The Academy's canteen roared with life, a chaotic clash of voices, clattering plates, and the mingled aromas of hundreds of meals. Despite the food's abundance, a sharp division was clear: high-tier nobles lounged arrogantly in the center, their pristine robes and expensive meals on full display, while the commoners and low-tier nobles clung to the edges, quiet, cautious, invisible.
The air practically vibrated with a mix of nerves and excitement for the tournament looming just weeks away. But beneath that excitement simmered something else — tension, unspoken but heavy as smoke.
Ace's eyes scanned the hall, the faintest smirk curling his lips. "Can you smell that?"
"Smell what?" Klaus asked, adjusting his satchel strap.
"The tension," Ace replied, his gaze lingering on a cluster of loud nobles showing off near the center. "It's thick enough to chew through."
Klaus groaned. "I wish I'd caught a cold during water training… at least I could've skipped the first day of this madhouse."
They weaved through the crowd, dodging elbows and overly excited students. Klaus grabbed a bowl of simple vegetable soup, steam curling from its surface. Ace eyed the meager contents of his coin pouch and settled for a sandwich — six silver crowns gone in a blink for glorified bread and meat.
They retreated to a quiet corner near the walls, away from the loud nobles and their exaggerated laughter. For a brief moment, they ate in peace, the chatter of the hall a distant hum.
"So, what'd you think of Professor Ratais calling us 'insects' this morning?" Klaus asked, poking at his soup.
Ace took a bite of his overpriced sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. "Setting expectations. We're not here to be coddled. They want to see who sinks and who crawls out of the mud."
Their conversation drifted toward upcoming classes and schedules, blending into the background noise — until a shadow loomed over their table.
A plump, red-faced noble stood before them, his embroidered crimson robes stretching over his bulk, his expression dripping with self-importance. His arrival hushed nearby students; whispers buzzed on the edge of hearing.
"Oh, look at this," the noble sneered, voice oily and loud enough to draw attention. "A low-born… and an insect. And look at that pathetic meal — I wouldn't feed that to my dogs."
A few chuckles rippled through the center tables. Klaus stiffened beside Ace, his fist curling under the table, though his face stayed blank. Only Ace noticed the tension thrumming through his friend's shoulders.
The noble, emboldened by the lack of reaction, pressed on. "What's next? Begging scraps from the kitchens? You two look the type."
Ace leaned back, his smile slow, sharp, dangerous. His tone was polite enough to sting. "Oh, my young master… may I know your name? Could you grant this low-born the privilege of hearing the name of one so mighty, so overflowing with power… that I fear the ground itself will quake when you take a single step?"
A ripple of suppressed laughter passed through nearby students. Some turned away, shoulders shaking with hidden amusement.
The noble's face flushed crimson, a vein pulsing at his temple. He sputtered, fury and embarrassment choking his words. "You— You damn low-born! You think that'll end well for you? Listen well! I'm Theo Harnest, heir of House Harnest, and I swear I'll crush that mouth of yours during the tournament."
With that, Theo spun on his heel, stomping away, his entourage scrambling after him. The snickers that followed were quieter now, but no less present.
Ace finished the last bite of his sandwich unbothered, the canteen around him buzzing with whispers.
"He insulted a Harnest…"
"His Academy life's over."
"Dead man walking."
"He's done for…"
Klaus glanced at Ace, worry etched across his features. "You're insane, you know that? Theo Harnest? He's not just another blowhard."
Ace shrugged, grinning. "He'll get what's coming to him."
They left the canteen together, the lingering stares of students following them like shadows. As they approached the dormitories, Klaus's curiosity finally cracked through his concern.
"Okay, seriously. Why ask his name? Planning to name your kids after him or something?"
Ace chuckled softly. "Nah… I just think 'Theo' sounds like a good name… for a dog."
Klaus laughed, sharp and genuine, drawing a few puzzled glances from nearby students. They quieted as they entered the dorm building, the weight of the day settling over them.
At Room 393, they parted ways with a casual wave. The hallways dimmed as students retreated to their rooms, the Academy's chaotic energy fading with the setting sun.
Ace entered his room, the space still empty. His roommate, Theron, hadn't returned yet. Alone, Ace practiced his elemental control, feeling the strengthened arcane energy swirling within him. The warmth in his chest, the slight hum of power — it was progress.
Later, seated on his bed, he flipped through an advanced Element Theory text, the complex concepts unraveling with ease thanks to his razor-sharp intellect.
The door creaked open as Theron finally arrived, his expression unreadable as always.
"Heard you stirred up trouble with the Harnest heir," Theron remarked, casually removing his outer robe.
Ace didn't look up from his book. "The wind carries stories fast around here."
Theron grunted. "Whatever. Don't drag me into it. We've got real classes tomorrow."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Ace replied, shutting the book. He stretched out on his bed, eyes drifting closed, thoughts already spinning with plans — training, tournaments, exams… and settling a few noble scores.
As sleep crept over him, his status window flashed behind his eyes:
Status Window
Name: Ace Dragnell
Noble Status: Low-Tier Noble
Age: 16 (First-Year Student)
Strength: D
Agility: D
Endurance: C
Intelligence: S
Willpower: A
Charisma: D
Arcane Power: C+
Abilities:
Unique Ability: Molecular Disassembly & Regeneration (Rudimentary Control)
The ability to disassemble one's body down to the molecular or atomic level and reassemble it at will. Capable of regenerating from a single cell. Can now detach and reassemble hand and foot. Further mastery required.
Elemental Affinities: Fire, Air, Lightning
Skills:
Basic Self-Defense (C)
Survival (Wilderness Training) (D)
Weapon Forging (B-)
Reputation: Known for sharp wit, mockery of Theo Harnest
Silver Crowns: 294 (after sandwich purchase)
Dorm Room: 393