Chapter 56 – Collision of Will
The golden sunlight filters through the tall academy windows, casting shimmering patterns across the polished marble floor. Even the corridors of Royal Academy feel grand—silent and wide, their walls lined with artistic portraits of warriors and monarchs from another age.
Raven sits comfortably in his seat inside the classroom. His eyes trail over the faces of the other students as they finish filling out their forms. He turns slightly toward Seraphine and Lyra.
"I'm heading to the washroom," he says casually, rising from his chair with a slight stretch. "Be back in a few minutes."
Seraphine glances at him, giving a light nod. "Don't get lost."
Lyra smirks. "Don't get into trouble."
Raven grins as he walks out, his footsteps echoing softly through the empty corridor.
The academy's restrooms are as pristine as the rest of the building—walls of smooth black stone, sinks lined in silver, and mirrors polished so well they almost feel unreal.
He finishes his business and moves to the sink, turning the handle as cold water rushes out. He rolls up his sleeves and begins washing his hands slowly, relaxing into the quiet.
And then, he senses a presence beside him.
Lucas Storm stands next to him, expression calm, unreadable. His black eyes narrow with curiosity and quiet superiority. He carries the demeanor of someone always in control—like a genius who has already calculated ten steps ahead.
Raven glances sideways, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Without looking directly at Lucas, he activates Time's Eye—and in an instant, countless futures unfold before him. Every path. Every word. Every possibility.
Lucas finally speaks. "So your name is Raven, right?"
Before he can continue, Raven cuts in smoothly. "I belong to LUNAR. I don't plan on joining any other guild. In fact…" He turns to face Lucas slightly, drying his hands with a nearby towel. "I'd invite you to join mine. You've got what it takes to be with LUNAR."
Lucas blinks, stunned. "How did you—?"
His composure wavers. His eyes widen slightly in disbelief.
"You look at people like you know everything," Raven chuckles. "But it's me who knows everything."
Lucas doesn't reply.
Raven steps closer, voice steady. "I know you're planning to start your own guild, to gain approval from your family. But that path won't lead you where you want. You'll fail to meet their expectations like that."
Lucas's brows knit. He listens intently.
"But if you join me," Raven continues, "we'll make LUNAR the top guild in Varaxon. Together."
A pause.
Then Lucas laughs—a genuine, amused laugh. "Haha. I didn't expect anything less from you." He leans slightly against the sink, his gaze sharp now. "I knew my instincts weren't wrong when I saw you at the stadium."
His tone lowers. "So… did you also sign a contract with one of those kings or queens?"
Raven smirks. "No. I don't plan on being anyone's plaything. If I ever need their help, I'll decide when and how."
Lucas tilts his head slightly, studying him. "You know, I always thought I had the charm to win over anyone." He laughs again. "And yet here I am, thinking you'd be impossible to ignore even for me."
He straightens up, his voice gaining an edge of challenge. "Still… if you think only your guild will dominate this country, I have news for you. I'll build my own. Stronger. Bigger. And I'll take the top—worldwide."
Raven chuckles and extends his hand. "Then we'll see. Still, we can be friends, right?"
Lucas looks at the offered hand for a second. Then he reaches out and shakes it firmly. "I never say no to people like you. I look forward to the future," he says, before turning and walking out of the restroom.
Silence settles again.
Raven stares into the mirror, watching his reflection.
"That guy's dangerous," he mutters to himself. "Even if I'm stronger right now, his mind… his timing… it's different every time. Always calculating."
He dries his hands slowly and begins walking back toward the classroom. The quiet hall is once again filled with distant chatter and soft footsteps.
As he walks, his thoughts drift back to Time's Eye.
"So that's the key…" he thinks. "Every time I use it, I see a path. But if I follow the exact one I saw… my emotions collapse. I lose control."
He exhales.
"I have to break the pattern. Every time. Change the future. If I don't, the cost… could destroy me."
His fingers curl slightly.
He turns the final corner toward his classroom.
And with a smirk, he whispers, "But I'm starting to get the hang of it."
___
Class A
The room was eerily quiet, the midday sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Shadows stretched across the polished floor, hinting at the tension brewing within.
Three figures stood out in the middle of the room, drawing all attention.
Seraphine Ashfall stood with her arms crossed over her white blazer, her golden eyes fixed on her opponent. Her crimson hair was tied up, revealing a faint scar on her collarbone, a testament to her battles.
Opposite her stood Sophia Storm, her posture relaxed yet radiating danger. Her blue hair fell over her black eyes as she brushed it back with one hand, a subtle smile playing on her lips. Her elegant curves masked the steel beneath, a challenge gleaming in her gaze.
Nearby, Lyra Cross lounged with her legs draped over her chair's armrest, chewing on her pen. Her black eyes darted between the two girls, a smirk tugging at her lips as she watched the tension build.
The air thickened with rivalry and unspoken curiosity, hinting at a shared interest in someone else.
The argument erupted suddenly, the tension snapping like a taut string.
"So, you're Aurelia Ashfall," Sophia said, her voice smooth but edged with mockery. "I saw your match—impressive, but you still lost to my brother in the end."
Seraphine's eyes narrowed as she uncrossed her arms and stepped forward. Her voice was calm, yet a sharp edge cut through like silk.
"And you're Lucas Storm's little sister," she replied, golden eyes unblinking. "Funny. I didn't realize the Storms considered surrender a victory."
She tilted her head, a faint smile curling her lips.
"But tell me—were you watching me that closely because you were impressed… or just curious what Raven sees in me?"
Sophia's smile widened, mocking.
"Oh, I don't know about Raven," she said, her tone dripping with disdain. "But from where I'm standing, you're just a selfish girl who got lucky. That white-haired boy probably hasn't met many beautiful women before, so he fell for you. Don't worry, though—that'll change soon. He'd be better off if you disappeared."
Seraphine let out a quiet, venomous laugh. She stepped closer, the air crackling between them.
"Selfish? Maybe. But at least I'm not delusional," she said, her voice soft yet cutting. "You really think Raven's interest is that shallow? That it's just about looks?"
She leaned in slightly, golden eyes unwavering.
"You've never seen the way he looks at someone he respects—or when he knows they're stronger than they pretend." Her smile turned icy. "And let's be honest—you talk big about taking him, but so far, you've lost to him in battle and presence. So if you're done pretending to be a threat… sit down."
Sophia's eyes flashed.
"Lost? You were in the infirmary—you didn't even see the match," she shot back. "He surrendered, even though I was the one who lost. But if he's handing me victory, maybe he likes me. Why don't we settle this in the stadium? See who's really worthy to stand by his side."
Lyra slid off her chair, stepping between them with effortless grace. She rested a hand on each of their shoulders, her grip firm but calming. A dark pressure settled over them, like an unseen force holding them in place.
"Girls, relax," she said, her voice light but carrying weight. "It'd be a shame to see two beauties tearing each other apart."
Sophia didn't back down, defiance burning in her gaze.
Lyra turned her dark eyes—eerily like Grim's—toward Seraphine.
"Seraphine, why don't you head back?" she suggested, tone steady. "Let me handle this."
Seraphine met her gaze, then nodded slowly.
"Fine." She stepped back, though reluctance lingered in her posture.
Lyra turned to Sophia, expression softening just a fraction.
"Come on," she said, voice gentler now. "Let's talk in the washroom."
Sophia hesitated, searching Lyra's face. After a beat, she gave a stiff nod and followed, steps reluctant but curious.
___
Washroom – Royal Academy
The lights hum softly. The pristine washroom, lined with polished mirrors and marble sinks, is quiet — only the soft trickle of running water echoes between the two girls.
Lyra stands beside the sink, arms crossed, her reflection sharp under the light.
She glances sideways. "So, why'd you provoke her?" Her tone is casual, but her eyes carry weight. "I know you're not interested in Raven."
Sophia lets the water run over her fingers a moment longer before shutting the tap. She raises a brow, her expression unreadable.
"And why do you think that?" she replies, voice calm.
"Ha ha," Lyra chuckles, turning toward her fully. "What you're interested in is Seraphine."
Sophia's gaze sharpens.
"You don't like boys," Lyra continues, a smirk playing at her lips. "How you look at them—it's not the same. But the way you gaze at her? You can't fool me."
Sophia stares at her, stunned for a second — then she steps closer, closing the space between them.
"I never told anyone I liked girls," she murmurs, grabbing Lyra's chin, locking eyes with her. Their dark eyes burn with quiet tension.
"You're more fun than her," she says with a smile. "Your name's Lyra, right?"
Lyra's grin widens. She grabs Sophia's neck lightly, pulling her even closer.
"Yes, I'm Lyra," she says coolly, eyes narrowing. "And I am fun… but you," her voice drops a little, "look more fun than me, Sophia."