The grand auditorium of the University of Higher Magic was packed. Thousands of students, professors, and officials filled the seats, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The Arcane Dominion Trial had concluded, and the results were about to be announced.
Aiden and his team stood near the stage, still trying to process everything that had happened. The sight of countless unconscious students scattered across the trial grounds was still fresh in their minds. It had all been Leon. The sheer carnage he left behind was terrifying, even for them.
Despite their injuries, Aiden, Xaleth, Vael, Elara, Lyra, and Elysia stood tall. They had survived, they had fought well—but deep down, they knew.
Leon was on a different level.
The murmurs in the auditorium grew louder as the Dean of the University, an elderly man with piercing golden eyes, stepped forward. Behind him stood several high-ranking professors, including Takeda Renzou, his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a knowing smirk.
The Dean raised his hand, and silence fell.
"Students of the University of Higher Magic," his deep voice echoed, "the Arcane Dominion Trial has ended. I commend all of you for your efforts and resilience in this grueling test. Now, we shall reveal the results."
A massive magic screen lit up behind him, displaying rankings based on the number of Arcane Sigils collected.
Aiden glanced up, already expecting their team to rank high. After all, thanks to Leon's actions, they had gathered an absurd amount of sigils before leaving.
As expected, their names were displayed at the very top.
1st Place (Team Ranking): Aiden Graves, Elara Noctis, Xaleth, Vael Darius, Lyra Evern, Elysia Ashford
Aiden felt a small sense of pride, but before he could celebrate, another ranking appeared.
1st Place (Individual Ranking):
Leon Aaldric – 402 Arcane Sigils
Silence.
Then—uproar.
"Four hundred and two?!" someone shouted.
"That's insane! How is that even possible?!"
"It must be a mistake! No one could possibly—"
The voices were cut off as a presence washed over the room.
Leon stepped forward.
Dressed in his usual dark uniform, his white-gold hair slightly disheveled, he walked toward the center of the stage with slow, deliberate steps. His crimson eyes carried a cold indifference, and yet, there was an unmistakable pressure in the air.
The murmurs stopped. The audience held their breath.
The professors exchanged glances, and finally, the Dean spoke.
"Leon Aaldric," he said, his voice steady, "your performance in this trial was… unprecedented. We have taken it into account, and after consulting with the university board, we have decided on a special arrangement."
A pause.
"Your strength has surpassed what we expected. Thus, we have chosen to arrange matches for you against the top students of other kingdoms—to see how you fare against the best of the best."
Gasps filled the room.
"The Five Great Kingdoms," the Dean continued, "are ruled by the strongest individuals in the world, each of them ranked within the Top 10. Their academies train elite warriors, the best of their generation. If you wish to truly test your limits, this is your chance."
Aiden's eyes widened. Five Kingdoms. Five rulers in the Top 10.
That meant—
"If you perform exceptionally in these battles, Leon Aaldric," the Dean's eyes gleamed, "then even the rulers of these nations may take an interest in you."
Silence.
Then Leon smirked.
"I accept."
The entire auditorium erupted in chaos.
The dormitory halls were quieter than usual. After the Arcane Dominion Trial, students were either celebrating, tending to injuries, or reflecting on their performance. But Aiden and Xaleth had something else on their minds—Leon.
They found him on the rooftop of the academy, sitting on the edge, staring out at the night sky. The moonlight illuminated his silver hair, but his expression was cold and distant. His usual smug confidence was gone, replaced by something heavier.
Aiden approached first. "Leon, we need to talk."
Leon didn't look at them. "There's nothing to talk about."
Xaleth leaned against the railing. "You almost killed us back there. At least tell us why."
Silence. For a moment, they thought he wouldn't answer. But then, Leon exhaled slowly, as if letting go of something deep within him.
"…You want to know why I don't trust anyone? Why I don't see the point in 'teams' and 'friendship' like you two?" He scoffed bitterly. "Fine. Then listen carefully."
Leon's Past
Leon was born into a noble family, but the moment his white hair was seen, his fate was sealed. White hair was rare—an anomaly that many believed was a sign of misfortune or disgrace. His mother, a noblewoman of high standing, was immediately disowned and thrown out of the family estate.
With nowhere to go, she was forced to survive on her own. She refused to cry or break in front of others—she had a son to take care of. She worked tirelessly, selling whatever goods she could and even laboring in the fields. No job was beneath her if it meant feeding Leon.
Despite their hardships, she always smiled at him. She taught him to be strong, to stand tall no matter what the world threw at him. To Leon, she was the kindest, strongest woman in the world.
But the nobles weren't done humiliating her. Years later, she caught the attention of a nobleman who, against all expectations, fell in love with her. He wasn't cruel or arrogant like the others. He genuinely cared for her and for Leon, treating him as his own son.
But the whispers started.
"The noble whore."
"She must have seduced him for money."
"That child isn't even his—what a disgrace."
Leon heard it all. He clenched his fists every time someone mocked his mother. She endured it, but he couldn't. The moment he was old enough to fight, he made sure anyone who insulted her paid for it.
But no matter how many he beat down, the whispers never stopped. The hate never faded. And over time, Leon learned something—power was the only truth.
If he was strong enough, no one would dare to mock him. If he was strong enough, no one could hurt the people he cared about.
That's why he fought alone.
That's why he refused to rely on others.
Because in the end, the only thing that mattered was power.
Back in the present, Leon finally turned to face Aiden and Xaleth.
"Do you understand now?" His voice was low, sharp. "I don't need anyone. I never have."
Aiden met his gaze, and for the first time, he truly understood the weight Leon carried.
Xaleth sighed. "You're an idiot."
Leon blinked. "What?"p
"If you truly didn't care about anyone, you wouldn't have left those sigils behind," Xaleth said, crossing his arms. "You wouldn't have held back against us in the fight."
Aiden nodded. "And you sure as hell wouldn't have let us live."
Leon frowned.
"You act like you don't need anyone, but deep down, you're just scared," Aiden said. "Scared that if you rely on someone, they'll leave you. That if you trust someone, they'll betray you."
Leon's fists clenched.
"…Shut up."
"No," Aiden stepped closer. "We're not the nobles who mocked your mother. We're not the people who tried to put you down. We're standing right here, Leon. You're not alone."
Silence.
For the first time, Leon looked uncertain. He wanted to deny it, to say it was nonsense. But something inside him wavered.
"…You guys are annoying." He turned away, but the usual bite in his voice was weaker.
Xaleth smirked. "And you're unbearable. But hey, that's what friends are for, right?"
Leon scoffed. "Tch. Don't push it."
Aiden smiled. It wasn't a complete breakthrough, but it was a start.
And for now, that was enough.