Krish_Raturi

In a realm where magical abilities awaken during adolescence, Ravenhart Academy trains the elite—only nobles and high-blooded lineages are allowed. But one boy defies tradition.

Leon Ashfall, a 17-year-old commoner, is admitted under a rare scholarship. Mocked by nobles, looked down upon by teachers, and haunted by a mysterious past, Leon hides a dormant power that doesn’t belong to this world.

As Leon climbs the brutal hierarchy of the Academy, his journey is one of pain, strength, and inner fire. But fate has bigger plans. A girl from the highest rank, Astha Valeborne, awaits him in the shadows of destiny—but not yet.

For now, it’s Leon against the world.

Crimson Reign: The Academy of Shadows

Morning light broke across the academy towers.

The flames from Leon's room had been seen by nearly everyone.

Teachers rushed in. Students whispered. Rumors spread like wildfire.

"Someone tried to kill the Flameblood.""He fought back—with forbidden fire.""They say the girl from the tower helped him..."

Leon sat in the infirmary, bandages on his arm, staring out the window.

Astha stood beside him. Neither of them spoke for a while.

Finally, Leon asked, "How long before they come for me?"

Astha didn't answer at first. Then she said, "It won't be long. The headmaster is already asking questions."

Leon sighed. "I can't stay here, can I?"

"No," she said. "But that's not the end."

She took out a folded map and opened it on the bed. "There's a place outside the city.

A ruin older than the academy itself. I think that's where the Flamebloods began."

Leon leaned forward. "How do you know?"

"I found a symbol there last year," she said. "Same as the one on your hand."

Leon stared at the glowing mark on his palm.

Astha nodded. "If we want the truth, it won't be in books anymore. It'll be out there."

Later that day, Leon was called to the headmaster's office.

The room was dark and cold. Shelves filled with scrolls, magical artifacts, and portraits of ancient mages.

The Headmaster sat behind a silver desk, fingers crossed, eyes sharp.

"You've caused quite the stir, Leon Ashfall."

Leon stood straight. "I didn't ask to be attacked."

"No, but you answered with fire," the Headmaster said slowly. "Very old fire."

The Headmaster leaned in. "Your magic is rare… and dangerous. That's why it was forgotten."

He slid a paper across the desk. A warning slip.

"Leave the academy. Now. Quietly. Or we won't protect you the next time."

Leon picked up the paper. "You were never protecting me."

That night, Leon met Astha at the garden gate behind the school.

He carried a small bag. Inside: books, food, bandages, and a broken crystal from his room.

She had a compass in one hand and her spellbook in the other.

"You sure you're ready?" she asked.

Leon looked back at the glowing windows of Ravenhart Academy.

"This place never gave me answers.Maybe the world will."

They slipped through the gate, past the sleeping guards, into the woods beyond.

The wind picked up. The stars shined above them.

And far ahead, in the darkness of the land, something ancient waited.

In a forgotten ruin, the cloaked enemy stood before a burning portal.

"The Flameblood boy leaves the walls," they whispered."Good. Let him run into the dark.We'll be waiting."

Chapter 10: The Choice to Leave