The academy halls were far more crowded than the courtyard had been. Voices echoed between tall stone pillars. Students walked in groups, some wearing uniforms decorated with noble crests stitched in silver or gold thread. Leon walked alone. He could still feel the whispers from yesterday.

  Nightshade.

  Commoner.

  Noble Division.

  He ignored them. I don’t care what people think about me, he thought calmly. As he turned a corner, someone suddenly bumped into him. “Ah— sorry!” The boy stepped back quickly. He had dark, slightly messy hair and bright green eyes filled with energy. “I swear these hallways are designed to confuse people,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” Leon replied calmly. The boy paused, studying him for a moment. “Wait… I know who you are. You’re Leon Nightshade, right?” “I am,” Leon answered. Instead of suspicion, the boy smiled. “Nice. I’m Nathan Everwyn.” He offered his hand naturally. Leon shook it. “Leon Nightshade.” “Noble Division too?” Nathan asked. “Yeah. I suppose so.” “Good. I thought I’d be the only one who doesn’t look like I own three estates.” Leon smiled slightly in amusement. They began walking together. Nathan talked easily about the size of the academy, the strict instructors, and how his family expected him to do well—but not embarrass them. Leon answered when spoken to. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother him. He felt like he could trust this guy. Then suddenly… Nathan stumbled forward as someone bumped into him from behind. “Hey—!” “Sorry!” The voice was loud and energetic. A red-haired boy stood there, grinning. “Michael Ashford,” he said confidently. “Didn’t see you.” “You never see anyone,” came a calmer voice from behind him. Another student approached. Dark blue hair. Sharp blue eyes. A composed posture. “Julian Valecrest,” he said with a small nod. “Apologies for my friend’s behavior.” Nathan sighed. “You two always cause trouble?” “Only productive trouble,” Michael replied. His eyes shifted to Leon. Recognition flashed. “So you’re the Nightshade guy.” Leon met his gaze evenly. “Leon Nightshade.” Michael crossed his arms, studying him openly. Then he grinned slightly. “Interesting.” Julian’s gaze was different. Focused. Analytical. “You maintained perfect mana balance during the entrance test,” Julian said calmly. Nathan blinked. “You noticed that too?” Julian ignored him. Leon simply replied, “Control is important.” Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly. Yes. It is. “Well,” Nathan clapped his hands lightly, “we’re going to be late if we keep analyzing each other.” They entered the Noble classroom together. The moment Leon stepped inside, the whispers resumed. Students sat in organized rows. Expensive fabrics. Perfect posture. Family rings. Leon felt the shift in atmosphere instantly. Nathan sat beside him without hesitation, while Michael dropped into the seat on Leon’s other side. Julian sat just behind them. A tall blond student near the front slowly turned in his chair. His uniform bore an elegant silver crest. His expression was calm. “Hello, Leon Nightshade,” he said smoothly. “My name is Lucien Harrowmont.” Several students straightened at the name. Lucien’s gaze remained steady. “It is rare,” he continued calmly, “for a commoner to enter this division.” Silence filled the room. “But the academy does not make mistakes lightly,” Lucien added. “So I trust you will prove their judgment correct.”

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  It wasn’t an insult, It was a challenge. Leon held his gaze. “I intend to.” Lucien nodded once and turned forward as the instructor entered. The lesson began. Later that day, Combat Class started. Students stood in a wide training arena. Names were called at random to spar. “Michael Ashford and Leon Nightshade.” Michael grinned immediately. “Well… this is convenient.” They stepped forward. The signal was given. “You may begin.” Michael moved first. He attacked verry fast red magic ignited around his arm like a controlled flame powerful and aggressive. Leon stepped aside at the last second, narrowly dodging the attack. Michael attacked again, faster this time. Leon countered. Every movement was precise, No wasted energy, No unnecessary force. Within moments, Michael found himself forced to one knee, Leon’s hand lightly pressing against his shoulder. The match was over. Silence filled the arena. Leon stepped back and offered his hand. “You’re pretty strong,” he said simply. Michael stared at him for a second. Then he laughed. “Man… that was amazing.” He grabbed Leon’s hand and stood up. “You’re very strong. I like that. You have my respect.” From the sidelines, Julian watched carefully. He memorized every movement Leon had made. Nathan smiled slightly, happy that his new friend had won. And at the edge of the arena, Lucien Harrowmont observed in silence. His calm expression remained. But his eyes had sharpened. Leon Nightshade was no mistake. “You’re quite interesting, Mr. Nightshade,” Lucien thought. And for the first time he smiled. Not out of arrogance. But because he had found a rival.