The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 011

The days at Arcadia Academy passed at an exciting pace. Intense classes, duels between students, and interactions with various characters have become part of Lucian's life. However, his mind kept replaying his encounter with the mysterious figure of Alaric. The man's words about a great threat stalking the world weighed heavily on his mind. Though he didn't fully believe it, Lucian couldn't ignore the intuition that Alaric was telling the truth.

That afternoon, after the Tactics and Strategy class, Lucian decided to look for more information about the "shadow group" Alaric had mentioned. The Arcadia Library was the perfect place to start, with its countless collections of ancient books and archives.

As Lucian walked through the corridors of the library, his eyes fell on a student sitting in a corner with a stack of books on his desk. It was Kael, a bright student known for his extensive knowledge of history and conspiracy.

"Kael," Lucian greeted, catching the young man's attention.

Kael looked up from the book he was reading. "Oh, Lucian. How can I help you?"

"I'm curious about secret groups that may have agendas outside the kingdom. Have you heard of any?"

Kael raised his eyebrows in surprise at Lucian's request. "Secret groups? It's not a topic that's often discussed. But there are some rumors... Perhaps I can help you, if you're willing to share information."

Lucian gave a small smile. "Sure. We can share what we know."

Kael invited Lucian to sit down and began to tell him about some secret groups that were said to have existed in the history of the kingdom. One of them, an organization called the Obsidian Veil, was believed to have great influence in politics and the military.

"They have always worked behind the scenes," Kael said. "But there are very few records about them. Most of it is just myth and speculation."

Lucian nodded, absorbing every bit of information Kael shared. He felt that these clues, though cryptic, were the first step to understanding the threat Alaric had mentioned.

The next day, Arcadia Academy held an open training session in the arena. All students were required to attend, including Lucian. The arena was filled with cheers as the students pitted their skills against each other.

Lucian was paired with a student named Alden, who was known as one of the best fighters in the academy. Their duel took center stage and drew a large crowd.

"Let's see if you're really as good as they say, Lucian," Alden said in a challenging tone.

Lucian just smiled. He didn't need words to prove his worth. With his wooden sword in his hand, he took a ready stance.

The duel started with aggressive attacks from Alden. But Lucian easily dodged each attack, reading Alden's movements like an open book. The crowd cheered in awe when Lucian finally managed to disarm Alden with a quick, almost imperceptible move.

"You're better than I thought," Alden said with a weary smile. "I'll remember that."

The duel cemented Lucian's reputation as one of Arcadia Academy's most talented students. But behind the victory, Lucian felt that someone was watching him. A sharp, judgmental gaze.

A few days later, Lucian was summoned to the office of the head of the Academy, Archmage Darius. It was a magnificent room filled with magical artifacts and ancient books.

"Lucian," Darius said with a heavy but kind voice. "I have heard much about you. Your talent is extraordinary, even among the best students."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Lucian replied politely.

Darius looked at him with sharp eyes, as if trying to read his mind. "However, I also sense that there is something different about you. Something inexplicable. You're like... an old soul trapped in a young body."

Lucian was surprised, but tried to hide it. "I don't understand what you mean."

Darius smiled slightly. "Maybe you don't need to understand now. But remember this, Lucian. The world is changing. A great threat is growing outside the walls of this Academy. And I believe that you will play an important role in what will happen."

These words made a deep impression on Lucian. He left Darius' office with many questions on his mind, but also with a new determination to understand what was going on.

That night, Lucian was awakened from his sleep by strange noises outside the dormitory. He got out of bed and looked through the window. In the distance, he saw figures moving quickly under the night shadows.

Without thinking, Lucian grabbed his cloak and followed them. He moved carefully, making sure not to be discovered. The figures were heading towards an old building in a far corner of the Academy.

From behind the bushes, Lucian watched the secret meeting. The men, dressed in black with strange symbols on their chests, seemed to be discussing something important.

"The next mission must be completed without fail," one of them said in a stern voice. "We cannot allow anyone to interfere with our plans."

Lucian felt his blood boil. He knew that whatever this group was planning, it was not good. But before he could hear more, one of them turned to him as if sensing his presence.

"Who's there?!" the person shouted.

Lucian immediately ran, using all the skills he had to escape without being caught. He made it back to his dormitory, his breathing ragged and his mind full of questions.

Lucian now realized that the great threat Alaric and Darius had mentioned was not just talk. The world outside Arcadia Academy was in danger, and he was in the middle of it. With his newfound knowledge, he was determined to dig deeper and prepare himself for whatever was to come.

But he also knows he can't do it alone. He needs allies, mentors, and a greater power to face the darkness that threatens the world.

Lucian's journey has just begun, and a new chapter in his life awaits, with greater challenges than ever before. Who knows what Lucian will face, but he must face it.