New Rivals.

Blissfully unaware of the troubles in the palace, Alexander and Jules were making their way to the male dorms.

The duo had just left the auditorium. Where they had been informed of their passing status and given a list of potential classes to take.

"500 credits…" Jules muttered under his breath as he flipped through the packet of potential classes. 

Alexander sighed as he thought about what the headmaster said.

Students needed to obtain 500 credits by their final year, each year students had two mandatory classes, language arts, and mathematics. 

Both classes offered twenty credits.

Along with those two classes, you had to pick an additional four. 

Each netting you ten credits. 

These additional classes were to help further your career in any field you want, from becoming an officer of the law or military to becoming a pathfinder.

After you choose your six classes, you have to pick an extracurricular activity.

It could range from joining a sports team to shooting for a spot on the student council. 

By the time you finish your schedule, it should look something like this.

— — —

First period: Maths.

Second period: Maths.

Third period: Class of your choice.

Fourth period: Class of your choice. 

Lunch break.

Fifth period: Language.

Sixth period: Language.

Seventh period: class of your choice.

Eighth period: class of your choice.

End of day/extracurricular activity. 

— — —

Alexander looked down at the packet in his hands. It was like a thick booklet, filled with dozens of classes and brief descriptions. 

Alexander had a good idea of what he wanted to center his schedule around. 

He wanted to build his merit, strength, and connections. 

All so that when he eventually graduated, he'd be in a position to rebuild his House and reclaim what was lost.

Lost in thought, Alexander didn't realize a tall senior was standing in his path.

"Sir Alexander!" Jules called in an attempt to draw Alexander's attention.

Alexander looked up with an annoyed expression, before walking into the senior.

*smack.*

"Well shit, look at the gift I've been given." A voice oozed with malice, followed by a soft chuckle. "You lost, little brother?"

Alexander took a step back as his eyes snapped up to meet the senior's devious gaze. 

And what he was met with was bone-chilling. A pair of solid black eyes stared back at him, drawing in the surrounding light. 

(Every Hakshi has glowing irises and black eyes, so I guess you could say the senior just doesn't have visible irises.)

The senior's frame was tall and toned, with short black hair and a killer grin. 

He was dressed in the normal academy uniform, with a large bag on his back.

Alexander took a step back while tightly gripping his packet. 

Something told him this guy wasn't a joke. The way he grinned like a predator that just found its prey.

The way his eyes swallowed the surrounding light all pointed towards danger.

And though Alexander wasn't a coward, he wasn't stupid either.

"Uhm, sorry about that." Alexander apologized, his tone shaken slightly, "I wasn't paying attention."

Hopefully, this guy just accepts the apology, I know I can't fight him, but I can't run either.

Because then he'll think I'm easy.

Alexander knew all too well the consequences of appearing weak.

If he runs here, then the senior will come back expecting the same outcome, it'll set a precedent.

The senior quickly shook his head as he grabbed Alexander's shoulder. "Oh, and where do you think you're going, little brother?" 

Alexander tensed as his eyes narrowed, "to find my dorm, big brother…"

Alexander could hear a chuckle from Jules, a small snicker as he stood back.

Alexander cringed as the words 'big brother' left his lips, but he was down to try anything to avoid a fight.

The senior let out a villainous chuckle, "is that so?" He asked, reaching out a hand, "Let me see your class packet."

Alexander grip the packet harder, the paper crinkling under his thumb. 

Shit, is this guy going to rip it? Drop it on the floor and make me pick it up?

Alexander was hesitant, but resolved that if the senior forced him to do something he didn't like…

He'd fight back.

Alexander handed the packet to the senior, all while preparing to strike if necessary. 

The senior released Alexander's shoulder as he took the packet in with both hands. 

He began flipping through its contents with a semi-serious expression. 

Alexander watched the senior closely, his guard on high alert.

"Oh my," the senior said in a mockingly approving tone. "You got some Grade A choices, little brother."

"Well it's no doubt," Jules chimed in, finally stepping forward with a smug expression. 

"Sir Alexander is truly a prodigy. You'd do well to mentor him, instead of wasting his time, Raphael."

Jules' tone held its usual theatrical tone, but it was someone serious, almost like a threat.

The senior lowered the packet as his grin softened. "Hm, it seems you recognize me after all, First Heir Jules."

Jules smirked as he took his stance beside Alexander, who gave him a curious side-eye.

Do they know each other, is that why Raphael stopped us? 

"How could I not," Jules replied, "all the major families talk about you, the blackbird of the Eighth House, a demon amongst men."

Jules then shrugged with an uncaring expression. "But look how the mighty bird has fallen, teasing us mere children, for shame."

Raphael chuckled softly as he looked over at Alexander, his gaze unrelenting. "You surprise me, little brother, it's not easy to Jules' favor." 

Alexander raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Jules a second time. Jules returned the gesture with a smile. "Surprised, Sir Alexander?"

Yeah, I thought you were a complete dumbass.

I still think that actually.

"Well, I don't want to step over any toes," Raphael said, his tone disarmingly threatening as he reached out the packet towards Alexander. 

"But consider joining the academy's pathfinder team, that is if you can handle it as a first-year."

Alexander accepted his packet, but now his curiosity had gotten the best of him. "Pathfinder team?" He asked, "What's that?"

Raphael chuckled as he began walking past Alexander, "Come to practice tomorrow and find out, little brother." He said with a wave of his hand.

Alexander watched as Raphael walked away, torn between fearing his senior, and the curiosity of knowing his senior. 

"You know, Sir Alexander," Jules began, "I think you'd be a great asset to their team, even as a first-year."

Alexander sighed, "Maybe." He muttered, "Let's just get to our dorms before anyone else comes."

"Lead the way," Jules said with a smile.