Montclair Elite University was the most prestigious university on the entire continent of A Eurica, nestled atop Mount Lysandre, perpetually veiled in thick mist solemn yet magnificent. The only way to reach the school was via a levitating rail reserved for the ultra-wealthy, gliding past ancient pine forests that pierced the sky. From afar, Montclair looked like an ancient European castle encased in glistening glass a perfect union of Renaissance architecture and cutting-edge modern technology.
Its gilded gates bore the emblem of three eagle heads and a blue flame symbols of intellect, power, and undying ambition. At Montclair, there were no common students. Every step within its walls belonged to heirs of tycoons, political aristocrats, royal scions, or state-sponsored prodigies. And sitting atop this societal pyramid was a name known by all F4, the Four Pillars of Montclair Inheritance.
The central row in classroom A1, Department of International Economics, always sent ripples through the school whenever classes began , for it was where the four most powerful students sat.
---
Blacke Caelum Virell, heir to Virell Corporation the largest multinational energy conglomerate in the world. Jet-black hair, tousled on purpose, and smoke-gray eyes that seemed to pierce straight through one's soul.
Knox Delacroix, firstborn of the ancient French noble house Delacroix, owners of the global banking empire Delacroix Group. Amber eyes like a golden sunset and neatly curled blonde hair.
Easton Ryu, son of the Chairman of the Á Eurica Tech Alliance and master of the AI system that dominated 40% of the world market.
Zane Hargrave, heir to the Hargrave arms empire. Of mixed Italian and Arabian blood, his sun kissed skin and rare obsidian gemstone eyes made him unmissable.
---
Classroom A1 , International Economics Department
Sunlight filtered through towering glass panes, reflecting off polished ebony desks. Professor Morgan, lecturer of "Global Interlinked Markets," was explaining the impact of AI driven monetary policy on the Norda bloc's digital currency.
"Now, if Norda adjusts its AI interest rate to 0.0003%, what will happen to capital flows across Eurica?"
Silence.
Until Knox casually raised an eyebrow, crossed his legs, and replied nonchalantly:
"Simple. Capital will shift toward regions with higher AI profit rates, like Rux. But more importantly… Norda wants that to happen."
The professor paused then grinned with satisfaction.
"Brilliant, as always."
---
Between classes , VIP Corridor
F4 walked together like a catwalk formation. Every step, every flick of their designer blazers, made students on both sides hold their breath.
Knox turned to Zane, voice deep and amused:
"Tonight, Bar RADIUS is opening its Platinum Hall. Sounds promising?"
Zane smirked lazily, glancing away:
"As long as it's not another one of those boring flirt fests like last night."
Easton, still wearing headphones, muttered:
"I'm only coming if they serve Virell whiskey."
Blacke remained silent, leaning against the wall, eyes gazing into the distance.
After a pause, he murmured:
"I'll come. But don't invite anyone boring."
They all laughed cold, aristocratic laughter.
---
Later that night , VIP Lounge, Bar RADIUS
Neon lights washed over the chiseled faces of the four boys seated on the private third floor an area only accessible to heirs of top conglomerates. The music thumped below like a heartbeat, but up here, everything was draped in an atmosphere of power and shadow.
Zane, silver haired, eyes half-lidded under the starlight chandeliers, muttered:
"Tonight's bar is dead. Nothing new."
Blacke's lips curled into a signature cold smile:
"You're bored because last night's girl is with Easton now?"
Easton leaned back, arm draped over the chair, not denying it:
"She was too easy. No interest in round two."
Knox, heir to Europe's largest airline group, twirled his half-melted whiskey.
"I heard something… intriguing."
Zane raised a brow:
"Another school drama? Don't tell me someone dared you to bet grades with the professors again?"
Knox smirked:
"No. This time… it's about a new student."
Easton frowned, adjusting his vintage watch:
"A new student mid-semester? That never happens at Montclair. This isn't a hostel."
Blacke said nothing, just stirred his cocktail with one long, elegant finger. His smoke gray eyes locked onto Knox.
Knox leaned back, a devilish smirk on his lips:
"I heard… it's a girl."
Silence.
Zane let out a mocking whistle:
"A girl entering our elite class mid-term? Sounds cute , but sounds like BS."
"It's real." Knox nodded. "A special admit personally approved by the Headmaster."
Easton scoffed:
"What's so special? Another teary-eyed doll with a sugar daddy trying to enroll her with us?"
Knox shook his head, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the unknown:
"A teaching assistant from the Headmaster's office saw her. Waist length black hair, porcelain skin, emerald green eyes. Legs for days. Hourglass figure. Said she looked better than any A.list actress you guys follow."
Zane whistled again.
"Emerald eyes? Who even has those around here except some half European noble hybrids? Probably colored contacts."
Knox nodded:
"No nationality confirmed. No traceable student records. And get this , she topped the entrance exam for the Economics Department without ever attending any Montclair prep schools."
Easton burst out laughing:
"Shanghai princesses are gonna lose their minds. They've claimed 'most beautiful' all year, and now this mysterious girl shows up?"
Zane added:
"Pretty, smart, and won't even show her face? She's probably already public enemy number one."
Knox grinned:
"Yesterday at the gym, some rich transfer bros from the US were trying to hit on her. You know, the usual 'wanna play pool together' or 'wanna join us at the bar tonight?' nonsense…"
Zane laughed loudly:
"If I were her, I'd slap them on the spot."
Knox shrugged:
"Who knows? I'm just curious… Is she into bars, pool, or motorcycles? If so, we might just get along."
Zane raised an eyebrow:
"Pretty and brilliant? You sure you're not just spicing up the rumors?"
Knox smirked:
"I'm only repeating what I heard. But if it's true… Montclair's finally got something interesting."
Easton, aloof but curious:
"You've dated what , 55? 56 girls now? Is she number 57?"
Knox half-joked, half-serious:
"56. But this time... it's not love. Just curiosity."
Zane leaned forward, eyes sharp:
"You sure she won't be the one to dump you?"
Knox narrowed his eyes.
"I'm Knox Wilhelm. I do the dumping. No one dumps me."
Blacke finally spoke, voice low and rough like rain in a pine forest:
"If she really is a special case, then she's no ordinary girl. Be careful, Knox. You might get burned this time."
Knox flipped his hair arrogantly, smirking:
"I've never been rejected. I'll approach her the F4 way. If she's as special as they say… then only someone like me deserves to meet her first."
Blacke placed his glass down gently. His voice was soft, but it cut through the air:
"If she can stir the school before even showing up… then she's worth a look."
A beat of silence passed. Then the group burst into cold, knowing laughter. Knox clinked glasses with Zane and Easton.
"Tomorrow , if the rumors are true , F4 will make their move. Observe. Greet. Approach. The Montclair way."