lord Vael, standing tall in his black and gold robes, who spoke first.
"As you all know," Vael began, his voice cutting through the noise, "Mystic Heights has seen increasing threats from external forces. And now, we face an even greater danger—a traitor among us."
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Zayne noted Kai standing near the back, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.
"We have reason to believe that this individual has been feeding information to the Syndicate," Vael continued. "And so, to assess the Academy's strength and determine who is truly loyal to our cause, I am introducing a combat trial. A test of skill, strategy, and resolve."
Malo let out a low whistle. "He's not even trying to hide the fact that he's testing us too."
Vael turned to Headmaster Vaughn, who gave a slow nod before stepping forward.
"The trial will take place in the training arena," Vaughn announced. "It will be a series of duels between students. Winning is not the only goal—displaying intelligence, teamwork, and adaptability will also be taken into account. The highest-performing students will receive special recognition… and potentially further responsibilities."
Zayne caught on immediately. Further responsibilities. That meant the students who performed well might be given access to privileged information. Vael was setting up the test to lure the traitor out.
Clever.
But Zayne had no intention of playing into Vael's hands without understanding the full picture.
"Pairings will be announced shortly," Vaughn concluded. "Prepare yourselves."
As the hall emptied, a list of matchups was posted near the entrance.
Zayne pushed through the crowd, scanning the names.
Then he saw it.
Zayne Carter vs. Kai Renhardt.
His jaw tightened.
"Well, damn," Malo said, peering over his shoulder. "They really aren't holding back, huh?"
Seraphina frowned. "They're testing both of you. Kai is a complete unknown, and you're—"
"A potential problem," Zayne finished.
Seraphina hesitated. "That's… not what I was going to say, but it's true."
Elias finally spoke. "You should assume they'll be watching this fight very carefully. Vael, the professors, maybe even the traitor."
Zayne exhaled, staring at Kai's name. Fine then.
If they wanted a fight, he'd give them one.
The Training Arena – Duel Day
The training arena was one of Mystic Heights' most well-equipped spaces—massive in scale, lined with enchantments to prevent fatal injuries, and designed to accommodate large-scale battles. Spectator stands surrounded the battlefield, packed with students eager to see the matchups.
Zayne stepped onto the field, gripping his sword. The weight was familiar, a comfort. His reinforcement magic pulsed beneath his skin, ready to activate at a moment's notice.
Across from him, Kai walked onto the battlefield with the same quiet confidence he had displayed since arriving. He wore a different uniform today—light armor with golden etchings, and a single longsword strapped to his side.
Vael stood above the arena, watching from a high platform. Professor Lewis was beside him, looking far less pleased with the situation.
"First match," the arena announcer called. "Zayne Carter vs. Kai Renhardt!"
A bell rang.
Kai moved first.
He was fast—ridiculously fast. Zayne barely had time to react as Kai closed the distance, his sword slashing forward in a clean, controlled arc.
Zayne blocked, steel clashing against steel, and the impact sent a sharp vibration up his arm.
Kai didn't pause. He twisted his blade, redirecting the momentum, and aimed a quick thrust at Zayne's shoulder.
Zayne sidestepped, parrying just in time. He reinforced his arms, enhancing his strength, and countered with a heavy downward slash.
Kai dodged—just barely.
The fight continued, a flurry of steel and footwork. Zayne quickly realized something—Kai wasn't just fast. He was precise. Every strike, every movement was calculated. There was no wasted motion.
But Zayne had something Kai didn't.
Adaptability.
Zayne feinted left, baiting Kai into an aggressive strike. The second Kai lunged, Zayne twisted, slamming his reinforced elbow into Kai's ribs.
Kai stumbled slightly. It was the first opening he had given.
Zayne didn't waste it. He pressed forward, forcing Kai onto the defensive. Strike after strike, he pushed the Arcadian transfer back.
Then Kai did something unexpected.
He smirked.
And in an instant, his sword began to glow with a strange golden energy.
Magic.
Zayne barely managed to deflect the next strike, but the force behind it was massive. He was thrown backward, skidding across the battlefield.
Kai lowered his sword slightly. "You're good," he admitted. "But you rely too much on reading your opponent. Against someone with overwhelming force, that won't work."
Zayne wiped his mouth and smirked. "Thanks for the advice. But you made one mistake."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Zayne's own sword began to glow—dark purple energy crackling around it. His reinforcement magic surged through his body, boosting his speed.
In the blink of an eye, he was behind Kai.
Kai barely managed to turn before Zayne's blade came down.
CLANG!
Kai blocked—just barely.
The crowd gasped.
For the first time, Kai looked surprised.
Zayne grinned. "You assumed I showed you everything I had."
Kai exhaled, then smiled slightly. "This just got interesting."
The battle had only just begun.