The following morning, the entire academy was abuzz with whispers. What happened in the Royal Court had spread like wildfire:
A commoner punched a prince. A royal nearly killed a student. A noble heir was nearly executed. And two of the Four Great Clans moved in the shadows.
The students didn't know names—but they knew something world-shaking had occurred.
In the headmaster's hall, silence reigned… until a booming voice shattered it.
"You DARE hide something this critical from the council!?"
—Elder Fenix, head of internal affairs.
"This is no longer a school. It's a battlefield in waiting,"
said another elder, slamming a jade tablet onto the marble floor.
The headmaster stood unmoved, but weary.
"The Crimson Lion and Northern Dragon Clans have not raised complaints," he said.
"If they choose to make peace, who are we to drag their children into war?"
"Peace?" scoffed Elder Fenix. "A prince was struck. War is inevitable!"
Before the argument could escalate further, the giant doors burst open.
Doren walked in, not as a teacher—but as a general of the Crimson Lion Clan.
"Enough," he said coldly. "Do you know what happens when your kindling sparks a real fire?"
The elders turned pale. Doren's pressure alone made three of them sit.
"If you want to challenge the will of the Great Clans," he added, "do so with your life in hand. And your family name written on your grave."
No one answered.
The headmaster gave a quiet nod.
"Let this council end here. We will monitor. We will not provoke."
---
Political Tensions Between Clans
That same day, in a private dimension created by spatial mages, two secret meetings were held simultaneously.
Crimson Lion Clan Hall – Grand Council
Seated around the lion-shaped council table, Alen's father, Lord Kael Hellhart, sat with a scowl.
"They dared lay a hand on my son. The royal dogs have forgotten who controls the southern front."
Alen's grandfather, Damon the Flame, punched the table.
"Say the word, and we burn their royal city down to ash."
A shadowy voice spoke—Shadow Guard Commander "Veyran", once a legend now protector.
"That may come, but not yet. The boy doesn't want blood. Not yet. Let him grow. Then he'll choose when to roar."
---
Northern Dragon Clan Stronghold – Ice Council
Ryen Drevaris, Lyra's brother, knelt before a shimmering image of The Dragon Matron, their clan leader and Lyra's godmother.
"Forgive me, Matron. I acted without consent, but I had to protect her."
"You did well," said the Matron. "The prince lives only because our daughter did not cry for vengeance."
She turned to the cloaked guards in the room.
> "From this day, increase the protection around Lyra. And watch that boy. The Crimson Lion's cub will either become her shield… or her downfall."
---
Alen and Lyra's Return to Class
Back at the academy, Alen and Lyra entered class quietly.
Everything had changed.
The students stood aside. Some bowed. Some stared in fear.
Even the most arrogant nobles—who had once looked down on them—now whispered behind hands.
"That's the Crimson Lion Heir…"
"And she's the Dragon Matron's chosen…"
"They… almost started a war."
In their seats, Lyra leaned toward Alen.
"I don't like this," she whispered. "I just wanted to study… not rule the academy."
"You still can," he whispered back. "We just have to fight for normal. Together."
But before she could respond, the door slammed open.
"Well well… looks like we found the Academy's royal lovebirds."
A tall boy with crimson eyes and lightning-touched hair stepped in.
"Name's Zareth Aurelion."
"Top-ranked third-year. Also the Prince's cousin. And now… your rival."
He turned his attention to Alen.
"You humiliated my blood. I don't care if you're from Crimson Lion. I'll break you by the next tournament."
Alen stood, his eyes sharp but voice calm.
"You're welcome to try. But you're not the first to threaten me—and you won't be the last."
Lyra narrowed her eyes.
"And I'll break your face if you try anything funny again."
The class fell into stunned silence.
Zareth chuckled. "So… the rumors were true. She's got claws."
"Good. That'll make taming her more fun."
CRACK!
A punch. Right across his cheek.
Alen's.
---
End-of-Chapter