Chapter: The Rising Tension at Astra Academy
The Buzz Before the Storm
It was four days to the showdown between Class B and Class E, and Astra Academy was already ablaze with whispers, rumors, and fierce debates that roared through every hallway, dormitory, and classroom. The announcement of the confrontation had become the centerpiece of conversation, with even the youngest students speculating on the outcome.
In Class A, elite students were already betting on which side would fall first. "Obviously Class B," said a tall girl with silvery white hair, adjusting her perfectly polished boots. "They have the top-ranked duelist in the junior section."
"But have you seen Class E lately?" a boy with thick glasses countered. "Ever since the tournament preliminaries, their confidence is rising. That Paul guy… he's different. He's dangerous."
Meanwhile, Class C students were making posters, half in mockery, half in support. One banner read: "Class E: Hopeless or Hidden Beasts?" Some claimed they were just doing it for the drama.
Class D was neutral territory, more interested in recording the unfolding events. Many of them had already turned the coming clash into a betting pool. "50 platinum on Class B," one student whispered behind the library shelves. "Double if they finish the match in under ten minutes."
The dining halls buzzed with tension. Students from all classes gathered in corners, whispering.
"Did you hear that Class E is training in secret at night?"
"No way, they're just playing tough. They'll crumble the moment it begins."
"But that Paul guy beat three seniors last semester… with no incantation spells. Who does that?"
"I heard he's cursed. He doesn't bleed. He heals like a beast."
The Kingdom Reacts
But the whispers didn't stop within the academy. The news of unrest and the coming battle between Class B and E spread to the Kingdom of Luminar itself.
In taverns, people were clinking their mugs together. "Astra's boiling again. Good. Haven't seen a proper school brawl in years."
Nobles murmured with disdain over wine. "That academy is supposed to train the future of the kingdom. And now they're turning into street brawlers?"
Some scholars debated the moral implications. "Class divisions, magic control, and now violence… the academy is a reflection of the imbalance in our kingdom," said one elder professor during a broadcasted symposium.
The Church of the Fifth Sun issued a statement condemning the behavior. Meanwhile, underground mages bet on who would rise from the ashes.
Inside Class B
Inside the fortress-like walls of Class B's domain, there was no doubt about their confidence.
"Who do those Class E losers think they are?" barked a tall boy with scars running down his arms. "They think they can stand against us?"
"They're weaklings," another student laughed. "Every year they sit at the bottom. Nothing's changed."
"Maybe they're just crazy. That's the only way to explain it. They've got a death wish."
In the midst of their arrogant boasts, one girl sat quietly in the far corner.
Lola.
With delicate pink hair cascading over her shoulders, she buried her face in a book, trying to disappear. But the room wasn't kind to ghosts.
A group of girls walked over. The leader, tall with braided black hair, smirked as she leaned down.
"You got some gut, Lola," she said, yanking Lola's hair. "Didn't I tell you to bring my items today?"
Lola whimpered. "I… I forgot…"
"Wrong answer."
Another girl slapped her hard across the cheek. "Stop screaming like a rat. You want everyone to hear?"
They surrounded her like vultures.
"She needs more punishment."
Blow after blow landed until Lola collapsed, her glasses breaking with a soft crunch.
They laughed.
"Enjoy your nap, freak."
And they walked away.
Lola curled into herself. In her mind, a single thought echoed:
I deserve this. My life's always been cursed. Maybe I am the bad luck everyone avoids.
The teacher entered moments later, indifferent. Lessons began. Lola remained silent.
A Darker Corner
After class, Lola walked alone in the hallway. Her heart ached, her body trembling.
Two boys approached from behind.
"Hey there," said one. "Been watching you all week. You're… delicious."
He slapped her behind. The other boy chuckled. "You're like an angel with no wings."
They grabbed her arms and dragged her.
"Let's have some fun."
She tried to scream, but the first boy unsheathed a blade.
"This is a Juli blade. One touch, and you're paralyzed. You get it, right?"
Her lips trembled. Fear held her like chains.
"Now… unbutton your uniform. All the way."
Then…
A shadow appeared.
"I wonder if I can borrow her for a moment."
Paul.
The boys laughed. "Look who it is. A Class E worm."
"You think you can stop us?"
One attacked with acid magic. Paul dodged effortlessly.
"You're too slow."
In a flash, Paul crushed the first attacker's face to the ground.
"No respect for women. Filth."
The other boy tried to stab Paul, but Paul turned and caught his hand.
"Too slow."
With a stare alone, Paul unleashed a psychic technique that shattered the boy's mind. He screamed, eyes bleeding.
Paul sighed. "Perhaps I overdid it." He tapped the boy's head gently, and the nightmare faded. The boy ran.
Lola stared at Paul in horror.
Who is this demon? What does he want from me?
He knelt before her. "Are you okay?"
"I… I think so…"
He healed her wounds with a silent touch.
No incantation? she thought. Who IS he?
"I'm Paul. From Class E. I'm not your enemy. I'm a friend."
He helped her fix her uniform, gently, respectfully.
A Meal and a Proposition
They sat in a quiet restaurant, the Lantern Grove.
Paul ordered food for her. She hesitated, then ate slowly.
"Why are you kind to me?" she asked.
"I'm not. I'm just helping."
"That's the same thing!" she snapped.
"You're from Class E, right?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Why talk to me then? Our classes are enemies."
"I need your help."
Lola choked on her food.
"You need my help? You do know I'm in Class B, right?"
Paul nodded.
"But you're not treated like the others. No one sees you. No friends. No respect. You don't belong there."
That cut deeper than any blow she had taken that day.
"Join me. Just trust me. No one will know."
Lola looked at him. What is this feeling? Is this… hope?
"I'll think about it," she whispered.
"Thank you," Paul said with a rare, soft smile. Then he left.
Outside, he bumped into Prisca.
"You? Here?" she asked.
"I'm working the case."
"I may have found something. Come. It's time to make our first move."
The Long Night
That night, Lola lay on her bed, thoughts swirling like a storm.
Help Paul? Betray Class B?
But then she remembered their laughter. The punches. The kicks.
They never cared. No one ever did… until him.
She touched her chest. Her heart raced.
"I have to decide… soon."
The Next Morning: Ember Hollow
The academy's eating grounds, called Ember Hollow, was where students mingled and refueled.
Robin from Class E was eating quietly. Then three Class B boys swaggered over.
"Nice meal. Mind if we take it?"
One grabbed his tray. Another shoved him.
Robin stood. "What's your problem?"
They laughed. "You talking back, trash?"
Robin fought back, fists flying. A Class E boy yanked him away, shouting, "Stop! Not now!"
But the damage was done. More Class B students gathered.
Then Class E students responded, forming ranks.
Ember Hollow transformed into a battlefield.
Two sides, lined up.