Part13:
Lucian sat in his usual spot in the classroom, his eyes lazily drifting to the window, where the sun hung low in the sky. The day was moving slowly, like the silence before a storm. Around him, students bustled in and out of the room, many whispering hurriedly among themselves about the upcoming pre-test, a critical evaluation that loomed just two weeks after the entrance exam. The academy had already made its reputation clear—this test was designed to weed out those deemed unworthy, and rumors about possible expulsions swirled like wildfire.
For most, this looming test sparked panic and desperation. Students ran through the hallways, hunting for suitable partners to form duos, the mandatory requirement for the test. Some, the confident elites, had already secured their partnerships, while others roamed the academy in fear, hoping for a last-minute opportunity. Lucian, however, was unbothered. He sat calmly at his desk, one hand supporting his cheek, his expression empty, yet subtly observant. He didn't scramble for a partner, nor did he engage in any of the anxious chatter that surrounded him. His mind was elsewhere, carefully piecing together the final moves of a much larger plan.
His glance shifted briefly across the room. Some students discussed politics, others went through their notes, and a few indulged in meaningless small talk, oblivious to the impending challenge. Everything was as predictable as ever. But Lucian knew that soon, things would change. His plans were already set in motion, and all he had to do now was wait.
The classroom door suddenly swung open, and a wave of pressure filled the air. Conversations abruptly halted as all eyes turned to the doorway. Standing there was none other than Arannis Elandor, the elven princess and first-ranker in the magic aptitude test. Her aura was powerful, suffocating even, as it rippled through the room, forcing everyone to take notice. Arannis was the second daughter of the Elven King of Elandor, a prestigious and untouchable figure in both lineage and ability. Her beauty was undeniable, but what truly set her apart was the sheer confidence she exuded—a confidence backed by her exceptional talent in magic.
As she walked into the room, students who had initially wanted to approach her hesitated. Her presence was overwhelming, and despite their noble standings, they faltered under the weight of her magic.
One boy, however, emboldened by his family's status, stood up and approached her. "O-Oh! If it isn't Princess Arannis," he said with a smile, his voice carrying an air of self-importance. "I'm—"
Before he could finish, Arannis fixed him with a sharp, uninterested gaze. Her eyes, cold and calculating, made it clear that she had no time for pleasantries. The boy's words faltered, and he awkwardly withdrew his hand that he had offered for a handshake. His attempt to impress her had backfired spectacularly.
"May I ask what brings someone of your stature to our classroom?" he asked, trying to maintain his composure, though his voice betrayed his nervousness.
Without a word, Arannis moved past him, ignoring his question entirely. The boy's expression twisted in silent anger, cursing her in his mind. 'Who does she think she is?' he thought bitterly, humiliated by the rejection.
Whispers rippled through the room. Arannis was an enigma, admired by some, feared by others. Her status alone was enough to inspire awe, but it was her strength that made her untouchable. Many had tried to befriend her, to use her influence for their own gain, but no one had succeeded.
Lucian, still seated, turned his gaze toward the princess as she made her way across the room. Her steps were purposeful, and it didn't take long for him to realize that she was headed straight for him. He remained calm, watching her approach without any visible reaction. When she stopped beside his desk, he slowly lifted his eyes to meet hers.
Her piercing gaze locked onto him, as if assessing his very soul. For a moment, there was silence. Then, with a voice that was as commanding as it was deceptively soft, she spoke.
"Will you join me?"
It was phrased like a request, but there was no doubt that it was more of a command. Lucian, however, remained unfazed. He had expected this. In fact, it was all part of his plan. Without a word, he nodded and stood up, following her as she led him out of the classroom. The whispers from their classmates intensified, not knowing who he was and with some speculating about their sudden partnership, while others watched in envy or confusion.
But Lucian paid them no mind. His thoughts were far ahead, already calculating his next move.
---
As they walked through the academy halls, Arannis led Lucian to a secluded practical lab, one of the smaller, more private rooms meant for advanced magical practice. The door closed behind them with a quiet click, sealing the two of them inside. Lucian stood there, still calm, his hands casually resting by his sides. Arannis turned to face him, her expression unreadable.
---
A week earlier, Lucian had already identified Arannis as his primary target. Among all the potential partners in the academy, she stood out for one simple reason: her mentality. Where others were swayed by emotion, arrogance, or fear, Arannis had something far more valuable—absolute control over herself. Lucian had observed her closely, noting that while many were talented, very few had mastered the art of self-discipline. In Lucian's mind, the ability to control oneself was paramount. "If you couldn't control yourself, someone else would"—and that process of manipulation would only continue until you were nothing more than a puppet.
But controlling someone with such ironclad self-control? That was a different challenge entirely. However, Lucian knew that if he could manipulate someone like Arannis, the trust and loyalty he would gain would be unshakeable. She would never realize that she was being used.
The first step of his plan had been simple—he needed to create a situation that would draw Arannis' attention. And so, he orchestrated the perfect scenario. It all began with a student named Glad Wron, a noble from the human territories with an inflated sense of self-worth. Lucian had observed Glad's arrogant personality and knew he would be the perfect bait. During a lunch break in the academy's cafeteria, Lucian saw his opportunity. One of Kyle's minions—a notorious senior who regularly bullied younger students—was heading toward Glad. Using a subtle spell, Lucian caused the minion to trip, spilling his drink all over Glad.
True to his nature, Glad's temper flared, and he lashed out, punching the minion square in the face. That single punch set off a chain of events that would lead directly to Kyle and his gang cornering Glad later that day in the secluded part of the academy's garden.
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The next day, Lucian had been waiting, watching from a distance as Kyle's group dragged Glad across the garden, far from the prying eyes of the academy's staff. Lucian knew exactly what was going to happen. Kyle, a powerful figure among the seniors, would use this opportunity to assert his dominance. But Lucian's interest wasn't in the petty squabbles of the academy's hierarchy. No, his goal was much larger.
Using a spell he had found in the academy's vast library—a place filled with endless knowledge of magic, swordsmanship, and ancient arts—Lucian created a faint but distinct mana signature in the area. The signature was specifically designed to mimic the aura of elven magic, something that would immediately draw Arannis' attention.
And it worked. As Lucian stood back, watching Kyle and his gang torment Glad, he felt the subtle shift in the air as Arannis arrived. She didn't interfere, but she observed, her sharp eyes catching every detail. Lucian had made sure that what she witnessed would pique her interest. The ruthlessness with which he had dealt with Kyle's minions was enough to ensure that Arannis would see him as someone worth her time.
From her perspective, Lucian was a valuable asset—cold, calculating, and efficient. Little did she know, she was the one walking into Lucian's web, not the other way around.
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Back in the present, Arannis stood across from Lucian in the small, dimly lit room. She had no idea that everything she had seen was orchestrated, down to the last detail. Her desire to control him, to use him for her own purposes, was exactly what Lucian had wanted. He would let her think she was in control, all the while pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Conversation will continue in following chapter~