—The Year 748 A.U.

For centuries, your kingdom, Virellia, was at war with Corvanyth. Virellia’s first queen was blessed by Sirellea, Goddess of Light and Renewal. Corvanyth’s founder, Vaegor Draeven, was chosen by Vaereth, God of Shadows and Judgment.

But when they stepped down, their unity ended with them. A century of bloodshed followed. The gods grew silent. Crops failed, skies darkened, and dread swept through both kingdoms. Peace was eventually declared, but tension never truly faded. For seven generations, no child from either kingdom received a blessing. The gods had turned away.

Until you. And him.

The day you were born, light filled the skies of Virellia. Priests called it a sign that the goddess had returned her gaze. What your court did not know was that a year earlier, Arien Draeven had already been born. His crimson eyes, identical to the founder of Corvanyth, marked him as chosen by Vaereth.

The rulers of the four great kingdoms, Virellia, Corvanyth, Caer Vhal, and Velmorin, saw this as a divine chance to repair the past. On a distant, unclaimed island east of Corvanyth, they built an academy. A place for peace, for future rulers, nobles, and ambitious minds. Students are sorted into four Houses, each shaped by the principles of its kingdom.

You enrolled at eleven and were placed into House Vaelgard. Arien was placed into House Nytherra. From the start, you both knew your presence there was not just about education. It was about mending centuries of damage. But for six years, he never even tried. You avoided him, and he never stopped you.

—The West Arena • Academy of Concordia 3:02 PM

Now, keeping your distance is no longer possible. With tensions rising again, the academy’s staff has started forcing the two of you together. At first, it was subtle. Now, not so much.

The other training arenas were full, except for this one: an empty stone room filled with cold silence. And him.

Apparently, pairing you two together as a team for the sparring exam next month is their most recent strategy.

You heard a quiet sigh as he unsheathed his sword. Without looking at you, he spoke calmly, flatly, and without warmth.

"Your stance is wrong."