The academy gates opened slowly, revealing towering spires of white alloy and glowing runes embedded into the walls. Students passed through in small groups, voices low, eyes sharp—everyone sizing everyone else up.
Damon walked quietly, crimson eyes observant.
Lira stayed close, her steps light but confident. Will walked a little ahead, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed—as if the entire place already belonged to him.
For a while, none of them spoke.
Finally, Lira broke the silence with a soft laugh.
"Well… I guess we should properly introduce ourselves now. We did almost die together."
Will stopped and turned, smiling. "Fair point."
He extended a hand toward Damon first. "Will Arden."
The name landed heavier than expected.
Damon hesitated, then shook his hand. "Damon Vale."
Lira followed. "Lira Vayne."
Will's smile widened slightly. "Looks like fate grouped us."
They continued walking, the academy unfolding around them—training fields, floating platforms, distant towers buzzing with energy.
"So," Will said casually, glancing at Damon, "that 'Unclassified' label. You gonna tell us what that's about?"
Damon's system stirred faintly.
[Inquiry Detected — Information Risk: Medium]
"I don't fully know myself," Damon replied honestly. "I adapt. Fast."
Will studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough."
Lira smiled. "As long as you're on our side, I don't care what label they give you."
That earned a small pause from both boys.
The system logged it.
[Team Trust: Increased]
They reached a wide courtyard when a group of students suddenly stiffened.
Whispers spread.
"Wait… is that—"
"No way. An Arden?"
"The Arden family sent someone personally?"
Lira slowed, confused. Damon noticed Will's jaw tighten—just slightly.
"Arden?" Lira asked. "As in that Arden?"
Will sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. That Arden."
Damon looked at him. "Powerful family?"
Will gave a dry chuckle. "One of the founding families that backed Celestial Academy. Military contracts. Ability research. Political leverage."
Lira stopped walking. "That's… huge."
"Doesn't mean much to me," Will said quietly. "It just means people expect things before I even open my mouth."
For the first time, his confident aura cracked—just a little.
Damon understood that feeling more than he expected.
[Psychological Similarity Detected]
"So," Will continued, looking between them, "now you know. People will watch us. Test us. Some will want to use you, Damon. Some will want to control you."
Lira frowned. "And some will want to hurt us."
Will smiled again—this time sharp. "Exactly."
Damon met his gaze. No fear. No hesitation.
"Then we stay together."
The system pulsed softly.
[Team Stability: Confirmed]
[Synergy Projection: High Growth Potential]
Lira smiled, relief clear in her eyes. "Guess that makes us a team… officially."
Will nodded. "Not just a team."
He looked toward the academy's highest tower.
"A problem."
Damon's crimson eyes followed.
A powerful family.
An unclassified system.
A girl with battlefield control.
The academy had no idea what it just accepted.