Five days later, Lusian arrived at Faldmord Academy, a small citadel located outside the city of Acropolis. From the carriage window, he observed the long line of students and families waiting to register and asked, a hint of impatience in his voice,

  "Is this line going to take long?"

  Albert chuckled softly and patted his head with a paternal gesture."A fine joke, my lord."

  The Douglas carriage took an exclusive entrance reserved for the highest-ranking noble families, bypassing the crowd gathered at the main gate. Upon reaching the reception hall, they were greeted by Vice Principal Axel Thompson, whose scrutinizing gaze swept over Lusian and Umber.

  "Welcome to the academy. From this point on, outside personnel are not permitted to enter. The safety of all students is guaranteed by the royal family," Axel announced in a firm voice.

  Albert bowed slightly to Lusian and handed him a small magical ring.

  "My lord, this is as far as I may accompany you. This ring will allow me to locate you should you need to leave the academy. Please, do not wander alone."

  "I'm not a small child, Albert," Lusian replied, though inwardly he appreciated the concern.

  When Lusian attempted to enter with his magical beast, the vice principal immediately stopped him.

  "I'm sorry, Lord Douglas, but we cannot allow you to bring your beast inside," Axel said stiffly.

  Albert stepped in, visibly irritated, but before the situation could escalate, Magnus Bourlance entered the hall. His imposing presence—reinforced by his status as a Magister Delta–class warrior—instantly silenced the room.

  Albert stood his ground, memories of the past surfacing. Magnus, the academy's director and Albert's former rival, recalled with a mix of respect and amusement the days when Albert, young and stubborn, consistently outperformed him in duels and trials. That rivalry had forged a mutual respect still palpable between them, even now that Magnus held authority.

  "You haven't trained your subordinates very well, Magnus," Albert said sharply.

  "Albert, it's just a small misunderstanding. We won't stand in young Douglas's way—we'd rather not see the duchess angry," Magnus replied with a laugh.

  After a brief pause, Albert withdrew.

  With a gesture from Magnus, Lusian was finally allowed to enter with Umber. Upon reaching his room, Lusian was taken aback by the level of luxury Sofia had ensured. Servants arranged his belongings as he took in every detail. He would endure twenty-five days of intensive study, with only five days of rest over the next four months.

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  Once Lusian was on his way to his quarters, Magnus turned to Axel, his calm yet firm gaze commanding respect.

  "Axel," he said, "I know how you feel about the Douglas family. But I warn you—acting out of personal resentment would be disastrous. No one controls that family, and any direct conflict with them would bring problems we couldn't handle."

  Axel clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface.

  "I can't just stand by while—"

  "Listen," Magnus cut in firmly. "The academy cannot afford conflict with the Douglas family. Their influence is immense, and the rumors surrounding them… any reckless action would put us all at risk. If you let hatred guide your decisions, you won't just endanger yourself—you'll endanger everything we've built here."

  Axel swallowed, understanding the weight of the warning.

  "I understand… I'll keep it in mind," he replied tensely, yet respectfully.

  "Good," Magnus nodded. "Stand firm—but control your fire. The stability of the academy and the safety of the students come first."

  The following day, in the four-story academic building, Class 1A waited in the classroom for the instructor to arrive. Lusian, Emily, and the rest of the group—Nilson Stanley, Jaslin Erkhan, Cowick Briggs, Naomi Sneider, Summer Kesller, Darilyn Macallister, Kasper Bourlance, Abbel Brown, Jenna Mondring, Corwin Armett, Sandra The Mondring, and Craig Dennisse—sat silently, attentive.

  "My name is Carla Baker, and I will be your group director for the next four months," she announced firmly. "The first thing you must understand is that at Faldmord Academy, your status means nothing. You will all be treated as equal students, and exemplary behavior is expected. You represent Class 1A."

  Carla took a few steps forward, scanning the room.

  "Your position is not permanent either," she continued. "If a student from a lower class demonstrates superior ability in evaluations, duels, or internal missions, they will advance. Likewise, anyone in 1A who falls behind will be demoted. Here, being surpassed has real consequences."

  A tense silence spread across the room.

  Naomi raised her hand.

  "Instructor, how strong are the students in the lower classes?"

  "The academy ranks all students by strength, skill, and strategic potential," Carla explained. "The classes are divided into five levels:

  "Class 1A: the elite. Legionnaires, warriors, and mages with outstanding abilities. You represent the peak of your generation."Classes 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E: cadets who distinguished themselves during a month of intensive training. They are not weak—they are simply still refining their power."

  Craig frowned.

  "Will we have to interact with them?"

  "Very little," Carla replied. "They'll be too busy trying to advance—or avoid falling further. But remember: being in 1A does not make you superior. Here, hierarchy is a responsibility, and any sign of arrogance will be punished in combat."

  Emily spoke up, curious.

  "So if someone stands out, they can rise to our class?"

  "Exactly," Carla nodded. "Each month, overall performance is reviewed. A cadet who shines or wins a qualifying battle can be promoted to 1A immediately, replacing someone who fails to meet the standard."

  Kasper lifted his gaze.

  "And duels between classes?"

  "They are an essential part of your training," Carla replied. "Lower classes may challenge higher ones once a month, and you will do the same among yourselves. Three matches against students of your specialty, and one against the opposing discipline. We evaluate skill, strategy, and growth."

  Lusian asked quietly, with restrained nervousness,

  "Instructor… if a conflict arises with a higher class, how is it handled?"

  "In combat," Carla answered seriously. "But each challenge may only occur once per month. That limit maintains order and prevents abuse."

  With the explanation complete, Carla led the group through the academy grounds. They toured the art hall, the music room, the alchemy laboratory, the beast-tamers' classroom, the cafeteria, and finally, at the end of the corridor, the common library shared by all classes.