Chapter 15: He appears

(Hey guys Kimodin here, managed to fix my computer though I feel the enthusiasm for writing beginning to wane as this novel wasn't exactly planned and I'm just winging it as I go along, but good news is I'm planning on a similar novel now that will be more detailed. I'll still upload this one but maybe once in a while as I plan the other one. Now enjoy the chapter. Drop some power stones while you're at it.)

Lucien Anderson exited the academy's testing grounds, his body still humming with adrenaline from the dungeon challenge. The cool night air greeted him as he stepped outside, his breath forming wisps in the chill. Amara walked beside him, her exhaustion barely showing despite their intense trial. The results had been clear—Lucien had ranked first in the entrance exam, with Amara following close behind.

Their parents were waiting near a sleek, black hovercar, relief washing over their faces when they saw him. His father, Mathew Anderson, a towering figure with jet-black hair, wore a proud yet firm expression. His mother, Reyna, had tears in her ruby-colored eyes as she pulled him into a tight embrace.

"You did it," she whispered, voice filled with pride.

"I knew you'd come out on top," Mathew said, ruffling his son's hair before nodding to Amara. "And you too, Amara. Though your parents weren't able to make I know they would be proud."

Lucien chuckled, a rare moment of levity breaking through his usual stoicism. "I couldn't have done it without Amara. She kept me on my toes."

Amara smirked, a proud expression on her face. "Damn right I did."

Reyna let out a warm laugh before guiding them into the car. "Come on you two, we're celebrating tonight. A feast worthy of the new prodigies of Stellar Vanguard Academy."

That night, the Anderson household was filled with the aroma of roasted meats, fragrant spices, and the warmth of familial celebration. A grand spread covered the dining table—grilled venison, buttery mashed potatoes, crisp greens, and an array of desserts. Even Seraphina, his older sister, was yapping on about how the both of them were the greatest, after her of course, as she watched her brother with admiration in her eyes.

"To Lucien and Amara!" Mathew raised his glass of deep crimson wine, the rest of the family following suit with their own drinks—Lucien and Seraphina with sparkling fruit juice. "May he continue to surpass expectations and carve his own legend."

They all clinked their glasses together, and laughter filled the air as they dug into the feast. Despite the joy surrounding him, Lucien couldn't shake a lingering thought at the back of his mind. The entrance exam had gone as expected, but now came the real challenge—studying at Stellar Academy.

The first day of school arrived far too quickly.

Dressed in the academy's sleek black uniform with silver accents, Lucien stood before the mirror, adjusting the lapel where the insignia of Stellar Vanguard Academy shimmered—a silver star encased in a ring of energy. His spear, collapsed into its compact form, was securely fastened in a suit case at the base of his feet.

Reyna fussed over his uniform while Mathew simply gave him a firm nod of approval. "Do well. Don't slack off just because you ranked first."

Seraphina peeked out from the doorway. "Don't get beaten up."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "By who?"

She shrugged. "Dunno. Just saying."

Amara was waiting outside in her own uniform, arms crossed. "Ready to deal with rich kids and arrogant nobles?" she asked.

Lucien smirked. "They should be asking if they're ready for me."

Upon arriving at Stellar Academy, Lucien and Amara were led to the massive auditorium, where students were gathering. The stage loomed before them, a grand holographic display showing the academy's emblem and a welcome message.

As he scanned the students around him, his gaze landed on a particular individual.

A boy stood near the front, separated from the general crowd. He was taller than most students, with a sharp, chiseled face and striking golden hair with streaks of white that framed his face. His golden eyes carried an intensity that set him apart. Unlike the others, he did not wear the standard uniform; instead, his attire bore the crest of the top family.

Lucien narrowed his eyes.

Ciel Astarius.

The protagonist of the original novel.

Unlike the rest of them, he had not participated in the entrance exams. He didn't need to. As the direct heir to the Astarius family, his admission had been predetermined. Not just because of his status, but because of his overwhelming talent and being the Herald of the Goddess that humanity worshipped

Lucien knew that Ciel was the one who would eventually lead humanity against the coming apocalypse. He was the protagonist, the beacon of hope. However, things weren't so simple. The novel had detailed Ciel's growth, his struggles, and his eventual rise, but this was reality. Lucien had been reborn into this world knowing what would come, but that didn't mean things would follow the exact same script.

And judging by Ciel's smiling face, which set Lucien off a bit Lucien could already see that he was hiding something whatever it was

"Who is that?," Amara whispered.

"Don't know but well probably find out," Lucien murmured back.

As the both of them went to find their seats, Lucien couldn't help but wonder—how much had already changed?

And how much more would he need to change to prevent the inevitable destruction?