Chapter 14

  The knight scholarship students set out from Artheris Academy in the department’s large horse-drawn carriage, led by Professor Foden, heading out of the academic district toward the neighboring city: Allianz Port.

  Allianz Port was far livelier and busier than Artheris. It wasn’t an academic zone but a common ground for the Five Kingdoms, packed with entertainment complexes and diverse infrastructure. People from all corners came and went 24/7, in true port-city fashion.

  Allianz Port was a young district, less than fifty years old, born from the Five Kingdoms’ agreement that a symbol of unity needed more than just dull buildings in an empty field.

  The result was the dazzling prosperity before them.

  Dan’s eyes reflected the city’s lights as he gazed out, the moonlight illuminating his face. Despite the late hour, the bustling density never waned. This was a city that never slept. If Nora or Casca were with him, he’d have a million questions, like: Why run a city 24 hours a day? What’s the point?

  Then, the prince spotted an odd structure… massive, shaped like a giant doughnut, looming in the heart of Allianz Port. He was stunned. Though dimmed by the overcast sky, its sheer size was palpable.

  “Senior Aaron… what’s that?”

  “Oh, that’s the stadium.”

  He said,

  “Allianz Arena.”

  “A stadium? Like the Garden?”

  “Madison Square Garden’s for amateurs. Allianz is for pros. When you’re in second year and competing, you’ll come here.”

  “So you’ve…”

  “Yup, been here plenty.”

  “We’re here.”

  The carriage stopped, and someone outside opened the door. Professor Foden turned to her students.

  “Out you go. Don’t forget, make the most of tonight, understood?”

  “Yes, sir/ma’am!”

  Dan stepped out last. Looking up, he saw white Roman-style pillars gleaming with golden accents, surrounded by elegantly dressed people radiating high society.

  The dominant colors were white and black, with a sea of formal attire. Some navy blue peeked through, but black and white ruled—this was clearly a Luminus-dominated event.

  Professor Foden greeted a guest at the entrance, gesturing to introduce the students to a kindly-looking figure who seemed influential.

  Glancing at his seniors, they appeared at ease, used to this scene. Wherever Dan looked, he felt like an ant in a savanna.

  “Relax,” senior Aaron said, clapping his shoulder.

  “The big shots here are happy to chat. Don’t be too nervous.”

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Got it…”

  Dan nodded faintly, following his seniors into the event. The grand hall buzzed with a refined orchestra, endless lavish food replenished constantly, and guests in white and black holding champagne flutes, mingling in clusters.

  Clunk.

  The doors behind were shut by guards. Dan stuck close to his seniors as senior Chiesa led them to meet key figures: a former four-bar Luminus general, Mathema diplomats, and prominent Artheris personnel.

  One thing stood out—no Velmount attendees. And no reason for Velmount to show up in a Luminus-dominated gathering.

  “How’s it going, Dan? First time at something like this?” senior Helena Haaland asked, sidling up.

  “Yeah.”

  A lie, technically. For Fury, this felt more like a casual outing. The events he attended ten years ago were all tension, no music or ease.

  “Grab some food. If you need anything, just ask the waiters.”

  “Got it.”

  Helena walked off, replaced by Aaron.

  “You’ve probably noticed everyone’s so smooth.”

  “Because they’re all nobles, right?”

  Chiesa, Helena, Jenny, even Rafinya—they were all aristocratic.

  “Yup. You’ve gotta adapt.”

  Shoulder pat.

  “You need to learn to schmooze the bigwigs yourself, heh.”

  Aaron shoved Dan toward the shark tank, then wandered off, laughing loudly and greeting the elites with a thumbs-up to Dan.

  “…”

  Dan shook his head.

  Then he did what anyone would—headed straight for the food.

  Ooh… I’m starving.

  As he popped a shrimp tail in his mouth, a thought hit.

  Right… My real body hasn’t eaten in nearly two weeks. Gotta find time to shift back and feed it.

  Diablo bodies had a higher starvation threshold than humans. For Fury, a week without food felt like skipping dinner the night before.

  He pulled out his small notebook, a constant companion, and jotted down notes about this “social banquet,” sketching the scene and listing key points about this unfamiliar civilization.

  “…”

  Dan lowered the notebook, sensing something odd behind him. He turned slowly… and found a middle-aged man peering at what he was doing.

  “Whoops…”

  “Nice sketches.”

  “Oh, come on, dear.”

  Beside the man was a woman, likely his wife.

  He was a middle-aged man with a handsome mustache covering half his face. His wife, in a white dress, had stunning golden hair.

  “You’re Foden’s new scholarship kid, right?”

  “Yes, sir. Hello.”

  Dan bowed.

  “First time here?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where’re you from?”

  “Zentinel, sir.”

  “Zentinel? Wow, that’s rare.”

  The wife looked surprised, and her husband added,

  “Don’t say that, dear. We’ve got a lieutenant colonel from Snowhaven too.”

  “True, but to make it into our circle? That’s some potential.”

  The lady leaned in.

  “You’re a bit small, but if you keep performing, sponsors will line up. Keep it up, kid. We’re watching.”

  The couple walked off…

  Dan watched them go.

  “Sponsors? What’s that?”

  << “Greetings, esteemed guests.” >>

  Suddenly, the event’s emcee appeared, ringing a bell to draw attention. Even Professor Foden, introducing Chiesa to Luminus elites, paused.

  << “Thank you all for attending the dean’s retirement celebration.” >>

  Everyone clapped as an elderly man rose from the front table.

  << “Artheris Academy has weathered hardships and peace across generations. The dean’s role in the Knight Division, producing warriors for our sacred land, won’t end here! We’ll ensure it continues. To our alumni and future generations, please honor the dean once more.” >>

  At that, everyone pounded their fists on their chests and roared.

  “URA!!!”

  A luminus tradition.

  The prince nodded, jotting it down.

  << “Now, I invite you all to hear a tribute to the dean from an alumnus.” >>

  Dan knew he needed a seat fast as guests began sitting. He darted left and right, searching for Aaron, his only anchor, but the dimmed lights—focused only on the stage—made it impossible.

  “Dan!”

  A voice called from the right. Squinting, he saw Helena and Jenny seated with guests.

  Helena waved him over while Jenny focused on the podium.

  Dan hurried over and sat beside them.

  Head nod.

  “Thanks.”

  The tribute began. An alumnus tied to the Knight Division spoke movingly of the dean and their shared moments.

  Though he didn’t fully get it, Dan sat straight, eyes on the speaker under the spotlight, scribbling short notes under the table until it ended.

  << “Now, our next alumnus…” >>

  The emcee paused, scanning the crowd.

  << “You won’t believe who our special surprise guest is tonight.” >>

  “Who could it be?” Jenny muttered.

  << “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and welcome Knight Division’s 76th scholarship class… Casca Saint-Maximin!” >>

  !?!

  What?!!