Deep within the Hall of Elders, ten robed figures sat in a circle. Light from the soul-lanterns cast flickering shadows across the ancient stone floor. None spoke first. All eyes turned to the central figure—Elder Weng, head of the Council.
"Han Li has gone too far," barked Elder Chu, fingers drumming the table. "A corpse hung on the wall, noble families in an uproar—he dares mock our authority!"
"But was it his doing?" Elder Ren questioned. "The man is powerful, yes—but meticulous. He wouldn't make such a public display without purpose."
Elder Weng finally spoke, voice like gravel. "We've turned a blind eye to Han Li's rise. But now his class threatens the balance of Twilight Academy."
"The nobles are furious," Elder Mei added. "The Yu Syndicate has begun pressuring us. They want their 'rightful heirs' reinstated into Class A."
Elder Weng's eyes narrowed. "Let them try."
Meanwhile, Han Li stood before his students, who were gathered in the underground training hall—a chamber older than the Academy itself.
"You've all seen the corpse," he began, tone cold. "That was not a warning. That was a message: This world doesn't want you to rise."
Jiang Ming stepped forward. "Then we rise anyway."
Lian Xue unsheathed her hidden blade. "Let them come."
Han Li smiled faintly. "Good."
He opened a massive gate behind him, revealing dozens of ancient training arrays.
"This place was sealed for centuries. I rebuilt it. From now on, we train in secret."
"But why underground?" Mei Lian asked.
Han Li's voice dropped.
"Because the Academy isn't safe anymore. The Council… is making moves."
Far away, Elder Weng held a black chess piece in his hand.
"It's time we remind the world who controls Twilight Academy."
The game had begun. And Han Li wasn't the only one playing.