Chapter 24: A House Without Boundaries

The morning after House Null's victory, the Academy buzzed with rumors.

Elias walked through the halls, Lira at his side, ignoring the stares. Some were curious, some were impressed, and a few were outright hostile.

House Null had shattered tradition.

And the nobles hated it.

Lira sighed. "So, are we just going to pretend that every noble house isn't plotting to crush us?"

Elias smirked. "Nah. I'm counting on it."

Lira groaned. "Of course you are."

They reached the Academy's central notice board, where students gathered each morning to check official announcements.

And there, pinned in bold lettering—

"House Null is now a recognized faction within the Academy."

Lira blinked. "They actually accepted us?"

Elias grinned. "Told you. We made enough noise. They had no choice."

Reinhardt, Cecilia, Marco, and Ivy joined them, all reading the notice with expressions ranging from pride to disbelief.

Marco adjusted his glasses. "I have to admit, I didn't expect this to happen so fast."

Cecilia smirked. "People like to pretend they follow tradition, but the moment you shake the system, they scramble to keep up."

Ivy nodded. "Still. Just because we're recognized doesn't mean we're safe."

Elias knew that all too well.

Recognition was one thing. Survival was another.

The First Move

As they walked toward the House Null common room—which, at the moment, was just an unused section of an old study hall—a messenger in noble robes approached.

He bowed slightly and handed Elias a sealed letter.

"From Lord Velcroft," the messenger said before quickly walking away.

Lira raised an eyebrow. "Darian Velcroft?"

Elias broke the seal and read the letter aloud.

"House Null has made an impression. But impressions are temporary. If you wish to last, you must prove your worth against those who truly matter.

Meet me at the dueling chambers. We will see if your 'house' has what it takes to survive."

— Darian Velcroft

Reinhardt grinned. "Looks like we're already getting invitations to prove ourselves."

Cecilia chuckled. "They can't stand the idea of a house that isn't theirs being strong."

Marco sighed. "And yet, if we don't accept, they'll call us cowards."

Ivy nodded. "It's a test. They want to see if we're serious or just another faction that will disappear."

Elias folded the letter, stuffing it into his pocket. "Well then."

Lira groaned. "Elias. No."

Elias smirked. "Let's make sure they never forget House Null."

The Academy wanted to test them?

Fine.

House Null would pass with flying colors.