The high pitched whine of medical drones was the last thing Vane heard before the heavy containment doors of the infirmary wing hissed shut.
He stood in the sterile hallway, adjusting the cuffs of his gray blazer. Behind those doors, the Carbonite brothers were being stitched back together by machines that could not repair the shock he had delivered to their systems.
Nora stood a few paces away, her silhouette framed by the harsh fluorescent lights of the corridor. She watched him, her expression a mix of exhaustion and genuine confusion.
"You really did it, Vane," Nora said, her voice echoing off the metallic walls. "You didn't just win a duel. You insulted a bloodline that has ruled the inner territories for hundreds of years. Kaelo is the golden boy of this academy. They won't just let that slide."
Vane offered a small, lopsided smile. The intense, chilling aura he had held in the pit seemed to evaporate, replaced by a casual, almost bored demeanor. "They can send whoever they wish, Nora. I was just giving them a demonstration. It is a school, after all. Isn't learning the point?"
Nora shook her head, a small laugh escaping her. "You are either the bravest person I have ever met or the most delusional."
The sun struggled to pierce the smog of Valis as they emerged into the open air. The architecture was a brutalist sprawl of gray concrete and humming power lines. Students in silver trimmed blazers scurried between blocks, their eyes darting toward Vane before quickly snapping away.
"This is the mess hall," Nora said, pointing toward a massive structure. "And over there is the Tech Lab. You will need to register your biometric signature for the cafeteria crates. You should probably get some food in you before the next block of classes."
Vane looked at the building and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I don't really have an appetite right now," he said. "I will eat later."
"Suit yourself," Nora replied. "But don't come complaining to me when your stomach starts growling."
A group of three students blocked the path. They looked like the wealthy elite of the inner territories. The leader, a boy with glowing blue hair, stepped forward with a wide, practiced smile.
"Vane, right? The Omen transfer?" the boy asked, holding out a hand. "I am Soren. We saw the feed from the arena. Absolute madness, man. We were wondering if you wanted to sit with the Beta Sects today. You have some serious talent, and honestly, we could use someone like you in our circle."
Vane looked at the hand, then up at Soren. He didn't pull away or show any ice. Instead, he looked at Soren with a quiet, genuine curiosity.
He seemed intrigued by the boy's energy, tilting his head as if he were trying to understand the concept of a casual invitation.
"Flair," Vane repeated, a small, amused huff escaping him. "Is that what they are calling it now?"
"Yeah!" Soren laughed, his blue hair pulsing with a friendly rhythm. "I mean, Kaelo had it coming. He has been top of the food chain too long. We are starting a private study group for restricted kinetic theory. It is a lot more fun than the standard drills. You should come check it out."
Vane looked at Soren for a long moment. For a second, it looked like he might actually say yes.
The intensity was gone, replaced by a soft, thoughtful expression.
"I appreciate the offer, Soren. Truly. It sounds interesting, but I think I have a lot to catch up on first. Maybe another time."
Soren's smile didn't fade, though he looked a bit disappointed. He pulled his hand back and gave a respectful nod. "Fair enough. The offer stands whenever you are ready. Valis is a big place, and it helps to have people who aren't trying to report your every move to the Generals."
"I will keep that in mind," Vane said, his voice warm.
They walked off, chatting amongst themselves, and as soon as they were out of earshot, Vane's shoulders dropped slightly. He looked back at Nora, his expression returning to that steady, neutral mask.
"He was lively," Vane remarked.
Nora raised an eyebrow. "You were actually nice to him. I thought you were going to give him the silent treatment like you did the generals."
"He didn't provoke me like the generals did," Vane said.
By the time they reached the Obsidian Wing of the dormitories, nightfall had swallowed Valis. The smog had turned into a thick, purple haze. Nora stopped at a heavy titanium door.
"You'll notice some older faces around this wing," Nora said, gesturing toward the various marked units.
"Since General Kaine is permanently stationed here at Valis, a lot of his personal cadets who graduated early decided to keep their rooms. It keeps his core unit close and ready for deployment. This hall specifically is reserved for active transfers like us."
Nora pointed to the door in front of them. "This is your stop. The internal sensors are linked to your pulse. If you need anything, I am just a room over, right next door. Don't be a stranger, even if you do act like a total enigma in the hallways."
Vane smiled at her, a genuine, tired expression. "Thanks, Nora. I will keep that in mind."
He entered the room. It was a utilitarian space, but it felt private. He didn't turn on the lights. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched the red blinking lights of the surveillance drones hovering outside his window. He laid back and eventually went to sleep.
He woke up as the first gray light of dawn touched the window. He stood up and stretched, feeling the familiar pull of the school's energy. He walked to the window and looked out at the sprawling concrete maze.
"Efficiency," he whispered.
He grabbed his blazer and stepped toward the door. The day was beginning, and the light of Valis was waiting.