The evening celebration was supposed to be a light-hearted affair—a feast to reward the participants of the Academy Games. Instead, it felt like walking into a political arena.
The Grand Dining Hall, reserved only for elite events, was illuminated by hovering crystals that glowed with warm golden light. Long tables overflowed with food: roasted drake meat, enchanted fruits that glimmered, and pastries infused with mana. Yet, despite the grandeur, tension hung in the air like a tightened bowstring.
Alex strode in at the head of his team, his robes pristine despite the chaos of the day. His presence silenced the chatter. Students parted, professors gave curious glances, and some nobles eyed him with a mix of interest and unease.
Kira whistled softly. "We really made an impression."
"They're not clapping because we won," Mila murmured, adjusting her gloves. "They're clapping because they don't know what else to do."
Darin swallowed, his eyes darting around. "I think half of them are afraid of you, Valerian."
"Good," Alex said simply.
He took a seat at the Obsidian House table, flanked by his team. The victory had already begun shifting the power dynamics of the academy. But more than the win, it was how they had won. Calculated. Flawless. Unrelenting.
[System Notice: Social Influence Level Increased. New Opportunities Available.] [Unlocked: Reputation Path – Tyrant's Grace]
He didn't need to read more. He already knew. Eyes were on him. Opportunities would present themselves—but also traps.
He sensed it before he saw it.
A presence.
Lira Veylin glided into the room like a blade in silk. Her sapphire hair shimmered like starlight, and her silver-accented uniform hugged her form with aristocratic elegance. Conversations dimmed as she passed.
Alex met her gaze. No smile. No arrogance. Just calm recognition.
She changed direction.
Students held their breath.
She stopped right beside him.
"You've changed," she said.
"So have you," he replied.
A flicker of amusement danced in her eyes. "Bold of you to think I ever stopped evolving."
He smirked. "Then we'll see which one of us evolved better."
[Romance Flag Triggered: Lira Veylin — Curiosity Level: Moderate.]
She leaned closer. "You've stirred the wolves, Alex. Be sure your fangs are sharp."
And then, just like that, she walked away, leaving behind a dozen stunned nobles.
Arno blinked. "Did she just flirt with you or threaten you?"
"Both," Kira muttered.
The feast continued, but Alex noticed a few things immediately. House Argent's table was unusually quiet. Their team had been one of the last to fall. He caught sight of Caldus nursing a swollen jaw, glaring daggers at him.
Then there was the headmaster.
Dean Castellan raised a glass. "Let us toast to exceptional talent, rising stars, and the unpredictable brilliance of our future protectors."
Eyes turned toward Alex.
Unpredictable brilliance.
Even the teachers were watching him now.
After the feast, as students trickled out, Alex lingered. He knew someone would approach. He was right.
A robed figure stepped from the shadows between the crystal pillars of the hall. A second-year. Tall. Brown hair. Glasses. Polished boots.
"Lord Nightshade," the boy said, voice respectful. "My name is Elliot Fross. I represent a... group of students with shared interests."
Alex raised a brow. "And what interests would those be?"
"Change," Elliot said. "There are many of us who believe the academy favors the bloodlines too much. You've proven that a single decisive action can shake the system."
Interesting.
Elliot continued, "We want to form an alliance. Help you rise. In exchange, you help us gain a place in the new order. When—not if—you take control."
Alex leaned back. "You're placing your bets early."
"Winners are easy to spot."
[Side Quest Unlocked: Rise of the Black Fang – Form a secret faction within the academy. Optional Rewards: Espionage Network, Hidden Resources, Influence Over Staff.]
He didn't answer right away.
Instead, he looked toward the moonlit windows where the Academy crest glowed faintly—order, balance, legacy.
He would break all three.
Eventually, he said, "I accept. But betray me, and there won't be a second conversation."
Elliot smiled. "Understood."
---
Later that night, in the quiet of his chamber, Alex sat on the edge of his bed, reviewing the system notifications.
[Main Quest Progress Updated. Timeline Divergence: 12%. Valerian's Influence: Falling. Villain Path: Stabilized.]
[Personal Perk Gained: Charisma of the Condemned — You attract followers who thrive in rebellion, shadow, or desperation.]
He closed the window.
One victory didn't mean safety. It meant he'd painted a bigger target on his back.
But that was fine.
Let them come.
Because he wasn't just playing the game anymore.
He was rewriting it.
---
End of Chapter Question: Would you trust a rebel faction like Elliot's? Or would you go it alone, knowing betrayal is just one misstep away?