Chapter 7: A Royal Proposition

Eryndor studied Crown Prince Darius carefully. The boy's expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp and calculating.

The prince wasn't just making conversation. This was a strategic move.

Eryndor had just defeated one of the Academy's top students, and now, the heir to the throne was offering him an alliance.

But why?

He crossed his arms. "Why would you want me on your side?"

Darius smirked. "Because I don't like losing, and you seem like someone who doesn't either."

Eryndor remained silent.

The prince continued, "This Academy isn't just about training warriors. It's about building alliances. The future lords of this kingdom are here, and when we leave, some will be generals, others rulers." His smirk widened. "And a few will be forgotten."

Eryndor nodded slowly. "And you don't intend to be forgotten."

Darius chuckled. "Neither do you."

For a moment, neither spoke. The weight of the conversation settled between them.

Then, Darius extended a hand. "Join me, Valeria. Be one of my closest allies. Together, we'll shape the future of this kingdom."

Eryndor glanced at the outstretched hand. He knew the implications of this decision. Accepting meant aligning himself with the prince, gaining protection but also responsibility. Refusing meant keeping his independence but potentially making an enemy of the future king.

After a pause, he shook the prince's hand.

"I'll consider your offer."

Darius grinned. "That's all I need for now."

Shifting Tides

The following day, the Academy was buzzing. The news of Eryndor's victory over Cedric Belmont had spread, and now, students viewed him differently.

Some with admiration. Others with hostility.

A group of older students watched him as he entered the mess hall for breakfast. Whispers followed him, some impressed, others resentful.

"That's him. The Valeria boy."

"Defeated Cedric in his first duel."

"He's in with the prince now. That means trouble."

Eryndor ignored them. He took his tray and sat at an empty table, but he didn't stay alone for long.

Cedric Belmont approached, carrying his tray.

For a moment, Eryndor expected hostility. Instead, Cedric smirked and dropped into the seat across from him.

"You got lucky yesterday," he said, stabbing a piece of meat with his fork. "Next time, I'll win."

Eryndor raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Cedric grinned. "Count on it."

Then, surprisingly, he extended a hand.

Eryndor hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

"I don't hold grudges," Cedric said. "If I'm going to be the best, I must beat the best. And right now, that means you."

Eryndor nodded. "Then we'll push each other to get stronger."

A rivalry was born, but so was a potential friendship.

A Dangerous Game

Over the next few weeks, Eryndor's life at the Academy changed.

Training sessions became more intense. Combat drills pushed him to his limits. Magic studies grew more complex. And through it all, the eyes of the Academy were on him.

The prince's favour had made him a target. Some students sought his friendship, others sought his downfall.

One night, as he returned to his dormitory after an evening training session, he sensed something was wrong.

His instincts screamed at him dangerously.

He barely had time to react before the attack came.

A shadow moved in the corridor, silent, precise. A dagger flashed in the dim light.

Eryndor dodged at the last second, rolling to the side as the blade sliced the air where his neck had been.

His system vision activated instantly.

[Assailant Identified: Unknown Assassin]

[Threat Level: High]

An assassin? Here?

He had no time to think. The attacker lunged again, faster than any student, their movements precise and deadly.

Eryndor barely parried with his training sword, but the impact rattled his arms.

Who would send an assassin after him? Was this a test? A warning?

Or was someone genuinely trying to kill him?

Gritting his teeth, he focused his mana, channelling it into his muscles. His agility surged, and his vision sharpened.

He wasn't going to die here.

The Assassin's Mistake

The assassin struck again swift, efficient, and lethal.

But this time, Eryndor was ready.

He dodged at the last second, sidestepping the blade. In the same motion, he twisted his body, using the momentum to drive his training sword into the attacker's ribs.

The blow connected hard.

The assassin gasped, stumbling backwards.

Eryndor didn't hesitate. He followed up with a kick, sending the assailant crashing against the corridor wall.

The assassin coughed, clutching their side. Then, realising the mission had failed, they turned and bolted into the darkness.

Eryndor could have chased, but he knew better. This was a warning, not a genuine attempt on his life.

Instead, he took a deep breath, calming his racing heart.

His system flashed a new notification.

[New Quest Unlocked: Unravel the Conspiracy]

Objective: Identify who sent the assassin.

Reward: +1 Intelligence, Special Skill Unlock

Eryndor clenched his fists.

This wasn't just about Academy politics anymore. Someone in the kingdom saw him as a threat.

And now, he needed to find out who.