Before the academy

*"Who do you think will be the winner in this year's Selection Tournament?"*

*"My money's on the Princess—if she chooses to enter, that is. Everybody in the kingdom has heard of her terrifying talent."*

*"True… but what about some one from House Draquemort? Their family has seen generations of prodigies ."*

*"Yeah, you're right."*

*"Anyway, I've heard this year's tournament is going to be special.many big shots from the noble families are coming—Including even the King himself."*

*"I'd heard that myself. That's why security near the Floating Island has been the highest ever."*

The voices disappeared into the crowd, drowned out by the humming streets of the capital. Such conversations were not uncommon. Everyone in the kingdom had their sights on the Selection Tournament.

---

In the tall walls of the Grand Academy, within a room shrouded in shadows and silence, a different atmosphere hung.

The principal's office was still and dark. its light swinging in a slow circle, casting long, dancing shadows on the bookshelves and the highly polished floor. There was nothing majestic about the room—only what was needed. A desk. A fireplace. Quiet.

A man sat behind the desk, face in shadow, the flame-flickering light showing only the sharp line of his form. His fingers were steepled, still, listening.

"How are the preparations going?" he asked, voice steady but low.

"Everything is proceeding well, Sir," the man standing before him replied promptly. "All participants have been informed. Security has been heightened in all districts. No disturbances reported."

There was a momentary pause.

"Good."

The man bowed slightly and left the room. The door closed behind him with a dull thud.

The principal paused for a second. Then, without saying anything, he extended his hand, slowly picking up the pile of documents resting before him. Individual by individual, he turned over the pages with eyes scanning across. Names. Histories. Associations.

The slow smile reached his face.

"So. it's finally starting, huh."

---

The car had departed the Draquemort estate some time before, inside, sitting by the window, was a boy with raven black hair and eyes of the same color. His face was serene, distant, his eyes fixed on the infinite blue outside. Thoughts tumbled softly within his mind, too far away to be gleaned from his features.

Seated next to him was a girl with long white hair and piercing crimson eyes, her presence demanding even in silence.

"Rey…

Rey…

Rey.....!"

Athena finally lost her temper and almost shouted at him.

Rey, quietly seated in the corner of the seat, blinked as if awakening from a dream. Surprised by the harsh voice, he turned towards her.

Ah… sorry, Athena. I was thinking something," he told her, stroking the back of his head with a tiny smile.

"I called you so many times, you know," Athena said with crossed arms, a slight frown on her face.

"I'm really sorry," Rey repeated with a sigh. "Were you saying something?"

"Nothing much," she said, dropping her shoulders. "I was just asking if you're nervous or something.

Rey studied her for some time before reacting. "I'm not really nervous… Actually.... I'm quite excited about it ."

"Good to hear," Athena managed to say with a small, wry smile on her lips.

There was a moment's silence as wind outside whirled softly by the carriage.

"Anyway," Athena went on, "what were you even thinking that made you completely ignore me?"

Rey shifted in his seat, eyes drifting back toward the window for a moment. "It's nothing," he said casually. "Just thinking about the academy… how much I'm going to learn in there."

Athena didn't say anything, but a warm smile played on her lips.

"Hey, Rey," she said again, more serious this time. "I don't know if you've heard yet, but my brother—Daemon—he's applied for the academy too."

Rey's eyes focused a bit. "Really?"

Athena nodded slowly, her red eyes constricting. "Yeah. I heard it from Father. He definitely did…"

She paused for a moment, then continued, "My initial thought was that he asked or should u say begged Father for a letter of recommendation, but… he didn't."

Rey's eyebrows furrowed a bit. "So that implies… I'm going to encounter him in the tournament."

Athena nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, you're right.

"He'll see me as an enemy," Rey replied. "Given what happened between us, he'll never drop it."

"He won't," Athena agreed. "You embarrassed him last time. I am sure....He's been carrying that around ever since.

If I know him , he will try to come up with some excuse—challenge you in public, attempt to embarrass you in return, or pick a fight when you're not expecting it."

Rey took a deep breath and sat back, arms folded. "That was his fault. He was arrogant and irresponsible. If he still hasn't gotten over that… that's on him."

"You're not wrong," Athena replied, a little soft ."But you know how stupid he is. He doesn't consider things. He just does them."

Don't worry about it...."I'll give him nothing," Rey said firmly. "If he wants to chase ghosts, let him."

Athena gazed at him for a moment, then exhaled. "I know you can beat him anytime. He's pathetically weak. But still—just be careful, okay?"

"Thanks. I will," Rey replied, slowly nodding.

The tension dissipated between them, giving way to a silent understanding.

Outside the carriage, clouds opened to show the expansive outline of the Floating Island. The high spires of the Grand Academy rose in the distance, cut from stone and enigma, shining with sunlight like a beacon.

The actual journey would start soon.

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