The morning sun barely touched the academy grounds when the alarm bells rang.
Kael, Mikaho, and Zehr rushed to the courtyard, joined by other students and instructors. The air was heavy. Silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
At the academy gates, two guards stood frozen in place, staring at something on the ground.
A stone slab—rough, broken at the edges—was placed there overnight. No one had seen who delivered it.
It was covered in deep, dark red streaks. Blood.
Master Olven arrived, kneeling beside it."This isn't just blood," he murmured. "It's demon blood… scorched by fire."
Etched into the stone with claw-like precision were just three words:
"They Are Awake."
The crowd stirred. Students began to whisper in fear.
Mikaho clutched Kael's sleeve. "Do you think it's from… Ashen?"
Kael didn't answer.
Zehr leaned in. "It's his style. Few people can burn demon blood into stone like that."
Master Olven stood, lifting the stone carefully. His voice was grave.
"Seal the academy. Send word to the council. We need eyes on the Forbidden Zone immediately."
Kael stepped forward. "Let us go."
Olven stared at him. "You disobeyed orders once. You think I'll let you walk into danger again?"
"We didn't walk into danger," Kael said quietly. "We came out of it… alive. And stronger."
The headmaster said nothing. Then finally:
"You have three days. Prepare yourselves. Train like your lives depend on it—because they do."
Later That Night
Kael lay awake in his dorm. The message from Ashen played in his head again and again.
They are awake.
What had they disturbed in the Forbidden Zone? And where was Ashen now?
Just then, a quiet knock came at his window.
It was Zehr—climbing up with two wooden swords.
"Can't sleep either?" Zehr grinned."Nope," Kael replied, grabbing his training gear."Then let's fight till we drop."
Mikaho joined them minutes later, barefoot and determined.
Under the moonlight, the three of them sparred in silence. No teachers. No watchers. Just the rhythm of training—and a storm they knew was coming.
End of Chapter 34
Next Episode Preview:A warning from an ancient spirit reaches Kael in his dreams.Mikaho discovers a hidden ability tied to her father's last gift.And the first demon attack in 5 years… hits closer than anyone expects.