The morning sun cast warm streaks across the Royal Hunter Academy courtyard, illuminating hedges that were neatly trimmed, cobblestone paths, and students bustling with energy. Lucian Vale walked among them, though his mind lay elsewhere. Every face he passed carried memories from his past life, some faint, some painfully vivid. Some would become allies, others rivals, and a few… he knew would betray him again if given the chance.
"Vale!" a sharp, teasing voice called out, slicing through the chatter. Lucian's head turned, and there he saw Rylan Cross, the academy's prodigy and one of his fiercest rivals. Rylan's dark hair fell perfectly across his forehead, his piercing eyes gleaming with a mixture of arrogance and curiosity.
"Well, well," Rylan sneered, smirking. "Looks like someone finally decided to show up. You have been awfully quiet this year."
Lucian's lips curled into a slight, restrained smile. Quiet, yes-but observant. He had learned over time that quite often, arrogance precluded mistakes. "Just taking in the view," he said smoothly, his voice cool, steady, and with an edge Rylan didn't quite expect.
A few other students standing nearby snickered and whispered; this was an old rivalry. Lucian didn't rise to the bait, his eyes scanning for one person who mattered more than any mockery—Seraphine Lys.
Seraphine was giggling softly with a small circle of classmates, her golden hair catching the sunlight like spun gold. She seemed so normal, so unencumbered, and yet to Lucian she was a woman wholly transformed. Every gesture, every look, every shadow of feeling spoke to him of what he once had known and lost. His chest went tight. She's alive. She's here. And I won't let anything happen to her.
He approached her with slow steps, being careful not to draw too much attention. The instant their eyes met, a small, nearly undistinguishable smile crossed her face. "Lucian," she said softly, the warmth in her tone reminding him of long-forgotten days. "It's been a while, how are you?
"I'm… well," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral, but the tide of emotions of times past threatened to break loose into his voice. He had so much to say-so much he wanted to explain-but it wasn't time. Not here, not yet.
She cocked her head, curiosity flickering in her green eyes. "You seem. different," she said lowly, her voice gentle, yet observant. "More serious, I think. Is everything all right?
Lucian's smile deepened slightly, though he said nothing. She didn't need to know the truth—not yet. The memories of betrayal, the weight of shadows he carried, and the strategies forming in his mind were secrets he could reveal only when necessary. For now, he would let her notice the subtle changes and wonder, as everyone else did.
Together, the others headed towards the classrooms as Rylan, among a few others, watched from a distance. Rylan's face hardened; his expression showed annoyance and intrigue. He had always found Lucian's quiet nature frustrating, but there was something different now, something almost dangerous beneath the calmness.
The morning classes had whizzed by in a blur. Lucian navigated the lessons, displaying an attention to detail in a manner that did not befit his age, a thoughtful intake while eliciting gain for an advantage yet to come. Every demonstration of spells, every drill in combat, each discussion concerning dungeon tests was vital material needed for strategy. He watched classmates closely, taking note of strengths, weaknesses, and patterns-small details that would make a whole lot of difference later on.
Lucian had sought a quiet corner in the courtyard with Seraphine at lunch. She talked breezily about everything from recent events, gossip going around about dungeon tests, to antics from classmates. For anyone else, it was mere friendship. For Lucian, though, every word was layered. He committed her expressions, gestures, and laughter to memory. He'd lost her once-always was a chance he would never take.
"You seem… thoughtful today," Seraphine remarked, nudging him lightly. "Something on your mind?"
He shook his head, forcing a casual smile. "Just. thinking about strategies for the upcoming dungeon tests," he said lightly, watching her closely. He noted the faint crease of concern between her brows, the slight hesitation in her voice. She senses the change, but doesn't know the truth. Yet.
Rylan strolled over then, hitching himself lazily against the side of a tree. "Planning to ace the dungeon tests, Vale?" he suggested, his lips curling as he looked at him. "Or are you too busy brooding?"
Lucian's eyes shifted to him, calm and measured. "I intend to compete. Winning is not required," he said smoothly, placing a subtle weight in his words. The smirk on Rylan's face faltered slightly-he did not expect that. Lucian turned back to Seraphine, offering a reassuring smile.
The rest of the afternoon flew by in a haze of practical combat lessons, spellcasting, and magical theory. Lucian was good-implausibly good-at all of it, yet he never showed off. He let people think him weaker than he was: a lesson learned from his last life, when the dangers of exposure had been so real. The shadows whispered softly around him, stirring with furtive life to reflect his mood: a reminder that this was one thing, at least, which had not been taken from him by death.
During a courtyard break, Seraphine found a chance to get to him again. "You've changed," she said quietly, almost for herself. "But in a… good way. I can't explain it, but… I like seeing this side of you."
Lucian's chest pulled tight over his heart as she spoke. Good? Like this is… okay? He wanted to tell her how much he had changed, how different that boy was from the one standing in front of her, yet he only nodded, his smile soft. "I've learned a few things since we last met," he said mysteriously.
Even as he spoke, Lucian noticed the subtle glances of classmates-some curious, some wary. The seeds of reputation, alliances, and rivalries were already forming, and he observed them carefully. Rylan especially seemed increasingly fixated on him, analyzing his every move.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the academy, Lucian returned to his dormitory. He felt the familiar pull of his shadow powers, whispering at the edges of his consciousness. The day had been a carefully kept balance of observation, strategy, and emotional control: he had protected Seraphine from minor scrutiny, asserted subtle dominance over Rylan's challenges, and tested the initial limits of his shadows.
Yet the path ahead was long. The dungeon tests were only the beginning, and the real dangers had yet to reveal themselves, both human and magical. Lucian closed his eyes briefly, his head nodding forward, letting a small flicker of darkness curl around his hands. The shadows were patient, waiting for his will, responding to his intent.
One thing was unmistakable in his mind: he wouldn't let the mistakes of his past life repeat themselves. He would protect Seraphine, command the shadows, and outsmart every rival, every traitor, and every threat that would stand in his path. The Royal Hunter Academy was a place of learning, rivalry, and danger. But for Lucian Vale, it had become the arena for his rebirth, the stage for his vengeance, and the crucible wherein the Shadow Monarch would awaken.
And as he gazed out of the window at the sprawling courtyard, where students laughed and trained under the dying light, he made a silent vow: this time, nothing would break him.