Not Yet

The name Professor Alistair Vexis lingered in my mind. If he was the strongest professor and someone who my Appraisal couldn't fully analyze, then he was either far above my level… or hiding something.

Damon stretched his arms behind his head. "So, are we investigating this professor or what?"

"Not yet," I said, scanning the academy grounds. "We need to lay low for now. If someone is removing high-ranking professors, then we don't want to be their next target."

Damon scoffed. "Lay low? That's boring."

I ignored him. Instead, my eyes caught something else—a group of students near the main gate, whispering among themselves. At first, I dismissed it, but then I heard a familiar name.

"Did you hear? The Crimson Fang Clan's heir is enrolling this year."

I froze. Crimson Fang?

That was one of the most powerful warrior clans in the empire, rumored to have demonic blood in their lineage.

Damon must've noticed my reaction because he raised an eyebrow. "You know them?"

"Only by reputation," I muttered. "They produce some of the strongest fighters, but they don't usually interact with outsiders. If one of their heirs is enrolling here, that means something big is happening."

Damon smirked. "Maybe we should introduce ourselves."

I sighed. "And get our heads punched in? No thanks."

Still, I couldn't deny that this was important. First, a missing professor. Now, a powerful clan's heir entering the academy? It felt like the pieces of a larger game were moving into place.

And I intended to find out who was playing.