Departure

Got it! Here's Chapter 12 of Villain's Revenge, written in approximately 2000 words. Let me know if you'd like it formatted for Webnovel or adjusted in tone or pacing.

---

Chapter 12

The morning light bled through the tall windows of Ray's chamber, casting long golden streaks across the floor. He stood near the edge of the balcony, watching the quiet bustle of the inner palace. Servants walked with purpose, guards shifted at their posts, and the gears of the empire turned as always.

But something felt different today.

A knock came.

George entered quietly, bowing once. "His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study."

Ray didn't ask why. He'd sensed it coming.

---

The Imperial Study was located behind three layers of guards and thick, rune-etched doors. Inside, the smell of old parchment and polished wood hung in the air. Books lined every wall—histories, spirit records, ancient scriptures.

Emperor Luke Illustrious stood near the arched window, dressed in his formal crimson robes. His presence was quiet but commanding, like a steel blade sheathed in velvet.

"You've been busy, Ray," the emperor said without turning.

Ray bowed. "I try to serve in the ways I can, Father."

"You've caused quite a stir," the emperor continued. "A duel victory, an A-grade awakening, and the Council whispering at every table."

Ray remained silent.

The emperor finally turned. His silver eyes—so much like Ray's—held a calm intensity.

"The Royal Spirit Academy's entrance ceremony is in three days," he said. "You will be attending."

Ray's breath caught for a moment.

The academy.

In his previous life, he had never qualified. He'd failed to awaken properly. No academy would accept a C-grade spirit holder with no factional backing.

Now, things had changed.

"I understand," Ray said quietly.

The emperor studied him. "You've done well, Ray. But power draws attention. You will face envy, fear, and danger—especially at the academy. Learn. Grow. Watch who stands beside you."

Ray nodded. "I will."

There was a pause, almost too long.

"You resemble your mother more every day," the emperor said softly, as if speaking to himself. "She had your stubborn eyes."

Ray said nothing. He didn't remember her well—only faint memories of a warm hand, a smile in the gardens, and stories told beneath the stars.

"Your departure will be handled discreetly," the emperor said, back to his usual tone. "You are not Crown Prince. There is no need for fanfare. But there will be a small send-off."

Ray bowed. "Thank you, Father."

---

Ray left the study, thoughts turning like gears.

The Royal Spirit Academy wasn't just a school. It was a proving ground for the empire's future leaders. Children of nobles, foreign dignitaries, and rising stars—all trained under one roof. Reputation was forged there. Alliances, rivalries, and sometimes… betrayals.

In his last life, he had watched from afar, envious.

Now, he would walk through its gat

The following morning, Ray dressed in a dark formal coat trimmed in silver. George stood beside him, checking the travel satchel.

"You'll be watched the moment you arrive," George said. "Every smile will have a motive."

"I'm used to it," Ray replied, fastening his cloak.

"You're stronger now, but not invincible," George added. "Don't forget what happened the last time you trusted too quickly."

Ray's hands paused for a moment, tightening over the buckle.

"I won't," he said.

The departure event was modest, as promised.

Held in the side courtyard of the eastern wing, it was attended only by a few select figures: high-ranking staff, a couple of council observers, and Ray's immediate family.

Crown Prince Aldren stood near the marble fountain, arms crossed. Prince Henry arrived with his usual easy smile, followed by his mother—the Concubine Lady Serina.

Ray's eyes narrowed slightly.

He remembered her well from his past life. A woman of grace and charm, but beneath it, razor-sharp ambition. In the last life, she had orchestrated half the court's gossip against Ray, always in whispers and veiled praise.

She approached now with a faint smile. "Third Prince Ray. I'm glad to see you in better health these days."

Ray gave a polite bow. "Thank you, Lady Serina. I heard you were unwell during the duel."

"I was," she said lightly. "But it seems I missed quite the spectacle."

"Only a warm-up," Ray said, voice smooth.

She tilted her head slightly, eyes calculating. "Then I do look forward to your next performance."

Henry stepped forward, tone friendly. "I wish you the best at the academy, brother. I'm sure you'll make many friends."

Ray smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "I'll be careful who I call friend."

Aldren approached last. Unlike the others, he said nothing at first. He looked Ray up and down, eyes unreadable.

"Don't die," Aldren said finally.

"I don't plan to," Ray replied.

There was a brief pause before Aldren turned away.

Typical.

Aldren never gave praise unless forced. Ray wasn't sure if that was due to pride, or because he never considered Ray a threat worth acknowledging.

That would change.

The departure procession consisted of two armored carriages. Ray would take the first, escorted by three spirit knights. George would follow behind in the second, under disguise.

As the carriage door closed behind him, Ray looked through the window one last time.

Lady Serina watched him go with that same unreadable expression.

Henry waved politely.

Aldren didn't turn.

Ray leaned back against the velvet seat, eyes closing briefly.

Royal Spirit Academy…

He had read everything about it in the past. The rotating class structure, the elemental towers, the duel ranking board, and the hidden test rooms. It wasn't just about learning how to fight—it was about political survival, social maneuvering, and seizing opportunities.

It was the empire in miniature.

And this time, he would not be forgotten.

The journey to the academy would take a full day, through three checkpoints and across the Silver Road—an old trade route that linked the capital to the mountainous district of Evara, where the academy stood.

Ray used the time to meditate.

Wind and Thunder answered his call easily now. He channeled both, weaving them around his fingers like threads. The movement calmed him. It reminded him of what he'd earned.

He thought of the duel with Elric. The fake trap. The planted barrier seal. The panicked reaction of the councilman when Ray shattered the false enchantment.

It was only the beginning.

More would come.

Night fell. The carriage made camp near a resting outpost. George checked the perimeter while Ray stared into the fire.

"Do you think I'm rushing this?" Ray asked.

George didn't answer immediately. "No. But you are playing a dangerous game."

"I don't have a choice," Ray said. "If I wait, they'll move first. Just like last time."

"You've grown," George said. "But don't forget, the academy is where monsters wear masks. Not all threats will come with swords."

Ray nodded. "That's why I'm bringing my own mask."

George smirked slightly. "Fitting. For the Duel of Masks winner."

---

At sunrise, the towers of the Royal Spirit Academy appeared in the distance.

Tall spires wrapped in copper pipes and runed banners rose above the mist, nestled between cliffs and floating stone platforms. Steam-powered lifts hissed in the distance, ferrying students and cargo. Training fields dotted the slopes below.

Ray leaned forward in his seat.

The future awaited.

And this time, he was ready to write it himself.