CHAPTER 22
Sorayael thought everything was finally falling into a perfect dynamic, plans in motion, allies gathering, secrets tightly held in silence. But that illusion crumbled in an instant.
Sorayael blinked.
Just like that, every strategy she had lined up in her mind unraveled.
'The Academy? Now? Of all times?'
Zarethian, on the other hand, scowled and crossed his arms. "Why should I go to that place? I don't need anyone's teachings."
The Grand Duke didn't even flinch. "Before you enter the Academy, register first, Zarethian."
Something shifted in Zarethian's expression. "Ohhh," he murmured, eyes lighting up with amusement.
Sorayael remained silent, though her mind spun. The Academy was crawling with watchful eyes, rival heirs, instructors tied to the court, and possibly spies for the Emperor. It was the last place she wanted to be now that the real game had begun.
Her golden eyes narrowed.
'Huh? Eh? What?' (?'???????'?)
He gave them a nod, dismissing them as he turned back toward the window overlooking Aethenroth's silver gardens.
Neither of them spoke as they left the room.
Zarethian clicked his tongue once they were out of earshot. "I'm going to hate it there."
Sorayael didn't reply.
She was too busy recalculating everything...again.
The flickering blue flame of the sigil lamp casts soft light over the round table, illuminating the familiar faces of the chosen heirs.
Sorayael stood at the center once more, her expression calm but firm.
Silas snorted. "My mother says it's to fix my 'unpolished elegance.' Whatever that means."
Ravelia rolled her eyes. "Looks like none of us had a choice."
Sorayael arched a brow, surprised for a heartbeat, then nodded slowly. "Then we use this to our advantage."
A collective nod followed, firm and united.
Krios stood at the base of the silver steps, gripping the edge of his cloak. Sorayael knelt before him, her presence calm despite the weight of departure.
She smiled, brushing back a lock of his silver hair. "While I'm not here, protect this place. It's our second home now."
Krios bit his lip, blinking rapidly, holding back tears. "I got it, Ate. Trust me."
She pulled him into a tight embrace. "I always do."
..............
The Ranking Hall stood tall at the capital's edge, a quiet place known only to a few, its towering spires casting long shadows over the stone courtyard. Inside, ancient glyphs glowed faintly on obsidian walls, humming with the weight of untold power.
Zarethian Everen stepped inside with a bored look, arms crossed, the long coat he wore swaying with his steps. An attendant immediately rushed to greet him, recognizing the emblem stitched on his sleeve.
He followed lazily, yawning once as if this whole process was beneath him. They led him to a circular platform, etched with ancient sigils, and motioned for him to step inside.
The ranking crystal pulsed once, dim and expectant.
Zarethian sighed, placed his hand flat against it and the moment his skin touched the surface, the entire chamber pulsed with an explosion of heat and energy.
The crystal lit up instantly, casting searing rays of scarlet and molten gold.
The elders stumbled back.
The glyphs on the floor burned red.
And the crystal... cracked.
A single letter hovered above the pedestal.
Everyone in the room froze.
Even Zarethian blinked, "Well, I'm a son of an S-ranker anyway, what's there to be surprised about?"
One of the record keepers dropped his pen.
He walked out of the hall, hands in his pockets, leaving the stunned ranking officers to gather their breath, and sweep up what remained of their poor, overworked crystal.
The Grand Duke expected it already but he was happy to receive such great news, while Sorayael were still overthinking their plans, not being bothered by Zarethian's rank.
A few days later..
The carriage rumbled across the marble bridge that stretched into the floating island of Sterella Academy. Its spires gleaming with runes, banners fluttering with ancient house sigils, and its gates guarded by elite enforcers cloaked in midnight blue.
Zarethian leaned out the window slightly, eyes narrowed. "Too shiny. I hate it already."
Sorayael sat beside him, gaze fixed on the academy ahead. "Get used to it. We'll be stuck here for a while."
Behind them, the carriages of House Velmorian, Irelith, Everen, Kaelwyn, and Nytheris followed in formation.
As they passed beneath the glowing arch of the academy gates, a pulse of magic swept over them; probing, marking, sealing.
Sorayael's golden eyes narrowed slightly as she whispered to herself.
'Let the games begin.'
..........
The carriages rolled to a slow stop on smooth white marble lined with runes that softly glowed underfoot.
The vast expanse of Sterella Academy's Grand Courtyard opened before them, the arcane crystal trees shimmered beside archways of sculpted mana-infused stone.
Above, winged familiars soared, trailing streaks of elemental energy behind them.
A gentle chime echoed through the courtyard. The reception was beginning.
Students in pristine uniforms gathered in rows, most wearing crests of noble houses or specialized magical divisions. Faculty members in elegant robes stood near the welcoming dais.
As Sorayael stepped out of the carriage, silence briefly fell around her.
She wore a tailored silver uniform embroidered with delicate golden threads, her silver hair gleaming under the sun, golden eyes unwavering.
Zarethian followed behind her, slouched but sharp-eyed, clearly disinterested in the formality.
The other heirs emerged as well, Celene, regal as ever; Karsen, looking mildly annoyed by the attention; Kieran, yawning mid-step; Silas, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in his coat.
A group of upper-year students whispered from the sidelines.
A man in obsidian-lined robes approached. His presence silenced the murmurs instantly.
He gave a slight bow. "Sterella Academy does not serve merely as a school, but as a crucible. Your backgrounds, your noble titles-they mean nothing here. What will define you are your abilities, your decisions, and your discipline."
His eyes paused briefly on Sorayael, as if sensing something deeper.
Zarethian muttered under his breath, "Great. More tests."
Celene elbowed him, smiling. "Don't fail on the first day, young master."
Master Caelion continued. "You've each been assigned to your Houses within the academy. Dormitories will be separated based on elemental alignment and discipline."
He handed them enchanted crystals, each glowing in different hues. Sorayael's was a star-kissed gold, Zarethian's a deep scarlet. The others received theirs in turn.
The welcoming ceremony concluded with a flare of lights from the sky above, forming the academy's crest: a silver lotus encircled by stars.
As students dispersed and aides led the newcomers toward their respective dorms, Sorayael looked up at the sky briefly before going.
As the heavy doors of the reception hall closed behind the last of the newly arrived students, the corridors of Sterella Academy fell into a calm hush.
Master Caelion walked alone down the gilded hallway, the soft click of his boots echoing faintly. His brows furrowed in thought.
'Sorayael Elaris..'
That crystal reading still haunted him.
It wasn't just rare-it was impossible. Crystals were designed to glow in silver or less for noble-borns. A gold hue was reserved only for Imperials... and yet hers gleamed with something beyond. A radiant brilliance neither cataloged nor explainable.
He stopped in front of one of the stained glass windows, gazing out toward the academy grounds as the wind stirred his robe.
'Good thing no one else saw it..'