THE ALMIGHTY DOMINATING AURA

CHAPTER 11 - WHISPERS OF POWER

The echoes of the duel still lingered in the academy long after the dust had settled. Kael’s name was on every tongue, whispered in awe and fear.

“Did you see it? His aura crushed Dorian’s flames!”

“He didn’t even look tired…”

“If he can beat Dorian, who can stop him?”

But the whispers were not all in his favor. Some were sharp, laced with envy.

“He’s unnatural.”

“Too dangerous. That power will bring ruin.”

“The Elders must intervene.”

Kael ignored them as he walked through the academy halls, but he could feel the weight of their stares, the tension in every step. Victory had not brought peace—it had painted a target on his back.

When he returned to his dormitory, he found Selene waiting, leaning casually against the doorframe. Her emerald eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Well,” she said, “you certainly know how to make an entrance. Beating Dorian in front of the entire academy? Bold. Reckless. Brilliant.”

Kael brushed past her into the room, sitting on the edge of his bed. “I didn’t fight for them. I fought for myself. For control.”

Selene followed, folding her arms. “And yet, every eye is on you now. You can’t undo what you’ve done. The stronger you grow, the more they’ll want to test you, to use you, or to destroy you.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “Let them try.”

Her smile faded, replaced with something colder. “Careful. You think strength alone will protect you, but this is bigger than strength. Politics. Power. Influence. Those battles are fought in shadows, not arenas.”

Kael said nothing, but his fists clenched. He knew she was right.

That evening, the academy elders summoned him. The Council Chamber was a vast hall lit by glowing orbs, the air heavy with incense and authority. Twelve elders sat in a semicircle, their robes embroidered with runes of wisdom and power.

Elder Mael, sharp-eyed and silver-haired, spoke first. “Kael Ardent. Your duel today has shaken the academy. You displayed great strength… perhaps too great.”

Another elder leaned forward, his voice stern. “Where did this aura come from? Such power is not normal. It unsettles the balance.”

Kael stood tall, golden eyes unwavering. “I didn’t choose it. It awakened. All I can do is master it.”

Murmurs rippled among the elders. Some frowned, others whispered to each other. Finally, Elder Veylan—the uncle of Dorian—rose, his expression grim.

“Power without discipline is a weapon aimed at the world. Your aura is dangerous, boy. Dangerous to you, dangerous to us all. Unless you can prove control, you may not remain here.”

Kael felt the weight of their judgment, but he refused to bow. “Then test me again. Give me trials. Push me as hard as you dare. I will not fail.”

The chamber grew silent. Some elders exchanged glances, measuring his defiance. Elder Mael finally nodded.

“Very well. You shall be tested. Not with mere duels, but with trials of essence, trials of will. If you succeed, you may stay. If you fail…” His voice dropped like iron. “You will be cast out.”

When Kael returned to the courtyard, Selene was waiting once more. This time her smile was gone.

“They’re moving faster than I expected,” she murmured. “Trials of essence? They want to break you—or expose you.”

Kael met her gaze, his own steady. “Then let them try. I won’t break. I can’t afford to.”

For a long moment, Selene studied him, then her lips curved into a faint smile. “Good. That’s the resolve I wanted to see. Just remember, Kael—strength makes enemies as quickly as it makes allies. You’ll need to learn which is which.”

That night, as Kael sat in meditation, the aura within him pulsed brighter, hungrier, responding to the fire in his veins. But even as he reached for mastery, a shadow moved beyond his window.

Unseen, cloaked figures whispered to one another in the darkness.

“He has awakened.”

“The aura is real.”

“The masters will want him captured—alive, if possible.”

Their voices melted into the night, leaving only the promise of storms to come.

Kael’s eyes snapped open, golden light flooding the room. He did not yet know who watched him, but he felt their intent like a knife against his skin.

And for the first time, a smile touched his lips.

“Come, then,” he whispered to the shadows. “Test me. You’ll find I am not so easy to take.”