The next day, the academy returned to its usual rhythm.
But the rumors about Dreville continued spreading through the halls.
The Douglas army's deployment.
The demonic cult.
The hundreds of undead.
No one talked about anything else.
Emily was walking beside Manuel when a familiar voice called out to her.
—Emily.
Alejandro approached with a relieved smile.
—I'm glad you're okay. When I heard what happened, I thought that...
He stopped before finishing the sentence.
Emily gave him a small smile.
—It was a very dangerous situation.
Alejandro hesitated for a moment.
—Was Lusian with you?
—Yes.
—Of course...
Alejandro lowered his gaze.
—I assumed he would be.
Emily slightly frowned.
—What does that mean?
Before Alejandro could answer, Manuel intervened.
—It means that ever since you met the Douglases, you haven't stopped putting yourself in danger.
Emily looked at him in surprise.
—Danger?
—The duchess constantly invites you.
You attend meetings.
Events.
And now you ended up in the middle of a battle against a demonic cult.
Manuel held her gaze.
—Emily... you almost died.
Alejandro stepped forward.
—That's what worries me.
Lusian is the heir of the Douglas Duchy.
His life will always be surrounded by conflicts.
He has knights.
He has mages.
He has an entire army willing to die for him.
He paused briefly.
—But you don't.
Emily remained silent.
Alejandro continued in a quieter voice.
—If something had happened to you...
Would he have been able to protect you?
The question hung between the three of them.
Emily remembered the battle.
She remembered the Lich raising the halberd.
She remembered Lusian stepping in front of her.
She remembered the knights dying to clear a path for them.
Finally, she raised her eyes.
—You're wrong.
The two of them looked at her.
—Lusian didn't take me there.
I decided to go.
Manuel sighed.
—Emily...
She shook her head.
—You always talk about protecting me.
But you never ask me what I want to protect.
The two of them fell silent.
Emily took a deep breath.
—That day I saw people who were going to die.
Children.
Entire families.
Do you really think I should have just stood there watching because it was dangerous?
Neither of them answered.
Emily lowered her voice.
—Lusian didn't run away either.
That's what I saw.
Without adding anything else, she continued walking toward the classroom.
Alejandro remained motionless.
—She's changing...
Manuel watched the hallway where Emily had disappeared.
—Yes.
His voice sounded more worried than angry.
—And that's exactly what scares me.
Alejandro looked away.
—Before, she listened to us.
Manuel slowly shook his head.
—Now...
Later, in Classroom 1A, Professor Carla was teaching history.
—Seven hundred and fourteen years ago —she began—, due to the constant invasions by barbarian tribes, the four great clans decided to unite. After expelling them, they founded what we now know as the Kingdom of Carpatia.
While writing on the blackboard, she continued:
—Over time, neighboring tribes requested protection and joined the kingdom through treaties and oaths of loyalty. Thus, the great noble houses we know today were born. The three duchies, together with the royal family, descend directly from those founding clans.
In the last row, Lusian rested his head on one hand, struggling to keep his eyes open.
Emily lightly nudged him with her elbow.
—Don't fall asleep.
—I'm trying... but this class is more dangerous than a Lich.
Emily held back a laugh.
—Two days ago you were commanding an army.
Now you can't survive a history class.
—The undead were more considerate.
At least they did something interesting.
Emily shook her head.
—You're impossible.
—When you spend the day running away from a crazy woman trying to destroy you, resting for five minutes should be considered a right.
—Is Kara still looking for you?
—As if I owed her money.
The professor placed the chalk on the desk.
—Since young Master Lusian seems to have enough time to chat...
The entire class turned their heads.
Carla smiled calmly.
—Let's see if he also has enough time to answer.
She crossed her arms.
—As the heir of one of the founding duchies, tell me...
Why can a noble declare war?
Lusian remained still.
Then he discreetly shifted his gaze toward Emily's notebook.
She sighed in resignation and slightly turned the page.
Lusian read a couple of lines and answered naturally.
—There are three recognized causes.
The defense of territory.
The protection of a noble house's honor and prestige.
And disputes that could not be resolved through diplomatic means.
Carla nodded.
—And the procedure?
—First, informing the Crown and the involved houses so that the conflict can be officially recognized.
The professor smiled.
—Correct answer.
She paused briefly before adding:
—Although next time, try answering with what you learned in class... and not with Miss Emily's notes.
The entire classroom burst into laughter.
Emily covered her face with one hand.
Lusian coughed with fake seriousness.
—Teacher... observing carefully is also an important skill for a noble.
Carla raised an eyebrow.
—Oh? Is that so?
—Of course.
Quickly identifying a good source of information can save lives.
More laughter was heard.
Even Carla ended up smiling.
—Then I hope that skill also helps you pass the exam.
Lusian let out a sigh.
—That will be much harder.
Lusian took refuge in the library.
After an entire morning spent avoiding Kara through the academy's corridors, it was the only place where he hoped to find a few minutes of peace.
The silence, the scent of ancient books, and the light passing through the tall windows were enough to ease his exhaustion.
He opened a book.
He didn't even make it through the first page.
—Lord Lusian.
He raised his gaze.
Isabella walked toward him with a warm smile.
—What a pleasure to find you here.
Lusian calmly closed the book.
—The pleasure is mine, Miss Isabella. How are you feeling?
—Much better.
She stopped in front of the table.
—Actually... I wanted to apologize for what happened the other time.
Lusian shook his head.
—You did nothing wrong.
He paused briefly.
—Although I must admit that Prince Leonardo was... quite enthusiastic.
Isabella let out a sigh.
—He's always like that.
And Caleb doesn't help either.
Every time someone tries to talk to me, the two of them appear.
Lusian smiled slightly with irony.
—That must be exhausting.
—It is.
For a moment, Isabella lowered her gaze.
Then she smiled again.
—But I suppose there isn't much I can do about it.
Lusian rested an arm on the table.
—There is an old saying.
—What is it?
—That beauty can also become a misfortune.
Isabella's lips formed an amused smile.
—Are you calling me beautiful, Lord Lusian?
—I'm saying that I understand your problem.
She let out a small laugh.
—Then... are you no longer afraid of returning to the art room?
Lusian raised an eyebrow.
—Was that the true purpose of this conversation?
Isabella pretended to be surprised.
—Did you discover it that quickly?
—It wasn't very difficult.
Leonardo already knows I'm not afraid of him.
And Caleb doesn't seem interested in arguing with me either.
Isabella slowly nodded.
—That means...
—...you'll be able to paint peacefully.
She shook her head with a smile.
—Not exactly.
Lusian waited.
—I was wondering...
Could we become friends?
For a moment, both of them remained silent.
Lusian looked at that innocent smile.
Lusian stayed quiet for several seconds before answering.
Isabella's smile remained as natural as always.
In the game...
She had been connected to Caleb's death.
But it was never clear whether it had been a betrayal...
or whether someone had simply used her.
He remembered the arguments between the players.
Some insisted Isabella had sold information.
Others defended her, saying she had only been another victim.
A definitive answer had never appeared.
That was why...
He couldn't afford to blindly trust her.
But he couldn't distance himself from her either.
If he wanted to prevent that death...
He needed to discover what had truly happened.
Lusian slowly breathed out.
—I accept being your friend.
Isabella's eyes lit up.
—Really?
—Under one condition.
She tilted her head slightly.
—What is it?
—Don't expect me to come to the art room every day.
Isabella blinked.
—Huh?
—I have too many things to deal with.
Training.
Classes.
Duchy affairs.
And if I constantly disappear with you, the rumors will end up causing you more problems than solutions.
Isabella remained thoughtful for a few seconds.
Then she smiled.
—Then... can I come to the library?
Lusian let out a small laugh.
—That would be much less noticeable.
Besides...
He looked at the book resting on the table.
—No one will bother us here.
Isabella's eyes brightened.
—And will you also teach me music?
Lusian remembered the afternoon when he had played that strange melody on the flute.
He could still see the expression of amazement on her face when she heard a style completely different from anything in that world.
He smiled nostalgically.
—From time to time.
But only after you finish reading the book I choose for you.
Isabella made a small pout.
—That sounds more like a teacher than a friend.
—It's the only way to make sure you're not coming only for the concerts.
She laughed.
—Alright.
I accept the deal.
Lusian returned her smile.
Keep your distance.
Observe her.
Discover the truth.
And don't let Caleb die.
For a few minutes, Lusian believed that, finally, he would have a peaceful day.
Then a chill ran down his spine.
He didn't need to turn around.
He knew that feeling far too well.
Kara had found him.
He slowly lifted his gaze toward the second floor of the library.
There she was.
She had just entered.
Her eyes scanned every bookshelf with the patience of a predator.
(Great... just when I was starting to have a peaceful day.)
From below, Kara continued searching among the students.
Until their eyes met.
A smile slowly appeared on her face.
She had found her prey.
Lusian calmly closed the book.
—Miss Isabella, I'm afraid I must leave. I just remembered an urgent matter.
Isabella smiled teasingly.
—An urgent matter... with a name and surname?
Lusian coughed.
—Let's say yes.
He said goodbye with a slight bow and began climbing toward the third floor, intending to escape through the side exit.
He had only taken a few steps when a voice echoed throughout the entire library.
—!!!LUSIAN DOUGLAS!!!
Everyone raised their heads.
—!!!STOP HIDING, COWARD!!!
The library's silence vanished instantly.
The librarians closed their eyes in resignation.
Some students even started gathering their books.
They already knew what was coming.
Lusian stopped halfway up the stairs.
He sighed.
—You're here already...
He slowly turned around.
—At least avoid shouting inside the library.
Kara pointed toward the exit.
—Training arena.
Now.
—Yes, yes... I'm coming.
While descending the stairs, he muttered to himself:
—Every day she becomes more like a debt collector...
A few minutes later.
The combat arena filled with students once again.
Some had even arrived before them.
It wasn't an announced practice.
It wasn't a class.
It was simply the result of everyone in the academy already knowing what happened whenever Kara and Lusian faced each other.
—Again...
—How many times this month?
—I lost count.
—I think this is the fifth.
Kara drew her sword.
Her gaze showed no trace of hesitation.
—This time you won't escape.
Lusian sighed as he took his weapon.
—That's what you said the last... four times.
—Five!!
—Wow. You're even keeping count.
Some students laughed.
Kara gritted her teeth.
—Shut up and fight.
The referee raised his hand.
The arena fell silent.
—Begin!
Kara disappeared.
It wasn't just a simple dash.
It was an explosion of speed.
Her sword descended like a storm.
Clang.
The first strike.
Clang.
The second.
Clang.
The third.
Lusian blocked purely by instinct.
On the outside, he still appeared relaxed.
But his eyes had changed.
(This speed...)
Kara wasn't attacking like before.
Every movement was more precise.
Heavier.
Cleaner.
One step.
Another.
Her stance changed.
And then Lusian stopped smiling.
(That position...)
He recognized it.
It wasn't a technique Kara should know yet.
It was an advanced combination from the game.
A skill designed to break frontal defenses.
The first impact forced the opponent to block.
The second strike slightly changed the angle and pierced through the defense.
A technique created to punish those who relied too much on their endurance.
(Impossible.)
Kara had only just begun her training.
She shouldn't know how to use it.
The sword descended.
Lusian waited.
One second.
Half a second.
Until the final instant.
Then he moved.
He didn't try to stop the strike.
He followed it.
A thin layer of darkness covered only the edge of his sword.
Nothing else.
No explosion.
No visible increase in power.
Only precision.
The two blades collided.
The metallic sound spread across the entire arena.
For a moment, everyone expected Lusian to be sent flying.
But it didn't happen.
The students held their breath.
Kara's sword had slightly lost its angle.
A few centimeters.
Nothing more.
But it was enough.
Lusian had seen the opening.
He turned with the impact, using Kara's own strength against her.
The girl tried to correct her movement.
Too late.
A sharp strike.
The handle of her sword flew from her hand.
Before she could react, the tip of Lusian's weapon was already at her neck.
Silence.
Kara remained completely still.
She looked at the sword pointed at her.
Then at Lusian.
For the first time in a long while, she did not look angry.
She looked confused.
—...
—How did you do that?
Lusian lowered his weapon.
—Do what?
Kara frowned.
—You're not going to tell me.
He smiled.
That smile annoyed her more than the defeat itself.
Because it wasn't a smile of superiority.
It was worse.
It looked like he was genuinely enjoying watching her try to figure it out.
Kara gritted her teeth.
For the first time, she didn't know what bothered her more.
Having lost...
Or that idiot's attitude.
Then she picked up her sword from the ground.
—Again.
Lusian closed his eyes.
—I knew you were going to say that.
Five minutes later...
The arena looked as if it had survived a real battle.
The students watched in silence.
No one was laughing anymore.
Because the difference between the two of them was still obvious.
But it no longer looked like a simple defeat.
Kara had forced Lusian to put in effort.
At first, he had completely controlled the fight.
But with every repetition, Kara adapted.
Her movements improved.
Her mistakes disappeared.
The sixth time she fell, some students even thought she might win.
Because they understood what was happening.
She was improving.
Kara breathed heavily.
She had spent an enormous amount of mana reinforcing her body again and again.
Her arms barely responded.
Lusian wasn't completely calm either.
His Epsilon affinity allowed him to spend much less mana on each movement, but maintaining concentration through so many consecutive battles also had its limit.
He watched her for a few seconds.
Then sighed.
—Don't make those sounds.
Kara raised her head.
—What?
Lusian looked around.
Several students were watching them with strange expressions.
—People are already starting to think weird things.
Kara's face froze.
A second later, it turned completely red.
—IDIOT!!!
She grabbed a handful of sand and threw it at him.
Lusian jumped backward.
—Hey! That's actually cheating!
—COME BACK HERE!!
She ran after him.
The tension in the arena disappeared.
Laughter erupted among the students.
One of them slowly shook his head.
—Definitely...
He looked at the two of them running around the destroyed field.
—Those two have a serious problem.
Later, in the third-year classroom, Kara sat with both arms bandaged.
She frowned while replaying the battle in her mind again and again.
Across from her, Elizabeth watched her with an amused smile.
—I have to admit, your way of getting a boy's attention is rather... aggressive.
Kara looked at her indignantly.
—W-What?
—You chase him throughout the academy.
You challenge him to duels every day.
And then you come back covered in bandages.
Elizabeth sighed dramatically.
—It's quite an unusual method of trying to win someone over.
Kara's face turned red.
—L-Like him?!
Of course not!
That idiot was just lucky!
Next time I'll beat him!
Elizabeth approached and gently lifted the young girl's face.
She observed her for a few seconds.
Then smiled.
—At least he was considerate.
He didn't hit your face again.
Kara looked away with a huff.
—I don't need him to show me mercy.
Next time I'll use a technique he won't be able to stop.
Elizabeth let out a small laugh.
—That's what you said last time.
...and the time before that.
...and the one before that too.
Kara puffed out her cheeks.
—Someday I'll win!
Elizabeth placed a hand on her shoulder.
—Of course.
And when that happens...
I promise I'll congratulate you.
Kara nodded with absolute seriousness.
—You will.
The weekend arrived, and the first-year qualifying battles resumed.
The arena stands filled with students once again.
After the battle against Kara, many wanted to see one thing.
How long could Lusian's next opponent last?
The victim was Craig Denisse.
The referee gave the signal.
Craig barely had time to take his stance.
Four exchanges.
That was all.
On the fourth clash of swords, Lusian broke through his guard and knocked him down with a clean strike.
Craig fell unconscious.
The silence lasted only a moment.
—...He gets better every time he fights.
—Before, he was just talented.
Now he seems completely different.
—How much has he trained?
Lusian sheathed his sword without saying a word and stepped down from the platform.
The following matches continued normally.
Kasper defeated Corwin after an even duel.
Conwick did the same against Nilson.
The 1A classroom qualifiers continued...
And little by little, all the students began to understand that this Douglas heir was going to claim first place.