Julianar grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Everyone knows the Fifth Prince," he said. "But you're not what I expected."
Valerius smirked. "And what did you expect?"
Julianar chuckled, shaking his head. "Someone who could barely lift a sword. But you're better than that. No doubt."
There was a pause. Julianar seemed to be thinking about something. Finally, he said, "If you ever need materials or another weapon forged, come find me. We can work something out."
Valerius studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Perhaps I will. But for now, I have an academy to attend."
Julianar's face softened. "Good luck, Prince."
Valerius stepped out into the busy city streets. Merchants shouted about their goods, the smell of roasted meat filled the air, and the clinking of hammers echoed from other forges. The crowd barely noticed him, yet he felt as if eyes were watching him.
His thoughts lingered on Julianar's offer. There was something odd about it, something he couldn't quite place. He pushed the thought aside for now.
A voice cut through the noise. "You wield that sword well, Prince."
Valerius's hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his katana. He turned, scanning the crowd. A cloaked figure stood in the shadow of an alley, barely visible.
"Who are you?" Valerius asked, his voice steady.
The stranger smirked. "Just an observer. The rumors about you... they're not entirely true."
Valerius tensed. Something was unsettling about the man. "What do you want?"
The stranger moved, hands slipping beneath his cloak. Twin daggers appeared, glowing faintly with mana.
"Phantom Strike."
The daggers shot toward Valerius. Before they could reach him, the ground rumbled, and a stone wall shot up between them. The daggers clashed against the barrier and fell to the ground.
The stranger clicked his tongue in frustration. "Tsk... The Crimson Claws," he muttered before vanishing into the shadows.
From behind the stone wall, another figure stepped forward. "Your Highness, are you alright?"
Valerius exhaled. "Thaddeus. That was you?"
Thaddeus nodded. The stone wall crumbled back into the ground. "You shouldn't be wandering alone."
Valerius frowned. "Who was that?"
Thaddeus's expression darkened. "I don't know. But this won't be the last time someone tries to kill you."
Valerius's grip tightened on his katana. "Then why did he run?"
"He recognized me as a member of the Crimson Claws. But he, or someone worse, will return."
Valerius sighed. "Let's get back to the palace."
The walk back felt different. Every shadow, every alley, seemed to hold danger. Along the way, Valerius asked Thaddeus about the Crimson Claws and learned that only those at the Arcane Shaper stage could join. They were dangerous, highly skilled warriors.
By the time they reached the palace, the sun had set. At the gates, Seraphina stood waiting.
"Young Master, I'm glad you made it back," she said with a relieved smile.
Valerius nodded. "I'm fine." He patted her head lightly. "Let's go inside."
Seraphina led the way to his chambers. Before Valerius entered, he turned to Thaddeus. "Thank you for the escort."
Thaddeus nodded. Without another word, he disappeared into the shadows.
Inside, Valerius sat on his bed, placing his katana beside him. His fingers ran along the hilt. He had been attacked before even reaching the academy. What did that mean for the days ahead?
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Seraphina entered with a tray. "Your dinner, Your Highness."
"Thank you," he said softly.
She set the meal down and left. Valerius ate in silence, then bathed, letting the warm water wash away the tension in his body. But his mind remained restless.
Tomorrow, his academy life would begin. But with threats already lurking in the shadows, he knew things would only get more dangerous from here.
The sun had barely risen when Valerius stepped out of his chambers. A soft breeze carried the crisp morning air through the corridors, cooling his skin. The weight of his katana rested against his hip, a constant reminder of the path ahead.
As he adjusted his weapon, footsteps approached. He turned to see Seraphina walking toward him, her usual calm smile in place.
"Young Master, good morning."
"Good morning, Seraphina," he replied, offering a small nod.
She glanced at his sword. "Ready to go?"
Valerius exhaled, tightening the strap across his chest. "I wish the academy started a few days later."
She raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
"I had some things to figure out with my new cultivation and weapon," he admitted, his fingers brushing the hilt. "But I didn't get the chance."
Her expression grew more serious. "Why not?"
"Someone tried to kill me."
Seraphina's eyes sharpened. "Assassins? Were you hurt?"
"No," Valerius said, shaking his head. "But it was close."
She studied him for a moment, lips pressed together. Then, with a short nod, she let the matter rest.
"Let's go," he said.
They walked in silence toward the palace gates, where a carriage awaited. As Valerius climbed inside, he glanced back at Seraphina.
"See you later."
She gave a faint smile. "Be careful, Young Master."
The ride to Luxombra Royal Academy passed quickly. Valerius barely noticed the passing scenery, his mind replaying last night's events. The attack had come suddenly, too fast for him to fully react. He needed to get stronger.
When the carriage rolled to a stop, he stepped out, nodding to the coachman before facing the academy gates. The towering entrance stood ahead, grand and imposing.
Nearby, voices whispered.
"Isn't that the Fifth Prince?"
"I heard he's crippled. Why is he here?"
Valerius ignored them. He had heard worse. Instead, he kept his steps steady, his expression neutral as he walked through the gates.
Inside, the academy buzzed with life. Students moved in groups, their robes crisp and formal. The scent of ink and parchment lingered in the air.
Uncertain of where to go, Valerius stopped a passing student. "Where is the main hall?"
The student hesitated before pointing down a corridor. "That way. The opening ceremony is starting soon."
Valerius nodded. "Thanks."
With that, he moved forward, stepping into a new beginning.