"GOOOOOOODD DAY EVERYONE!!"

  A booming voice echoed through the massive arena as a man soared through the air, trailing streaks of golden light behind him. His flamboyant purple coat fluttered dramatically as he twirled mid-flight before landing on an ornate platform in the center.

  "My name is Ozaki, and I will be your MC for today!" he declared, his voice amplified by magic, filling every corner of the colossal stadium.

  He paused, raising a hand to his throat as he coughed—though even that seemed overly theatrical. "Ahem… drum roll, please!"

  Magical drums echoed from nowhere, a deep, thunderous rhythm shaking the ground beneath us. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation, their cheers already building to a fever pitch.

  "I welcome everyone to the capital of the Varxis Empire—SOLHAVEN!!"

  The arena erupted. Thousands of voices cheered, their excitement crashing like waves against the massive stone walls. From nobles in lavishly decorated seats to rough-looking mercenaries standing shoulder-to-shoulder, the audience was a chaotic mix of power and wealth. This wasn’t just some backwater competition—this was the heart of the Empire.

  I leaned back against the edge of the wagon, watching the spectacle unfold. The sheer scale of it all was… overwhelming. Solhaven's arena was a circular beast—an enormous coliseum with floating platforms, enchanted screens projecting close-ups of the arena floor, and banners of the Empire waving proudly overhead.

  Veyrin chuckled beside me, his arms crossed as he took in the scene. "Not what you expected, huh?"

  I let out a low whistle. "Yeah… you could say that."

  "Well, get used to it." His gaze sharpened. "This isn't just about showing off. Today, you either make an impression—or you’re forgotten."

  Ozaki's voice rang out again, dripping with excitement. "This year's X-Day promises to be the most explosive yet! With challengers from every academy, guild, and beyond—who will rise to the top and earn the Emperor’s favor? Let’s find out!"

  I clenched my right fist, my blood boiling in anticipation.

  Time to make some noise.

  "What do you think you're doing?" Veyrin asked, his tone dry as he leaned back against the wagon’s edge. "We're going to meet Lia first. Don't you want a cool entrance?"

  "A cool entrance?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

  "Yeah," he grinned. "You weren’t planning to just walk in like some random nobody, were you? This is X-Day—the whole empire’s watching. Lia’s already arranged something… special."

  Of course, she did. That woman probably wouldn’t let me step into the arena without turning it into a grand spectacle. I sighed, adjusting the boulder still strapped to my back. My muscles burned, but I barely noticed anymore.

  "Let me guess," I said, glancing at him. "Something flashy?"

  Veyrin chuckled. "Flashy? More like unforgettable. You’ll see soon enough."

  The wagon hummed softly as it cut through the air, the wind brushing against my face. Below, the sprawling capital city of Solhaven stretched across the horizon—a dazzling sea of marble towers, golden rooftops, and bustling streets. From here, the arena stood like a coliseum of legends, its massive stone walls vibrating with the energy of thousands of spectators.

  I adjusted the long, tattered cloak over my shoulder. "Fine," I muttered. "Let’s get this over with."

  Veyrin gave a mock bow. "That’s the spirit, one-armed wonder."

  I rolled my eyes. "One of these days…"

  We continued to circle above the arena, the crowd’s roar faint beneath us. Then, without warning, the world around me shifted. A strange pulling sensation tugged at my core—like being yanked through a narrow tunnel. In the blink of an eye, the open sky vanished, replaced by the dim glow of an ornate chamber.

  A teleportation spell. Of course.

  I took a quick glance around. The room was luxurious—almost obnoxiously so. Polished marble floors reflected the soft light of floating crystals, while velvet curtains in deep crimson hung from the walls. A long table stood in the center, covered in maps and magical sigils.

  And there, lounging in a chair like she owned the entire empire—because she probably could—was Lia.

  "You’re late," she said, her voice smooth and teasing as always. Her silver hair glowed softly under the magical lights, and those piercing violet eyes locked onto me with dangerous amusement. "I was starting to think you’d fallen off the wagon."

  "Blame your guard," I muttered, stretching my right arm. "He’s the one dragging this out."

  Veyrin scoffed, leaning casually against the wall. "Please—I’m the only reason he didn’t fall to his death."

  Lia chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over me. "Hmm, no shirt… rugged look… a boulder strapped to your back?" Her lips curled into a smile. "I approve."

  I sighed. "Glad my suffering’s entertaining you."

  She stood up, stepping toward me with that graceful, unhurried air of hers. "Oh, you’ll survive. And when you make your entrance? I expect nothing less than spectacular. After all, this is X-Day—and I’m not letting my favorite person look ordinary."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Favorite person?"

  Her smile deepened. "Don’t let it go to your head."

  Veyrin coughed, clearly bored. "Are we done with the flirting, or should I give you two some privacy?"

  Lia rolled her eyes. "Always the charmer." She turned back to me, her expression shifting to something more serious. "But in all honesty, be careful. This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a test. And the people watching? They’re not all friendly."

  I cracked my neck, letting the weight of her words settle in. "Good," I said quietly. "I was starting to get bored."

  Her smile returned—wider this time. "That’s what I wanted to hear."

  I followed Lia to the window, where the arena sprawled beneath us—massive, loud, and packed with energy. The coliseum was alive with excitement, magical screens hovering above the crowd to show every detail of the fighters below. The air buzzed with magic, anticipation crackling like a coming storm.

  Lia leaned against the window frame, her voice calm and steady. "Watch carefully. These aren’t just anyone—they’re the best from every academy. You’ll be fighting all of them soon."

  I shifted my focus as Ozaki’s voice boomed across the arena, his theatrics shaking the air.

  "NOW! LET’S MEET OUR CONTENDERS!" His figure floated above the arena, lights swirling around him in a dazzling display. "ALL ACADEMY TEAMS, STEP INTO THE ARENA!"

  Through the eastern gate, the first group emerged.

  "FROM THE GLACIAL SPIRE—THE FROSTBOUND ELITE!"

  A frigid wind swept across the arena as five figures entered. Their leader, a tall young man with frost-white hair, walked ahead, his breath curling in the air like mist. Ice crackled beneath their boots, their robes shimmering with a frozen sheen.

  "Elemental ice mages," Lia explained. "They focus on overwhelming their enemies with precision and control. One mistake, and you’ll be frozen where you stand."

  Next, the ground trembled as another team marched forward.

  "FROM THE IRONHEART BASTION—THE UNYIELDING VANGUARD!"

  Heavy footfalls echoed as a group of armored fighters entered. At their head was a massive young man with a tower shield the size of a door. Two spear-wielders and a woman with a warhammer flanked him, their presence like an unmovable wall.

  "Physical fighters and defensive specialists," Veyrin added. "They’re slow but nearly impossible to break through. If you let them corner you, you’re done."

  The lights in the arena dimmed slightly as the next team entered, moving like shadows.

  "FROM THE SHADOW VALE—THE VEILLKERS!"

  Five figures in dark, fitted uniforms slipped into view. Their leader, a red-haired woman with twin daggers, barely made a sound as she walked, her movements fluid and deadly.

  "Assassins," Lia said, her voice quieter. "Fast, quiet, and merciless. If they get close, they won’t give you a second chance."

  Then, with a crack of thunder, the next team strode into the arena.

  "FROM THE STORMFORGE ACADEMY—THE ELEMENTAL TEMPEST!"

  Electricity sparked around their leader—a silver-haired man with lightning dancing across his fingertips. Beside him, a girl idly twirled a flame, while others wielded magic from wind to earth.

  "They wield every element," Lia said. "Expect the unexpected. Their teamwork is as dangerous as their magic."

  More teams followed:

  The Wildclaw Pack from Beastfang Academy, led by a beastman with feline features and razor-sharp claws.

  The Dawnlight Order from Solhaven Academy, gleaming paladins who radiated divine magic.

  The Silverveil Coven from Moonshadow Institute, eerie spellcasters specializing in curses and illusions.

  But then, the crowd grew even louder as Ozaki’s voice took on an excited edge.

  "AND NOW… REPRESENTING THE LEGENDARY AUREWYN GRAND ACADEMY OF MAGIC AND COMBAT… THE IMPERIAL FLAME!"

  My heart skipped for a second. I knew that name.

  Through the western gate, five figures strode into the arena with effortless confidence. They moved as though the world itself bent to their will.

  At the front was Reinhardt Vale, the Student Council President. He was tall and lean, with wild red hair that flared like fire. His golden eyes gleamed with a playful sharpness as he rested a long, ornate spear casually against his shoulder.

  Beside him stood Seri Aldridge, the Vice President. She was tall and elegant, her long silver hair cascading in a flawless wave down her back. She held an intricately carved staff, faint runes glowing along its length. There was an air of calm power around her—like a storm waiting to strike.

  To her left was Darius Holt, the Combat Commander. Broad-shouldered and serious, he stood with his arms crossed, a scar running along his jawline. His worn uniform and the massive greatsword on his back told me everything—he was a fighter, through and through.

  At his side was Lyra Vex, the Intelligence Officer. Short and quick, she had fox-like amber eyes and twin daggers strapped to her belt. She grinned lazily, twirling one dagger between her fingers like all of this was just a fun game.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  And then… there was Eli Dela Cruz.

  He walked with a calm, unshakable air—like nothing in this arena could touch him. His crimson cloak swayed behind him, a sword with a blackened edge strapped to his hip. He didn’t project his aura, but the crowd’s reaction made it clear—he was famous. Revered. Feared.

  "Who's that?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

  Veyrin let out a low chuckle. "Oh, him? That’s Eli Dela Cruz—the Demon Hunter."

  I froze. The Demon Hunter?

  "You mean…" My voice trailed off as I pieced it together.

  "Yeah," Veyrin confirmed, still grinning. "He’s the one who killed the Archdemon. And now, he’s part of your team."

  I glanced back at Eli, watching the way he carried himself—calm, precise, and far too composed. There was no way he was normal.

  And yet… he didn’t seem to acknowledge the weight of his own title. As if slaying an Archdemon was just another day’s work.

  "AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST… THE FINAL MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL FLAME—KELVIN!"

  The arena fell into a hush, the energy shifting. No academy, no fancy title—just my name.

  Lia turned back to me, her smile playful but proud. "Well? Time to give them a show."

  I stepped toward the arena gate. My blood pounded in my veins—not from fear, but from something else.

  Excitement.

  This was just the beginning.

  I took a deep breath, adjusting the boulder resting on my shoulder. My right arm burned from the weight, but at this point, I was used to it. With each step toward the arena gate, a sense of pride swelled in my chest. I was part of the Imperial Flame now. And if this so-called X-Day was meant to test us, I’d show everyone exactly what I could do.

  As the gate creaked open, sunlight poured in, and the roar of the crowd grew deafening. My heart pounded in rhythm with my footsteps. With the boulder balanced on my back, I stepped into the arena.

  This is it.

  I walked tall—no hesitation, no doubt. My long black cloak flared behind me as I took in the sight of the packed coliseum. Thousands of people filled the stands, their faces blurred together in a sea of excitement. Magic crackled in the air, and the other academy teams stood scattered across the arena floor, their attention turning toward me.

  I felt… unstoppable.

  A missing arm? So what. I’m still here.

  I tilted my head slightly, letting my Ashen Resolve aura leak out just enough to sharpen the air around me. If they wanted to judge me, let them. I’d earned my place here.

  And then—

  A laugh. Then another. Until the entire arena shook with laughter.

  "What the—?" I blinked in confusion.

  Some guy in the front row pointed at me, practically wheezing. "IS HE—IS HE CARRYING A BOULDER?!"

  A woman nearby burst out laughing. "AND HE’S NOT EVEN WEARING A SHIRT!"

  More voices joined in:

  "Is he some kind of strongman?!"

  "I thought this was a magic tournament!"

  "Is that boulder part of his weapon?!"

  I glanced down at myself—no shirt, just sweat-slicked skin and a massive boulder propped against my shoulder. Yeah… I guess I did look a little ridiculous.

  I heard a familiar snort behind me. Veyrin. I didn’t have to turn around to know he was loving every second of this.

  "Looking good, boulder boy," he called out, barely suppressing his laughter.

  I sighed, adjusting my grip on the boulder. I was feeling like a legend five seconds ago.

  A sharp, elegant voice cut through the noise.

  "Quiet," Seri Aldridge said, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she stepped forward. Even the way she spoke carried an air of authority. "If you’re laughing at him now, you clearly don’t understand what he’s capable of."

  The crowd quieted a little—just enough for another voice to ring out.

  "Tch. Doesn’t matter how he looks," Reinhardt added, leaning lazily on his spear. "He’s with us. And if you underestimate him, you’ll regret it."

  His words should’ve felt reassuring. But the way he smirked… Yeah, he was enjoying this too much.

  I shifted my focus back to the other teams. Some were still snickering, but others weren’t laughing. The serious ones were watching me closely. Good. Let them wonder.

  I turned my head slightly and caught Eli’s gaze. Unlike the others, he wasn’t laughing at all. His expression was blank—too calm for someone with a title like Demon Hunter. He gave me a brief, unreadable glance before turning his attention back to the arena floor.

  What was his deal?

  "AND THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN," Ozaki’s voice boomed again, "IS THE FINAL MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL FLAME! GIVE IT UP FOR KELVIN, THE—uh… THE BOULDER BEARER?"

  I groaned internally.

  Lia’s voice slipped next to me, soft but playful. "At least they won’t forget you."

  "Yeah, lucky me," I muttered under my breath.

  I took a deep breath, forcing myself to push aside the laughter. It didn’t matter. Let them mock me now—by the end of this, they wouldn’t be laughing.

  I’d make sure of it.

  ...

  Back in the preparation room, the laughter from the arena still echoed faintly through the walls. I slumped into a chair, rolling my shoulder to ease the ache from hauling that ridiculous boulder.

  Veyrin leaned casually against the wall, a smirk plastered across his face. "So… where’s your boulder?" His tone dripped with mockery.

  "I threw it away," I replied flatly, still feeling the weight in my muscles.

  Lia, sitting nearby with her usual calm demeanor, didn’t even try to hide her amusement. "You really made an impression," she said, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Though I must say, not exactly the one I expected."

  I sighed, leaning back. "Is this part of your plan? Humiliate me before I even fight?"

  Veyrin chuckled. "Nah, you’re doing that just fine on your own."

  Lia tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "At least they won’t forget you. Besides, if you’re that bothered…" She gestured lazily, and in a shimmer of light, a crisp black combat shirt appeared in her hands. "You could’ve asked for this earlier."

  I glared at her. "You’re enjoying this way too much."

  "Of course," she said sweetly, tossing the shirt at me. "I’ve earned it."

  I groaned, pulling the combat shirt over my head as Ozaki’s voice echoed—no, boomed—through the walls like he was trying to shake the whole building down.

  "KELVIN! KELVIN!" His obnoxiously loud voice rang out again. "KELVIN, PLEASE GET IN THE ARENA. AGAIN—CALLING KELVIN, KELVIN, KELVIN!"

  Veyrin snorted, barely holding back laughter. "Wow, he’s really making sure no one forgets your name."

  Lia giggled softly behind her hand. "You might want to hurry before he starts chanting again."

  I finished adjusting the shirt, letting out a sigh. "If I knew he’d be this annoying, I would’ve stayed unconscious."

  Veyrin clapped me on the back—hard. "C’mon, boulder boy. Time to show them you’re more than a laughingstock."

  I shot him a glare as I stepped toward the arena door. "I’m gonna regret this, aren’t I?"

  "Probably," he said, grinning. "But hey, at least it’s entertaining."

  Rolling my shoulders, I pushed the door open and walked out. Time to shut them all up.

  ...

  Ozaki’s voice echoed across the arena.

  “KELVIN! KELVIN! GET IN THE ARENA! AGAIN—CALLING KELVIN!”

  I sighed, rolling my shoulders. This was it. No mask, no boulder—just me.

  “Good luck,” Lia said, her voice warm.

  “Try not to embarrass yourself,” Veyrin added with a smirk.

  I walked through the stone archway and into the blinding light of the arena. The roar of the crowd washed over me as I stepped forward, the heat of the midday sun burning against my skin. Across from me, through the opposite gate, my opponent emerged.

  Ozaki’s voice rang out. “AND FROM THE STORMFORGE ACADEMY—RAEL STROUD!”

  Rael was tall and lean, his silver hair glinting under the sun. Electricity crackled along his arms as he stepped forward, wearing a confident smirk. His uniform clung tightly to his frame, streaked with lightning patterns that flared with energy.

  “Hey,” he called out, flexing his fingers. “You’re that guy with the boulder, right? Hope you’re better with a sword.”

  I ignored the laughter rippling through the crowd and tightened my grip on my weapon. My heart thumped in anticipation.

  Ozaki raised his hand. “LET THE MATCH… BEGIN!”

  Without warning, Rael thrust his hand forward—a bolt of lightning snapped through the air, aiming straight for my chest. I barely twisted in time, the crackling energy searing the ground behind me.

  Fast. But not fast enough.

  But then I realized—my hand was empty.

  No weapon.

  My toothpick was still in my inventory. If I pulled it out now, the transfiguration would be too obvious. Too risky. Revealing my UI wasn’t an option—not here, not in front of thousands of people.

  Rael’s lightning surged toward me again, a crackling spear of energy. My thoughts snapped back to reality.

  Move!

  I twisted my body, barely avoiding the blast as it scorched the ground beside me. The heat brushed against my skin, but I didn’t stop. I pushed forward, closing the distance before he could charge another attack.

  “You’re faster than you look,” Rael smirked, electricity still dancing across his fingertips. “But speed won’t save you forever.”

  I clenched my right fist, eyes locked on him. If I couldn’t use my weapon… I’d have to get creative.

  Think. Adapt.

  I feinted left, forcing him to react. As he shifted his stance, I lunged low, driving my shoulder into his ribs. The impact sent a shockwave through my body as I tackled him to the ground.

  His eyes widened in surprise. “The hell—?!”

  Before he could react, I swung my fist toward his face. He barely managed to roll aside, a spark of lightning flickering across his palm as he aimed another blast at point-blank range.

  No time.

  I kicked off the ground, springing backward just as the lightning exploded beneath me. Dust and sparks filled the air, but I stayed focused—steady. My heart pounded, blood roaring in my ears.

  I needed an edge. Something.

  Rael stood, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. “No sword? What kind of idiot walks into a fight unarmed?”

  I smirked despite myself. “You talk too much.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Alright, tough guy. Let’s see how long you last.”

  He clapped his hands together—electricity flared brighter, crackling through the arena like a gathering storm.

  And I?

  Wait… what am I doing?

  Why am I holding back?

  It’s not because I don’t have a weapon—no, it’s something else.

  Am I scared?

  Scared that if I push too far, my bloodlust might take over again? That I’ll lose myself?

  …Well, fuck that.

  If I want to master it—if I want to control this power—I can’t hold back.

  My heart pounded harder, the edges of my vision sharpening. Every breath felt heavier, but clearer. The distant hum of the crowd faded away. All I could see was Rael—his stance wide, electricity sparking around him.

  He had no idea.

  I exhaled slowly. Time to stop playing.

  Rael raised his hand, lightning coiling into a spear. "This one’s gonna hurt—"

  I moved.

  Faster than thought—faster than I ever had before.

  In the blink of an eye, I was already in front of him. His mouth fell open in shock, but he had no time to react. My right hand shot out, grabbing him by the collar.

  "What—?!"

  I slammed him into the ground.

  The arena floor shattered beneath the impact, stone cracking like glass. A cloud of dust burst into the air as Rael’s body crumpled under the force. The sound of the collision echoed through the coliseum—a deafening boom that drowned out even the roar of the crowd.

  Silence.

  I stood over him, breathing hard—my heart pounding in my chest. His body twitched once before going still. Out cold.

  …That’s it?

  I stared at my hand—at him—my mind racing. That was too easy. He was fast, and yet… he might as well have been standing still.

  I didn’t even need a weapon.

  Since when did I get this strong?

  The dust settled, and Ozaki’s voice finally cut through the stunned silence.

  "Uh… W-WINNER—KELVIN!"

  The crowd exploded in cheers—but I barely heard them.

  I just kept staring at Rael.

  Because, for the first time, I realized…

  I wasn’t afraid of my bloodlust. I was afraid of how much stronger I could become.

  As the cheers of the crowd thundered through the arena, I stood there—still staring at Rael’s unconscious body.

  My heart pounded in my chest, but not from exertion. I barely felt winded.

  That much power… from one strike?

  I flexed my right hand, the one that had slammed him down. It tingled—not from pain, but from the raw force I had just unleashed. How far can I actually push myself?

  A shimmer of golden light surrounded Rael’s body as the arena’s healing ward kicked in, lifting him gently off the cracked floor. He floated toward the recovery zone, still out cold.

  "Well…" Veyrin’s voice crackled through a private communication rune in my ear. "That was dramatic."

  I blinked, shaking off the haze.

  Right. I’m still in the middle of the tournament.

  I looked up toward the VIP box where Veyrin and Lia stood. I couldn’t see their faces from here, but I felt Lia’s gaze—steady, sharp, and… proud?

  Ozaki, never one to let the energy drop, floated back into the air with his arms stretched wide.

  "WHAT AN EXPLOSIVE MATCH!" His voice boomed across the coliseum, and the crowd fed off his energy, their cheers growing even louder. "OUR VERY OWN KELVIN FROM THE AUREWYN GRAND ACADEMY DIDN’T JUST WIN—HE DOMINATED!"

  I rolled my eyes slightly. Yeah, thanks for making me a bigger target.

  As the applause rolled on, I turned and started walking back toward the gate. Each step echoed against the cracked stone, but no one laughed this time.

  They saw it.

  And they knew.

  I was not someone to take lightly.

  The gate slid open with a low hum, and as I stepped inside, Veyrin was already there—leaning against the wall, smirking.

  "So," he drawled, "feeling proud of yourself?"

  I snorted. "I didn’t expect it to be that easy."

  "Yeah, no kidding," he pushed off the wall. "You didn’t just win—you humiliated him. Stormforge isn’t gonna take that lightly."

  "Not my problem." I shrugged.

  Veyrin chuckled. "Cocky now, huh? Don’t let it go to your head."

  Before I could respond, Lia’s voice rang out behind him. "You handled that well," she said, stepping closer. Her platinum hair gleamed under the magic lights, and her calm expression gave nothing away—but her eyes lingered on me a bit longer than usual.

  "Was it really that easy for you?" she asked quietly.

  I hesitated for a second. "Yeah."

  Her smile twitched at the corners. "Good. You’ll need that strength for what’s coming next."

  I frowned. "Next?"

  She leaned against the wall beside me, her voice lowering. "This tournament… it’s not just for the Emperor’s entertainment."

  Veyrin crossed his arms. "You felt it, didn’t you?"

  I stiffened. "Felt what?"

  Lia’s tone grew more serious. "The aura coming from the other contenders. Something’s off. The other academies didn’t just bring students—they brought monsters."

  I thought back to the other teams. The Frostbound Elite. The Unyielding Vanguard. The Veillkers. All of them radiated strength. But there had been something else—a heaviness in the air.

  I clenched my fist. "And?"

  "And," Lia said softly, "if you hold back again, you won’t survive the next match."

  Her words hung in the air, but I only felt the spark of something else inside me—something hotter.

  Let them come.

  I wasn’t scared anymore.

  I was ready.

  I stared at my hand—still tingling with the aftershock of my own strength.

  Did those six weeks of training really make me this much stronger?

  The weight of the boulders, the endless mountain runs, Kuma’s claws ripping into me—was it all paying off this fast? My muscles still ached faintly from Seria’s brutal regimen, but in that moment out there… it felt like nothing. I barely broke a sweat.

  I flexed my fingers, trying to grasp the reality of it. If this much power came from just six weeks…

  If I fought an Archdemon again—would I be able to win?

  The memory burned in my mind. The smell of blood. The weight of my severed arm. That feeling of helplessness—of barely surviving.

  My heart pounded louder, the thought twisting in my chest. No. I wasn’t the same person I was back then. I had grown. I had bled. And I had survived.

  But winning?

  That… I wasn’t sure of.

  "Still thinking about it?" Lia’s voice cut through my thoughts, smooth but knowing.

  I glanced up at her. She wasn’t teasing this time—her expression was softer, serious. Like she could see the weight in my mind.

  I exhaled, forcing the tension in my shoulders to relax. "I was wondering if I’ve really gotten stronger… or if that guy was just weak."

  Veyrin snorted. "Weak? That guy was Stormforge’s second-in-command. He wasn’t a pushover, kid. You’re just that much stronger now."

  I wanted to believe that.

  Lia tilted her head slightly, her silver eyes glinting. "Strength isn’t just power, Kelvin. It’s about what you do with it. And I have a feeling you’re only scratching the surface."

  I looked back at my hand one last time before curling it into a fist.

  If there’s more to uncover… then I’ll find it.

  And next time—Archdemon or not—I wouldn’t lose.