Chapter 20: A Third Option

Elias held Arven's gaze for a long moment, his mind racing through the possibilities. Aligning with House Arden meant resources, security, and influence—but it also meant playing by noble rules.

And if there was one thing Elias hated, it was being controlled.

Lira watched him carefully. The unspoken question in her eyes was clear: Are you really going to trust a noble?

Elias exhaled and turned back to Arven.

"You make a strong case," Elias admitted. "But there's one problem."

Arven raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

Elias smirked. "I don't like playing by other people's rules."

Lira fist-pumped behind him. "Finally, some common sense."

Arven's expression didn't change. If anything, his smirk widened. "Ah. You fancy yourself independent."

Elias folded his arms. "Something like that."

The nobles watching from behind Arven exchanged glances, their murmurs just barely audible. Elias knew what they were thinking—he was rejecting a noble house's backing? That was suicide.

Arven, however, didn't seem offended. If anything, he looked… amused.

"I expected as much," he mused. "You're not like the others. That's why you're interesting."

Elias exhaled. "Well, glad I'm keeping you entertained."

Arven studied him for a moment longer, then shrugged. "Very well, then." He turned to leave, but not before adding, "You won't last long without allies, Graham."

Elias smirked. "Then I'll just have to make my own."

That made Arven pause—just for a second. But instead of arguing, he simply chuckled. "Now that I'd like to see."

With that, he and his entourage left the training yard, leaving Elias and Lira standing in the aftermath.

An Idea Takes Shape

Lira exhaled loudly. "For a second, I thought you were actually going to accept."

Elias shook his head. "I thought about it. But letting nobles dictate how I work? No thanks."

Lira smirked. "Alright, genius. You just turned down one of the most powerful houses in the Academy. What's your next move?"

Elias glanced at his gauntlet. The new modifications were working perfectly, but he still needed better materials, better facilities, and test subjects that weren't just stone pillars.

He needed a team.

Lira frowned. "Oh no. I know that look."

Elias grinned. "I just had an idea."

She crossed her arms. "Is it stupid?"

Elias's grin widened. "Probably."

Lira groaned. "Fine. Let's hear it."

Elias turned, looking at the training field where other students—non-nobles, outsiders, and those on the bottom rung of the Academy—were practicing.

"They say I need a noble house to back me," Elias said slowly. "But what if… instead of joining one?"

Lira raised an eyebrow. "Don't say it—"

Elias's smirk sharpened.

"I make my own."

Lira stared.

"…Okay. That might be the dumbest thing you've ever said."

Elias rolled his shoulders. "Or the smartest."

The Academy's entire structure revolved around noble factions. If Elias wanted to survive, he couldn't just reject them—he had to change the system entirely.

And so, Project House Graham was born.

A house for those who had no power.

A house that would prove technology could rival magic.

A house that would rewrite the rules of the Academy.

Lira sighed. "You're insane."

Elias smirked. "Yeah. But you're still going to help me, aren't you?"

Lira grumbled something under her breath before finally groaning. "Ugh. Fine."

Elias clapped his hands together. "Great! Time to recruit some people."

Lira massaged her temples. "This is gonna be such a mess."

Elias grinned. "Yep."

The Academy was about to change forever.