Here's Chapter 3, where everyone is in awe after Kazriel's overwhelming display of power. It shows nobles whispering, guards stammering, and even Aria unable to fully process what just happened—while Kazriel stays calm, collected, and just a little playful.
The ballroom was eerily silent.
The scent of blood mingled with the remnants of perfume and wine. Dozens of nobles stood frozen, wide-eyed, staring at the young man who had effortlessly slaughtered a pack of monsters in under a minute.
Not a drop of blood on his clothes.
Not a single wound on his body.
Just Kazriel von Valenhart, calmly adjusting his cuffs like he'd merely swatted flies.
"...My gods," one marquis whispered.
"He didn't cast a single chant," muttered a high priestess.
"Was that... sword intent?" a knight captain asked, visibly shaken.
The imperial guards finally arrived—late, confused, and sweating. They looked around, saw the corpses, and then saw him.
"Did… did he do all this?" one stammered.
Kazriel turned, giving them a casual nod. "You can relax. Ballroom's clear."
A few guards exchanged glances—then actually bowed.
---
Aria stood among the stunned crowd, fingers clutching the edge of her gown. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes—those storm-gray eyes—never left Kazriel.
She approached him slowly. Nobles instinctively stepped aside, parting like the sea.
When she reached him, she tilted her head slightly. "You handled that like… like you've fought monsters for years."
Kazriel gave a boyish smile. "Funny thing. I kind of have."
Her eyes narrowed. "But you were unconscious until two days ago. Your mana signature only recently stabilized. You shouldn't even be able to cast advanced magic yet."
He leaned in slightly, voice playful but low. "Maybe I'm just full of surprises."
Aria's heartbeat quickened. She hated unpredictability. And yet…
She couldn't look away.
---
In the far corner, nobles were already whispering furiously.
"He's a monster slayer in noble clothing…"
"No, he's a prodigy. House Valenhart has hidden him for too long."
"Should we report this to the imperial court?"
But Kazriel didn't care about them.
His gaze was fixed on Aria.
And when she finally said, "I want to see more of what you can do," he simply smiled and replied—
"Then stay close to me."
---
End of Chapter 3