Uninvited guests
The moment Lucien stepped through the glowing archway, everything changed.
The endless abyss and floating platforms flickered out of existence, replaced by the familiar grandeur of the Royal Academy’s Great Hall. The trial was over.
A heavy silence settled over the students as they processed what had just happened. Some were panting, others nursing minor wounds, but they were all alive—well, most of them.
Lucien adjusted his thick glasses, scanning the room.
I made it.
The headmaster took center stage, his gaze sharp. "Congratulations. You have survived your first challenge at the Royal Academy."
Lucien's fingers twitched. Survived?
A nervous murmur rippled through the crowd. Some students were looking around—noticing the empty spaces where their classmates once stood.
Michael, standing beside Lucien, let out a low whistle. "Damn. I knew some wouldn’t make it, but… this many?"
Lucien kept his expression neutral. He knew from the start that this school wouldn’t be ordinary, but seeing students disappear on the first day? That was insane.
"As I said before," the headmaster continued, his tone unreadable, "the weak will be removed. This academy does not tolerate incompetence."
Lucien clenched his jaw. So that’s how it is, huh?
He wasn’t particularly bothered—he had lived in a world where the weak were trampled on—but something about the casual way the headmaster dismissed those who failed left a bad taste in his mouth.
"The rest of you," the headmaster’s voice cut through the silence, "will now be assigned to your respective houses."
Lucien’s brows lifted slightly. Houses?
Michael smirked, leaning toward him. "You’re gonna love this part."
The headmaster gestured, and golden orbs of light began floating in the air, drifting toward the students. The hall shimmered with magic as the orbs sought out their chosen ones.
Lucien watched as one stopped in front of him.
It hovered briefly before shooting straight into his chest.
He barely flinched.
"Lucien Baldovery," the headmaster called, glancing at a scroll, "you have been placed in—"
But before he could finish, a loud crash echoed through the hall.
The doors had burst open.
And standing there—bathed in the golden glow of the chandeliers—was a group of uninvited guests.
The room tensed.
Lucien adjusted his glasses, hiding his smirk. Well, well… seems like things just got interesting.The heavy doors swung open, slamming against the marble walls with a deafening boom. The room stilled.
A group of students strode in like they owned the place.
Lucien’s eyes flickered to them, his expression unreadable behind his thick glasses. Who the hell…?
Michael, beside him, tensed. "Tch. Just when I thought we were done for the day."
The headmaster didn't even flinch. Instead, he sighed, as if this was a common occurrence.
"Ah," he said dryly, "I was wondering when you’d show up."
The students who entered oozed confidence. Their uniforms had customized embellishments—gold embroidery, expensive chains, and insignias that ordinary students didn’t have.
Lucien instantly recognized who they were.
The Elite Circle.
The real power in the Royal Academy.
And leading them was Johan.
The so-called Ice Prince walked forward, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Forgive the intrusion," he said, voice smooth, but utterly devoid of warmth. "We were simply curious about this year’s… additions."
Lucien’s stomach churned. Ah. So that's why they're here.
They wanted to see him.
"You’re late," the headmaster said, unimpressed. "The trial is over."
Johan smiled—cold and calculating. "We figured we'd make a grand entrance."
Behind him, Vicente, Jacob, Xyden, Miguel, and James stood watching, their eyes filled with quiet amusement.
Lucien felt their stares land on him.
He didn’t react.
"Ah," Vicente finally broke the silence, tilting his head. "So this is the Baldovery heir."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Lucien remained still, his fingers twitching under his sleeves.
He knew why they were interested in him.
The Baldovery family had never allowed their children to step outside, let alone attend the Royal Academy. The fact that he was here meant something had changed.
And people like them hated uncertainty.
Johan studied him, lips curling slightly. "I expected someone… different."
Lucien adjusted his glasses. "Disappointed?"
Michael, standing next to him, nearly choked. Did he just—?!
A small chuckle escaped from Jacob. "Interesting."
James’ cat-like eyes gleamed. "Very."
Lucien felt the shift in the air.
They were interested now.
Too interested.
And that was exactly what he didn’t want.
But before anyone could say another word, the headmaster clapped his hands. "Enough," he said sharply. "The ceremony is over. If you wish to greet each other, do so outside. Otherwise, get out."
Johan didn't argue. He simply gave Lucien one last glance—one filled with unspoken meaning. Then, he turned and left, the rest of the Elite Circle following behind him.
As soon as the doors closed, the tension in the room eased.
Lucien exhaled slowly.
Michael let out a nervous laugh. "Well… I think you just made things a lot more interesting."
Lucien pushed up his glasses, sighing.
This is going to be a nightmare.