[2k+ words!]
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The carriage ride to Argentum Academy took most of the day. Zane sat with Eliza across from him, watching the landscape change from rural farmland to more developed towns and eventually to the sprawling city of Argentum itself.
"I still can't believe you're bringing me with you," Eliza said, looking out the window with wide eyes. "Most nobles don't bring their servants to the academy."
"Most nobles have family support and don't need help managing daily affairs," Zane replied. "Besides, you've proven yourself trustworthy."
"Trustworthy enough to risk my life fighting a giant serpent, apparently." She grinned. "But I'm not complaining. This beats sitting around the mansion doing nothing."
The academy was located on the outskirts of the capital, built on a massive estate that had once belonged to the royal family. Even from a distance, Zane could see the towering spires and grand architecture that made it one of the most prestigious institutions in the kingdom.
The carriage stopped at the main gates. Zane and Eliza stepped out, and a porter helped unload their belongings. Other students were arriving as well, most in family carriages bearing noble crests. Servants unloaded trunks and boxes while proud parents gave last-minute advice to their children.
Zane had none of that fanfare. He simply took his bags and walked through the gates with Eliza following behind.
The academy grounds were huge. Manicured gardens stretched in every direction, with stone paths leading to various buildings. The main academic building stood at the center, a massive structure of white stone and blue-tinted glass. Dormitories flanked either side, separated by gender.
Students milled about everywhere. Some were clearly returning students, greeting friends and laughing. Others were first-years like him, looking around with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Zane made his way to the registration hall, following the signs posted along the path. Inside, several staff members sat behind desks, processing the incoming students.
"Name?" asked a tired-looking woman when Zane reached the front of the line.
"Zane Morgenstern."
She flipped through a ledger and found his name. Her eyebrows rose slightly. "Morgenstern. You're assigned to a private dormitory in the West Wing, Building C, Room 7. Here's your key and schedule." She handed him a brass key and a folded piece of paper. "Your servant quarters are connected to your room. Entrance ceremony begins at sunset in the main auditorium. Don't be late."
"Thank you."
Private dormitory. That made sense. Despite being disowned, the Morgenstern name still carried enough weight that the academy wouldn't put him in shared housing. It was probably meant to keep him isolated, to prevent him from "contaminating" other noble students.
Fine by him. Privacy was better anyway.
"A private room?" Eliza whispered as they walked toward the West Wing. "Young Master, that's usually reserved for high-ranking nobles."
"Or for nobles they want to keep away from everyone else," Zane said. "Don't read too much into it."
The West Wing was quieter than the main dormitories. The building was smaller and more refined, with only a handful of rooms. Each one was essentially a small apartment rather than a simple bedroom.
Room 7 was on the second floor. Zane unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The space was surprisingly comfortable. A main room with a desk, bookshelf, and seating area. A bedroom with a proper bed and wardrobe. A small washroom with running water. And connected through a side door was a smaller servant's room for Eliza.
"This is much nicer than I expected," Eliza said, looking around. "I was worried we'd be stuck in some dusty corner."
"The academy maintains its image," Zane said. "Even the disgraced students get decent accommodations."
They spent the next hour unpacking. Zane organized his belongings while Eliza set up her own small room and made sure everything was in order. She'd brought cleaning supplies, some basic cooking equipment, and other essentials.
"I can handle most of your daily needs," Eliza said, "but meals are served in the dining hall. I checked with one of the staff on the way in."
"That's fine. We'll figure out the routine as we go."
Zane sat at his desk and unfolded the schedule. The entrance ceremony was in two hours. After that, students had the evening free. Classes would begin tomorrow morning, and assessment tests would be held throughout the first week.
He leaned back and closed his eyes. The assessment tests were crucial. Performance in those tests determined everything from class placement to social standing. In the original story, Zane had failed miserably and become a laughingstock.
That wouldn't happen this time.
"Young Master, you should rest," Eliza said. "You've been tense since we left the mansion."
"I'm fine."
"You're not fine. You're about to face your siblings, remember? Damian, Celeste, and apparently Lyanna too." She crossed her arms. "At least try to relax before the ceremony."
She had a point. Zane took a deep breath and let some of the tension leave his shoulders. "You're right. I'll rest for a bit."
The sun began to set, casting orange light through the window. Zane stood and changed into his uniform. The academy provided standard uniforms for all students—black pants, white shirt, and a blue jacket with the academy crest embroidered on the chest.
"How do I look?" he asked.
Eliza examined him critically. "Like a proper academy student. The uniform suits you."
"Good enough."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No. Servants aren't allowed at the ceremony. Stay here and get settled. I'll be back afterward."
Zane made his way to the main auditorium, following the stream of other students. The building was massive, with rows upon rows of seats arranged in a semicircle around a raised stage.
He found a seat near the middle and settled in. More students filed in, filling the auditorium. Zane scanned the crowd, looking for familiar faces.
He spotted Damian first. His older brother sat near the front with a group of third-year students, all of them looking confident and important. Damian had the same white hair as Zane but wore it shorter. His expression was cold and superior.
Celeste was harder to find, but Zane eventually spotted her among the second-years. She had inherited their mother's auburn hair and green eyes. She was talking to a group of girls, all of them laughing at something she'd said.
Then he saw someone new. A girl with white hair like his, but styled in an elaborate braid. She sat with a group of first-years, and even from a distance, Zane could see her smirking as she spoke. The other students around her were hanging on her every word.
Lyanna.
As if sensing his gaze, she looked up and their eyes met. Her smirk widened, and she said something to the students around her. They all turned to look at Zane, and several of them started whispering and giggling.
So it had already begun.
Zane looked away and focused on the stage. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
A few minutes later, someone sat down next to him. Zane glanced over and saw Seraphina.
"There you are," she said. "I've been looking for you."
"Sera." Zane felt some tension leave his shoulders. "How was your journey?"
"Uneventful. Yours?"
"The same."
She studied his face. "You look tense. Is everything alright?"
"Just preparing myself." He nodded toward where Lyanna sat. "Did you know my sister would be here?"
Seraphina followed his gaze. "Lyanna? I'd heard rumors she was attending this year instead of being married off. I didn't think they were true."
"They're true." Zane watched as Lyanna continued to hold court with her group. "This is going to complicate things."
"She's already spreading rumors about you, isn't she?"
"Probably."
Seraphina's expression hardened. "If she causes you trouble, let me know. The Ashcroft name still carries weight."
"I appreciate that, but I need to handle this myself." Zane met her eyes. "If you intervene every time someone talks badly about me, it'll only make things worse."
She didn't look happy about it, but she nodded. "Fine. But if things get out of hand—"
"I'll let you know."
The lights in the auditorium dimmed, and conversation died down. A man walked onto the stage, and Zane recognized him from the novel's descriptions.
Headmaster Aldric Thorne. A retired general who'd served in the northern campaigns and had a reputation for being both brilliant and ruthless. He was in his fifties, with gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Despite his age, he moved with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.
"Welcome," Headmaster Thorne's voice carried easily through the auditorium without any magical amplification. "To all returning students, and to our new first-years, I welcome you to Argentum Academy."
He paused, his eyes sweeping across the crowd.
"This institution was founded three hundred years ago with a single purpose—to train the next generation of warriors, scholars, and leaders who will protect our kingdom and our people. That purpose has not changed."
"You are here because you showed potential. Whether through family connections, exceptional talent, or sheer determination, you earned your place. But earning your place and keeping it are two different things."
Some students shifted uncomfortably.
"At Argentum Academy, we do not coddle weakness. We do not accept mediocrity. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond. Some of you will thrive. Others will break. That is the nature of growth."
Headmaster Thorne's expression softened slightly.
"But know this—every instructor here is dedicated to your success. We want you to succeed. We want you to become strong. The world beyond these walls is dangerous and unforgiving. We prepare you for that reality."
He gestured broadly.
"Your classes begin tomorrow. First-years will undergo assessment tests during the first week to determine your current skill levels and appropriate class placements. These tests are mandatory and will be used to assign you to training groups."
Zane's attention sharpened. The assessment tests. Students were ranked based on performance, and those rankings determined everything from class quality to dorm assignments to social standing.
In the original story, Zane had performed so poorly that he'd been placed in the lowest training group and had become a laughingstock.
That wouldn't happen this time.
"Classes are divided into three categories," Headmaster Thorne continued. "Combat training, academic studies, and practical applications. All students must maintain passing grades in all three categories to avoid expulsion."
He let that sink in.
"Finally, a reminder about academy rules. Fighting outside of sanctioned duels or training sessions is strictly prohibited. Theft, cheating, and sabotage will result in immediate expulsion. Respect your instructors, respect your peers, and respect yourselves."
The headmaster's gaze hardened again.
"You are the future of this kingdom. Act like it."
With that, he walked off the stage. The lights came back up, and students began filing out of the auditorium.
Seraphina stood. "I need to check in with my dormitory. Will you be alright?"
"I'll be fine."
"If you need anything—"
"I know where to find you."
She hesitated, then nodded and left with the flow of students.
Zane stood and made his way toward the exit. As he walked, he felt eyes on him. Whispers followed him through the crowd.
"That's the Morgenstern failure."
"Can't believe he actually showed up."
"Give him a week. He'll be expelled."
Zane kept his expression neutral and continued walking. He was almost out of the auditorium when someone stepped into his path.
Lyanna.
Up close, Zane could see the family resemblance clearly. She had the same silver eyes and pale skin. But where his expression was controlled, hers was openly mocking.
"Well, well. Little brother Zane." Her voice was sweet and poisonous. "I didn't think you'd have the nerve to show your face here."
"Lyanna." Zane kept his tone flat. "Move."
"So cold. Is that any way to greet your sister?" She tilted her head. "I've been telling everyone about you. About how Father had to practically beg the academy to accept you. About how you're only here because breaking the contract would have been too embarrassing."
The students around them had stopped to watch. Zane could feel their stares, their judgment.
"Are you done?" Zane asked.
"Not even close." Lyanna smiled. "See, I made a promise to Damian and Celeste. I promised I'd make your time here absolutely miserable. And I always keep my promises."
"Then I look forward to your attempts." Zane stepped around her. "Excuse me."
He walked past, ignoring her shocked expression. He could hear her calling after him, but he didn't stop.
Let her play her games. Words were just words. They couldn't hurt him.
What mattered was strength. And in the coming days, during the assessment tests, he would show everyone exactly how much he'd changed.
Zane made his way back to his dormitory building. The grounds were quieter now, with most students either in their rooms or exploring the campus. The sun had fully set, and magical lamps lit the pathways with soft golden light.
He was almost at Building C when he heard voices ahead. Angry voices.
Zane quickened his pace and turned the corner. What he saw made his blood run cold.
Eliza was backed against the wall by three male students. They wore first-year uniforms and had the cocky expressions of nobles who thought they owned the world.
"Come on, just tell us," one of them said, leaning closer to Eliza. "What's it like serving the Morgenstern failure? Does he cry himself to sleep every night?"
"I bet he does," another laughed. "Probably begs his servant to comfort him."
Eliza's face was pale but defiant. "Leave me alone."
"Or what? You'll tell your pathetic master?" The first student reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Maybe we should teach you some proper manners. Show you what real nobles are like."
That was enough.
"Let her go," Zane said coldly.
The three students turned. When they saw him, their expressions shifted from surprise to amusement.
"Well, speak of the devil," the first one said. "We were just talking about you, Morgenstern."
"I said let her go."
"And if we don't?" The student pulled Eliza closer. "What are you going to do about it? You can't even defend yourself, let alone your servant."
Zane's hand moved to his sword, but he stopped. Fighting was prohibited outside of sanctioned duels. If he attacked them here, he'd be expelled before classes even started.
But he couldn't just walk away either.
"You have three seconds to release her," Zane said, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "After that, I won't be responsible for what happens."
The students laughed. "Is that a threat? From you?"
"One."
"This is hilarious."
"Two."
The first student's grip on Eliza tightened. "What are you going to do, count to three?"
"Three."
Zane released his Aura.
It wasn't much. Just a brief pulse of energy, but it was enough. The pressure washed over the three students like a wave, and their laughter died instantly. Their faces went pale as they felt the weight of Apprentice-tier Aura pressing down on them.
The first student released Eliza's wrist and stumbled back. "You... you're Apprentice tier?"
"That's impossible," another whispered. "He's supposed to be Novice at best."
Zane took a step forward, and all three of them flinched. "Touch my people again, and I'll make sure you regret it. Rules or no rules."
The threat hung in the air. The three students looked at each other, then back at Zane. Whatever bravado they'd had was gone.
"This isn't over," the first one said weakly.
"Yes it is." Zane's silver eyes were cold. "Now leave."
They left, practically running back toward the main dormitory buildings.
Zane turned to Eliza. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, though her hands were trembling slightly. "I'm fine. Just shaken up."
"Come on. Let's get back to the room."
They walked back to Building C in silence. Once inside, Eliza finally let out a shaky breath.
"Thank you, Young Master. If you hadn't come when you did—"
"Don't think about it." Zane locked the door behind them. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes. Really." She managed a weak smile. "Though I have to say, that Aura release was impressive. You scared them half to death."
"Good. Maybe they'll think twice before harassing anyone else."
But Zane knew it wouldn't be that simple. Word would spread that he'd revealed Apprentice-tier Aura. His siblings would hear about it. Lyanna would use it to fuel more rumors. And students who'd dismissed him as weak would start paying attention.
The assessment tests hadn't even started yet, and already his carefully planned low profile was crumbling.
But he couldn't bring himself to regret it. Eliza had risked her life for him in the Shadow Forest. The least he could do was protect her here.
"Get some rest," Zane said. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
"You too, Young Master."
Eliza retreated to her room, and Zane sat at his desk. He pulled up his status window and stared at the numbers.
The academy was already more complicated than he'd anticipated. But that was fine. Complications could be dealt with.
What mattered was staying focused on his goal, getting stronger, staying alive, and eventually dealing with Liam before the world fell apart.
Everything else was just noise.