The Royal Academy's survival test nearly ended in tragedy.
Although Alex was questioned due to his involvement, his intervention ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The next morning, as excitement already buzzes throughout the academy, sunlight pierces the curtains of a room located on the top floor of the nobles' dormitory.
A brown-haired boy awakens.
Rising from his bed, he studies his reflection in the mirror. His azure-blue eyes shimmer with an unnatural light. While servants quietly tidy the room, he washes, dons his uniform, and carefully drapes a cape over his shoulder.
Staring at himself, a bitter thought takes root.
(Noble… what does that word truly mean? What's the point of being born noble? I know the answer. I grew up watching it firsthand: nobility means corruption—using power to dominate others. Crush to rule. That's how I've lived my entire life. Taking what I wanted by force. Silencing those who spoke out of turn. I am the son of a duke. And yet… yesterday—)
Memories of his fight against Alex surge through his mind.
(I was crushed by someone without an ounce of nobility.)
He turns toward the door, his features hardened by hatred.
(I am Vorne Bark. And I swear I will have my revenge.)
In another building—
BAM!
Alex throws open his windows.
"Well then," he mutters. "My turn. Time to start the day… and serve my sentence."
After getting ready, he heads out to meet Melty. On the way, he once again crosses paths with the cafeteria servant. Their eyes meet. She bows respectfully.
Alex simply stares at her coldly before walking past.
(I don't know why… but that servant is hiding something. The question is—what?)
A few minutes later, as he walks beside Melty through the outer gardens, the princess breaks the silence.
"So, Alex. I heard you interfered during the survival test. Care to explain?"
"I did," he replies, hands clasped behind his back, imposing. "I had a bad feeling about how things were going to turn out."
"That speaks well of you," Melty says, graceful despite her masculine attire. "Just be careful not to cause trouble. You're my guard—my reputation is at stake."
"Don't worry. I have no intention of acting recklessly. Besides, you've already made your presence known. Just look at how everyone bows as we pass."
Melty smiles faintly.
"Well, that's only natural. I am a princess, after all."
Indeed, students step aside and bow.
Yet a violet-haired girl approaches hesitantly. Head lowered, visibly ashamed, she stops in front of the princess. Melty, a head taller, looks down at her with an intimidating gaze.
"Who are you, and what do you want?"
"G-good morning, Your Highness…" Violetta stammers, trembling. "My name is Violetta, and I… I'd like to ask for your help."
Alex recognizes her immediately.
(Oh? Isn't she the girl from last time?)
"And how may I help you?" Melty asks.
"Please… lend me your guard. We would like to speak with him."
Alex and Melty exchange a surprised glance. Then the princess smiles, amused.
"If that's all, take him. I can manage without him today."
She walks off, leaving Violetta stunned.
(W-Wow… that was way easier than I expected.)
Noticing her zoning out, Alex taps her shoulder.
"So. What's the plan?"
Violetta yelps loudly, drawing every eye nearby. In the distance, Davina, Lucie, and Eva watch the scene unfold. Davina rubs her forehead.
"I think we should've chosen someone else…"
Violetta regains her composure, face burning red, and bows deeply.
"S-sorry! Davina wanted to talk to you!"
(Why did I react like that?! This is so embarrassing…)
"Relax. Get up. Let's go," Alex says, noting her extreme shyness.
She leads him to Davina, waiting near a pillar.
"Looks like you've made some friends," Alex remarks.
"You could say that," Davina replies. "Anyway, I asked you here because I think I know who the assassin was."
"Go on."
"That's the idea. But not here. Girls—head to class."
A few minutes later, Alex and Davina stand in a secluded corridor leading toward the hidden guards' cafeteria.
"Mind telling me why we're here?" Alex asks, puzzled.
"Shh," Davina whispers, alert. "The other day, I got lost and stumbled onto something strange. I didn't understand everything—but I'm almost certain it was him."
Alex scans the area.
(She got lost? This place is far from the central buildings… What is she really up to?)
Suddenly, a silhouette appears.
Brown hair. Azure eyes.
Alex recognizes the build instantly.
Vorne Bark heads toward the cafeteria.
"So?" Davina whispers. "It's him, right?"
Alex doesn't answer.
Vorne enters the cafeteria, his voice ringing out imperiously.
"Laeticia! Laeticia! Where are you?!"
Hidden behind a table, the servant replies in a trembling voice.
"Please, Lord Vorne… leave me alone. You're frightening me!"
"Me? Frightening you?" he scoffs. "The nerve. Do you have any idea how much trouble I got into because of you? Is this how you repay me? Be reasonable—come out."
With a violent motion, he flips the table aside. Laeticia is exposed to Vorne's predatory gaze.
"Don't be afraid," he says softly. "Just make me feel good again."
Laeticia suddenly stands up, shoves him back, and clamps her hands over her ears.
"Don't say that! You're forcing me! I don't want this!"
"I don't care," Vorne replies coldly. "I do whatever I want."
As he advances, Laeticia stumbles back, crying, pleading into empty space.
Outside, Davina grows anxious.
"What's happening? I can't see anything!"
She turns toward Alex—and freezes.
His eyes are blazing with rage.
A bead of sweat runs down Davina's face as Alex launches forward like an arrow.
Few people know this, but Alex possesses abnormally sharp hearing—a remnant of his years surviving in the wild. What he just heard leaves no room for doubt.
At the exact moment Vorne reaches for Laeticia, Alex smashes through the door and unleashes a kick of monstrous force.
The impact sends both boys crashing straight through the window.
Glass explodes outward.
Vorne rises amid the shards, his face twisted with fury.
"It's you… the guy from last time!"
"Yes," Alex replies with a feral grin. "And I'm here to teach you a lesson."
Davina rushes to the window and screams.
"Alex!!!"
They've landed on a balcony three floors below. Alex stands up without a scratch. Vorne, supported by his mana, rises as well—murder burning in his eyes.
"Why are you interfering in my affairs?! Without my mana, I'd be dead!"
"All the more reason to break you," Alex snaps, his pride razor-sharp.
END OF CHAPTER
NEXT CHAPTER: Royal Academy – Act 1: Resolution