Settling into the Academy

The Royal Academy of Eldoria divided its students into different living quarters based on status and potential.

The Elite Dorms housed the most promising nobles and prodigies.

The Standard Dorms were for talented but lesser-ranked students.

The Commoner Quarters were for those with exceptional talent but lacking noble lineage.

As a Duke's son with remarkable talent, Ethan was placed in the Elite Dormitories, a grand structure resembling a miniature palace.

His personal quarters were spacious and elegant, furnished with a large bed, a study desk, bookshelves, and a private training area. A balcony overlooked the academy grounds, giving him a clear view of the sprawling campus.

"They certainly know how to cater to nobles."

A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts.

He opened it to find Leon Ascar, the silver-haired noble from his class, leaning lazily against the doorframe.

"Not bad, huh?" Leon grinned. "The Academy really spoils us elite students."

Ethan smirked. "I assume you're here for a reason?"

Leon chuckled. "Just wanted to check in on my new rival. Besides, you'll want to meet the other big names in our class soon."

Ethan nodded. He had already planned to assess his peers. If he was going to dominate this Academy, he needed to know who was worth watching.

The Elite Class consisted of the Academy's most powerful and influential students.

Leon led Ethan to the training grounds, where several nobles had already gathered.

"Let's start with the ones you should keep an eye on," Leon began, gesturing toward a tall, blue-haired boy wielding a golden spear.

Cedric Valefor – The Spear Prodigy

Son of Duke Valefor, one of the strongest military houses. Excels in lightning magic and spear combat. Known for his speed and precision. Arrogant but skilled. Cedric noticed Ethan and smirked. "So, the famous Third Young Master finally graces us with his presence."

Ethan met his gaze but said nothing.

Leon shrugged. "Cedric's a pain, but he's strong."

Next, Leon pointed toward a red-haired girl in black armor, her presence radiating sheer intensity.

Seraphina Ignis – The Blazing Knight

Daughter of Marquis Ignis, a noble house famous for fire magic. Specializes in swordplay and fire-based combat arts. Fiercely competitive and never backs down from a fight. Rumored to have an undefeated duel record. Seraphina glanced at Ethan but remained silent, studying him like a potential opponent.

Leon then nodded toward a calm-looking boy with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.

Dante Everwinter – The Ice Monarch

Heir of the Everwinter House, a lineage of frost magic wielders. Possesses unmatched control over ice spells. Composed, calculating, and ruthless in combat. Rumored to be a tactical genius. Dante gave Ethan a slow, measuring look. "Your darkness affinity is intriguing. Let's see if it's as strong as they claim."

Celeste Everhart – The Ice Queen Daughter of the Everhart Dukedom, Celeste was a prodigy of ice magic. Her cold and distant nature made her difficult to approach, but few could deny her exceptional talent. Close cousins of Dante Everwinter

Damian Blackwood – The Necromancer Prince The heir of House Blackwood, a family renowned for dark magic and necromancy. With silver hair and eerie crimson eyes, his very presence unnerved lesser nobles.

Finally, Leon gestured toward someone Ethan already knew.

Alden Ascar – The Unshakable Blade

Leon's twin and rival. Wields pure swordsmanship with incredible skill. Masters battle aura, amplifying physical strength. Determined to prove himself the strongest. Alden scoffed. "At least there's one person here worth fighting."

Ethan absorbed all the information. These were the big names in his class—each one a challenge in their own way.

And yet, Leon smirked.

"But there's one more surprise."

Among the noble heirs, one figure stood out.

A petite girl with dark brown hair tied into a short ponytail and emerald-green eyes stood calmly among them. She wore a simple academy uniform with no noble crest, a stark contrast to the others.

Leon whispered, "That's Iris Gale. The only commoner in the Elite Class."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "A commoner?"

Leon nodded. "She's got insane talent. Supposedly self-taught, yet she crushed every magic and combat evaluation. Even the instructors were forced to put her in our class."

Cedric scoffed. "Tch. A commoner doesn't belong here."

But Iris didn't react to his insult. Instead, she calmly met Ethan's gaze.

"Ethan Baron," she said, her voice steady. "I look forward to facing you."

Unlike the others, there was no arrogance, no hostility.

Only pure confidence.

Ethan smirked. "Likewise."

The first training session of the Elite Class was held in the Grand Combat Arena.

Their instructor, a muscular man with a scarred face, stepped forward.

"I am Instructor Gaius. Your strength, skill, and resolve will be tested here. If you cannot keep up, you will be replaced."

His gaze swept across them.

"You will spar. You will break. You will learn."

He gestured toward the arena. "First match—Ethan Baron versus Iris Gale."

The crowd stirred in excitement.

Iris smiles as he stepped forward, spinning her twirling her hair . "Let's see what you're made of, darkness boy."

Ethan walked into the arena. "You'll regret that."

The battle was about to begin.

As they stepped into the dueling arena, Iris met Ethan's gaze, her stance firm.

The instructor raised his hand.

"Begin!"

BOOM!

Iris moved first.

With a swift motion, she activated her magic, and the air around her shimmered with golden light.

"Light magic?" Ethan's eyes narrowed.

Light magic was extremely rare, even among nobles. For a commoner to wield it? That was unheard of.

She dashed forward, forming a blade of pure light. With blinding speed, she slashed toward Ethan.

But Ethan was faster.

Darkness surged around his body as he dodged, materializing behind her.

"Fast."

But she wasn't done.

Iris spun, unleashing a burst of radiant energy—but Ethan countered with shadow tendrils, dispersing the attack.

Then, he attacked.

From the shadows, he summoned twin blades—one engulfed in dark flames, the other crackling with lightning.

The crowd gasped.

"Dual-elemental weapon summoning?!"

Iris braced herself. But Ethan moved like a shadow—striking from angles she couldn't predict.

A sharp movement—and his blade stopped inches from her throat.

The match was over.

"Winner: Ethan Baron."

The noble heirs watched in stunned silence.

Ethan had dominated the battle.

But as he turned away, Iris smirked.

"You're strong, Ethan Baron. But next time—I won't lose."

Ethan chuckled. "We'll see."