chapter 33: Arrival at Hamilton Royal Academy

Chapter 33 : Arrival at Hamilton Royal Academy

The road to Hamilton Royal Academy stretched endlessly through the countryside, a winding path of ancient stone bridges, misty forests, and fortified watchtowers. The academy itself was so renowned that even the roads leading to it were patrolled by armored knights bearing the Vox family's crest—a symbol of absolute authority.

Inside the luxurious carriage, Squad 7 sat in relative silence, each lost in their thoughts. Rin, seated by the window, tapped his fingers against the polished wood, watching the other carriages passing by. Some bore extravagant family sigils, while others had retainers riding alongside them on horseback, ensuring the safety of their young masters.

Ray, leaning back with his arms crossed, exhaled sharply. "I don't like this place already."

Selena smirked, flipping a dagger between her fingers. "You never like anything, Ray."

Ezra, seated across from Rin, casually twirled a lock of her hair. "Well, you're going to like it even less once we arrive. Hamilton isn't just a school—it's a battlefield."

Charlotte, the quietest among them, finally spoke. "A battlefield… for what?"

Ezra's smirk didn't fade. "For power. For survival. For everything that matters to nobles."

Champa, the last member of their squad, remained silent, but his heavy gaze was filled with unspoken words. He was a man of few words, but Rin had already learned that his silence hid a sharp mind.

Rin finally spoke. "Then we'll play the game. And we'll win."

The carriage rumbled on, the academy drawing closer with each passing second.

As they crested a hill, the full majesty of Hamilton Royal Academy came into view.

The academy was massive—not just a school, but a fortress built atop an ancient ruin, with towering spires, sky bridges, and massive stone walls lined with arcane symbols glowing faintly in the daylight. The vox family's sigil of a crowned wolf was displayed on golden banners hanging from the highest towers and below it were the animal signs of other families.

The main gate was guarded by armored sentinels, standing like statues, their eyes hollow yet watching. As their carriage approached, one of the guards raised a hand.

"Present your identification."

Ezra handed over the silver-engraved school IDs they had received from the nobleman who hired them. The guard took them, inserting each one into a floating metal orb that whirred with mechanical sounds before flashing a green light.

"Squad 7, confirmed. You may enter."

The massive iron gates creaked open, revealing a grand courtyard bustling with students dressed in elegant uniforms, each embroidered with different house insignias.

The moment Squad 7 stepped out of the carriage, whispers began.

"Ryukai family? I thought they were dead."

"Look at their squad number—7. That's the lowest rank."

"A fallen noble family in Hamilton? How amusing."

Rin ignored them, but his sharp eyes caught glances of disdain from several well-dressed students. This wasn't just a school—it was a hierarchy, and they had been placed at the bottom.

The students were ushered into the Grand Hall, an enormous cathedral-like space with glowing chandeliers, high stained-glass windows, and walls lined with ancient artifacts.

At the front of the hall stood the Headmaster—a tall, gaunt man dressed in a black and gold robe, his silver hair neatly tied back. His eyes were emotionless, calculating.

"Welcome to Hamilton Royal Academy," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "Here, you are not just students—you are heirs, warriors, and future rulers. Only the strong will rise. The weak will fall. Choose your paths wisely."

The room remained silent as the students absorbed the meaning behind his words.

Soon, the sorting began. Each squad was assigned a ranking, determining their standing within the academy.

Squad 7 – The Hollow Dorm.

A murmur rippled through the hall.

"They got The Hollow?"

"I heard that place used to be a prison."

"No one lasts there for long."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's not ominous at all."

Rin remained unfazed. "We'll make it work."

As they left the Grand Hall, they were confronted by a group of upper-ranked students.

At the center stood Edmund Crowley, a tall, arrogant noble with piercing blue eyes and a silver-trimmed uniform. He was the eldest son of House Crowley, the same family that had kidnapped the nobleman's daughter—their target.

He smirked. "A Ryukai? I thought your family was already dead."

Selena's hand twitched toward her dagger, but Rin stopped her with a glance. Instead, he stepped forward, meeting Edmund's gaze with an easy smirk.

"Funny," Rin said. "I thought House Crowley was more… intimidating. Guess I was wrong."

The surrounding students gasped—no one spoke to an heir of a major noble house like that.

Edmund's eyes darkened. "You have no idea who you're messing with, peasant."

Rin chuckled. "Oh, I think I do."

The two stared each other down before Edmund finally scoffed and walked away.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Selena muttered, "You just made an enemy of a Crowley."

Rin smiled. "Good. He might just lead us straight to our target."

As the sun began to set, a new carriage arrived at the academy, drawn by four midnight-black horses with crimson eyes.

From it stepped Elsa Balotelli, her flowing silver hair catching the evening light. She carried herself like royalty, her presence instantly commanding attention.

A student rushed forward, bowing. "Miss Balotelli! We weren't informed you would be attending this term!"

Elsa smiled sweetly, flicking her golden school ID between her fingers. "Oh, I do love surprises."

As the students whispered amongst themselves, Rin frowned.

"She's here."

That night, after settling into The Hollow, Rin found a small ornate box waiting on his bed. He cautiously opened it.

Inside was a golden key and a note.

"You didn't think you could hide from me here, did you? I look forward to our time together, bea~"

Rin sighed. "Damn it, Elsa."

Late at night, as Rin sat near the window of The Hollow, Engine appeared beside him.

"You felt it too, didn't you?" Engine asked, voice low.

Rin nodded. "This school… there's something wrong with it."

The air felt heavy, the walls themselves seeming to watch them.

Then, as the clock struck midnight, a distant scream echoed through the academy halls.

Ray shot up from his bed. "Did you hear that?"

Selena nodded, gripping her dagger. "That was no ordinary scream."

Ezra, seated in a chair, looked toward the door, expression serious. "Welcome to Hamilton, kids. Try not to die too quickly."

Outside, the academy remained silent, as if the scream had never happened. But Rin knew better.

This place was more than just a school.

It was a trap.