Page 39 of Axis of Fire

Then—

“Everything that happens during the Selection is broadcast across all twelve worlds,” he said at last.

“Anyone can watch it. It gives people hope... in times like these—”

“Don’t speak in riddles,” I cut him off.

“I need clarity. And the truth.”

For a second—

I swear—

his gaze could’ve killed me.

But I didn’t flinch.

“You said ‘times like these.’ Why are they difficult?”

He held my gaze.

Then answered.

“The universe of Noveris—which governs all twelve worlds—is under threat.”

I leaned forward slightly.

Listening.

“There’s someone who wants to destroy the gene that gives us magic. To do that, he needs a powerful army.”

I nodded slowly.

It made sense.

“And Istarus is the core.

Where powerful beings are trained and shaped.”

He was still choosing his words—

but now, less carefully.

“During the Selection, he watches the new students. Learns what they’re capable of. What role they could play in his army.”

Airis cleared his throat.

“That’s why, for the past four years, the academy has been hiding the potential of strong mages. Anyone with exceptional potential is trained to suppress it during the Selection.”

“So he doesn’t notice them.”

“Why would he want to destroy the gene that gives us magic?” I asked.

Airis paused.

Then said,

“They call it the demonic gene.”