Chapter 18: Lucian Graduation.

Lucian strolled through the bustling streets of Velmora City as the evening sun cast long shadows on the cobblestone roads. His mind was preoccupied with the recent assassination attempt—an unacceptable move by the nobles targeting the Rutherford family. He had no intention of allowing this political struggle to escalate any further.

Stepping into a dimly lit restaurant, he scanned the interior and approached a waiter. "Show me the way to the owner's room," he commanded, subtly weaving a mind control spell into his words.

The waiter, expression blank, turned and led Lucian through a winding corridor into a pitch-black chamber where only a single candle flickered atop a wooden table. A woman sat behind it, her calculating gaze meeting his.

Without pleasantries, Lucian activated another mind-control spell and asked, "Which noble families are responsible for targeting Rutherford?"

The woman's lips parted as she spoke mechanically. "House Ravendell, House Ashthorne, and House Vinterfeld have been pulling the strings. However, the direct attempt on your life was orchestrated by House Aldervane."

Lucian's eyes glinted dangerously. "I see. Then I suppose it's time for a visit."

With a flick of his wrist, he vanished into the night, reappearing within the lavish estate of House Aldervane. Inside the patriarch's chambers, twenty assassins encircled him the moment he arrived.

A deep voice chuckled. "I was waiting for you, Rutherford. I thought you'd give us more time before retaliating, but here you are." The man—Patriarch Godric Aldervane—leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Tell me, are you Maximus?"

Lucian didn't bother answering. Instead, he moved in an instant, eliminating the assassins with a silent spell. The room fell into a deadly silence before Aldervane even registered what had happened.

Lucian grabbed him by the throat and lifted him into the air. "You should have aimed for the king of hell instead."

Godric's face contorted in terror as he gasped for breath. "Please… I made a terrible mistake! Spare me, and I will serve you—I swear it!"

Lucian released his grip, letting him collapse onto the floor. "Call all of your remaining assassins. Now."

Godric, desperate to live, whistled. In seconds, the chamber filled with armed men. Lucian wasted no time. He cast Heart Grasp, an eighth-class spell that crushed their lives in an instant. Their bodies crumpled, lifeless.

Godric's panic deepened. "I… I will pledge my allegiance to Rutherford!"

Lucian smirked. "I know. But I don't need a traitor."

The patriarch lunged with a hidden blade, but Lucian severed his hand before he could even react. "A dumbass until the end."

Godric writhed in agony. "If you kill me, the world will demand answers."

Lucian tilted his head. "Don't worry, I already have a headline prepared."

With a single stroke, he ended the man's life. Then, from his portal, he pulled out the corpse of a high-class demon and left it in the chamber. That should stir things up.

The next morning, Lucian walked into the academy's report club, only to be greeted by Celestia Valtorin, her golden eyes alight with intrigue.

"Lucian, did you hear? The patriarch of House Aldervane was killed by a high-class demon last night!"

Lucian barely reacted. "An insignificant piece of news."

Celestia pouted. "Come on, it's all over the papers! Apparently, the demon infiltrated his chambers, slaughtered his guards, and though the patriarch managed to kill it, he bled out from his wounds. His wife was the one who reported the whole incident."

Lucian sat down, indifferent. Everything had played out as he had planned.

Maximus leaned against the table. "Lucian, let's have a spar later this evening."

Lucian smirked. "You're still a noob, Maximus."

Viker Ardent interjected. "Then fight all of us at once."

Elias Draxen rolled his eyes. "This is a report club, not a sparring club. Just help me draft tomorrow's headline for the Acadmey."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, though it quickly took a competitive turn. Maximus grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Enough talking—let's settle things in a match."

Lucian smirked. "You still want to lose?"

Viker Ardent clapped Maximus on the back. "He won't be alone. We'll fight you together."

Elias Draxen sighed. "We have an academy newspaper to run, not a fighting ring. But fine, at least make it entertaining."

Later that evening, the sparring grounds echoed with the clash of steel. Lucian effortlessly parried each strike, weaving between their attacks with ease. Maximus gritted his teeth, swinging with all his might, but Lucian countered, knocking him to the ground with a swift strike.

Celestia Valtorin, who had been watching from the sidelines, clapped her hands. "Lucian, you're making them look bad. Maybe I should be the one to challenge you next."

Lucian turned, his gaze meeting hers. "You'd last even less time."

She placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "How cruel. At least pretend to struggle next time."

As the sparring session came to an end, the combatants dispersed, leaving behind only the dim glow of enchanted lanterns illuminating the training ground. Mangus lingered, his expression contemplative as he watched Lucian wipe his blade clean.

After a moment of hesitation, he stepped forward. "Lucian, I have a request. I want you to teach me swordsmanship."

Lucian glanced at him, sensing the earnest determination behind his words. "You're a mage first and foremost, Mangus. Why the sudden interest in the sword?"

Mangus exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Magic alone won't always be enough. I've seen how seamlessly you integrate swordplay and spellcraft. I want to learn that balance."

Lucian studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well, but it won't be easy. We begin tomorrow. Be prepared."

With all the political threats cut down, the Rutherford family would inevitably rise. The only remaining challenge was the King of Veronia himself. He would have to deal with that after graduation.

Four Years Later

Lucian stood at the top of the academy steps, overlooking the vast city. It was the day of his graduation.

Over the years, the Rutherford family had grown into an undeniable powerhouse, forming alliances with the Valtorin, Draxen, Valmont, Ardent, and Raveshade families.

Mangus had become a sixth-class magic swordsman, while Cedric had advanced to a seventh-class magician, her raw talent propelling her forward. Both had graduated three years prior and now waited for Lucian outside the academy gates.

Lucian, now an eighth-class magician, approached them. He greeted Mangus, acknowledging his role as the eldest heir.

They boarded a grand wagner bearing the Rutherford emblem. Inside, Mangus turned to Lucian. "As promised, you've done an incredible job in the academy."

Lucian waved it off. "I only enrolled for personal reasons."

Cedric smiled. "I'm happy for your graduation, but we received a notice from the King."

Lucian cast a sound barrier spell before responding. "So, he finally made his move."

Cedric frowned. "How did you know?"

"It was inevitable. The royal family won't allow another to rise too high. His next step will be appointing me as his personal subordinate."

Mangus narrowed his eyes. "Then you must have a plan."

Lucian leaned back. "Of course. Though it defies conventional logic."

Mangus hesitated before asking, "What's the success rate?"

Lucian smirked. "One hundred percent."

The Banquet of Convergence

The Rutherford Mansion shimmered under the glow of countless enchanted lanterns, its opulent halls and gilded corridors filled with the finest aristocrats of Velmora. Tonight, the mansion played host to a lavish banquet celebrating the graduation of Lucian Rutherford's batch—a gathering designed not only to commemorate academic achievements but also to serve as a stage for future alliances and the silent exchange of political power.

The atmosphere was nothing short of sumptuous. Crystal chandeliers, woven with strands of starlight, hung from high ceilings, while silk drapes in hues of deep crimson and midnight blue adorned the walls. A live ensemble played soft, haunting melodies as guests mingled in groups, exchanging whispered conspiracies and subtle compliments. In such circles, every gesture and word was a calculated move in a grand game of power.

At the entrance, Lucian greeted his distinguished guests with measured grace. He welcomed Celestia Valtorin, whose charm was as dazzling as her wit; Maximus Raveshade, known for his fierce loyalty and unyielding spirit; Elias Draxen, the ever-analytical mage; Isolde Valmont, graceful and reserved; and Viker Ardent, whose quiet strength needed no words. Their presence signified more than friendship—they were the pillars of the alliances that would shape Rutherford's destiny.

Later, in a private enclave of the mansion—a richly appointed parlor known as the Gilded Salon, its walls adorned with ancient tapestries and the subtle scent of sandalwood lingering in the air—Lucian gathered his closest allies. They sat around an ornate circular table, the conversation flowing as freely as the vintage wine served in crystal goblets.

Lucian began with a calm authority, "I have been appointed as General of the King's Army." His tone carried both pride and a hint of strategic caution.

Maximus was the first to break the silence, a roguish grin playing on his lips. "That's excellent news, Lucian. Pray, tell us how it came to be."

Cedric interjected with a dry laugh, "It's a pleasing piece of news for those who aren't well-versed in politics. In reality, it might just be the King's way of binding you to his will—a subtle means to turn you into his personal servant."

Celestia's eyes flashed as she leaned forward. "So, this is the predicament we are summoned here to resolve—a political snare disguised as an honor."

Lucian met her gaze evenly. "You may call it what you will. But consider it a temporary concession. I have a plan that will not only preserve our independence but also ensure that Rutherford remains a rising force."

Viker added quietly, "And what options do we have when the King's orders are as immutable as law?"

Lucian's voice softened slightly as he continued, "I can't defy the King openly. However, I intend to negotiate terms that secure our power. I have devised a strategy that will neutralize the King's hold on us. The details are risky, but I need your full support."

Maximus leaned back, skepticism mingling with admiration. "Being the King's General may not be as honorable as it appears, Lucian. What if, in accepting the title, you are signing our fate?"

Elias, ever the voice of reason, warned, "Maximus, you must understand: being the King's subordinate means the royal court can manipulate you. If we lose you, the entire Rutherford legacy might crumble."

After a pause, Cedric spoke again, "So, what exactly is your plan for dealing with the King?"

Lucian fixed his allies with a steely gaze. "I will handle the King. But let me be clear—the outcome of my negotiations will not be tolerated by other noble families if left unchecked. I need all of you to have my back. We must operate as a united front."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as each member weighed the risks and rewards. Though the plan was fraught with danger, there was an unspoken agreement among them: the Rutherford family, and all allied houses, would support Lucian's calculated gambit.

Before the conversation could veer further, Celestia allowed a playful smile to break her serious demeanor. "Lucian, your knack for turning political snares into opportunities never ceases to amaze me. I must confess, you make it all look so effortless." Her tone carried a flirtatious lilt, a subtle reminder of the power of charm in these circles.

Lucian returned her smile with a hint of mischief. "Effortless? Perhaps. But never underestimate the value of a well-timed alliance, Celestia."