Five days later, Lusian arrived at Faldmord Academy, a fortified citadel built on the outskirts of Acropolis.
From the carriage window, he watched the endless line of students and families waiting outside the main entrance.
He could not help but frown.
—Are we going to be here for long?
Albert let out a small laugh and ruffled his hair with the confidence of someone who had raised him since childhood.
—A good joke, my lord.
The carriage did not join the line.
Instead, it took a side road reserved for the kingdom's great families and passed through an exclusive entrance that led directly to the administrative building.
Waiting there was Vice Director Axel Thompson.
His gaze moved from Lusian to Umber before he gave a slight bow.
—Welcome to Faldmord Academy, Lord Douglas. From this point onward, only students may enter. The academy's security falls under the responsibility of the Crown.
Albert stepped forward and handed Lusian a small silver ring.
—My lord, this is as far as I can accompany you. This ring will allow me to locate you if you need to leave the academy. Please try not to wander off alone.
Lusian accepted the ring with a resigned expression.
—Albert... I am no longer a child.
—To me, you always will be.
Lusian did not answer.
He simply put the ring away.
As he prepared to continue, Axel raised his hand.
—I apologize, Lord Douglas, but your magical beast cannot enter.
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Albert stepped forward.
—Who made that decision?
Axel held his gaze.
—It is academy regulation.
Before the discussion could continue, a deep voice echoed from the back of the hall.
—I see you are already causing trouble the moment you arrive, Albert.
Everyone turned.
Magnus Bourlance walked toward them with complete calm.
His presence alone was enough to make several professors step aside.
A Magister-Delta ranked warrior.
The Director of Faldmord Academy.
Albert's eyes narrowed slightly.
—You have not trained your subordinates very well.
Magnus burst into laughter.
—They are simply following the rules.
His gaze shifted toward Lusian and then Umber.
—Although I suppose we can make an exception.
He looked back at Albert with a mocking smile.
—After all... I would not want to explain myself to Duchess Sofia.
Albert clicked his tongue in annoyance.
—At least you learned something after losing to me so many times.
Magnus smirked.
—You are still bragging about victories from twenty years ago.
—Because you never managed to return the favor.
For a moment, the two men stared at each other.
There was no hostility.
Only the rivalry between two old warriors who knew each other far too well.
Finally, Magnus waved his hand.
—Let him through.
Axel immediately nodded.
Albert turned back to Lusian.
—Take care, my lord.
—I will.
Only then did he leave the academy.
After a brief gesture from Magnus, Axel stepped aside.
—You may enter, Lord Douglas.
Lusian did not respond.
He walked inside with Umber while several servants carried his luggage toward the residence reserved for senior students.
The room was larger than he expected.
A private bedroom.
A study.
A personal bathroom.
Even a small terrace overlooking the academy's inner gardens.
Lusian looked around.
There was no need to ask who had arranged everything.
Only one person could turn a military academy into something resembling a ducal residence.
—Mother...
He shook his head with a resigned smile as the servants began organizing his belongings.
For the next four months, he would remain there.
Twenty-five days of classes.
Five days of rest.
Then the cycle would begin again.
When Lusian disappeared down the hallway, Magnus slowly turned his gaze toward Axel.
The vice director was still staring at the door where the young Douglas had left.
—Axel.
The man immediately reacted.
—Director.
Magnus remained silent for a few moments.
—Do not confuse your feelings with your responsibilities.
Axel clenched his jaw.
—After what they did...
—Precisely because of that.
The response was calm.
—The last thing this academy needs is a conflict with that family.
Axel lowered his gaze.
Magnus continued.
—You do not have to like them.
—Nor do you have to trust them.
—But while you are here, every student will receive the same treatment.
His voice became slightly more serious.
—If you allow resentment to decide for you, you will no longer be a teacher.
Axel remained silent.
Magnus knew exactly where that hatred came from.
And precisely because of that, he was stopping him before he made a mistake.
After a few seconds, Axel took a deep breath.
—I understand.
Magnus nodded.
—I hope so.
The next morning, the main building of Faldmord Academy returned to its usual bustle.
Inside the classroom of course 1-A, thirteen students waited for their instructor to arrive.
Lusian Douglas.
Emily Carter.
Nilson Stanley.
Jaslin Erkhan.
Cowick Briggs.
Naomi Sneider.
Summer Kesller.
Darilyn Macallister.
Kasper Bourlance.
Abbel Brown.
Jenna Mondring.
Corwin Armett.
And Craig Denisse.
The door opened.
A woman with brown hair entered with firm steps.
She placed several documents on the desk before looking across the classroom.
—My name is Carla Baker.
No one spoke.
—For the next four months, I will be responsible for course 1-A.
She waited a few seconds.
—The first thing you must forget is your surname.
Several students exchanged glances.
Carla continued.
—There are no dukes, counts, or princes here.
—Only students.
Her gaze moved across each desk.
—And anyone who forgets that...
She paused.
—...will learn the lesson the hard way.
The silence grew heavier.
Naomi raised her hand.
—Professor... what is the difference between 1-A and the other courses?
—Very little.
The answer surprised several students.
—You simply obtained the thirteen highest rankings during the initial evaluation.
She leaned against the desk.
—That can change.
Craig frowned.
—How?
—Every month, we review the performance of all students.
Her voice remained completely casual.
As if she were discussing the weather.
—If someone from a lower course proves to be better than one of you...
She paused briefly.
—You will switch places.
No one commented.
Emily raised her hand.
—Even during the first month?
—Even tomorrow, if necessary.
That answer made several students straighten their backs.
Carla smiled faintly.
—I am glad you are beginning to understand where you stand.
Kasper spoke next.
—Are challenges allowed?
—Yes.
Carla nodded.
—Each student may challenge another once per month.
—Victories count.
—Defeats count as well.
Her gaze returned to the classroom.
—Here, no one keeps their position because of birth.
Only because of merit.
A tense silence filled the room.
Carla picked up the documents from the desk.
—Now then.
She walked toward the door.
—It is time for you to see the academy.