lucian past

Marcus's arms wrapped around Erza tightly as he embraced her. A wave of relief washed over him. Finally, he had a way out of the academy, a chance to venture into the dungeon and push himself beyond the confines of the academy's walls.

It wasn't just about his thirst for adventure—Marcus wanted to escape from this academy and want to go outside to see the world of the novel,he wanted to travel outside but he was confide in academy. Now he can left the academy with permission and

Can also grow stronger.

Erza chuckled softly, clearly taken aback by the sudden hug but not resisting it. "You're really happy about this, aren't you?" she asked, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"I've been waiting for this chance," Marcus replied, pulling back slightly but keeping his hands on her shoulders. His eyes were bright with anticipation. "I can't stay cooped up here any longer."

Out of the corner of his eye, Marcus caught a glimpse of Charlotte, still sitting on the sofa. Her posture was stiff, her arms crossed, and her lips slightly pursed. She was watching them with barely concealed jealousy. Marcus could tell that seeing him embrace Erza was making her jealous, but she was trying to hide it behind a mask of composure.

Erza noticed it too. She cleared her throat softly and stepped back, breaking the embrace. "I actually came to tell you about the provisional permit," she explained, glancing at Charlotte with an apologetic look. "But when I saw her here, I thought it'd be best to clear the air first."

"Thanks, Erza," Marcus said, grateful for her sensitivity. He knew it hadn't been easy for Charlotte to adjust to his relationship with Erza, and he appreciated the fact that Erza was mindful of that.

"Anyway," Erza continued, her tone shifting back to its professional cadence, "I'll get things moving on the permit. I need to speak to a few more professors and get their signature for the provisional approval. But, in light of your progress, I think it should be granted."

Marcus's heart soared. He was one step closer to his goal. "Thank you, Erza. This means a lot."

Erza gave him a reassuring nod and then turned her attention to Charlotte. "I'll leave you two to your evening. Good night."

Charlotte gave her a slight nod, though her eyes still held a trace of jealousy. Just as Erza was about to step through the door, she threw a playful glance over her shoulder. "Next time, Marcus, it'll be my turn," she said with a teasing smile, her eyes locking onto Charlotte's for a brief second before she left.

Charlotte's cheeks flushed, a light pink creeping up her neck and spreading across her face. She looked flustered, and it took her a few moments to regain her composure after Erza's parting words.

Once Erza was gone, Marcus sat down beside Charlotte on the sofa, gently taking her hand in his. "Thanks for understanding, Charlotte," he said softly, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "I know this isn't easy for you."

Charlotte looked at him, her expression softening. "It's okay i can do anything for you," she said quietly, her voice tinged with emotion. "It's just...I never imagined I'd have to share you with someone else. But I'm trying, Marcus. For you."

Marcus felt a surge of affection for her. He knew how much Charlotte cared for him, and the fact that she was willing to accept Erza showed just how much she was invested in their relationship. He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips, feeling the tension melt away as they held each other.

"I'll make it up to you," he whispered against her lips before pulling back slightly. "I promise."

Charlotte smiled at him, her eyes shining with warmth. "You better," she teased lightly, though there was a sincerity behind her words.

The two of them spent the rest of the evening together, sharing quiet moments and exchanging kisses. Marcus's mind drifted from his earlier frustrations with the dungeon delay to the future he was now planning—one that involved not just the dungeon but also the women in his life. He hadn't yet told Charlotte about his broader ambitions, about his desire to create a harem, but he knew that he needed to be careful and patient. He would tell her when the time was right, once she was more comfortable with the idea.

---

on the other side, While Marcus was enjoying his moments with Charlotte.

Lucian Silvermoon came far from the academy. She had left the Alvora Empire behind and journeyed to the Aurora Empire, the place where her life had once begun in a much different time. The air was thick with the scent of rain, and the skies above her were heavy with dark clouds, casting a gloomy pall over the landscape.

Lucian walked slowly through a vast cemetery, the one she had built herself after reaching the pinnacle of power as a 5-star mage. This place, once her childhood home, was now a resting place for the souls of her fallen family members. Stone markers stood tall in neat rows, each one bearing the name of a loved one lost to the violent coup that had wiped out her entire family.

She stopped in front of two graves, marked with the names of her mother named emilia and father named Edward. Her heart clenched painfully as memories of that fateful night flooded her mind. The night when her family had been attacked by assassins, hired by a rival baron family. Lucian had been young then, no more than a child, and utterly helpless.

Her mother had made sure she escaped through a secret passage beneath their manor, pushing her forward even as the assassins broke through their defenses. Lucian had cried, pleaded with her mother to come with her, but her mother had stayed behind, blocking the passage with her magic and And told Lucian to go and escape so she could take a revenge for them.

"Get strong, Lucian," her mother had whispered as she hugged her tightly for the last time. "Find someone who will love you for who you are, instead of our places. I love you. Always."

The pain of that memory had haunted Lucian for years. She had built walls around her heart, vowing never to let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. But now, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, those walls were beginning to crack.

Marcus's confession had stirred something deep inside her, something she had long buried. She hadn't realized it at first, but as the days went by, she found herself thinking more and more about him. His teasing words, the way he smiled at her, the way he looked at her as if he saw more than just a powerful mage—he saw the woman behind the power.

Standing before her parents' graves, Lucian closed her eyes, tears prickling the corners of her eyes. She hadn't cried in years, but now, alone in this cemetery, the emotions she had kept locked away began to surface.

"Mom," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I think...I think I've finally found someone. Someone who would love me just as you loved me."

______

After leaving Marcus and Charlotte, Erza made her way to the professor's office to obtain the necessary signatures for Marcus's dungeon venture. The process was straightforward but required careful attention. As she approached the office, she found the professors engaged in various tasks—an indication of their busy schedules.

Erza knocked lightly on the door and was greeted by Professor Aric, who was known for his efficiency and keen eye for detail. "Good evening, Professor Aric," Erza began, her tone respectful and professional. "I'm here to finalize the documents for Marcus Ravenscroft's provisional pass."

Professor Aric looked up from his paperwork, his expression one of mild curiosity. "Ah, Erza. I've heard quite a bit about Marcus. His talents have certainly made waves around here. What can I assist you with?"

Erza smiled, appreciating the professor's openness. "I have necessary signatures to authorize Marcus's dungeon venture. It's a significant step for him, and I want to ensure everything is in order."

The process was smooth and efficient. Professor Aric reviewed the documents carefully, his focus unwavering. He signed with a flourish and handed the papers back to Erza. "Everything looks in order. Marcus is indeed a remarkable student. I have no doubt he will handle the challenges ahead with skill."

Erza nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Professor Aric. I appreciate your prompt assistance."

With the signatures secured, Erza made her way to the administration office to finalize the provisional pass. The process there was just as efficient. The staff, recognizing the importance of the documents, expedited the procedure. Within half an hour, Erza had completed all the necessary paperwork and received the official provisional pass for Marcus.

As she held the completed documents, Erza felt a surge of satisfaction. She was eager to deliver the pass to Marcus, knowing it would be a crucial step for his upcoming adventure. However, a thought crossed her mind. She recalled Marcus and Charlotte's earlier interaction and knew it was best to give them some privacy.

Erza smiled to herself, reflecting on the moments she had shared with Marcus and the lighthearted banter they had exchanged and thought it will be her next time.

"I guess I'll deliver this in the morning," Erza decided, her thoughts drifting to the future. "For now, I'll let them enjoy their time together."