After the transaction with the Mysterious Old Man, Kael's life at Beacon Academy grew even more tense. He spent most of his time in the library, studying the Compendium of All Transformations and learning about the Void Bloodstone. The Compendium was a vast treasure trove of knowledge about Primordial Energy, with symbols and animated images that only Kael could truly understand. He felt the Primordial Energy within him constantly growing, and his control became much more refined.
The Void Bloodstone rested on Kael's desk, occasionally emitting a chilling aura when the curse within him threatened to flare up. Each time, Kael used it to absorb the tainted Primordial Energy, saving him from agonizing pain. However, he knew this was only a temporary solution. The Compendium was his only hope for permanently purifying the curse.
Aside from his self-training, Kael still had to maintain his facade as an ordinary (albeit "special") student of Eldrin. He regularly visited Combat Room Number 7 for Eldrin's assessments, and Lyra was always by his side, helping him conceal anything unusual.
One afternoon, as Kael was on his way to Eldrin's office, he sensed a strong, familiar energy approaching. It was Seraphina. She wasn't alone. Beside her was a middle-aged man, wearing a dark robe with intricate silver embroidery. The energy from him was so potent that Kael could feel it despite wearing Eldrin's ring.
"Kael," Seraphina's voice cut through the air, still cold, but with a hint of gloating. "Long time no see. I hear you've been favored by Headmaster Eldrin. You must be hiding something interesting."
Kael stood still, his gaze unwavering. "I have nothing to hide. I'm merely studying."
The middle-aged man stepped forward. He had razor-sharp eyes that swept over Kael as if to pierce through all his secrets.
"You are Kael?" he asked, his voice deep and authoritative. "I am Malakor, Elder of the Blazefire Clan. I hear you possess some unique talent. Our clan is always looking for individuals with potential."
Malakor looked at Kael with an evaluating gaze. "I see you have no Source Core, yet you can manipulate a mysterious form of energy. Eldrin has hidden you well. But I, with the eyes of the Blazefire Clan, can sense something unique within you."
Kael clenched his fists. Did he sense his Primordial Energy? Or was it just a probing statement?
"I've come to make you an offer," Malakor continued, ignoring Kael's wary expression. "Join the Blazefire Clan. We will provide you with limitless resources, knowledge this Academy cannot give you. You will have power, fame, and most importantly, we can help you uncover the secrets of the energy you possess."
Kael scoffed. "The Blazefire Clan is known for its use of dark magic and shady dealings. I have no interest in those."
Malakor's smile stiffened. Seraphina beside him glared at Kael with fury.
"Who do you think you are to refuse an offer from the Blazefire Clan?" Seraphina said, her voice laced with menace.
Malakor raised a hand, signaling Seraphina to be silent. "You are smart, Kael. You know that power comes with a price. This Academy can only protect you to a certain extent. Outside, there are many who desire your abilities, and they won't hesitate to use force."
He leaned closer, whispering. "The curse within you... I can also help you understand it. The Blazefire Clan has ancient records of plagues and curses that even Headmaster Eldrin is unaware of."
Kael was stunned. Malakor knew about the curse! The Void Bloodstone had hidden him from lesser individuals, but not from someone like Malakor, who could sense subtle energy fluctuations.
"You have not accepted my offer," Malakor said, taking a step back. "But remember this: Arcania is about to plunge into chaos. When that happens, you will have to choose a side. And I believe you will find that the Blazefire Clan is your only option for survival."
Malakor and Seraphina turned and left, leaving Kael standing there, lost in thought. Malakor's offer was a clear trap, but he had hit upon Kael's greatest fears: the curse and the threat from outside the Academy.
Kael immediately went to Eldrin's office. He told Eldrin about his encounter with Malakor and his offer.
Eldrin listened to Kael seriously, his face growing increasingly grim. "Malakor... he is a dangerous man. The Blazefire Clan has always sought unusual abilities to strengthen their power. The fact that he knows about the curse within you... that is deeply concerning."
"So what should I do, Headmaster?" Kael asked.
Eldrin stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the night sky. "You cannot trust anyone from the Blazefire Clan. They will only exploit you. But what he said about Arcania plunging into chaos... that might be true."
"What's happening, Headmaster?" Kael asked.
Eldrin turned back, his eyes showing profound weariness. "There are signs that ancient seals are weakening. Seals that have imprisoned terrible creatures and powers from the Era of Destruction. If they break, Arcania will face an unprecedented catastrophe."
"And your Primordial Energy... it could be the key to fighting them. Or their target," Eldrin sighed. "You were right to come here, Kael. Beacon Academy will be the safest place for you right now. But you must train even harder. You are our last hope."
Kael felt a heavy burden settle on his shoulders. He was no longer fighting just for himself, but for Arcania. The encounter with Malakor had opened a new dimension to the war he was unknowingly embroiled in.