Chapter 10: Weights and Shadows
To Kain, the elite class felt like a world beyond his reach. Everyone around him moved with precision, wore better armor, had sharper gazes, and radiated confidence. Each carried a divine mark, either glowing faintly or hidden beneath robes — but he had none. Even though he passed the class selection, he couldn't help but think, I barely made it in. They're all stronger than me. Stronger... and prepared.
Still, he didn't plan to give up.
Kain stood alone at dawn, outside the academy's stone-walled training ground. The cold air bit into his skin as he ran laps, sweat pouring down his forehead. He moved silently, without a sound of complaint, only the rhythm of his breath and the crunch of his boots on the dirt. Each push-up, each squat, was a silent declaration to himself: I won't be the weakest.
After training, his class gathered inside one of the larger halls, where a tall teacher stood waiting. The man had a sharp jawline, white skin like polished marble, and golden-brown eyes. He looked calm yet commanding.
"I am Harlon," the teacher announced, his voice echoing. "Today, we begin with a brief history of the divine war. Open your minds."
The students quieted. Kain sat in the back, still breathing heavily from his run.
"Twenty thousand years ago, the gods descended and fought on this very land. Not out of duty or honor, but for amusement. They reshaped mountains, drowned cities, and cursed entire regions. The world was their playground," Harlon said, walking slowly.
"Who stopped them?" Kai whispered to Kain with a smirk. "Santa Claus?"
Kain chuckled, but Harlon answered, "An unknown god sealed the rest of them before the world collapsed. No records tell his name. No divine being speaks of him. And yet... every god fears him."
Whispers spread through the class.
"That's terrifying," Elira said softly, seated two rows ahead. Her timid tone was barely audible, but her eyes were focused, absorbing every word.
After the history session, they were led to the training grounds. Another teacher waited, much broader in body than Harlon, his skin tanned by sun and hardened by endless years of combat.
"I am Malvek," he said. "Today, you choose your weapon. The type you select today will define your future. Choose wisely and according to your divine being."
Weapons were arranged in neat rows: swords, spears, daggers, bows, staffs, and more.
Kain walked slowly along the line and stopped at the basic steel sword. No embellishments. No carvings. Just a blade. He picked it up, feeling the weight. This suits me. I don't need anything fancy.
Kai grabbed a long sword with a grin. "Classic, right? You gotta admit, I look good holding this."
"Until you trip over your own feet," Anna muttered from nearby, twirling a staff of ice. The glow around her weapon pulsed with a frosty aura. Her control was graceful.
As students picked their weapons, training began.
Malvek shouted, "Pair up! Let your weapon talk."
Kain faced a noble student named Fenric, who looked at him with disdain. "No divine mark? Why are you even here?"
"Guess I'll show you why," Kain replied, gripping his sword.
They clashed. Fenric moved with confidence, using wind-based attacks to pressure Kain. But Kain's steps, though slower, were deliberate. He read Fenric's patterns, parried with timing, and absorbed blows with grit. Still, he was being pushed back.
I can't win with skill. But I can endure.
A strike hit his shoulder, pain shooting through him. Blood trickled down, but Kain didn't fall.
No giving up.
Then, a faint pulse surged within him. His body steadied. His mind calmed.
[Skill Obtained: Iron Will]
[Effect: When facing an overwhelmingly strong opponent, gain minor stat enhancement if unwavering determination is shown.]
And with it, a voice...
"They like you," Inventor said calmly in his mind.
Kain smiled faintly, barely dodging Fenric's next strike and countering with a clean hit.
A few students watched, impressed. Elira especially — her eyes widened, and she whispered, "He's stronger than he looks."
Elmore, observing from the side, crossed his arms. "He hides his presence well... too well."
Malvek ended the session. "Kain. You surprised me. You endure. That matters."
As they left the field, Kai laughed and said, "Remind me never to get on your bad side. That was intense."
Kain didn't reply. His mind wandered to the dream again — the sky cracking, the world collapsing.
What does Inventor want from me? Why that dream?
The answers remained distant, like whispers on the edge of reality.