Chapter 5 : Xero Core's
Kaeron sat on the edge of his bed, the white card resting lightly between his fingers. The golden lamplight traced soft shadows over the angelic wings etched on the surface.
He glanced toward the window, then the door. No sound. No movement. No watchers. No presence in the alley. He had checked everything, twice.
"Two cards in a day…" he muttered, his brows furrowing. "One black, one white. Fire and lions… now angels and whispers. What are you trying to tell me?"
He turned the card again and again in his fingers, staring at the inscription:
"The angels may whisper before the devil does."
The message wasn't threatening—but it wasn't reassuring either. It was cryptic, a warning wrapped in poetry. Kaeron leaned back, staring up at the ceiling as thoughts whirled in his mind. The calm world he'd always known seemed to be wearing a mask… and now that mask was slipping.
He sat up again, glanced at the time.
10:00 p.m.
A tired breath escaped him. "It's too late to make sense of this right now…"
He set the card inside a hollowed-out book on his shelf—where the first card had been placed—and slid it back among his others. Then he closed the window, dimmed the light, and fell onto his bed.
Sleep came quickly, but not peacefully. Not anymore.
The Academy Awakens
The next morning, golden sunlight washed over Solkarion like a soft, glowing tide. And for once, Kaeron was already out the door before most of the city even stirred.
By the time he reached the Forgotten Academy gates, students were still arriving—and jaws were dropping.
"Eliana's gonna faint," whispered one.
"I thought he slept through mornings," another added with wide eyes.
In the main courtyard, Eliana turned just in time to see him stride in. Her reaction was priceless—half smug, half shocked.
"Well, well," she called out from the stone bench where she sat. "A sunrise miracle. I should write this down in my journal."
Kaeron smirked. "Feel free. I'll autograph it later."
Inside the classroom, the tension was thick with excitement. Today was no regular lesson. Today was the official Xero Core classification—and no one wanted to miss it.
Sensei Xavier entered, his usual composed expression darker than usual. His long coat swept behind him like a shadow. He stepped forward, stopping in front of a glowing sigil-board.
"Today, we will reveal your core essence," he began, voice steady. "As you know, all of you are born with a Xero Core… but today, you'll discover which one, and what path it will lead you down."
The students watched silently as five glowing symbols appeared behind him, pulsing in rhythm with the runes on the wall.
⚔️ THE 5 XERO CORES
Ignis — Flame of Will
Luxen — Light of Truth
Umbra — Shadow of Fate
Virael — Breath of Life
Chronis — Thread of Time
"Each of these Cores leads into one of three Sub-X paths," Xavier continued. "These sub-paths determine your specific affinity, discipline, and abilities. From physical force to time manipulation, each path holds unique potential. Learn it. Respect it."
With a wave of his hand, five radiant sigils bloomed across the board—each breaking into three branches.
🔥 Ignis (Will & Flame)
Blazeborn – Masters of raw fire and combat power
Inferic Soul – Stamina and inner resilience
Ashweavers – Create constructs from ash
🌟 Luxen (Light & Truth)
Radiant Seers – Detect lies, see fragments of future
Sanctlight – Purifiers and healers
Prismcasters – Illusions and energy control
🌑 Umbra (Fate & Shadow)
Shadewalkers – Shadow teleportation and invisibility
Dreadbinders – Manipulate fear
Noctscribes – Alter destinies with pacts
🌬 Virael (Life & Spirit)
Lifetenders – Mend body, mind, and soul
Beasthearts – Bond with or summon creatures
Empathic Binders – Connect and influence through emotion
⏳ Chronis (Time & Memory)
Timeweavers – Manipulate the flow of time
Echoborn – Relive memories
Momentbreakers – Create time stasis zones
"This device," Xavier said, placing a circular obsidian pedestal in the center of the room, "will read your Core and Sub-X through aura synchronization. Focus your mind. Let your soul show itself."
The students began forming a line.
Eliana leaned over to Kaeron, grinning. "Any bets on what you'll get?"
"Ignis or Umbra maybe," he replied. "What about you?"
"I'm hoping for Luxen," she said, her spade-shaped necklace catching the light. "A girl's gotta shine, right?"
He laughed. "You already blind half the class with your smile."
One by one, students placed their hands on the pedestal. Each time, the device reacted with a unique pulse of energy—flames, shadows, bursts of divine light or whispering winds.
While waiting, Kaeron felt a presence step behind him.
"Didn't think I'd see you here early," said a calm voice.
Kaeron turned to see a boy with pale silver hair and quiet amber eyes. His uniform was clean, but worn like it didn't matter to him. His posture was casual—confident without trying.
"Eliana wasn't kidding," the boy said. "Miracles really do happen."
Kaeron tilted his head. "You are…?"
The boy smiled faintly.
"Auren," he said. "Looks like our stories are about to get tangled, Kaeron. Hope you're ready."