Summoning the Director
The Star Princess stood at the door, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and concern:
> "The Director wants to see you both… right now."
Sarotto and Lucien exchanged sharp glances before following her to the Director's office.
---
✦ Before the Director
Inside the imposing hall, the Director sat on a high chair, his eyes piercing.
He said, "You must share a room together," at which point Lucien burst out in an icy voice:
> "That's impossible! I can't share a room with my uncle! My family—"
But his words were cut short by a tremor in the walls as the Director suddenly unleashed his terrifying aura.
A heavy air filled the air, and the temperature plummeted as if the room had been drained of life.
The Director took only a step closer, his gaze almost freezing the blood in Lucien's veins:
> "Beware… here, the Eight Families have no authority. This is my Academy, and its rules are above all."
Lucien trembled involuntarily, biting his lip, but found no reply.
---
✦ Back in the Room
The two left the principal's office in silence, but anger blazed in their eyes.
When they re-entered their room, a dark energy filled the air.
A murderous intent emanated from each of them, as if they were both waiting for the smallest spark to strike.
Yet, neither of them spoke a word.
The hours dragged on until sleep overtook them both in this state, each turning away from the other, but their spirits still burning.
---
✦ The Next Day: Equipment Class
In the morning, the students gathered in the training yard.
A large, broad-shouldered man, wearing black armor studded with red stripes, advanced with steps that seemed to shake the ground beneath him.
He slammed a heavy sword into the ground, shaking the arena:
> "I am Master Ragnar, Master of Heavy Equipment: Armor, Weapons."
He smiled slyly, looking at the eager faces:
> "Today… we'll see what you're capable of. The rule is simple: I'll fight two of you at a time."
He raised his massive shield with one hand as if it were a sheet of paper:
> "If you can't even scratch my shield… then you have no place in this division."