Throughout the kingdom, word of the conflict between House Douglas and House Armett spread like wildfire. To the common eye, it seemed like yet another clash between powerful nobles—but the truth was far more complex, and far more dangerous.

  The Duchy of Douglas was feared for its overwhelming military strength, capable of rivaling—even surpassing—certain divisions of the royal army. Its reputation alone was enough to discourage most from opposing it openly.

  Count Noah, fully aware that he could not compete through brute force, turned to the only option left: mercenaries. He offered vast sums of gold, but most either refused outright or demanded impossible terms, unwilling to die on the front lines of what looked like a hopeless war.

  Marcus, ever calculating, saw in this crisis a strategic opportunity.

  If we cannot confront them head-on… we will infiltrate them disguised as mercenaries.

  The plan was simple in theory: exploit the conflict as a testing ground to weaken the Duchy of Douglas from within.

  A week later, all academy students were summoned back to resume classes. Repairs following the demonic cult's attack had finally been completed.

  Lusian returned to the dormitories with Umber and immediately noticed the changes—reinforced walls, upgraded magical defenses, additional soldiers patrolling the grounds. In the event of another threat, every building could now generate a temporary protective barrier until reinforcements arrived from the capital.

  While reviewing training records in one of the halls, Lusian was approached by Professor Clara, who stepped carefully between the columns. She wished to thank him personally for saving her life during the cult's assault. They exchanged a few quiet words as the scent of old books and the faint glow of mana filled the chamber.

  It was then that Lusian noticed Kara crossing the hall—wearing the academy's regulation dress.

  The sight was unusual for someone who favored trousers and agile movement.

  At least she keeps her word, he thought with a faint smile, though tension still lingered in the air after recent events.

  When Lusian reached his private chamber in the noble dormitory wing, he paused before the heavy oak door carved with intricate protective sigils.

  His room unfolded like a small palace: velvet carpets, polished furniture gleaming beneath chandelier light, shelves lined with ancient tomes. Servants moved quietly through the space, adjusting trays and candles like silent shadows.

  As he stepped inside, Elizabeth startled him.

  The princess moved with delicate stealth, careful not to be seen by the attendants. Her golden hair shimmered beneath the chandelier's glow. Without warning, she threw herself into his arms and kissed him—urgent, breathless—until they finally parted, both struggling for air.

  She had arrived through a secret passage connecting the outer gardens to the dormitories, planning to leave just as quietly.

  "I missed you so much, my love," Elizabeth whispered, resting her forehead against his chest. "My mother has been watching me closely."

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  "I know. It's been just as frustrating for me," Lusian replied softly, brushing his fingers through her hair. "But at least we can make the most of these moments."

  She pulled back slightly, her expression serious.

  "I've been keeping track of you. I saw your fight in the park. Kara is still bothering you. We'll need to have a serious talk with her."

  "Yes," Lusian sighed. "Ever since she started eating the King of the Cymopelia Forest's meat, her power has grown… along with her arrogance. By the way, did you receive my mother's gift?"

  Elizabeth nodded. "For five days, it strengthened me. The first days were difficult… but afterward, I felt noticeably stronger."

  Lusian drew her close again.

  "Let's stop talking about dull matters. Every minute together is a privilege."

  For a moment, the world disappeared—no servants, no academy, no kingdom. Just the two of them, sharing stolen time.

  "Emily, wait! How have you been?"

  Alejandro ran down the academy corridor, calling after her.

  Emily stopped and faced him calmly.

  "Alejandro… I've already told you we should keep our distance. I don't want misunderstandings between us."

  "It's not fair!" he burst out. "We've been friends since childhood! And now you push me away because your fiancé is nearby?"

  Emily said nothing more. She turned and walked away with quiet resolve.

  "Damn Lusian! I'll beat you senseless when I see you!" Alejandro shouted, jealousy and long-buried resentment twisting in his voice.

  In Classroom 1A, Professor Clara addressed the students:

  "Due to recent events, classification duels will be moved forward. The tournament is already scheduled. You will be notified of your assigned dates."

  Later that day, Lusian walked with Emily through the academy courtyard. The sunset painted the ancient walls in gold and crimson.

  "Lusian, I challenge you to a ranking duel," Alejandro declared, appearing behind them.

  Emily gripped Lusian's sleeve.

  "Alejandro, please. Don't cause a scene."

  "We're at the academy—we follow its rules! What do you say, Lusian?"

  Lusian crossed his arms.

  "I'm tired. Listening to you is enough to make me sleepy."

  Alejandro smirked.

  "I didn't realize you were a coward."

  Lusian sighed and stepped into the center of the courtyard as students gathered around.

  "You're annoying. But if you're so eager to imitate Kara, fine. Show me what you've got."

  Professor Clara organized the duel swiftly.

  "Why are you so hostile toward me?" Lusian asked evenly.

  "Even the Douglas don't know the atrocities they commit," Alejandro replied cryptically.

  What a nuisance, Lusian thought.

  Alejandro charged first.

  Steel clashed. Magic erupted.

  The duel became a storm of blades and spells. Lusian moved with controlled precision, alternating projectiles, shockwaves, and barriers. Alejandro fought fiercely, but fatigue came quickly.

  The difference was clear.

  Alejandro possessed Delta-level magical affinity, reducing mana costs by roughly forty percent.

  Lusian, however, held Epsilon-level affinity—halving his spell consumption.

  Efficiency decided everything.

  "Stop hiding behind magic!" Alejandro shouted, breath ragged.

  "You started this," Lusian replied calmly. "Now you're my practice target. Block if you can."

  Dark projectiles struck from impossible angles. Shockwaves battered Alejandro's defenses. The ground trembled with magical impact.

  When Alejandro finally closed the distance, Lusian blocked gracefully and forced him back again.

  Mana drained from Alejandro's reserves.

  Lusian remained steady.

  At last, Lusian began a final incantation.

  "As a courtesy, you'll assist me in testing a new spell."

  Alejandro tried to rise—but exhaustion overtook him.

  A black shadow burst from the ground, forming multiple dark lances that struck him repeatedly. Each impact displayed the gap in efficiency and control.

  Alejandro collapsed, defeated—not by raw power alone, but by superior mastery of mana.

  Kara watched silently. Though her own battle against Lusian had been closer, she recognized the same truth: affinity determined victory.

  She would surpass him next time.

  Emily approached cautiously.

  "You're not hurt, are you?"

  "I'm fine," Lusian replied. "Are you upset?"

  "Why would I be? He chose this."

  A breeze stirred Lusian's hair.

  "You don't need to push your friends away because of me," he said gently. "Our rivalry shouldn't cost you your happiness."

  Emily nodded, relief softening her expression as the last light of sunset faded, leaving behind a fragile calm amid gathering storms.