The sun was barely up, its golden rays spilling through the tall windows of the Valenciari estate. Despite the early hour, the manor was alive with quiet movement. Servants bustled through the halls. Today wasn't just another day—it was the day their young master left for Ardent Academy.
In the grand dining hall, Vincent sat at the head of a long table. A heavy silence lingered around him as he poked at his breakfast, though he wasn't alone.
"Brother!" a small voice chirped.
Vincent turned just in time to be tackled by a blur of sunshine and laughter—Isabella Valenciari, his adorable little sister.
She clung to him like a koala, her cheeks puffed in mock anger. "You were gonna leave without saying goodbye!"
He chuckled, ruffling her soft brown hair. "I wasn't. I was just… giving you extra time to sleep."
"Liar!" she huffed, but her smile gave her away. "You better write letters. And don't get shot!"
"I'll be fine," he said softly, pulling her into a real hug this time. "No bullets are getting through me."
From the other end of the table, Luciano Valenciari, their father, sat with his arms crossed and his piercing eyes fixed on Vincent. "You will represent this family now. At Ardent Academy, you're not just another student. You're a Valenciari. Make sure the world knows what that means."
Vincent straightened his posture. "Yes, Father."
Standing beside Luciano was Alfonso Moretti, the family's Consigliere, calm and composed as always. "The Academy is dangerous in more ways than one. Be sharp, young master. Trust no one too easily."
Behind them, the Right-Hand Man—still nameless to most—gave Vincent a firm nod. Silent, but meaningful.
Vincent rose to his feet, giving each of them a respectful bow.
"I won't let you down."
Outside in the stone courtyard, Vincent's coat fluttered as he tightened the leather wraps around his fists. Before he left, his father had ordered one final spar to "test his foundation."
His opponent? The Right-Hand Man himself.
"You're lucky," the man said, rolling his shoulders. "I'll only break one bone if you mess up."
Vincent smirked. "Try me."
The fight was short, brutal, and explosive. Vincent ducked a punch, twisted under a sweeping kick, and drove forward with a sudden burst of strength. Iron Creed, the brass knuckles of the King's Regalia, shimmered on his fists as he struck.
Clang!
His knuckles collided with the man's reinforced guard, the shockwave cracking the stone tiles beneath their feet.
The Right-Hand Man whistled, shaking his arms. "You're finally using your weight behind the punch. Good."
Luciano, watching from the balcony, gave a single approving nod.
After a few more rounds, the man stepped back, allowing Vincent to catch his breath. "That's enough. You're ready."
Vincent exhaled, sweat beading down his brow, but his eyes were sharp.
Back at the entrance of the estate, a long black car idled by the steps. Servants loaded his bags while Isabella clung to his waist one last time.
"You better come back stronger," she said, trying to keep her tears hidden behind a pout.
Vincent smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Next time you see me, I'll be ten times cooler."
Luciano walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "No matter what happens, never forget who you are. You're a Valenciari. Our blood doesn't bow to anyone."
"I won't forget."
With one last glance at his family, Vincent stepped into the car. As the gates opened and the estate disappeared behind him, he leaned back and opened the Academy Invitation Letter.
The elegant seal bore the sigil of Ardent Academy.
> "You are hereby invited to Ardent Academy, where heirs and prodigies from across the world gather to master their bloodlines and rise to power. An entrance examination will determine your rank. Bring your strength. Leave your weakness behind."
Vincent smirked. "Bring it on."
As the car sped toward his future, the system chimed quietly in his mind:
> [New Quest Unlocked: Rank Among the Top 10 in the Entrance Exam]
[Reward: Bloodline Skill Enhancement + 100 System Credits]
His eyes gleamed.
This was only the beginning.
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TO BE CONTINUED…