The Game Begins
As soon as the welcoming speech ended, Lucien sighed in relief, thinking he could finally return to the Baldovery estate.
But he was wrong.
“Now, to officially welcome our new students, we shall proceed with the Introduction Gathering,” the headmaster announced.
Lucien frowned. Introduction what?
“New students are expected to mingle, introduce themselves, and establish connections,” one of the staff members explained. “It is an essential part of academy tradition.”
Lucien barely held back a groan. Of course, rich people love their traditions.
Around him, the hall buzzed with excitement. Small groups of students were already forming, exchanging names and flaunting their backgrounds.
“Lucien, right?” A student suddenly approached him.
Lucien turned to see Michael again, looking eager. But before he could even respond, more people gathered around.
“Baldovery, was it?” A girl with bright red curls smiled at him. “I’m Layla. My family handles the empire’s top jewel trade. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You’re a Baldovery, but you don’t look like how I imagined,” a boy with brown hair muttered, eyeing Lucien’s messy appearance.
“I heard you were sickly,” another girl whispered.
Lucien kept his polite smile, though inside, he was already exhausted. Why do they care so much?
Just as he was about to find an excuse to leave, a familiar, chilling voice interrupted the conversation.
“How disappointing.”
The group around Lucien fell silent as a tall figure stepped forward.
Johan.
His cold eyes scanned Lucien from head to toe before scoffing.
“So this is the hidden Baldovery?”
Lucien tilted his head, adjusting his glasses.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Johan’s lips twitched slightly, as if amused by Lucien’s lack of reaction.
“No. I was just expecting something… more.”
Lucien smiled. Perfect.
“Sorry to disappoint,” he replied smoothly.
Johan stared at him for a moment before smirking. “Let’s see if you can survive here, Baldovery.”
Lucien simply sipped his drink.
Oh, I plan to do more than just survive.Lucien felt the weight of countless gazes on him, watching, evaluating. He could practically hear the whispers.
"Is he really a Baldovery?"
"He’s nothing special."
"I expected someone more... impressive."
Perfect. Let them think that.
Johan had already turned away, his presence still lingering like a storm that had yet to pass. Meanwhile, the other elites, Vicente, Xyden, Jacob, Miguel, and James, watched from a distance, their expressions unreadable.
Lucien exhaled slowly, maintaining his composed facade. Stay low, stay quiet, and avoid unnecessary trouble.
But of course, fate had other plans.
“Lucien.”
He turned his head, only to find Michael still standing beside him.
This guy again?
Michael grinned. “You don’t talk much, huh?”
Lucien adjusted his glasses. “I just don’t have much to say.”
Michael chuckled, unfazed. “That’s fine. I just wanted to say, if you ever need someone to show you around, I don’t mind helping.”
Lucien raised a brow. He knew better than to trust kindness at face value. What do you really want?
Before he could respond, a group of girls walked past, their giggles barely concealed.
“Did you see Johan’s reaction? That was brutal.”
“The Baldovery heir isn’t what I expected.”
“I mean, he’s cute, but he doesn’t stand out.”
Lucien sighed inwardly. This is going to be annoying.
The welcome gathering dragged on, filled with forced conversations, subtle power plays, and the ever-present tension between nobles. The elites barely interacted with anyone, choosing instead to observe from a distance like kings surveying their territory.
Lucien could feel it—this wasn’t just a school. It was a battlefield.
Just as he thought the night was finally coming to an end, the headmaster’s voice rang out again.
“And now, to conclude our welcoming event, we shall begin the First Trial.”
Lucien blinked. First what?
The hall erupted in murmurs.
Michael smirked. “Oh, right. You wouldn’t know.”
Lucien narrowed his eyes. “Know what?”
Michael leaned in slightly, his tone amused.
“Welcome to the Royal Academy, Lucien. Where survival is part of the curriculum.”
—
Lucien’s eyes darkened behind his thick glasses. Survival?
The headmaster stood at the podium, his presence commanding silence.
“As tradition dictates, new students of the Royal Academy must prove their worth. This is not just a school for the elite—it is a place where only the strong thrive.”
Lucien clenched his jaw. So this is a test?
He quickly scanned the room. Some students looked nervous, others excited. The elites? Completely indifferent. This wasn’t news to them.
Michael grinned. “Hope you’re ready.”
Lucien scoffed. “For what?”
Michael pointed towards the massive doors at the far end of the hall. They creaked open, revealing a long corridor lined with academy staff.
“The First Trial is simple,” the headmaster continued. “Make it to your designated dormitory before the bell chimes midnight.”
Lucien’s brows furrowed. That’s it?
The headmaster smirked, as if reading his thoughts.
“But be warned—this is not a simple walk down the hall.”
Before Lucien could question further, the lights dimmed.
And then—
BANG!
The heavy doors slammed shut, engulfing the room in complete darkness.
Murmurs of confusion filled the air, but before anyone could react—
CRACK.
The floor beneath them shifted.
Lucien’s body tensed. Oh, you have got to be kidding me.
And then—
The ground disappeared.