Elsewhere, in a secluded chamber deep within the academy, Lucian Aldric stood before a small gathering of powerful figures. These weren't ordinary students—they were elites, members of noble houses, and future rulers in their own right.
Lucian's golden eyes gleamed as he addressed them.
"You've all heard the news," he said. "My brother is dead. And the one responsible walks free, mocking our very existence."
Murmurs filled the room. Some were angered by Aldric's death; others simply saw an opportunity in siding with Lucian.
One student, a lean young man with sharp features, spoke up. "You want us to fight him? He took down Aldric. That's no easy feat."
Lucian smirked. "Aldric underestimated him. I won't make the same mistake."
A girl with long, emerald-green hair leaned forward, a playful smile on her lips. "I heard he has an assassin following him now. Quite the harem-building strategy."
Lucian's eyes narrowed. "I don't care who follows him. They'll all fall with him."
Another student, a brawny warrior with heavy armor, crossed his arms. "And what do we gain from this?"
Lucian's smirk widened. "Power. Influence. The academy is shifting, and I intend to be on top when the dust settles. You can stand beside me and claim your share… or you can watch from the sidelines and get left behind."
Silence. Then, slowly, nods of agreement.
Lucian turned toward the window, gazing at the academy grounds.
"Ethan… enjoy your little victories. Because soon, I'll take everything from you."
Ethan's Unbothered Life
Meanwhile, Ethan sat at his usual table in the academy cafeteria, casually eating a meal as if he hadn't just declared war on one of the most powerful noble families.
Sylvia, sitting across from him, rubbed her temples. "Do you even understand the situation you're in?"
Ethan grinned. "Yep."
"…And?"
"I'm gonna punch my way through it."
Sylvia groaned. "Why do I even bother?"
Eline, sitting next to Ethan, took a bite of an apple, her expression unreadable. "At least he's consistent."
Sylvia shot her a glare. "And you. You're an assassin. Shouldn't you be advising him on not making enemies?"
Eline smirked. "I was hired to kill him. Now I'm stuck here. I might as well enjoy the entertainment."
Ethan leaned back in his chair. "See? Everyone's having fun."
Sylvia sighed. "I swear, one day you're gonna get yourself—"
Before she could finish, a loud commotion erupted in the cafeteria.
A group of students entered, their presence demanding attention. At their head was a tall figure with golden eyes.
Lucian Aldric.
The entire cafeteria went silent.
Lucian's gaze locked onto Ethan. "Enjoying your meal?"
Ethan took another bite, chewing slowly before answering. "Yeah. You should try the steak. It's pretty good."
Lucian's smirk didn't falter, but the air around him grew heavy. "I wonder… will you still have an appetite after today?"
Ethan set down his fork. "You gonna bore me to death with cryptic threats?"
Chuckles rippled through the cafeteria.
Lucian's smile thinned. "No. I'm going to destroy you."
Ethan tilted his head. "Bold words. Wanna prove it?"
Lucian snapped his fingers. Instantly, five students stepped forward—each one a top-ranked fighter.
Sylvia's eyes widened. "These guys… they're part of the Elite Circle."
Ethan whistled. "Fancy title. Do they come with name tags?"
Lucian's eyes flashed. "You can joke all you want, Ethan. But from today onward, your life in this academy will be hell."
Ethan grinned. "That so?" He stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Sounds like fun."
Lucian's smirk widened. "Then let's begin."
The First Attack
The moment Ethan stepped outside the cafeteria, the attack came.
A burst of fire magic streaked toward him from the left. Without hesitation, Ethan dodged, the flames scorching the ground where he had been standing.
A second attacker lunged from the right, wielding a curved blade. Ethan pivoted, narrowly avoiding the strike, then countered with a swift punch to the ribs. The attacker coughed blood and staggered back.
Eline whistled. "They didn't even give you a second to breathe."
Ethan grinned. "I'd be disappointed if they did."
More figures appeared—five, no, ten in total.
Sylvia's face darkened. "They're serious about this."
Ethan cracked his neck. "Good."
Then he charged.
The first opponent barely had time to react before Ethan's fist connected with his face, sending him sprawling. Another attacker swung a heavy war hammer, but Ethan sidestepped, planting a brutal kick to his knee, shattering it instantly.
A mage chanted a spell, but Ethan grabbed a fallen blade and threw it like a spear. The weapon struck the mage's arm, breaking his concentration.
Chaos erupted.
Fists, magic, weapons—Ethan danced through them all, each movement precise, each attack devastating.
Sylvia, unable to watch from the sidelines, leaped into the fray, her sword flashing. "I can't believe I'm helping you fight another noble faction."
Eline smirked, drawing her daggers. "Better than sitting around."
She vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind an enemy, her blade pressing against his throat before he could react.
The battle was swift and brutal. Within minutes, Ethan stood among a sea of fallen opponents, his breathing steady, his grin unwavering.
Lucian, who had been watching from a distance, clapped slowly. "Impressive."
Ethan wiped some blood from his knuckles. "You done yet?"
Lucian's smirk widened. "Oh, not even close."
He raised his hand. Instantly, the air changed.
A surge of immense mana filled the area. The ground trembled. Even the onlookers stepped back, sensing the overwhelming presence.
Sylvia's eyes widened. "That power…"
Ethan narrowed his gaze. "Finally, something interesting."
Lucian chuckled. "I told you. I'm going to destroy you."
Ethan grinned, raising his fists. "Then let's see you try."
The storm had begun.
To be continued…