heir of the cursed blood

A week had passed since the coliseum battle in RagDon. While Kael Vidarson lay in the infirmary, unconscious and scarred, the tides of fate moved elsewhere — deep in the heart of the continent, far from where blades clashed and blood was spilled.

In the shining capital of the central lands stood a palace of white marble and golden edges, so vast and radiant that even the nobles of the Eight Families bowed their heads upon entry. This was Judicium Astra, the ruling palace of the Libra family, guardians of law, justice, and authority across the continent of Raghas.

Within its grandest hall, beneath a ceiling that shimmered with starlight magic, a long rectangular table stretched across the room. Seated around it were five of the most influential figures in the continent.

At the center sat a woman — poised, silent, and wrapped in regal darkness. Her face was hidden beneath a veil of shadows cast by illusion magic, but her presence was undeniable. Matriarch Aureliana Libra, head of the Libra family, was both feared and revered. Said to be the strongest mage in Raghas, she wielded more than just spells — she wielded the law.

To her right sat a man in white robes lined with golden thread, his features stern, posture rigid — High Priest Caelis El Rath, the head of the Church of Astra and bearer of the Judgment Sigil, they are also the distant family of LIBRA . His family, El Rath, was one of the most distant yet powerful forces, known for producing the saintess — a child born once every generation, carrying divine will.

To the Matriarch's left was a woman with piercing emerald eyes and raven-black hair flowing like ink over her elegant robes. She leaned back with casual grace — Sofa Libra, sister of the matriarch, known not only for her cunning intellect but also for her mastery of information across the continent.

Next to her sat a man whose presence brought a strange comfort. His armor was plain, yet the air around him was noble. William Libra, the Matriarch's brother and widely known as the 'Savior of Libra.' He was a former war hero who had led the Libra family through its darkest days during the Demon War.

Finally, the fifth member was cloaked in a deep blue coat, his silver hair neatly tied behind his back. He sat upright, the sigil of the academy embroidered on his chest — Headmaster Raelis Thornhart, the overseer of Astral Sanctum Academy, the most elite academic institution in Raghas.

The air was quiet until Sofa broke the silence.

"So, Raelis," she began, a slight smirk curling her lips. "How are the candidates for this year's enrollment? Anyone promising, or are we just entertaining another bunch of pampered nobles?"

Raelis chuckled, his voice calm and measured. "More than a few promising ones. But two in particular stand out."

Aureliana did not speak, but her head tilted slightly. Interest.

Raelis continued, "One is, of course, Vaelion Elarion. First son of the Elarion family. He recently made headlines for defeating a rising warrior from RagDon."

"Ah yes," Sofa interjected. "The poor boy from the fallen house... what was his name?"

"Kael Vidarson," William said softly. "Son of the Vidar line."

Caelis El Rath closed his eyes for a moment, murmuring a silent prayer. "He carries no power, yet still fights. A rare kind of spirit."

Sofa raised an eyebrow. "And we all know how rare spirits tend to get crushed in our world."

"Still," Raelis said, "he's survived, and by reports, he's... evolving."

Aureliana finally spoke. Her voice was velvet, layered in an echo of power. "A powerless boy scarred by one of our own. And yet, not broken."

No one dared to interrupt her.

"Keep an eye on him," she said softly. "Even broken swords can be reforged. And sometimes, they cut deeper."

William nodded solemnly.

Sofa leaned on the table with interest. "This year will be delightful. I've not seen a batch with this much tension in decades. The Elarion, a Vidarson, descendants of ancient houses, all converging."

Raelis smiled faintly. "Then prepare yourselves. The next four years may just reshape the balance of the continent."

Back in RagDon, Kael stirred.

He turned toward Eorun, who sat beside his bed, reading a letter. Kael's voice broke the silence.

"...Eorun. What is the academy like?"

The old man chuckled. "It's called Astral Sanctum Academy. Located in the central heart of Raghas, built by the Eight Families, run by the Libra family, and protected by the El Rath order."

Kael listened intently.

"The Libra hold the laws of this world in their grip. They punish evil, keep order. The most powerful mages come from their line. Their matriarch is rumored to be unbeatable in the arcane arts — and she hates the Runcals."

"Why?" Kael asked.

Eorun's eyes narrowed. "Because the Runcals believe in strength through the blade. They scorn magic. It's pride versus pride. Old blood grudges."

Kael looked at his bandaged hand. The scar on his eye throbbed slightly.

"So even the academy is a battlefield."

Eorun smirked. "Everything is a battlefield, boy."

Kael looked up at the ceiling, the faint light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the infirmary floor. A storm was coming — and he would be at its center.

Four years at Astral Sanctum... and only the strongest would rise.