CHAPTER3: NEW BEGININGS

The candlelight flickered as Sonya's eyes scanned the parchment again and again. Each word felt heavier than the last, pressing into her mind like a sharp dagger.

"Half of the empire's lost artifacts rest within the vaults of Ravenclaw Duchy. That is why they could ignite the rebellion. That is why they were feared. That is why—history has painted Austin von Ravenclaw as a villain."

"But history is often a lie."

Her hands trembled slightly.

"The Ravenclaw Duchy held the empire's most powerful artifacts? … in the original story, Austin was a tyrant, a villain who sought to overthrow the imperial family! But if this information is true… then what really happened back then?"

She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"If the story is changing, I need to know why. And I need to find out before it's too late."

Sonya's fingers curled around the black envelope before she slipped it into the hidden compartment of her dresser.

She had to act.

In the dimly lit Emperor's chamber, the scent of burning incense lingered in the air. Flickering candlelight cast long, wavering shadows across the marble walls, reflecting the opulence of the empire's seat of power.

Two figures sat in the vast chamber, cloaked in an air of quiet menace.

The first was Emperor, a man draped in heavy imperial robes embroidered with golden phoenixes. His cold, calculating eyes gleamed in the low light as he tapped his fingers against the armrest of his obsidian throne. A man whose hands had shaped an empire—and were now drenched in its blood.

Beside him sat crown prince the Emperor's most trusted confidant and head of the empire's intelligence network. A man whose influence stretched far beyond what the common people knew. He was dressed in black, his piercing gray eyes filled with cunning as he sipped from a silver goblet, unfazed by the grave topic they were discussing.

The silence between them was heavy. It was the silence of men who had long grown accustomed to making life-and-death decisions without hesitation.

Finally, Felix spoke, his voice smooth, laced with barely restrained irritation.

"We failed."

He placed the goblet on the table beside him, his fingers tightening around its stem.

"The assassins we sent were the finest. Men trained in the art of silent killing, each with enough skill to dispatch a high-ranking noble… and yet, they perished. Not a single one returned."

The Emperor did not react immediately. He merely closed his eyes and exhaled deeply before leaning forward.

"Austin von Ravenclaw…" he muttered, his voice devoid of emotion. "That boy should not even be alive."

Felix nodded, his gaze sharp.

"He was supposed to die along with his mother. The Ravens should have been wiped out years ago."

He clenched his jaw, the weight of the situation pressing against him.

Austin was becoming a hindrance. A thorn in their carefully crafted empire.

At first, he was simply the last heir to a once-powerful duchy. A loose end. But now? Now he was becoming a hinderance in the greater plans.

"Austin von Ravenclaw… Why is he cozying up to my daughter?"

His voice was low but filled with cold suspicion.

Felix, seated opposite the Emperor, smirked slightly as he swirled the wine in his goblet.

"He saved her life, father. Perhaps he sees her as an ally."

The Emperor scoffed, his fingers tightening around the throne.

"Do you take me for a fool, Felix?" His voice was laced with restrained fury. "That boy does nothing without reason. He's maneuvering… watching… waiting. I refuse to believe it was mere coincidence that he happened to be there when my daughter was attacked."

Felix exhaled slowly, placing his goblet down.

"It's certainly convenient for him," he admitted.

The Emperor's gaze darkened.

"She is my daughter. My blood. And that bastard is a thorn I should have plucked from this world long ago."

His hands clenched into fists, the memories of his failed attempts to eliminate the Ravenclaw bloodline resurfacing. The boy had not only survived but had thrived—gathering power, allies, and influence beyond their expectations.

"Felix," the Emperor continued, his tone now as sharp as a blade, "I want you to make sure he never comes near her again. Ever. Do whatever it takes."

Felix leaned forward, his gray eyes gleaming with understanding.

"Shall I arrange a… permanent solution?"

The Emperor paused, considering. Killing Austin outright would be difficult. A direct assault would ignite chaos in the dark magician world because he controlled twenty three hosue holds of dark magicians, and the last thing the Emperor needed was another rebellion.

"No. Not yet," the Emperor decided. "If we strike now, it will only solidify him as a martyr. The people whisper his name, Felix. Even the nobles are beginning to see him as a power of his own."

Felix chuckled.

"Then what do you wish for me to do, father?"

The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a dangerous plan forming in his mind.

"Isolate him."

Felix raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting. You intend to cut off his influence rather than face him directly?"

The Emperor smirked.

"Yes. You will ensure he does not come across Sonya again. You will turn the nobles against him. His alliances, his influence, his businesses—choke them all. I want him to be crushed under the weight of isolation."

Felix nodded slowly, his mind already working through the possibilities.

"And if he resists?"

The Emperor's voice dropped to a whisper, but the weight of his words was unmistakable.

"Then… we will break him." They both laughed.

Sonya sat in the grand library of the imperial palace, surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and magical scriptures. A single candle flickered beside her, casting long shadows across the vast wooden table where several books lay open. Her violet eyes skimmed through the delicate pages of "Fundamentals of Elemental Magic", but her mind was elsewhere.

She had only two days left before she would leave for the Academy of Mages—a place where only the most talented and noble-born mages trained.

But something had changed.

This wasn't the future she had foreseen.

In the original timeline—the one she had read—Austin von Ravenclaw was supposed to die. The assassins were meant for her, but for some unknown reason, fate had shifted. The attack had been redirected toward him.

And yet, he survived.

She bit her lower lip, gripping the pages of the book tightly.

"Why? Why is everything changing? Who is rewriting this story?"

If Austin had died as he was supposed to, then she wouldn't have had to think about him anymore. He wouldn't be a mystery she needed to solve. But now… now, he was alive, stronger, and more dangerous than before.

She exhaled sharply and flipped another page.

The Mage's Path—A Challenge Awaits

The Academy of Mages was no ordinary school.

It was a battleground for power, an institution where politics were as important as magic. The noble families sent their heirs not only to learn but to forge alliances, seek influence, and establish dominance.

And Sonya?

She needed to be strong. She needed to gain power fast.

If Austin was truly a Grand Mage—a master of all elements—then she was severely outmatched. She had talent, but talent alone wouldn't be enough.

She needed to push herself beyond her limits.

Determined, she stood up abruptly, her silk nightgown brushing against the cold marble floor. She couldn't waste time.

She needed to train.

She needed answers.

AFETR TWO DAYS 

station platform

The train station was bustling with life as steam hissed from the grand iron engines, their mechanical hearts roaring to life. Nobles, merchants, and scholars boarded the luxurious carriages, each bound for different destinations across the empire. Among them, Princess Sonya stood with her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of irritation and frustration.

Beside her, her maid, Mira, adjusted the princess's cloak, making sure she looked presentable before their departure. Standing just a few steps away was a tall, imposing imperial guard—personally assigned by Felix, her brother.

onya sighed, her violet eyes narrowing.

"Why did my brother assign me a guard? I can take care of myself."

Mira, ever the dutiful maid, responded with a calm yet firm voice.

"Your Highness, you are an imperial princess. Of course, you would be given a personal guard. It is not about your ability to defend yourself but the perception of power and security."

Sonya clicked her tongue, clearly displeased.

"Perception, huh?"

The piercing sound of the train horn echoed across the station, signaling that the final passengers should board.

"At least let's get going," she muttered as she stepped into the luxurious first-class cabin.

She smoothed her royal-blue gown, adjusted her gloves, and gracefully entered.

As she sat down inside, she turned her head and froze.

Across from her, already seated, was a man dressed in a black suit, his reading glasses resting on the bridge of his nose as he casually flipped through a book. His golden hair fell in elegant waves, and his crimson eyes gleamed with a knowing amusement as he turned a page.

He looked up and smirked.

"My, my… the Imperial Princess herself. I assume I will be accompanying you on this trip."

Sonya's breath hitched for a split second.

Sitting across from her, as if fate itself had planned this encounter, was none other than—

Austin von Ravenclaw.

The silence that followed was deafening.

The imperial guard stiffened, his hand already resting near the hilt of his sword. Mira, though trained to remain composed, instinctively took a step back.

Sonya's fingers twitched slightly as she composed herself, masking her surprise with indifference.

"You shouldn't be here."

Austin chuckled softly, closing his book with a soft thud.

Ah, it appears I'm unwelcome here. Tell me, Princess, should I leave?

Before she could decide, Austin leaned back comfortably and smiled at the guard.

"You're saying a professor assigned to this train shouldn't be on it?"

The guard froze.

Mira, who had been quietly observing, inhaled sharply.

"A professor?" she said.

Austin tilted his head, feigning surprise.

"Oh? Did they not inform you?" He placed a hand over his chest, mocking sincerity. "I am one of the appointed professors at the Academy of Mages."

Silence filled the cabin.

Even the rhythmic chugging of the train seemed distant compared to the weight of Austin's revelation.

The guard hesitated, suddenly unsure.

If Austin was indeed a professor, then he had every right to be on this train—more so if he was assigned to teach at the Academy where Sonya was heading.

Felix's plan had been thwarted without him even realizing it.

Sonya clenched her jaw.

This bastard… He anticipated everything.

Austin chuckled, relishing the moment.

"Now then, shall we continue our lovely conversation, Princess?"

The game had shifted.

And Sonya wasn't sure if she was winning or losing.

as they were thne auqwardly sitting int he train nt saying anything as he said yur higness as she saideys he aked dyu need smethig frm me yurve been starung at me since earlier 

Sonya blinked, caught off guard by his sudden remark.

She had been staring, but not out of admiration—rather, out of sheer frustration. Austin von Ravenclaw was an enigma, a man whose very presence disrupted everything she thought she knew about her future.

Clearing her throat, she quickly averted her gaze and replied, "You misunderstand, Duke Ravenclaw. I was merely lost in thought."

Austin chuckled softly, tilting his head.

"Ah, lost in thought while looking at me? I must be quite the captivating sight."

Sonya's lips pressed into a thin line. This arrogant man…

"Don't flatter yourself," she said, regaining her composure. "I was simply wondering how a Duke with your influence and power found himself teaching at an academy."

Austin tapped his finger against the book he had been reading, his expression unreadable.

"A fascinating question, Your Highness."

A moment of silence passed between them before he smirked.

"Perhaps I simply enjoy nurturing young minds."

Sonya gave him a blank stare.

Austin let out a light laugh, clearly entertained by her reaction.

"Or…" he leaned in slightly, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously, "perhaps I have my own reasons, ones that do not concern you. Yet."

His vague answer only irritated her further.

Sonya exhaled, choosing to ignore his cryptic words. Instead, she turned toward the window, watching the landscapes blur past as the train sped forward.

Austin, meanwhile, went back to reading, completely unbothered.

The silence between them was heavy—not necessarily uncomfortable, but charged with unspoken tensions and questions neither was willing to ask outright.

One thought lingered in Sonya's mind as the train continued on its journey.

Austin von Ravenclaw… what are you really planning?

A Sudden Terrorist Attack – The Future is Changing

The train moved smoothly through the towering mountains, its rhythmic chugging echoing through the vast wilderness. Inside, passengers relaxed, oblivious to the danger lurking ahead. The sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting a warm golden hue over the elegant interiors of the royal train.

Then, chaos erupted.

A series of deafening explosions tore through the railway tracks, sending violent tremors through the train cars. The sudden jolt sent plates crashing, wine glasses shattering, and passengers screaming in terror. The train screeched as it struggled to maintain balance on the damaged rails, but soon, it came to a dead halt.

Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, armed figures in dark uniforms stormed the train. A woman, with long, curly auburn hair and a vicious smirk, stepped forward, her high heels clicking against the marble floor of the carriage. She was wrapped in a thick, fur-lined coat, an insignia embroidered onto her sleeve—a black skull with two crossed daggers.

She scanned the terrified passengers before announcing in a cold, amused tone:

"This train is now under our control. No one gets out, and no one gets in."

As the words left her lips, she strolled towards one of the carriages, her confidence unwavering. Without hesitation, she pushed open the heavy wooden door.

Inside sat Austin von Ravenclaw and Imperial Princess Sonya, along with the personal guard that Felix had assigned to ensure Austin never got close to her. The moment the guard saw the intruder, he reacted on instinct, drawing his blade to protect the princess.

But it was futile.

With a flick of her wrist, the terrorist woman unsheathed a thin, curved dagger and slit the guard's throat in one swift motion. Blood splattered across the velvet seats as the guard collapsed lifelessly, gurgling in his final moments.

Sonya gasped, but not out of fear—out of pure, seething rage.

The terrorist woman turned her attention to her true prize, Sonya, stepping forward and reaching out to grab her by the arm.

But before her fingers could even graze Sonya's silk sleeves—

A silver glint flashed through the air.

A scream.

The terrorist woman stumbled back, clutching her wrist—her hand had been severed clean off.

Austin's eyes widened in pure shock.

"What…?" he muttered under his breath.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

In the original novel, Sonya was supposed to resist, be kidnapped and used as a hostage. Austin had written it that way—she wasn't supposed to fight back.

Yet, here she was.

Sonya stood, her golden eyes burning with defiance, as she flicked the blood off the dagger she had concealed in her gown. Her movements were so precise, so ruthless as if she had done this before.

The terrorist woman groaned in agony, pressing against the bleeding stump where her hand once was.

"You filthy lowlives dare to touch me?" Sonya's voice was like ice.

Austin was frozen. This wasn't his story anymore. The future was changing.

And for the first time since he reincarnated into this world, he realized something terrifying—

His knowledge of the future might not matter anymore

A Battle of Wits and Power – The Changing Future

Sonya's thoughts raced.

"I was supposed to be a bargaining chip in this attack… but oh well. Plans change."

She had spent years preparing herself for the future. Unlike what Austin had written in the novel, she wasn't just some delicate princess waiting to be saved. She had trained herself in secret, learning spells far beyond what a noble lady was expected to wield.

Her fingers curled, and cold mist began swirling in the air. Frost spread from her feet, creeping across the walls, the temperature dropping drastically.

"You made a grave mistake," she murmured, her golden eyes glinting with deadly intent.

With a flick of her wrist, razor-sharp icicles erupted from the ground, piercing through the terrorists before they could react. Their screams barely had time to escape their lips before they were silenced forever, frozen in place like grotesque statues.

Sonya exhaled, lowering her hand.

She turned towards Austin, who was still sitting calmly, watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Well, Professor," she said with a mocking smirk, "I suppose you should fight as well?"

Austin sighed dramatically, adjusting his gloves before gracefully rising to his feet.

"Of course, Your Highness," he said smoothly, his voice laced with amusement.

With just a thought, every remaining terrorist was lifted into the air. Their bodies twisted unnaturally as an invisible force gripped their throats, crushing them with a sickening crack.

Austin didn't even blink as their lifeless bodies collapsed onto the floor.

The train shuddered as it neared its final stop. The damage from the attack made it impossible for it to continue to the academy's main station.

Austin turned to the wide-eyed students, who were still processing what had happened.

"I'm Head Professor of the Academy of Magic," he announced, his voice steady and commanding. "The train will not be going any further. We will now proceed on foot to the academy."

The students murmured among themselves, but none dared to argue.

Sonya's Secret Intentions

As the train came to a complete stop, Sonya watched Austin closely, her mind working furiously.

"Austin von Ravenclaw… I will ruin you."

He was too dangerous. Too powerful. And worst of all, too unpredictable.

In the novel, he was supposed to be an obstacle, but now, he was far more than that.

She clenched her fists.

"I will humiliate you."

"I will make sure you never stand in my way."

"And then, I will lead a good life—one where no one controls my fate."