In one of the rooms of Gry House, Queen and Duke were both standing in front of the academy's Headmaster. As soon as the Headmaster's gaze shifted from Queen to Duke, he froze on the spot.
He felt as if the boy standing in front of him was staring deep into his soul through his eyes — like he had already seen what his true level was. His eyes alone were enough to instill fear. Then the Headmaster blinked again and looked at him — this time, everything felt normal.
Then he focused on Duke — and was stunned by the power level he sensed.
Duke already knew that the man in front of him was a Nova. He understood that no matter how much he tried to hide his physical power, he couldn't hide it from someone like him. So he didn't even try to hide it. As soon as the Alpha power was visible, the Headmaster didn't look any further, which is why he missed the magical chakras hidden inside him.
Headmaster (hiding his shocked expression):"Sometimes, more than what others tell us, we should trust what we see with our own eyes..."
Hannry (nervously):"What happened, Master? Is everything alright?"
Headmaster:"Oh, nothing. Just muttering to myself... I'm getting old now. So, what's your name?"
Luke:"His name is Duke."
Headmaster:"So Duke, your father Magnus was one of the most powerful vampires to ever attend this academy. When he came here as an Alpha, I offered to make him my personal student — but he rejected the offer. Would you like to know what he said?"
Duke:"Of course, why not?"
Headmaster:'Birds raised in cages can never rule the skies. And those who rule the open sky, no cage can imprison them.'You are his son... so will your answer be the same?"
Duke (understanding what the Headmaster was implying):"My answer will be the same as my father's."
Giving the Headmaster due respect, Duke then walked out — to join his friends. He left so suddenly that Luke didn't get a chance to stop him.
Luke (bowing his head):"Forgive him, Headmaster... Duke is still young. He doesn't know how to show respect. I apologize on his behalf."
Headmaster:"Oh, no worries... It's not a big deal... Maybe someone was calling him."
James, Hannry, Queen, and Laila from the Gry Family were all stunned to see Duke leave like that. But they were even more shocked by what the Headmaster said next.
Hannry:"Master... you... I'll go and check on him..."
Headmaster:"Let it go... Like father, like son... There's no difference between them.Queen, we'd like to offer something to you as well — would you like to become my personal student? Just like your elder sister Laila?"
Upon hearing this, Queen immediately fell to her knees and said, "Yes."
The Gry Family was so overjoyed, it was beyond words. Four years ago, Laila had entered the academy as a 3rd-level Alpha. Back then, the Headmaster had taken her as his personal student. Now, in her fifth year, she had already become a 3-Star Silver under his guidance. Now that Queen was also taken under his wing, her future was secured.
Luke was happy too — if everything went well, Queen would marry into their family. The Falcon Family would benefit from it. Luke went ahead and congratulated James. Queen went to Laila. Laila hugged her with joy. Then both of them bowed in respect to everyone and walked away.
Outside:
Duke had gone to the liquor counter and was thinking to himself:
"This old man is greedy as hell. The moment he saw my talent, he wanted to make me his personal student. I only kept quiet because of Luke uncle — otherwise, I'd have stripped his pride right there.This Headmaster is still loyal to the Royal Family... Looks like the Dark Hall couldn't buy him... Good. At least the old man has some sense.But he still sensed me...Thank God he didn't look into my soul — or else he would've found out that I'm also a magician."
[ Note:
Royal Family: In this dark world, only two royal families remain: Balor and Anubis, descendants of the last supreme rulers.
Dark Hall: An organization of powerful magicians and vampires — you'll learn more about them later in the story.
40 years ago, a war broke out between Dark Hall and the two Royal Families. ]
He reached the counter, poured a full glass of liquor, and downed it in one go. Just as he was pouring another, Blake came and snatched the glass from his hand and put it back.
Blake:"I told you — not today... You're not doing anything stupid today."
Duke (angrily):"What did I even do? I'm just having a drink... What's so wrong about that?"
Blake:"The moment you walk into a room, you lose control... Now come on, let's go..."
Blake dragged Duke back to the group of friends.
At that moment, from one of the mirrors in a corner of the hall, two people stepped out.
First guy:"Good thing we're not too late."
Second guy:"We look pretty sharp in Gry House... Let's go outside — everyone seems to be there."
They both headed toward the crowd outside. Climbing down the stairs outside the house, they reached near the stage. The first guy walked up to Queen and covered her eyes from behind.
"Guess who?"
Queen:"Big Brother!!" (she screamed)
Oliver (1st Grade Silver):"How's my lovely princess doing? You okay?" (and he hugs Queen)
In front of her brother, Queen had turned into a little girl again. Usually full of attitude, she was now swinging by his hand like a child. Then Oliver met Laila, hugged all his siblings. Then he introduced the friend he had brought with him:
"This is my friend — we work together in Side Hall — Tim."
Tim greeted everyone with folded hands. Everyone was staring at him.
Tim was wearing the official coat of the Side Hall, with a shining 5-star badge on his chest. Tim was a 5-Star magician — three years older than Oliver and worked with him.
Until now, they had only seen teachers as 5-Star magicians in the academy, but this was the first time they were seeing a real one. Everyone bowed respectfully to him. Then Oliver asked Queen:
"Where's your would-be husband?"
Just then, Duke and Blake were walking by. Laila called out to them.
Oliver:"So you're Duke?" (staring him down)
Duke:"Do I look like some girl to you that you're checking me out like that?"
Hearing this, even Tim standing nearby couldn't help but laugh.
Oliver (a little annoyed):"You've got jokes, huh?" (extending his hand for a shake)
Duke (wiping his hand on his pants and shaking):"And you are?"
Oliver:"I'm Queen's elder brother — Oliver."
Duke (suddenly hugging him):"Oh, brother-in-law! You don't shake hands with your in-laws — you hug them!"
Oliver (scratching his head):"Yeah, I've heard about you... But you aren't even married to Queen yet."
Duke:"That'll happen soon too... If you say the word, I'll do it right now! Just give the nod!"
Blake pulled him off from Oliver — Duke had half-jumped on him in the name of hugging.
Just then, a boy came from behind Oliver and extended his hand toward Duke:
"Hello, my name is Tim. I'm Oliver's friend. I came to attend your ceremony."