Chapter 11: Ardent Academy

The doors to the Valenciari Family's main hall swung open, and Vincent stepped inside, his presence demanding attention. The room, grand and imposing, was filled with the highest-ranking members of the Valenciari mafia.

At the head of the long mahogany table sat Luciano Valenciari, the Don of the family. His sharp, calculating gaze met Vincent's as the room fell into silence.

Seated around the table were powerful figures—men and women who had built their lives within the underworld, each commanding power in their own right. To his father's right sat Alfonso Moretti, the Consigliere, his expression calm and unreadable. To the Don's left was his Right-Hand Man, a figure Vincent had yet to properly familiarize himself with.

Luciano leaned back, folding his fingers together. "Vincent," he addressed, his deep voice filling the space. "Take a seat."

Vincent didn't hesitate. He moved forward, each step firm, and took the empty seat at the other end of the table—the place of an heir, a prince of the underworld.

The atmosphere in the room was thick with anticipation. Some regarded Vincent with curiosity, others with scrutiny. This wasn't just a meeting—it was a moment of reckoning.

Luciano exhaled a slow breath before speaking. "You have proven yourself capable, but your true test begins now."

Alfonso reached into a sleek black envelope and slid a document forward. The moment Vincent's eyes fell on it, his breath hitched slightly. The emblem on the wax seal was unmistakable—Ardent Academy.

"Your invitation has arrived," Alfonso said smoothly. "You will be attending the most prestigious academy in the world."

Vincent took the letter and carefully broke the seal, unfolding the fine parchment. The words within were formal, almost regal, but what mattered most was the final section:

[Entrance Examination: Mandatory for Placement Ranking.]

Luciano watched his son carefully. "You will not just attend, Vincent. You will excel. As my heir, I expect nothing less than for you to rank among the highest in the entrance exam. The Valenciari name must be feared and respected, no matter where you go."

Vincent looked up, meeting his father's expectant gaze. "And if I fail?"

Luciano's expression did not change. "Then you prove unworthy of the Valenciari legacy."

A heavy silence settled over the room. Vincent understood the weight of those words. His father was not merely setting expectations—he was issuing a challenge.

Alfonso spoke next, his tone level yet firm. "Ardent Academy is not just a school—it is a battlefield. Mafia heirs, business tycoons, swordmasters, royalty… every young prodigy worth mentioning will be there. Connections will be forged, alliances made, and enemies created. You must ensure that you emerge as a dominant figure."

Vincent absorbed this information carefully. He had known about Ardent Academy from the novel—he even remembered that the protagonist, Alessandro Ricci, would be there. But this was different. This was real.

Luciano continued. "You are my son, Vincent, and that means expectations will be higher for you than for most. The Valenciari do not raise mediocrity. We raise kings."

His words were final, leaving no room for argument. Vincent exhaled slowly before nodding. "I understand."

Luciano studied him for a moment before smirking slightly. "Good. Then prepare yourself. You leave for the Academy in two weeks."

As the meeting came to an end, Vincent felt a particular gaze on him—one that was different from the others. He subtly glanced to the side and caught the sharp, inquisitive eyes of his father's Right-Hand Man.

The man smirked slightly, as if testing him.

Vincent held his gaze, unflinching.

The silent exchange spoke volumes. The Right-Hand Man was watching him, judging him—but also acknowledging him. Vincent had stepped into their world, and now he had to prove he belonged.

As he stood to leave, Alfonso remained beside him, speaking in a low voice. "Your first step into this world begins at Ardent Academy, young master. It will determine your place in the underworld. Choose your path wisely."

Vincent exhaled, gripping the letter in his hand. The stakes had never been higher.

He wasn't just the heir of a powerful mafia family. He was now stepping into an arena where only the strongest survived.

And he intended to be at the top.

As Vincent stepped out of the meeting hall, he heard rapid footsteps approaching. Before he could react, a small figure launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Vincent!" a sweet, excited voice called.

He looked down to see his little sister, Isabella Valenciari, beaming up at him. With her big, innocent eyes and a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, she clung to him with childlike affection.

"Father said you're going to the Academy! Does that mean you'll be away for a long time?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Vincent softened slightly, ruffling her hair. "Not too long, Isabella. And I'll visit when I can."

She pouted but nodded. "You better! And you have to be the best, okay? You're the coolest big brother ever!" Her unwavering admiration for him was clear in her eyes.

A chuckle came from behind. Alfonso had followed Vincent out, watching the interaction with an amused expression. "Your sister believes in you more than anyone else. You wouldn't want to disappoint her."

Vincent glanced at Isabella, who was still hugging him tightly, and felt a newfound determination settle within him.

"I won't disappoint her. Or the family."

He would carve his name into the legacy of Ardent Academy and prove that he was more than just an heir—he was a force to be reckoned with.

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TO BE CONTINUED…