The grand halls of Luxombra Academy stood like a massive, intimidating structure before Valerius, Its walls echo with the voices of students from all the students be it nobles, commoners, and everyone in between. His boots echoed on the stone floor as he felt the weight of his presence in the vast space.
The conversation stopped as a strong voice echoed through the hall. "I am Varian Draegonhart, Vice Principal of Luxombra Academy," the man introduced himself, his words echoing through the hall. He stood tall on the stage, as his presence was overwhelming.
He went on to lay out the academy's rules, detailing what the students were about to face. They would need to reach the Arcane Shaper Stage, with no exceptions to graduate. If they failed to do so by eighteen, they would be let go.
Varian continued to explain the academy's class system, dividing students into five groups each year: A, B, C, D, and E. Class E. The words hung in the air as he gave a final note about class assignments being posted on a wooden board outside. He then left the stage without any further glance, Valerius thought this Vice Principal was very unusual.
Outside the hall, students swarmed the wooden board, their faces filled with anticipation as they checked the list. Valerius stood back, letting the crowd flow past him as his gaze searched for his name. When he finally spotted it, Class E. The lowest class.
He let out a slow breath, not too worried, but it was something he had expected. After all, he was still known as the crippled prince, and his reputation wasn't the best. He muttered under his breath, I came here to grow stronger, not to care about such things. But the sting of being labeled so low still clung to him. It wasn't so easy to ignore.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice someone approaching until a voice broke through his concentration.
"Oh, isn't that the useless Fifth Prince?" The words were laced with mockery. "I see you didn't listen to what I said a few days ago. Heh, someone like you, who can't even cultivate, won't last long here. And Class E? Perfect place for you."
Bram Ravenflame stood before him, flanked by two lackeys who grinned behind him, their laughter sharp and cutting. Valerius lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes meeting Bram's with a cold, almost detached stare. I thought with this guy Identity he would know about my duel with Ardric and it would bring some sense to his brain, but I see it didn't change. I guess don't know about the duel, he thought. The Duskwren clan must have kept it quiet.
Valerius spoke calmly, his voice steady. "Bram Ravenflame. Still, the same reckless fool I see."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Bram's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing as his fists clenched at his sides.
"Hmph. Cripple like you dare to talk to me like that?" Bram's voice turned low, filled with venom. "Do you think being the Fifth Prince means anything here? You're nothing."
He took a step forward, his lackeys following like shadows. Valerius considered ignoring him, but something about the challenge in Bram's eyes called to him. He's asking for it.
I guess I can't let this go. Valerius then straightened himself slightly. He assessed Bram carefully, noting the lack of real power behind the posturing. He's probably at the Mana Core stage at best. Shouldn't be a problem to deal with him.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Valerius's lips. "I'm simply stating the truth. You and your followers are fools, and the biggest fool here is you." Valerius was provoking him.
Bram's eyes flickered with rage, his face twisting into a sneer. "Looking for a beating, cripple? Do you dare fight me!?."
Valerius's grin widened, and the challenge was accepted without a second thought. "As you wish."
Bram scoffed and turned on his heel. "Good. Be at the dueling arena in thirty minutes. Don't even think about running away."
As Bram and his followers walked away, whispers followed them like an echo. "The cripple prince..." "Looks like he is done for…" Some students sneered, others watched with curiosity, their eyes following him as he made his way toward the dueling arena.
***
About thirty minutes later.
Just before he reached the archway leading into the arena, a voice interrupted his stride.
"Fighting Bram Ravenflame, are you?"
Valerius turned to find Velindra Duskwren leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning him.
"Bram may be reckless," Velindra said, her voice low but firm, "but he's not weak. His father isn't a Duke in the Empire for no reason."
Valerius's brow furrowed. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I'm just saying, be smart about this duel," she replied. "If what I saw during your fight with my brother is true, you won't have any trouble beating Bram. But be careful. His older brother is here, too. You don't want to offend him."
With that, Velindra turned and walked away, leaving Valerius with some questions in his head. Why would I offend his older brother? He wondered. This is just a normal duel… right?
But he shook the thought off as quickly as it had come. He had a duel to fight.
The dueling arena was already filled with students by the time Valerius entered. A hushed excitement rippled through the crowd, their eyes turning toward him as whispers spread like wildfire.
At the center of the arena stood Caelum Vorrak, the teacher for Class A. Despite his youthful appearance, the grayness in his eyes betrayed an unspoken history. Scars, like old memories, were marked on his face.
Caelum's voice cut through the whispers of the crowd as he stood just outside the arena ring. "Are you two ready?" His tone was calm and steady.
"Begin!"
Without hesitation, Bram launched himself at Valerius, his fists crackling with cosmic mana. The energy around him shimmered with starlight as he moved, leaving a faint trail of sparkling cosmic dust behind him.
"I'll end this in one blow, cripple!" Bram's voice was filled with hatred as he charged forward. "Celestial Burst!"
Valerius was ready. His katana moved with practiced precision, carving through the air in a pattern that drew starlight mana to him. As Bram's punch closed in, Valerius allowed the mana to cloak him in a radiant shimmer, his form blurring with the light.
Bram's fist missed by inches, a heartbeat too slow. Before he could even register the miss, Valerius's katana was at his throat.
The arena fell into stunned silence.
Bram's eyes widened, disbelief written on his face. He's… this fast?
Valerius exhaled, a sigh heavy with indifference. "You're too slow."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Caelum raised an eyebrow, as his expression was unreadable.
Bram snarled, his mana surging wildly as he jumped back, a desperate flame bursting from his palms. "I'm not done yet!"
Valerius merely smiled. Predictable.
With a swift flick of his katana, he sent rays of starlight slicing through the air, momentarily blinding Bram. As the flames lingered, Valerius moved. His blade swept through the embers with deadly precision, cutting down the flames before they could spread.
Bram was wide open.
Valerius stepped forward and swung his katana, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp, precise motion.
BOOM!