Blackfang reeked of blood and incense. Stone halls stretched like veins. Murals of ancient beasts watched from cracked walls. Everything whispered danger.
Azel walked in silence.
Every step was a calculation.
The academy wasn't made for learning. It was made for culling.
No welcome banners. No mentors. No warmth. Just numbers.
> [System Update]
Academy entered. Survival tracking activated
Daily Objective: Do not die
He passed other students. Some tried to size him up. Others avoided his eyes. His aura said enough.
Do not approach
At the dorm gates, an old woman sat behind a steel desk. Her face was carved with runes. Eyes grey as winter.
"Name"
"Azel Raen"
She tapped a sigil. A stone door opened.
"Room 119. Try not to scream too loud"
He stepped inside. The door sealed behind him.
The room was small. Cold. One bed. One desk. One locked chest. The wall had bloodstains that didn't look old.
Azel sat.
> [Trait Activated: Isolation Response]
Mental focus increased when alone
+1 WIS
He exhaled slowly.
This was survival.
A knock.
He didn't answer.
The door opened anyway. A boy stepped in. Tall. Blue hair. Smirk too wide.
"No lock. Bad sign"
Azel looked at him. Said nothing.
"I'm Kael. They say you broke the entry sentinel. You look like a dying rat to me"
Azel stood.
Kael laughed. "Relax. I like rats. Rats survive"
He tossed a red badge onto the desk.
"You'll need that. Dueling token. First blood tomorrow. If you're still alive"
Then he left.
The door stayed open.
Azel walked over. Closed it with one hand.
> [New Objective: Survive Duel]
Opponent: Kael Varin. Year One. Ranked 12th
Reward: Access to Mana Baptism Chamber
Azel smiled.
He had no mana.
He had no strength.
But Kael had already lost.
He just didn't know it yet.