Ohh!

Luke's words drifted through the grand hall like drops of ink into clear water — staining everything with sudden anticipation.

"We, the chosen ones of year five," he announced, voice smooth and regal, "will personally demonstrate our combined power with our familiars to all of you first years."

A hush fell across the hall. Then, in a burst, it ignited into an uproar of chatter. The excitement was infectious.

But for one person, it struck like a cold blade.

Shanny's eyes flew wide. What did he just say? This wasn't part of anything we discussed when we planned these speeches for the year twos and threes. Why now? Why only for the first years?

She whirled toward Luke, about to interject, but already he was turning to the crowd with that gracious smile — the smile that always seemed to hide a dozen daggers behind it.

Aether's decision

Meanwhile, across the rows of seats, Aether let out a small sigh, almost a laugh.

Oh great. Is this the president's latest bright idea? Seriously… what did I ever do to earn this special kind of attention from him?

But then his smirk deepened. His bright eyes gleamed. Well… whatever game you're playing, President Luke, I'll accept your challenge. Let's see where it takes us.

And before Shanny could find her voice again to shut it all down, Aether's voice rose, calm and perfectly at ease.

"Fine," he called out, leaning back in his chair. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'll accept — with a big heart. It's an honor after all."

A stare that said more than words

For the briefest second, Luke's eyes narrowed — just a twitch of surprise that Aether would so readily agree. But it vanished behind a sly curve of his lips.

"Oh, I am truly delighted to hear that," Luke replied, his voice a velvet purr that didn't quite hide the glint of teeth beneath. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing your creations, Aether."

Their gazes locked across the hall — bright blue against gleaming gold — both smiling, both perfectly polite. And yet, underneath, it was like two blades had crossed in midair.

Well, I don't know what you're scheming exactly, Aether thought coolly, but for now, I'll play along. Let's see if you dance better than you plot.

Shanny's silent alarm

Shanny spun around, face pale, breath catching in her throat as she saw Aether smiling so casually up at Luke.

What is this boy thinking? Is he just refusing to lose face in front of Luke? But… no. Those eyes…

She sucked in a shaky breath. He's not just trying to save pride. There's something else. Something I can't read. Only two people have ever been that way to me — Luke… and now Aether.

Slowly, she pressed a hand over her face, shoulders sagging. It's impossible to stop this now. Not when Aether himself accepted. All I can do is brace for whatever comes next.

Luke turned back to her, all honeyed courtesy. "Is that alright with you, Vice President Shanny?"

Shanny's sigh was half a groan. "Oh please, Luke. Even if I refused, you'd bulldoze ahead anyway. Why even bother asking me?"

Still, she met his eyes evenly, forced calm wrapping around her like armor. "Since Aether agreed, I have no reason to object."

The hall erupts in excitement

Around them, the first years practically bounced in their seats.

"This is amazing! We get to see the actual chosen ones fight with their familiars!"

"It's going to be a hell of a show," someone whispered with wide eyes.

Luke let their excitement swell a beat longer before he lifted a hand for silence.

"Then it's settled. We, the chosen ones of year five, will demonstrate our power with our familiars to all of you. This event will take place one week from today — in the morning, at the Capital One Area."

Different reactions — Aether, Lucas, Luke

The Capital One Area, huh? Aether mused, eyes glinting. The same place where I beat Lucas. Where so many interesting things have already happened. Fitting. Very fitting.

From across the hall, a sharp, irritated hiss slipped out. "Tch."

It was Lucas. His eyes burned, jaw tight. Going back there… where he humiliated me… damn it all.

Meanwhile, Luke's thoughts slithered far darker. Perfect. In that very same arena where he once stood victorious, I'll tear down Aether Ryens in front of everyone. When he fails, the dean's gaze will turn back where it belongs — on me.

For a fleeting moment, Luke's golden eyes flashed with something like madness. I will show you what real power looks like, Aether.

The post-meeting — Shanny, Luke, Aether

When the crowd finally dispersed, abuzz with anticipation, Shanny lingered a moment by Luke. Her voice was low, warning. "You know you'll need the dean's permission for something like this."

Luke's smile never faltered. "Naturally. I planned to speak with her immediately."

Aether watched them from a distance, lips twitching in wry amusement. Man, these people are exhausting. Schemes on schemes… Should probably figure out why Luke's so intent on destroying me before it gets even messier.

Luke at the dean's office

Soon after, Luke stood outside the elegant double doors of the dean's office. He took a steadying breath, smoothed his expression into one of humble politeness, then knocked.

"Enter," came the dean's clear, cool voice.

Luke stepped inside, bowing deeply. "Dean. I came to inform you — and seek your permission. One week from now, we wish to demonstrate the power of our mana beasts to the first years."

The dean set down her pen, steepled her fingers, and fixed Luke with a look that could slice through armor. "The reason?"

Luke's throat bobbed. Then he delivered his carefully rehearsed lines.

"It's to ensure the new students understand the sheer power of mana beasts. Many are excited about being allowed to bring familiars here. Without proper caution, they might grow reckless — or cause accidents. By showing them firsthand what misuse could lead to, we may prevent disasters. And, of course, also to remind them why we were chosen as the academy's elite."

The dean's quiet verdict

Silence stretched. Then, to Luke's relief, the dean nodded slowly.

"Hmm. That is indeed wise. I am impressed, Luke."

Her eyes narrowed just slightly. "And how, exactly, do you intend to stage this?"

A spark of triumph danced in Luke's chest. "We will enlist the assistance of Aether Ryens. I've asked him to craft mechanisms for us to demonstrate against. It will also allow us to observe his skills firsthand."

For a heartbeat, something like surprise flickered across the dean's face. Then she leaned back and — to Luke's utter confusion — began to laugh. A low, amused, knowing laugh.

"Very well, very well. I approve your event. You and the chosen ones will be entirely responsible. Make sure everything remains under control."

The predator's grin

Luke bowed low, hiding his perplexity. Why did she laugh? Did she see through my motives? No matter…

As he left the office, a slow, predatory grin crawled across his face.

Everything is falling exactly into place. Nothing stands in my way now. Just you wait, Aether Ryens… at the Capital One Area, I will show you — and everyone else — what true power looks like.