Mike 2

As Mike was helped up by Nyx, some students leaned in closer, intrigued. "I wonder what else he can do," one girl said, her tone a mix of admiration and curiosity. "He might be more talented than we thought."

Others were sceptical, casting doubtful glances at the trio. "Just because he held his own for a moment doesn't mean he can compete with the nobles," a boy scoffed, crossing his arms.

But despite the scepticism, the excitement in the arena was palpable. The spectacle of two powerful twins and a commoner sparring together had sparked a wave of interest, and students were left buzzing with speculation about what this meant for the future of the academy.

As Nyx and Astor walked toward the common rest area, Nyx noticed Mike trailing behind them. Despite being a commoner, Nyx thought, This boy is a gem in a million. When they reached the rest area, Nyx saw Deric standing with towels ready for them. After taking a towel and sitting down, Nyx addressed Mike, who stood uncertainly in front of them.

"Deric, bring a chair for him," Nyx instructed. Once the chair was placed and Mike sat down, Nyx asked, "So, tell me your story, Mike. How did you end up here?"

Mike's expression darkened with sadness as he began to speak. "I'm from a small village in Goldenleaf Province. I'm a farmer's son. Every season, my father's harvest was just enough to keep our small family going, but the baron's taxes are so high that we couldn't pay. Every season's end, the guards would come. They'd torture our family, and... harass my mother."

Nyx watched as Mike's hands clenched tightly. "Once, when my father wasn't around, they tried to... to rape her." His voice wavered. "I was only eight. I managed to stop them, but they beat me up badly. The worst part wasn't the pain, though. It was the look on my mother's face. I never want to see that again."

Mike suddenly knelt before Nyx and Astor. "Please, I want a chance, my lords. Grandma Ren told me to find you. She said you're the only ones who could help me here at the academy."

Nyx was caught off guard by this unexpected plea. Astor looked confused and asked, "Who's Ren?"

Mike answered quickly, "You might not know her, but she said you'd know Grandpa Ian—he's her brother. She's heard a lot about you, Master Nyx and Astor."

Grandpa Ian has a sister? Nyx thought. He never mentioned that.

Mike continued, desperation in his voice, "Please, masters. If it weren't for Grandma Ren, I wouldn't have even made it to the academy."

Nyx told him to rise. "Sit back down, Mike, and tell us the rest of your story. There's more, isn't there?"

Mike nodded. "After I turned nine, my father took me to the local Awakening Ceremony, hoping I'd have decent magic potential. After the ceremony revealed my grade and affinities, the higher officials wanted to take me in, but Grandma Ren stopped them. She was just the village healer, but she took me under her care and taught me magic. She told me that if I went with the officials, I'd end up like their dog." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "She said it wasn't the life for me."

Nyx nodded, motioning for him to speak quietly. Mike continued, "The past three years have been peaceful. The baron's soldiers haven't bothered us like before, and I've learned everything from Grandma Ren. She even paid for my entrance to the academy and told me to find you both. She said if I mentioned Grandpa Ian, you'd believe me."

Astor, ever direct, asked, "You never complained about the situation to the baron?"

"We tried," Mike said, shaking his head. "But the baron never leaves his mansion, and he never grants audiences."

Astor's brow furrowed. "Why didn't you go to the marquis, then?"

Before Mike could answer, Nyx cut in, "Don't be a fool, Astor. They're commoners. It's not that simple."

Astor paused, then sighed. "That's true. Still, you're brave for coming forward and challenging us like that."

Nyx nodded in agreement. It was foolish, but undeniably brave, he thought.

"I had no other choice, my lord," Mike replied. "When I saw you two sparring, I thought it was the best opportunity I'd get."

As they spoke, Nyx quietly called Deric over and instructed him to gather information about Mike and his grandmother, Ren. The idea that an official had left such a talented boy in the care of an old healer was puzzling. Deric nodded and quickly left. When he returned after a moment, he leaned in and whispered, "The information will be available by tomorrow."

Nyx sat back, watching Mike. There's more to this than meets the eye, he thought.