"A name carries power, but a past carries chains."
---
The duel's outcome rippled through Velmira Academy like wildfire.
Aedric Valtherion—the enigma, the anomaly, the boy who had shattered expectations.
Some called him a genius. Others whispered that he was a fraud, a trickster who had somehow deceived even the very essence of the Trial of Awakening.
But in the corridors of power, where the echoes of history whispered through ancient stone, there were those who saw something far greater.
Something… dangerous.
---
A Name That Should Not Exist
Deep within the Academy's archives, illuminated by the glow of enchanted lanterns, a robed figure turned the brittle pages of an ancient tome.
His fingers trembled.
"This is not possible."
Aedric Valtherion.
It was a name that did not belong. Not in this era. Not in this world.
And yet, the texts spoke of it.
A shadowed figure in wars long forgotten. A swordsman whose existence had been erased, whose fate had been sealed beneath layers of lost history.
A name that should have faded into nothingness.
"But now… he walks among us once more."
The figure closed the tome, his breath unsteady.
This was no coincidence.
Something had returned to this world.
---
Within the Lion's Den
Aedric strode through the Academy's halls, unfazed by the eyes that followed his every step.
Some were filled with admiration. Others burned with envy.
None of it mattered.
For Aedric, this world was a puzzle—one he intended to solve.
A flicker of motion caught his eye.
Someone was waiting for him at the edge of the courtyard.
Kael Draven.
His former opponent, leaning against a stone pillar, arms crossed.
"You don't belong here."
Aedric raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here I am."
Kael let out a sharp breath, before pushing himself off the pillar.
"Who are you, really?"
Aedric smiled. Not a warm smile. Not a cruel one.
Simply… unreadable.
"A student of this Academy."
Kael stared at him for a long moment. Then—he grinned.
"You're an arrogant bastard, you know that?"
Aedric chuckled.
"It's been mentioned."
A beat of silence.
Then Kael extended a hand.
"Well, arrogant bastard or not, you beat me fair and square. Welcome to Velmira, Valtherion."
Aedric regarded the hand for a moment before clasping it.
A silent truce.
Perhaps even the beginnings of something else.
---
A Night of Unseen Eyes
The Academy was a place of learning, of magic, of power.
But it was also a place of politics.
In the upper chambers of the central tower, a group of robed figures sat in dim candlelight.
"He is dangerous."
"And powerful."
"Should we act?"
The Headmaster, Lucian Ebonhart, steepled his fingers.
"Not yet."
Eyes turned to him.
"Why?"
A pause.
Then, a smile that did not reach his eyes.
"Because I want to see what he does next."
---