**[WARNING: EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT]**
The second day at the Royal Academy began with Combat Theory, a mandatory class for all Manifestation-level students. The instructor was a grizzled veteran named Gareth Stone—Transcendence 8-Star, former general, known for brutal honesty and zero tolerance for incompetence.
Anthonio arrived early, claiming a seat near the middle—not front row where eager students sat, not back row where slackers hid. The perfect position for someone wanting to observe without being too noticed.
Elena Ashford entered five minutes later, her amber eyes immediately finding him. She smiled and made her way over, deliberately sitting close enough that their arms touched.
"Morning," she said, her voice carrying just enough suggestion to make her interest clear. "Sleep well?"
"Well enough." Anthonio let his gaze travel over her appreciatively—she wore the Academy's standard training outfit, but somehow made it look better than most. "You?"
"I kept thinking about tonight," Elena murmured, her hand resting on his thigh under the desk. "About what we might... train."
Before Anthonio could respond, Instructor Stone's voice boomed across the room. "SILENCE!"
Everyone froze. Stone was a mountain of a man, scarred from decades of combat, his presence alone making weaker students flinch.
"Combat Theory," he announced, his voice like gravel. "Most of you think this class is about learning fancy techniques and impressive forms. You're wrong. Combat Theory is about one thing: not dying. Everything else is secondary."
He began pacing, his eyes scanning the students like a predator evaluating prey. "In real combat, you will face opponents stronger than you, faster than you, with better techniques and more experience. Your survival depends on understanding their weaknesses and exploiting them ruthlessly."
Stone's gaze landed on Anthonio. "You. Crimsonhart. Stand up."
*Great. Already drawing attention.*
Anthonio stood, maintaining a neutral expression. Half the class was watching now, curious about the exiled noble.
"Your file says you reached Manifestation 9-Star despite having Broken Veins at your Awakening Ceremony. How?"
"I found cultivation resources during my exile and worked hard to integrate them."
"Bullshit." Stone moved closer. "I've seen thousands of cultivators in my life. The way you move, the way you hold yourself—that's not someone who got lucky with resources. That's someone with real combat training. So I'll ask again: how did you advance?"
*He's too observant. Need to give him something believable without revealing the truth.*
"I had help," Anthonio admitted. "My servant has cultivation experience. She trained me in combat basics while I worked on advancement."
"Your servant." Stone's eyes narrowed. "What's her cultivation level?"
"High enough to teach me proper form and technique. I didn't ask for specifics—she values her privacy."
It wasn't exactly a lie. Selene was indeed his servant, and she had helped train him. The fact that she was Sovereign 6-Star and could kill most of the Academy's instructors was just... omitted information.
Stone stared at him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "At least you're honest about having outside help. Most nobles pretend they achieved everything alone." He turned back to the class. "That's your first lesson: pride kills. Anyone offering you knowledge or training, take it. Doesn't matter if they're servant or emperor—surviving means using every advantage."
The lecture continued, covering tactics for fighting above your cultivation level, strategies for group combat, ways to exploit environmental advantages. Anthonio already knew all of it—he'd written detailed combat scenes throughout his novel—but he took notes diligently, playing the role of attentive student.
Elena's hand remained on his thigh throughout, occasionally sliding higher to tease him. By the time class ended, Anthonio was half-hard and thoroughly distracted.
"Tonight," Elena whispered as they stood to leave. "Room 156, eastern wing. Don't be late."
---
The afternoon brought an unexpected development.
Anthonio was crossing the central courtyard when he spotted Aria Goldenheart sitting alone under a tree, reading what looked like a cultivation manual. Her midnight-black hair caught the sunlight, and her golden eyes were intense with concentration.
*The second heroine. In the original timeline, she meets Kael during a training accident in three weeks. He saves her from a rogue technique, they bond over shared outsider status, romance develops over months.*
*But I can intercept that connection right now.*
Anthonio approached casually, positioning himself to appear as if he was just passing by. "Advanced Fire Manipulation Theory? That's ambitious reading."
Aria looked up, surprise flashing across her face. Up close, she was even more beautiful—sharp features, full lips, eyes that seemed to glow with inner fire.
"You recognize the text?" she asked, her voice carrying a slight edge. Most students probably ignored her—daughter of a disgraced noble family, she was technically nobility but treated like a commoner by the Academy's social hierarchy.
"I've read it. The section on compression techniques is particularly useful." Anthonio gestured to the empty space beside her. "Mind if I sit? I've been walking around all morning and could use a break."
Aria studied him for a moment, clearly trying to determine his angle. Finally, she nodded. "Suit yourself."
Anthonio sat, maintaining a respectful distance. "Anthonio Crimsonhart. Lightning cultivation, Manifestation 9-Star, generally considered the family embarrassment."
A small smile tugged at Aria's lips. "Aria Goldenheart. Fire cultivation, Manifestation 8-Star, daughter of the 'Traitor Baron.' We're both Academy outcasts."
"Then we have something in common." Anthonio leaned back against the tree. "What did your father supposedly betray? If you don't mind me asking."
"He sided with the wrong faction during a succession dispute fifteen years ago. When his chosen candidate lost, our family was stripped of titles and lands. My father died in prison. I'm only here because my cultivation tested high enough for a merit scholarship."
The bitterness in her voice was palpable. In the original novel, this backstory was what bonded her to Kael—both of them victims of circumstance beyond their control, both fighting to prove themselves despite their origins.
"That's brutal," Anthonio said honestly. "Being punished for your father's political choices. Hardly seems fair."
"Fair?" Aria laughed without humor. "This world isn't fair. It's about power, money, and who you know. Everything else is fantasy."
"Maybe. But sometimes the people at the bottom have advantages the privileged never see."
"Like what?"
"Desperation. When you have nothing to lose, you can take risks others wouldn't dare. Push harder, train longer, ignore safety margins because the alternative is remaining powerless." Anthonio met her golden eyes. "You have Manifestation 8-Star cultivation at seventeen. That's exceptional for someone without family resources. Imagine what you could achieve if you had actual support."
Aria's expression softened slightly. "You sound like you understand."
"Exiled at sixteen with F-Rank cultivation. Everyone wrote me off as worthless. I had two choices: accept their judgment or prove them wrong through sheer stubborn determination." Anthonio shrugged. "I chose wrong-proving. Hasn't made me popular, but at least I'm not powerless anymore."
"Manifestation 9-Star from F-Rank in less than two years. That's... that shouldn't be possible."
"Technically, you're right. But I found resources most wouldn't look for and pushed myself harder than was probably safe. Desperation advantage."
They talked for another thirty minutes, the conversation flowing naturally. Anthonio was careful to be genuine rather than manipulative—Aria was too sharp to fall for obvious flattery. Instead, he offered understanding, shared experience, the kind of connection that formed between people who'd both fought from the bottom.
"I should get to my next class," Aria finally said, standing reluctantly. "But this was... nice. Most people here either ignore me or treat me like a curiosity."
"Their loss. You're clearly intelligent and driven—those are the qualities that matter in cultivation, not family reputation."
"You really believe that?"
"I do. Power respects power, regardless of its origin." Anthonio stood as well. "If you ever want to train together, let me know. Lightning and fire can create interesting synergies."
Aria's smile was genuine this time. "I might take you up on that."
She walked away, and Anthonio watched her go with satisfaction. *First contact established. Foundation laid for future connection. Kael won't even get the chance to save her in three weeks—I'll make sure of that.*
---
**[EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT - SCENE 1: ELENA]**
Anthonio arrived at Elena's room precisely at the arranged time. She opened the door immediately, clearly having been waiting, and pulled him inside with eager hands.
"Finally," she breathed, already working at his clothes. "I've been thinking about this all day."
Her room was similar to his—modest Academy standard for Manifestation students. But Elena had personalized it extensively with expensive furnishings from home, making it significantly more comfortable.
"Someone's eager," Anthonio observed, helping her remove his shirt.
"Can you blame me? You're mysterious, powerful, and gorgeous. I've wanted to fuck you since I first saw you." Elena pushed him toward the bed. "And tonight, I'm getting what I want."
She stripped quickly, revealing a body that was all curves and softness—larger breasts than Seraphina or Cassandra, wider hips, a softness that came from noble comfort rather than warrior training. Beautiful in an entirely different way.
"You're staring," Elena said with a pleased smile.
"You're beautiful."
"Then show me how beautiful you think I am." She pushed him onto the bed and straddled him, her hand wrapping around his cock. "God, you're already hard. Were you thinking about this too?"
"Maybe."
Elena positioned herself above him and sank down slowly, taking him inch by inch. They both groaned at the sensation—she was hot and tight and incredibly wet.
"Fuck," Elena moaned, her head falling back as she began to move. "You're so big. So perfect."
She rode him with enthusiasm, her breasts bouncing with each movement. Anthonio's hands found her hips, guiding her rhythm, helping her find the angle that made her gasp.
"That's it," he encouraged. "Ride my cock, Elena. Take what you want."
"So good," she gasped, her pace increasing. "You feel so good inside me..."
Anthonio sat up, capturing one of her nipples in his mouth. Elena cried out, her movements becoming erratic as pleasure overwhelmed her coordination.
"Close," she moaned. "Already so close..."
"Come for me," Anthonio commanded, his hand sliding between them to rub her clit. "Come on my cock."
Elena shattered with a scream, her pussy clenching around him rhythmically. Anthonio kept rubbing her clit, prolonging her orgasm until she was trembling and gasping.
"Your turn," she breathed when she could speak again. "I want you to come inside me."
"On your back," Anthonio commanded, pulling out and flipping her over. "Spread your legs."
Elena obeyed, and Anthonio thrust back into her in one hard motion. He fucked her with increasing intensity, chasing his own release now, and Elena wrapped her legs around his waist to pull him deeper.
"Yes, yes, fuck me," she moaned. "Come inside me, Anthonio, fill me up..."
He did, groaning as his cock pulsed, filling her. They stayed locked together for a long moment before collapsing side by side on the bed.
"That was incredible," Elena breathed. "When can we do it again?"
"Whenever you want," Anthonio replied. "I'm not exactly busy in the evenings."
"Good. Because I'm definitely going to want this regularly." She curled against him, clearly comfortable with the casual nature of their arrangement. "No strings, no obligations. Just really good sex whenever we both want it."
"Sounds perfect."
---
After leaving Elena's room an hour later, Anthonio made his way to the library for his nightly meeting with Seraphina. She was waiting in their usual section, her ice-blue eyes showing signs of strain.
"Rough day?" Anthonio asked, pulling her close.
"Father sent a letter. He's heard rumors that I've been 'associating with unsuitable company' at the Academy. Somehow he already knows about our friendship." Seraphina leaned into him. "He's threatening to withdraw me from the Academy if I don't stop 'embarrassing the family.'"
"Can he actually do that?"
"Legally? Yes. I'm still under his authority until I turn eighteen in six months. And even then, he controls my inheritance, my family connections, everything." Her voice was bitter. "He owns me, Anthonio. And he's making sure I remember it."
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to tell him to go to hell. But if he withdraws me from the Academy, we'll be separated. I won't be able to see you except during family visits he'll definitely monitor." Seraphina looked up at him. "I don't know what to do."
Anthonio thought quickly. In the original novel, Duke Nightshade's control over Seraphina had been a major plot point—she was constantly torn between duty and desire, never fully able to choose her own path until much later.
But Anthonio had advantages Kael wouldn't have. Knowledge. Resources. And most importantly, no qualms about using underhanded methods.
"How would your father react if you were engaged to someone he approved of?" Anthonio asked.
"He'd back off. An engagement would secure political advantage, which is all he really cares about." Seraphina frowned. "But the only person he wants me engaged to is Kael Stormborn, and I've already refused that contract."
"What if there was someone else? Someone powerful enough that your father would see political advantage in the match?"
"Who? You're exiled nobility with no family support. I love you, but my father would never approve—"
"Not me. Not openly." Anthonio's mind was racing, putting pieces together. "But what if you accepted the engagement to Kael, while secretly remaining with me?"
Seraphina pulled back, her expression shocked. "You want me to marry Kael?"
"I want you to get engaged to Kael. There's a difference." Anthonio held her hands. "Think about it strategically. An engagement keeps your father satisfied and gets him off your back. It gives you freedom to make your own choices because you'll have fulfilled his political requirements. And engagements can always be broken later, once you have more independence."
"And what about Kael? What about... us?"
"Kael gets what he wants politically but never actually wins you. We continue our relationship in secret. And in six months when you turn eighteen and have more legal autonomy, you break the engagement and choose me openly." Anthonio pulled her close again. "It's playing the long game. Giving your father what he wants now so you can have what you want later."
Seraphina was quiet for a long moment. "That's... incredibly manipulative."
"Yes. But it works. Your father gets his political alliance. Kael gets his trophy fiancée on paper. You get freedom and independence while keeping the man you actually want." Anthonio stroked her hair. "And I get to keep you safe from your father's threats while stealing you right out from under the protagonist's nose. Everyone wins except Kael, and frankly, fuck him."
A slow smile spread across Seraphina's face. "You're devious. I like it." Then the smile faded. "But being engaged to Kael means I'd have to spend time with him. Attend events together, let him court me publicly. Can you handle that? Watching him try to win me when you know I'm actually yours?"
"I can handle anything as long as I know where your heart really is." Anthonio kissed her softly. "Let him court you. Let him think he's winning. Every moment he spends trying to earn what I already have just makes it more satisfying when he eventually realizes the truth."
"You're terrible."
"You love it."
"I do." Seraphina kissed him again, deeper this time. "Alright. I'll write to my father and tell him I've reconsidered the engagement with Kael. But Anthonio—you're mine. Even if I have to pretend otherwise in public, you're mine."
"Always."
---
**[EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT - SCENE 2: SERAPHINA]**
"Prove it," Seraphina demanded, already pulling at his clothes. "Prove I'm yours. Fuck me right here, right now, like you own me."
"Against the shelves," Anthonio commanded, his own desire surging. Watching Seraphina accept his plan, seeing her choose manipulation and secrecy to be with him—it was intoxicating.
He pushed her against the bookshelves, her hands bracing against the wood. His hand slid under her dress, finding her already wet and ready.
"No underwear again," he observed, his fingers sliding through her folds.
"I never wear them anymore when I know I'm meeting you." Seraphina pushed back against his hand. "I want to be ready for you at any moment."
"Good girl." Anthonio freed his cock and thrust into her in one hard motion. Seraphina bit her lip to stifle a moan—they were in a library after all, even if this section was rarely visited.
"Fuck," she gasped as he began moving. "Harder. Show me I'm yours even if I have to pretend to be his."
Anthonio obliged, pounding into her with brutal intensity. One hand fisted in her white hair, pulling her head back, while the other gripped her hip hard enough to leave bruises.
"You're mine," he growled in her ear. "Let Kael think he's courting you. Let your father think he's won. But your body knows who it belongs to."
"Yes," Seraphina moaned, pushing back to meet his thrusts. "Yours. Always yours. He'll never have this, never have me, not really—"
"That's right. He can have the engagement, the public appearances, the political advantage. But I have you. The real you." Anthonio's hand slid around to rub her clit. "Now come for me. Show me who you belong to."
Seraphina came with a muffled cry, her pussy clenching around him. Anthonio kept fucking her through it, prolonging her pleasure until she was shaking.
"Inside," she gasped. "Mark me. Remind me who I belong to even when I'm standing next to him."
Anthonio came with a groan, filling her deeply. They stayed pressed together for a long moment, both breathing hard.
"I love you," Seraphina whispered. "Even when I'm pretending otherwise. Even when everyone thinks I'm his. I love you."
"I love you too," Anthonio murmured back. "First and always, no matter what games we have to play."
---
Anthonio returned to his room well after midnight, exhausted but satisfied. Two women tonight—Elena in comfortable casualness, Seraphina in possessive intensity. And the strategic victory of convincing Seraphina to accept the engagement to Kael while remaining his in secret.
*Perfect manipulation. She thinks it's her choice, her plan for independence. She doesn't realize I'm engineering exactly what I wrote in the original novel—Seraphina engaged to Kael but never truly his.*
*Except in this version, she's mine instead of gradually falling for him. The engagement becomes a shield for our relationship rather than the beginning of theirs.*
The Shadow Heart's consciousness stirred in his mind, amused as always.
*"Devious,"* it murmured. *"You're stealing her while making the protagonist think he's won. That's deliciously cruel."*
*It's efficient. Kael gets the political advantage he needs, which keeps Duke Aldric and Duke Nightshade allied with him. But he never gets Seraphina's heart, her body, or her loyalty. He gets a trophy on paper while I have everything that matters.*
*"And when he eventually discovers the truth?"*
*That will be the most satisfying moment of all. Watching his face when he realizes his fiancée has been fucking me throughout their entire engagement. That the ice princess was never his, never could be his, because I claimed her first.*
Anthonio lay back on his bed, letting the day's events wash over him. Two days at the Academy. Three women secured in his harem—Seraphina as primary, Cassandra as competitive partner, Elena as casual arrangement. Aria contacted and groundwork laid for future connection. Strategic manipulation ensuring Seraphina's fake engagement actually serves his purposes.
And Kael Stormborn, the supposed protagonist, still had no idea what was happening. Still thought he was building his legend, gathering allies, establishing his destiny.
*You have no idea, do you? No idea that your first love is already mine. No idea that your second love will choose me over you before you even meet her. No idea that everything you think destiny promised you is being stolen piece by piece.*
Crimson lightning and absolute darkness swirled around Anthonio's hands beneath the blanket.
*Welcome to my story, protagonist. I hope you're ready for the rewrite.*
*Because it's only going to get worse for you from here.*
---
**END OF CHAPTER 15**
---