Kael stood on the rooftop, waiting. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting long shadows across the school. The wind carried the distant sounds of students heading home, but up here, it was silent.
Then—footsteps.
Kael turned his head as a familiar figure stepped onto the rooftop.
Jace Ramos.
The former boxing club captain. Kael's past bully.
But… something was different.
Jace's presence had changed. The arrogance that once oozed from his every move was toned down, replaced by something sharper, heavier. Yet, his aura—it was undeniably stronger than before.
Kael's instincts screamed at him to **stay alert.**
Jace stopped a few feet away, his sharp eyes scanning Kael from head to toe.
"You've changed," Jace muttered. "Not bad."
Kael didn't respond, keeping his stance relaxed but ready.
Then—in a flash, Jace moved.
Kael barely had time to react before a fist was inches from his face.
Instinct took over.
Kael raised his arms to block.
The impact sent him flying.
His back slammed against the rooftop floor, the force knocking the air from his lungs. A sharp sting bloomed in his arms, and a thin trail of blood trickled from his nose.
Kael gasped, his vision steadying as he pushed himself up. His mind raced.
He wasn't using mana… That was pure strength.
Jace stood there, watching him with a neutral expression. He didn't look disappointed. If anything—he looked satisfied.
"You actually blocked it," Jace said.
Kael wiped the blood from his nose, his heartbeat slowing. He was still conscious. Four months ago, he would have been knocked out cold from that punch.
Jace didn't say anything else. He simply turned and left.
Kael didn't stop him.
He didn't speak.
He only sat there, staring at his trembling hands.
I blocked it
The realization sank in.
He was getting stronger.
---
#Two Days Later – The Announcement
The classroom hummed with idle chatter until their homeroom teacher entered**—the same one from before the Black Gate incident. The room quieted down as she cleared her throat.
"Alright, class, listen up."
She adjusted her glasses, then smiled.
"I have an announcement. Next week, we'll be going on a field trip."
The moment she said it, the class erupted into murmurs and excitement.
"A field trip?"
"Finally, something normal!"
"Where are we going?"
The teacher raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"We'll be heading to Evercrest National Park. It's a historical site, but also a great place to unwind after everything that's happened."
Kael tapped his fingers against the desk.
A field trip, huh?
---
#Three Days Later – Preparing for the Trip
At home, Kael zipped up his bag, packing for the field trip. His parents were supportive, reminding him to bring all the necessities.
He wasn't sure why, but something about this trip felt significant.
He exhaled, shaking off the thought.
The day was almost here.
---
#Field Trip Day – Departure
The students stood outside the school, gathered near the waiting buses. Their homeroom teacher stood at the front, smiling.
"Alright, everyone!" she called out.
"Are you all excited?"
The crowd erupted with cheers and laughter.
Kael adjusted his bag, stepping onto the bus.
Something told him… this trip wouldn't be as simple as it seemed.
---
End of Chapter 9