The academy was still buzzing after the auction. It did not get quieter. If anything it got louder.
Every corridor, every training ground every corner of the market was talking about it. The topic was repeated over and over with more and more exaggeration each time it was told to someone
People were saying "A hidden master has appeared."
Others were saying "They say it's a grandmaster in disguise."
Some people thought "No it's definitely an academy elder testing us."
There were rumors that "I heard it's someone from the Central Continent."
These rumors just kept growing and getting further from the truth.. They were getting a lot of attention. By the time the morning classes started the person who made the item was no longer a mystery. He was already a legend in the students minds.
Inside the classroom it was still noisy.
Riven was sitting back in his chair clearly entertained. "I'm telling you by tomorrow they'll say this guy can make pills that let you fly."
Mira turned to him completely serious. "What if he really can do that?"
Riven stared at her. "You are part of the problem."
Tarin rubbed his temple lightly. "Rumors get out of hand when theres no information to control them. This is what we expected."
Lyra, who was sitting near the window added calmly "It's useful."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "Useful?"
Lyras gaze stayed outside the window. "If nobody knows the truth everyone fills in the gaps differently. That creates confusion."
She paused for a moment.
"Confusion creates opportunities."
Riven smirked. "I like the way you think."
Kael was sitting quietly listening and observing. The fragments inside him were calm. His thoughts were moving steadily.
"The reaction is bigger than I expected " he thought to himself. He had only intended to test the process. Instead he had drawn the attention of the whole academy.
Mira suddenly leaned forward. "We should go back to the market later."
Riven groaned. "Why do we need to do that?"
"To see if there's more!" she said excitedly.
Riven pointed at her. "You just want to watch people waste their money again."
Mira argued, "Its not wasting money if its important."
Riven replied, "Its definitely wasting money."
Tarin glanced at Kael. "What do you think about this?"
Kael paused for a moment before answering. "It depends on the supply. If the creator makes items the prices will go down. If not the demand will go up."
Mira stared at him. "Why are you analyzing this like you're in charge of the market?"
Kael blinked. "It's just logical."
Lyras lips curved slightly.
Before the conversation could continue the classroom door opened. The room became quiet for a moment. Someone had entered. It was Arion Vale. He walked in without hesitation his posture straight and his presence calm but noticeable. Conversations became quieter as people turned to look at him.
Not because they were scared. Because they recognized him. He didn't look at anyone at first. He just walked to his seat. Sat down. Then his gaze moved, towards Kaels group for just a moment before looking away.
Riven leaned closer to Tarin. "Yeah that guy definitely remembers the auction."
Tarin nodded. " Course he does."
Mira whispered, "Do you think he'll try to find the creator?"
Lyra answered quietly "He already is."
The class passed quickly not because it was easy. Because nobody was really focused. The academys attention had shifted.
Afterward the group went back to the market. This time the atmosphere was more intense. Crowds had gathered around the central exchange area, where discussions were louder faster and more animated than before.
People were saying, "They're saying the next item will appear soon!"
Others were saying, "No one knows when!"
There were rumors that "The exchange is preparing another auction!"
Miras eyes sparkled. "See I told you!"
Riven crossed his arms. "This is getting out of hand."
Tarin scanned the area. "No this is just beginning."
As they moved through the crowd a familiar figure came into view. It was the formation girl from before. She stood near one of the array platforms adjusting a structure with control. Her movements were sharper and more refined than before.
Lyra stopped. "She improved " she said.
The girl glanced up. Recognized them immediately. "You " she said, her tone. Curious. Her gaze shifted to Kael. "You were here last time."
Riven smirked. " Course he was."
The girl stepped closer. "I adjusted the formation based on what you said. The efficiency increased by thirty percent."
Mira blinked. "That much?"
The girl nodded. "Yes."
Then she looked directly at Kael. "How did you notice that quickly?"
There was a brief silence.
Kael answered simply "It was visible."
The girl stared at him for a moment. Then she said, "I'm Selene Arctis."
Lyras eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm Lyra " she replied.
There was a shift in the air not but competitive. Riven looked between them. "Why do I feel like something just started?"
Tarin replied calmly "Because it did."
Selene turned back to Kael. "If you understand formations that well you should be in the formation department."
Kael shook his head. "I'm not."
Selene studied him again. "That's a waste."
Lyras voice was calm. "It's a choice."
Selene didn't respond to that. Her interest did not fade. "I'll show you a formation " she said and then she left.
Mira leaned closer. "She's cool."
Riven nodded. "She's dangerous."
Tarin added, "She's talented."
Lyra remained quiet her gaze returning to Kael. " Coincidences " she thought.
That night Kael returned to the abandoned room. It was quiet as always. This time he didn't reach for herbs. He reached for a formation plate.
"If pills create attention " he thought, "formations will create control."
He placed the plate down closed his eyes and began. The Aether flowed differently this time not inward, but outward, structured and layered. Lines formed, intersected and stabilized. He adjusted them refined them and improved them.
Time. When he opened his eyes a formation scroll rested before him. It was simple in appearance but perfectly stable. "This one is better " he said quietly. "More useful."
He examined it carefully. "More valuable " he thought.
The morning another item appeared at the exchange. There was no name, no origin, a note that said, "For evaluation." The shop owner froze the moment he saw it. "Again?" he said.
He picked it up examined it. Then his expression changed. "This is not a coincidence anymore " he said. He turned sharply. "Prepare the hall."
The assistant blinked. "Another auction?"
The owners voice was firm. "Immediately."
Across the academy the whispers returned, stronger and faster. "The unknown artisan has acted again!"
Somewhere, in those crowds Kael walked silently unseen and unnoticed. The ripples he created were turning into waves. The academy was no longer just watching. It was waiting for the move.