crown of shadow

"Some fates don't collide. They remember."

"And even when she forgot him, he always walked beside her."

---

Velucia Hunter Academy – Morning of Day One

The sky above the academy glowed with a soft azure hue, humming gently with protective runes and illusionary weather filters. Sunlight pierced through crystalline windows, casting mosaics of gold and silver across the white-stone walkway that led from the dorms to the Central Academic Tower.

Footsteps echoed across the polished path.

Kaen walked in silence, hands in his pockets, his black uniform pressed but unassuming. A gentle breeze ruffled his black hair, but he paid it no mind.

He already sensed her approaching.

> "You're early," a calm, elegant voice said behind him.

Kaen slowed slightly without turning. "So are you."

Zian stepped into view beside him—shoulders back, posture straight. Her white hair shimmered in the morning light, her golden eyes sharp, unreadable.

> "Most students are still scrambling to figure out which building is which," she noted.

> "They'll catch up," Kaen replied. "Or they won't."

Zian glanced at him, arching an eyebrow. "You're direct."

> "I don't like wasting words."

> "And yet here you are, walking with me."

Kaen smirked faintly. "I'm not walking with you. I'm walking beside you."

She paused for a moment, then let out a soft breath that might have been a laugh.

> "That's... annoying," she said quietly. "But not unpleasant."

---

A Moment of Curiosity

They continued toward the main hall, the towering gate of the Central Tower ahead.

Zian broke the silence again, this time more thoughtful.

> "Do you have any family?"

Kaen kept walking, eyes focused ahead.

> "No. Not anymore."

> "Me neither," Zian admitted. "I was told I was found near a collapsed temple when I was ten. No records before that."

Kaen's steps slowed briefly.

> A collapsed temple... of course.

That's where they sealed you, wasn't it?

He replied gently, "Maybe you weren't meant to be found… until now."

Zian looked at him sharply. "What does that mean?"

Kaen gave a light shrug. "Just a guess."

> She doesn't remember yet. But her soul still recognizes me…

---

Arrival at Class A1

The twin doors of Class A1 stood tall—polished blackwood carved with sacred runes, sealed with a subtle barrier of mana that shimmered as they approached.

Zian reached forward and pushed one door open.

The classroom was massive—more like a battle hall than a lecture room. Mana lanterns floated in the air. Tiered seats curved in a half-circle around a central combat space.

Inside, 28 other students had already taken their seats.

But when Zian stepped in, every conversation died.

> "That's Zian—the top-ranked."

"Who's the guy next to her?"

"Wait… isn't he rank ten?"

"Why are they together?"

Whispers danced in the silence like sparks waiting to ignite.

Kaen followed her in calmly, without acknowledging anyone.

> He didn't care for their eyes.

He only watched her.

They took their seats—Zian at the front row, second from the right. Kaen sat directly beside her.

No one objected. No one dared.

---

The Homeroom Teacher – Daemon Kray

A ripple of dense mana tore the silence apart.

A tall man appeared at the front of the class in a blur of speed.

Daemon Kray. Former S-Rank Hunter. Current homeroom instructor of Class A1.

> Grey eyes like iron. Close-cropped white hair. A scar over his neck that pulsed faintly with residual magic.

> "Stand," he said.

Every student obeyed instantly.

> "You are not here to become strong. You are here to prove you deserve to be."

> "This is Class A1. The top of the top. That means nothing if you fall."

His voice was sharp, controlled, and powerful. Every word pressed into the bones of the listeners.

A floating screen appeared behind him.

---

📜 Velucia Academy System Overview

Ten Classes: A1–A10

You are in Class A1—the top 30 of 3,000.

All students begin with 1,000 points.

Gain or lose points based on missions, behavior, exams, and performance.

Points determine access to restricted areas, gear, missions—and survival.

---

📌 Partner Rule

> "Each of you must choose a partner by tomorrow."

> "That partner will be your combat ally for four years."

> "Choose well. You won't be allowed to switch unless one of you dies."

Nervous murmurs filled the room.

Some students turned toward Zian. Others looked to Kaen. No one approached either.

Zian leaned slightly toward Kaen, just enough for only him to hear.

> "You already know who I'll choose, don't you?"

Kaen didn't smile, but his voice was low and sure.

> "I've always known."

She said nothing—but she didn't look away.

---

Somewhere Else in the Academy…

Far above the main building, inside a private observatory tower, a woman stood watching the class through a projection crystal.

Serin Yuhara.

Light-blue eyes like the ocean during a storm. Long dark-blue hair flowing behind her coat.

One of the world's strongest hunters.

She watched Kaen's image closely, narrowing her eyes.

> "You don't show up in any system. Not even the leyline archives."

"Who are you?"