Grand Arcanum Academy –
The day's lectures had come and gone, yet Leon Valerius' mind remained unsettled.
Even after stepping in to put an end to Serena Vale's harassment, the issue wasn't truly resolved.
Because if minor noble students were bold enough to target her, it meant someone above them was encouraging it.
Leon had seen enough of noble politics to know that underlings only act when given permission.
And that meant Serena's problem wasn't just classroom bullies—
It was something bigger.
And Leon didn't like it.
*****
After class, Leon made his way through the academy corridors, his movements purposeful.
The minor noble brats who had harassed Serena were exactly where he expected them to be—lingering near the library, likely thinking themselves untouchable now that the lecture had ended.
When they saw Leon approaching, their expressions tightened.
Good.
At least they knew what was coming.
"Valerius," the tallest of the group, Gerald Tristane, spoke with forced confidence. "I hope you're not still upset about what happened earlier."
Leon didn't stop walking.
He simply closed the distance between them.
And then—
He grabbed Gerald by the collar and slammed him against the stone wall.
The other two minor nobles flinched, but didn't dare move.
Leon's golden eyes burned with unmistakable authority.
"I don't like repeating myself," Leon said, voice low. "But I'm feeling generous today, so I'll say this once—"
His grip tightened.
"Leave Serena alone."
Gerald swallowed hard, but tried to keep his composure.
"This—this isn't about us!" he stammered. "We're just following orders!"
Leon narrowed his eyes. "Whose orders?"
The three nobles hesitated.
Then—
Gerald muttered under his breath, "It's one of the seniors."
Leon let go of his collar, letting the boy slump against the wall.
"Who?"
Another noble, Darius Malroy, hesitated before finally speaking.
"It's Cedric Albrecht."
Leon's expression remained unreadable, but inside, he recognized the name instantly.
*****
Cedric Albrecht was a third-year student, one of the top senior nobles in the academy.
More importantly—
He was a backer of a rival Saintess Candidate from the Holy Empire.
Leon clicked his tongue in annoyance.
It made sense now.
Serena, despite being a commoner, was blessed by Lumina and had the potential to become a Saintess.
The Holy Empire had their own noble-born Saintess candidate—one with direct noble bloodlines.
And clearly, Cedric and his faction saw Serena as a threat.
So they were trying to break her spirit before she could become a problem.
Pathetic.
Leon exhaled sharply.
"Cedric, huh?"
The minor nobles remained silent, looking anywhere but at him.
Leon smirked slightly, shaking his head.
"Alright."
He turned away.
"You're off the hook. You did what cowards do—you followed orders. I don't care about you."
He took a step forward—then, without looking back, added:
"But if I see any of you so much as look at Serena the wrong way again…"
His golden gaze flickered with dangerous intent.
"You won't get off with just a warning."
The three nobles visibly paled.
Leon ignored them and walked away.
****
Leon made his way through the academy, heading toward the upper floors where the senior students resided.
But before he got far—
A familiar voice called out.
"Yo, where are you going in such a rush?"
Leon turned his head slightly to see Rael Thunderfang leaning against a pillar, arms crossed.
The Beastkin Prince had clearly been watching for a while.
Rael's golden beast-like eyes narrowed with curiosity.
"Your face says you're about to do something reckless."
Leon grinned. "You know me too well."
Rael pushed off the pillar, walking up beside him.
"So?" he asked. "Who pissed you off this time?"
Leon didn't slow down. "Cedric Albrecht."
Rael blinked, then let out a low whistle.
"The Cedric Albrecht?"
"The very same."
Rael chuckled. "You just love picking fights with the strongest guys, huh?"
Leon smirked. "It keeps things interesting."
Rael grinned, his sharp canines flashing.
"Well, I'm not letting you have all the fun. Let's go."
Leon didn't object.
With Rael walking beside him, the two made their way toward the Senior Wing of the Academy.
****
The upper floor of the academy was reserved for upper-year students, and stepping into it felt like entering enemy territory.
The atmosphere was different—sharper, more refined.
Senior students carried themselves with an undeniable sense of authority.
Some cast curious glances at Leon and Rael as they walked through the halls, while others simply ignored them altogether, believing them beneath their concern.
Leon didn't care.
He was here for one person.
And soon enough—
He found him.
****
In the center of the senior common area, surrounded by a group of wealthy, well-dressed nobles, sat Cedric Albrecht.
He was a third-year student, tall and regal in appearance, with sharp, aristocratic features and golden-blond hair tied in a neat ponytail.
Unlike Leon's more rugged, battle-honed presence, Cedric had the air of a noble who had never once doubted his own superiority.
And when his icy blue eyes met Leon's golden ones, a knowing smirk spread across his face.
"Ah," Cedric said smoothly, setting down his teacup. "If it isn't Leon Valerius."
His gaze flickered to Rael beside him.
"And Prince Thunderfang as well? What an unexpected surprise."
Leon didn't waste time.
"You told your little lackeys to harass Serena Vale."
The gathered nobles fell silent.
Cedric raised an eyebrow, looking entirely unbothered.
"Did I?" he mused. "That doesn't sound like something I'd bother with."
Leon's expression darkened.
"You're backing the Holy Empire's Saintess Candidate, aren't you?"
Cedric finally chuckled. "Ah. So that's what this is about."
He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other.
"Tell me, Valerius," Cedric said casually. "Why do you care so much? Serena Vale is nothing more than a commoner girl who stumbled into divine favor."
Leon's jaw clenched.
Cedric smirked.
"She doesn't belong here," he continued. "And in time, she'll realize that herself."
Leon stepped forward.
"Then let's settle this the way Grand Arcanum Academy does."
Cedric tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Oh?"
Leon's voice was clear, firm, and unwavering.
"I challenge you to a spar."
The noble crowd murmured in surprise.
Cedric blinked once. Then—
He chuckled.
"You want to fight me, Leon Valerius?"
Leon smirked. "What's wrong? Scared?"
Cedric's blue eyes gleamed.
"Hardly," he said smoothly, rising to his feet.
"Very well, Valerius."
His lips curled into a confident smile.
"I accept your challenge."
---
(To Be Continued…)