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Dan Vu Academy, an esteemed institution where prodigies and scions of influential families converge. Within its hallowed halls, Tran Minh Hoang, an ostensibly carefree and guileless young master, finds himself reunited with the object of his affection for many years – Vu Thanh Khai, a young man of aloof demeanor and haughty bearing, yet one who harbors a depth of emotion untouched by others.

Their affections intertwine amidst a tapestry of misunderstandings, unspoken words, and veiled secrets. Meanwhile, Duat Van, Minh Hoang's closest confidant, a youth of keen intellect and illustrious lineage, becomes entangled in an enthralling liaison with Luc Vu Hao Nhien, a man of icy exterior yet fiery passions within.

Campus rivalries, the veiled competition between clans, the ascendant presence of the Student Council, and the momentous convocation all culminate in an unforgettable academic year. Yet, amidst it all, the most potent force remains love – a force that can lead one astray, but also the only force capable of guiding one home.

Lost in the labyrinth of love

The atmosphere in class 10A crackled with anticipation following the announcement of the Elite Assembly. More than just an academic competition, it was a battleground for the upper-class families to assert their power and showcase their intellect. Minh Hoang felt more tense than ever. He disliked these power struggles, yet participation seemed unavoidable.

Dan Vu Academy was renowned for the brilliance of its elite students, and this year promised to be different. Names like Duat Van, Hao Thien, and Dich Thua Han had risen as formidable contenders, and Minh Hoang felt like he was standing at a critical crossroads. A battle not just of wits, but of relationships, victories, and defeats.

Just then, a new figure entered the classroom. A girl, dressed elegantly and confidently, strode in. Her sharp gaze silenced the chatter and turned heads. Fair-skinned with long, dark hair and full red lips, it was her powerful aura that truly captured attention.

"Hello, I'm To Nhuan," she smiled, her voice gentle yet resolute. "I'll be participating in the strategic competition."

The room fell silent. No one expected a new face to be so confident, especially since her name wasn't on the list of the academy's top students.

Minh Hoang was surprised. To Nhuan was not only new but also quite enigmatic. She certainly didn't belong to a prominent upper-class family like Duat Van or Hao Thien. Yet her aura was distinct, perhaps due to the coldness and determination in her eyes.

"You're Minh Hoang, right?" To Nhuan turned to Minh Hoang, her gaze not probing but rather a cool curiosity.

Minh Hoang nodded, slightly taken aback by her attention.

"Will you be participating in the Elite Assembly?" she asked calmly.

Minh Hoang hesitated, not wanting to admit his confusion. "I'm not sure..."

To Nhuan chuckled softly, a smile neither warm nor cold. "You don't have to answer me. I just wanted to say that this competition isn't just about intellect. It's about relationships, strategy, and how cleverly you handle situations. People like us can't rely on strength alone to win."

Minh Hoang couldn't help but feel curious about To Nhuan. She was different, not boisterous or arrogant, just quietly powerful. Did she know something Minh Hoang couldn't see?

Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students began packing up, but the atmosphere remained heavy and tense. To Nhuan vanished as if she'd never been there, while Minh Hoang stood, pondering her words.

Stepping out of class, Minh Hoang saw a familiar figure standing in the hallway, watching him intently. It was Duat Van. His eyes seemed worried, yet also expectant.

"You're not participating?" Duat Van spoke, his voice low and soft.

Minh Hoang simply nodded, unsure how to answer. He truly didn't want to get involved in these struggles. Yet he sensed the tension in Duat Van's eyes, as if this was more important than he could imagine.

"Hao Thien will be participating," Duat Van continued, unable to hide his concern. "He's not someone to take lightly."

Minh Hoang looked into Duat Van's eyes, sensing the sincerity and worry within. Yet something felt off. Why did it matter so much?

"Will you participate?" Duat Van asked again, his eyes pleading.

Minh Hoang couldn't answer immediately. His thoughts were still hazy, but one thing was certain—this battle had begun, and he couldn't simply stand aside.

The gazes of Hao Thien, Dich Thua Han, and now To Nhuan were all on him. Could Minh Hoang find his own path in this battle, or would he be swept into a vortex of power he couldn't control?

Chapter 11: A Gathering of Power