Invitations, Challenges, and the Eye of the Council

After his performance in combat class and his growing reputation whispers and invitations began circulating. At lunch, as Ethan and his friend Leon—along with several other first-year students—congregated in the bustling cafeteria, a group of upper-year students from the Imperial Strategy Club approached him. Their uniforms bore a golden emblem, symbolizing influence among the elite.

"Ethan Baron," said Lucian von Alderric, a fourth-year with a commanding presence, "we believe you have much to offer. I'd like to extend an invitation for you to join our club."

Ethan nodded curtly, acknowledging the offer. However, before he could start peaching his club Ethan openly told him he had no plans on joining and already had his club in mind. Lucian just smiled and nodded his head leaving him to be some of his members wanted to push a bit more but he just told them all to leave.

Later that afternoon, while walking Ethan found him self in front of a very large building it was time to join the Adventure club but there was a long line ahead of him and he did not want to draw attention to him self so he joined thee queue. while on the line he heard his name.

if its not the great Ethan Baron said a student every one turned around accept Ethan until the student introduced him self I am Adam wellspring he said, he turned around and looked and with a nod he said yes I'm Ethan, Adam took him by the shoulder saying this isn't the line for you while don't we head into the club and talk. Adam wellspring is the vice-president of the club and a 3rd year student and also nephew to the the man of the south they call the barbarian king not really a king but a very famous and you could say infamous mercenary leader.

It didn't take long for them to reach a private place inside the club house, before they could even seat Ethan declared, "keep this in mind but I wont only be joining this club but also the magical club as well, but i will still uphold my duties here as a club member so keep the chitchat short." Adam, said "well we are a free club here, we don't batter our members as long as you do your duties." Having things said they both entered a discussion about battling magical monster Ethan was interested in hearing his story.

Not long after leaving, as Ethan went to the library that the gate way to join the magical club and he just want get it over .Drawn by his natural curiosity and his already proven magical talents, he stepped inside the Magic Club's meeting room.

Inside, the atmosphere was charged with quiet intensity. A group of first-year mages were gathered around a shimmering orb as their club leader, a calm and knowledgeable student with silver hair, explained the intricate art of binding elemental forces.

Noticing Ethan's entrance, the leader offered a welcoming nod. "Baron, we're glad you're here. We're discussing the subtleties of advanced incantations and the theory behind synthesizing multiple elemental spells." Ethan nodded and also took a chair before he noticed Iris Gale beside him.

The next day the weirdest thing just happened to him at lunch.

Another noble had slammed his tray down on the table next to them.

It was Jackson Hasting, heir of the Hasting family—a military house known for producing war generals.

His gaze burned with challenge.

Leonard said "You've been making waves, but do you actually have what it takes?"

Murmurs spread through the cafeteria. A public challenge? This was going to be interesting.

Ethan, however, remained calm.

"And what, exactly, do you propose?" he asked.

Jackson smirked. "A duel. One-on-one, after class. Unless, of course, you're afraid."

Ethan exhaled slowly.

"Very well," he said. "But I pick the terms."

He was no fool. He would control the battlefield, not be dragged into someone else's game.

"As Ethan dealt with his challenges, eyes watched from above.

Within the Student Council Chambers, the Academy's ruling elite gathered.

At the head of the table sat a figure wreathed in divine golden light—his presence alone commanding respect.

He was Gabriel Aurelius, heir to the Holy Nation, the next Pope, and the strongest student in the Academy.

"Ethan Baron…" Gabriel murmured, his piercing gaze fixed on the reports before him.

Beside him, a student council officer nodded. "He's attracting attention. Too much attention."

"A reincarnation, perhaps?" another mused.

"Or a monster in the making."

Gabriel leaned back, his expression unreadable.

"We shall see."

For now, he would watch.

But soon, he would act.