Choosing One's Path

Even after Kai Dawnsworn departed with Michael Swift, the corridors and courtyards of Greenhold Academy remained buzzing with tension.

The students and faculty could not shake the image of the determined boy. Kai and Boomer had never complained about the injustices of the Fall Quarter Examinations. They had accepted the academy's punishment in silence, yet, when it mattered most, they had risen to defend Greenhold Academy's honor. And now, having caught the attention of the most influential figures in the academy, they had chosen to leave on their own terms.

The dynamics had shifted irreversibly. The relationship between Maya and Kai was now clear to everyone, and the old resentment that had clouded people's perception of Kai evaporated. Where once they had believed him unworthy of a goddess like Maya, he was now the only outer sect disciple deemed fit to stand by her side.

Naturally, this fueled Gary's growing hatred for Kai even further.

Tom, the Pavilion Lord of Earth Element, had suffered greatly in the confrontation, but only one colleague approached to help him to his feet. The others silently withdrew, clearly displeased. As a result of this upheaval, Greenhold Academy faced the risk of losing three of its most gifted students. If they were to achieve greatness, could the academy even claim credit for their success?

…

Kai returned to Michael Swift's residence, stepping into the warm, familiar interior with a strange mix of relief and unease. The echoes of the previous confrontation still lingered in his mind.

"Kai," Michael's calm voice called as he settled into his chair.

"Master," Kai replied respectfully, though his thoughts were still racing. He had only begun to grasp the true extent of his master's power and authority.

"This… was most likely Tom acting alone, driven by malice," Michael said, his tone measured. "Greenhold Academy itself bears no ill will. Their contribution to the city is significant; there is no need to punish the institution for the actions of one man."

Kai nodded solemnly. "Yes, Master. I understand."

Michael studied Kai carefully, brow furrowed. "Yet I remain puzzled as to why you are so determined to leave the academy. Were you to stay, it would only be a matter of time before another Pavilion Lord recognized your talent. You would be valued greatly."

Kai's expression was thoughtful, tinged with frustration. "I understand that the other Pavilion Lords are different from Tom. But even so, none of them intervened when he wronged me, even knowing he was in the wrong. It's clear they weren't willing to oppose him for a mere outer sect disciple like me. One could say I wasn't worth fighting for. Even after today's battle, they still refused to help Boomer and me. I cannot tolerate that. That is why I chose to leave. Besides, now that Tom bears a grudge, staying would only invite further trouble. Should I face a Pavilion Lord while still in the Awakening Plane?"

He paused, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he considered his own words. "As for being valued by the Pavilion Lords… none surpass you, Master. With your guidance, why would I need them?"

Behind him, Boomer listened silently, admiration flickering in his black eyes. He could not help but marvel at Kai's audacity. With this level of smooth flattery, it was no wonder Kai had even convinced his master into being… well, partially on his side.

Maya's blue eyes flicked to Kai, a mix of disdain and amusement crossing her features. At the same time, she noticed her father's approving nod. Michael Swift's calm smile broadened slightly. "You make a very good point," he said.

Boomer blinked in surprise. Clearly, Michael was not one to hand out praise lightly.

Kai seized the moment. "Master, the outside world is dangerous. Any small dispute could warrant an attack on me. I think it would be wiser to remain here and focus on cultivation."

"No!" Maya interjected sharply, cutting him off before Michael could reply. How could he think to hide away, safe in his studies, while the world waited beyond?

Her voice softened slightly, directed at her father. "Master, you've always said cultivation isn't just training and practice—you must gain real combat experience. If Kai is to cultivate under your guidance, he should train outside regularly. His talent is too great to stay sheltered."

Kai nodded earnestly. "Master, she's right. From now on, besides cultivating here, I will accompany Maya on her training excursions. Under her guidance, you need not worry about me."

Maya's face flushed slightly, caught off guard by his words. "You… Father, aren't you worried he might take advantage?"

Michael chuckled. "Of course not. You've been cultivating longer and have more experience. Do you think he could ever bully you?"

Maya opened her mouth, ready to argue further, but Kai quickly cut in. "Thank you, Master!" he said with a cheeky grin, stealing the moment.

"Am I the third wheel here?" Boomer muttered, scratching his head. He looked around, half amused, half exasperated. Kai glanced back at him and smiled. Boomer was becoming sharper, more perceptive by the day.

Michael turned his attention to Boomer. "Yu Sheng, you are a natural warrior. You must continue to refine your skills in combat. I will provide you with a spell scroll for defense, along with books on tactics and spell craft from my library. Then, you will head to Skyfire Mountain for training, continuously challenging higher-level demonic beasts to improve yourself."

"Understood," Boomer nodded, though he looked slightly like the odd one out compared to the dynamic duo.

Kai's eyes glimmered with anticipation. "Master, what about me? What is next?"

Michael's gaze was sharp and knowing. "Since you are cultivating both martial and Spell Craft arts, you will need to break through the planes for both simultaneously. Your tasks are many. The road ahead will not be easy."

Kai nodded, excitement and determination lighting his golden eyes. He headed toward the study, where towering shelves of books awaited him. The collection was vast, a private library containing rare and ancient texts—a smaller, more concentrated version of Greenhold Academy's own archives.

"Awakening level Thunder Elemental Sorcery, Thunder Lash, and Fire Elemental Sorcery, Burning of Silence…" Kai muttered, selecting two spellbooks carefully. The night deepened outside, shadows stretching across the study, but inside, Kai's focus burned brighter than any lamp.

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