A brief silence fell over the central courtyard. Some students still stared at Eiden with a mixture of awe and suspicion. Ragnar, though fallen, glared at him with blazing red eyes, lips curling into a cold smile.
"Just luck… I have to remember this," thought Eiden, holding his breath.
Whispers slowly replaced the cheers. Many began to assess him, guessing where he came from. In the Royal Academy, a single glance could decide your fate.
---
The First Observers
As he stepped to the side of the arena, a girl with long silver hair watched him from afar. Her eyes were sharp, as if trying to read Eiden's deepest secrets.
"His name… Eiden?" she muttered. "He doesn't seem like an ordinary villain's child…"
Eiden noticed her gaze but only offered a faint smile, bowing slightly in respect. No one can get too close yet.
Elsewhere, a few students gathered, whispering among themselves. A boy with black hair and a calm expression observed Eiden with a subtle smile. Eiden sensed a deep curiosity emanating from him—not hostility, but careful vigilance.
"By reading people, I can determine who can be an ally and who is a threat," thought Eiden.
---
Teacher's Reminder
Madam Selvara appeared from the side podium, her steps composed yet commanding. "Children, this first duel is not only about physical strength," she said firmly. "I want you to understand: here, cunning is just as important as power. If you fail to read your opponent, you will fall faster than fire."
Eiden bowed his head, absorbing her words. This was not just survival—it was about strategy and psychology. He had to continue his disguise while gathering as much information as possible.
---
First Ally
As he returned to the row of students, a boy with brown hair and green eyes approached. He smiled warmly.
"My name is Lyric Thorn," he said. "You were impressive in that duel. I don't believe you're truly the son of a traitor… more like someone who knows how to survive."
Eiden gave a faint smile. "Thank you… I was just lucky."
Lyric nodded. "Then perhaps we can help each other during some of the exercises. Don't worry—I won't reveal your secret."
"First ally… might be trustworthy. But be careful, anything can change here," thought Eiden.
---
First Enemy
However, not everyone welcomed him. Ragnar rose from the ground, fire still burning in his eyes. He stepped forward heavily, dragging his hand along the floor.
"You think this duel ended just like that? You won't survive that easily," he growled. His gaze promised personal vengeance.
Some students began to cheer, inciting more conflict. Eiden knew Ragnar would wait for every chance to bring him down.
"Alright… I need a plan for Ragnar. Physical duels alone won't be enough—I have to play his mind."
---
Observing the Academy
After everyone returned to class, Eiden sat in the back row, keeping himself busy by observing his surroundings.
•The classroom was filled with strange tools—bottles of colored liquids, dangerous spellbooks, and artifacts of legendary villains.
•Other students were forming small groups; some praised each other's powers, others eyed each other with simmering malice.
•Teachers walked the aisles, occasionally patting standout students on the shoulder, offering brief but meaningful remarks.
"This is more than just a school. It's a labyrinth of social strategy, psychological games, and power training all at once. I have to stay alert," thought Eiden.
---
Eiden's Reflection
At night, Eiden sat on the balcony of his room, gazing at the pale moon above. The cold wind swept across the castle.
"I came here to take revenge… but over time, I've begun to see that this is not just black and white. Some of them… not all are demons. But I must remain cautious. Allies can become enemies, and enemies can become tools."
He clenched the small pendant around his neck, the only keepsake from his father. His mind filled with plans, strategies, and the question: Who can be trusted? And how long can I survive without being exposed?
Outside, the castle stood majestic, its dark shadows swallowing the moonlight. There, Eiden knew—his journey at the Royal Academy of Villains had only just begun.
---
The sound of the old bell echoed throughout the castle, signaling the start of the day's training session. The students lined up in the training yard, some excited, others holding their breath, fully aware that every exercise at the Royal Academy was more than physical—it was a test of survival.
Eiden stood in the back row, scanning his surroundings. He noted every detail: the position of the students, the line of sight of the teachers, even the wind that could affect their spells. Every movement, every second, could decide who survived and who got injured.
---
Instructions from the Teacher
A tall teacher in a long black robe appeared in the center of the field. His face was covered by a steel mask, only sharp eyes visible. He tapped his staff on the ground three times.
"I Master Kael, former Imperial Assassin. Today you will face a trial called the Trial of Shadows. You will work in groups. Objective: survive and escape the trap-filled labyrinth. There is no mercy. Those who fail… will become lessons for the others."
Cheers erupted from some students, a mix of fear and excitement. Eiden swallowed hard, realizing that this training was more than a game of strength—it was a test of strategy, cooperation, and survival instinct.
---
Group Assignment
Master Kael assigned the groups. Eiden was placed with Lyric Thorn, the silver-haired girl who had previously observed him, and a young black-haired student named Kiera Voss, known for her intelligence.
"Our group… seems balanced enough," thought Eiden. "But I must make sure no one stands out too much, including myself."
He knew: one mistake, one flicker of uncontrolled power, and his true identity could be exposed.
---
Entering the Labyrinth
The iron gate opened, revealing a dark labyrinth shrouded in thick mist. Its high walls were made of black stone that shimmered oddly under the dim sunlight. Throughout the labyrinth, deadly traps were visible—mechanical arrow traps, fragile floors, and poisonous liquids releasing toxic fumes.
"This… is more dangerous than yesterday's duel," thought Eiden, taking a deep breath.
His group moved cautiously. Lyric led the first steps, her eyes scanning for patterns. Kiera tested the floor with a wooden stick, ensuring there were no hidden traps. Eiden observed every corner, looking for sudden attacks.
---
Test of Strength and Strategy
Suddenly, students from another group emerged from the shadows of the labyrinth. They grinned maliciously, clearly planning to use this trial to take down their opponents.
"Time to see who's truly strong," said a silver-haired boy, igniting a fireball in his hand.
Eiden and his group formed a defensive line. He instructed Lyric and Kiera to hold back the initial attack while he sought openings to neutralize the enemies with minimal force.
Quickly, Eiden used the environment to his advantage: loose stones, crumbling walls, and the shadows of the mist. He kicked a small rock to distract one opponent, then pushed another into a hidden mechanical trap.
Cheers arose from other groups, some impressed, some frightened. Eiden felt a small satisfaction: he had survived and outsmarted them without revealing his true power.
---
Confrontation with a Stronger Enemy
However, the trial was not over. From another path, Ragnar appeared, his aura of vengeance as fierce as ever. This time, he carried a weapon—a fiery whip that shimmered in the dim light of the labyrinth.
"Eiden… this time, I won't let you escape," he growled. His red eyes burned with deep-seated hatred.
Eiden swallowed but remained calm. He knew one thing: he could not face Ragnar head-on. Swiftly, he set up a simple trap using the labyrinth's debris, redirecting Ragnar's attack toward a fragile wall. A small explosion staggered Ragnar, giving Eiden and his group time to advance down another corridor.
"You can't defeat me now… but I must keep watching. Ragnar will look for the next chance."
---
End of the Trial
Finally, Eiden's group reached the center of the labyrinth, signaling the trial's conclusion. Master Kael emerged from the shadows, patting each of them on the shoulder.
"Well done. You survived, succeeded, and demonstrated cleverness. But remember: this is only the beginning. The real dangers of the Royal Academy are still waiting. Those who do not learn from today… will regret it."
Eiden exhaled deeply, his body exhausted but his mind sharp. He knew one thing: this training was not just about honing strength—it was a test of patience, instincts, and the ability to read people.
"I must stay alert. Allies can become enemies, enemies can become tools. And most importantly… I must never show my true power," thought Eiden.
Beneath the gray sky, the castle's shadows stretched long. The adventures at the Royal Academy of Villains were becoming more perilous, and Eiden understood: today's trial was just the beginning of even greater challenges.
---
I look at the chapter title now and it's like...unexplainable. Actually, this is chapter 3 and 4 combined to make this chapter title😭🙏🏻. Seriously, I can't think of anything else It's longer, because I'm stuck for ideas, so I'll just combine them. Sorry if it doesn't make sense, thank you very much for reading this novel of mine. Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh 🙏🏻