Chapter 8: Shadows in the Academy

The failed assassination attempt had changed everything.

Eryndor no longer saw the Academy as just a place of learning. It was now a battlefield one where swords were sharpened in daylight, and daggers lurked in the shadows.

Someone wanted him dead. But who?

And why now?

A Silent Warning

The next morning, the Academy halls buzzed with their usual energy, but Eryndor moved differently. His instincts had sharpened overnight. Every glance, every whisper, every subtle shift in the atmosphere he noticed them all.

His father had once told him, "A warrior can fight in the open, but a ruler must fight in the dark."

And now, he needed to play both roles.

As he stepped into the training yard, a messenger approached him, handing him a sealed letter with no name.

Eryndor frowned and carefully unrolled the parchment.

"This was just a warning. Step too far, and the next time, there will be no mistakes."

A vague threat, but one thing was clear. They weren't finished with him yet.

He burned the letter in his palm, watching the ashes scatter in the wind.

If they thought he would back down, they didn't know him at all.

Eryndor couldn't afford to confront this head on. He needed information fast.

So, he did what any strategist would do.

He started watching people.

During combat drills, during meals, during strategy lessons his eyes scanned the students, instructors, and even the servants. Who seemed tense? Who avoided his gaze? Who looked too interested in his every move?

One name quickly stood out.

Lysander Draeven.

A noble-born scholar. Fifth-ranked in the Academy. Cunning, calculating, and rumored to have ties to multiple noble factions.

The more Eryndor observed, the more he realized Lysander was watching him too.

That was no coincidence.

Later that evening, as students prepared for dinner, Eryndor made his move.

He found Lysander in the study hall, poring over books on military tactics. The perfect setting for an indirect confrontation.

Eryndor pulled out a chair across from him. "You seem interested in the recent events at the Academy."

Lysander didn't look up. "Everyone is. You did win the tournament, after all."

Eryndor smirked. "That's not what I meant."

Lysander finally met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Then what did you mean?"

Eryndor leaned forward. "The assassin. You know something about it."

A flicker of amusement crossed Lysander's face, but he quickly masked it. "And why would I know anything about that?"

Eryndor's system activated.

[Lysander Draeven – Reaction Detected]

[Truth Probability: 62%]

He was lying. Or at least, not telling the full truth.

Eryndor played along, feigning indifference. "I just find it interesting. The Academy has strict security, yet someone managed to slip in and attack me. That takes connections. Money. Planning."

Lysander remained silent, but Eryndor saw it the subtle way his fingers twitched.

He pressed further. "And if I were to find out who was responsible, what do you think would happen to them?"

Lysander exhaled softly, then closed his book. "You're smarter than I expected."

Eryndor waited.

Lysander studied him for a moment before smirking. "I didn't arrange the attack, if that's what you're wondering."

That didn't mean he didn't know who did.

Eryndor nodded slowly. "Then tell me who did."

Lysander chuckled. "Now, why would I do that?"

Eryndor smiled. "Because if I find out on my own, I'll assume you were involved. And that will be a problem for you."

Lysander's smirk faded slightly.

For a long moment, neither spoke. The tension between them thickened.

Then, finally, Lysander sighed. "You're a dangerous man to play against, Valeria."

He slid a small, folded parchment across the table.

Eryndor opened it. One name was written inside.

Lord Callius Orwen.

A noble lord from the western territories. A man with a long history of backing royal challengers.

And someone who had every reason to want Eryndor out of the way.

The moment Eryndor stepped out of the study hall, his system triggered another notification.

[New Quest Update: Unravel the Conspiracy]

Objective: Confront Lord Callius Orwen's Influence.

Reward: +2 Intelligence, Tactical Insight Unlocked.

This wasn't just about Academy politics anymore.

This was about the kingdom.

Lord Callius Orwen was a powerful noble. If he had ordered the assassination attempt, then that meant Eryndor's rise had already threatened his plans.

And if that was true this was just the beginning.

Eryndor smirked to himself.

If Orwen wanted to play this game, then he had just made a mistake.

Because Eryndor Valeria never played to lose.