The day after the spirit summoning was a false calm at Aethelred Academy.
Behind the routine of classes and House duties, the air crackled with unease. Like a frozen lake, serene on the surface—yet violent currents stirred beneath.
Alexa walked down the stone corridor toward the House Lunaris training hall.
Her silver hair was tied neatly with a pale blue ribbon, and her steps were light—but alert.
> "Today begins the preliminary joint magic exam…" she muttered.
This exam didn't just test magical strength and mana control, but also teamwork and adaptability.
The problem? Some members of House Lunaris were already showing signs… of being sabotaged.
---
💠 In a Hidden Room...
Lyselle sat behind a wall of enchanted crystal accessible only by House Vierran nobles. Her smile was sharp—like glass.
> "We need Alexa to lose control first.
If she overuses her magic, we can accuse her of breaking academy limits."
Seraphina stood nearby, silent.
A battle raged inside her.
> "She's been kind to me…
But I have to rise in rank," she thought.
---
🌬️ Meanwhile...
Crown Prince Thalionric stood on an open balcony, gazing at the distant training arena.
The crisp morning air wasn't enough to cool his mind.
He had heard everything.
The threat letter.
That Alexa still chose to take the exam despite it all.
> "She knows this could ruin her…
And still, she walks into it."
His thoughts broke as he spotted Eiden Vaelthorn casually walking below the balcony.
Their eyes met—no words.
Just a silent exchange full of meaning.
---
⚔️ At the Arena...
Alexa stood with her team from House Lunaris.
Eiden was at her right, ready.
Across the field, House Vierran had already taken position.
And in the upper seats, the academy officials and professors watched silently—including her father, Duke Althair Zevarelis, attending as guest of honor.
The match began—and everything moved fast.
Alexa's water and ice magic flowed in perfect sync with Eiden's wind spells.
They formed a graceful coordination of shields and strikes.
But as their defenses shifted—one member of Vierran launched a sneak attack.
> Boom!
A blast of fire magic hurtled straight toward Alexa. Too fast, too close.
Before she could raise a shield—
> "—Don't touch her!"
A blazing light shot across the arena.
A holy shield of golden magic enveloped Alexa, lifting her gently into the air.
From the upper stands, Thalionric stood, expression fierce.
> "Anyone who touches her without permission...
will answer to me."
---
💫 At the End of the Chapter...
Lucian stood beside his father, Duke Althair.
> "She's grown far stronger than we imagined," Lucian said quietly.
> "But… she's also starting to draw the attention of enemies we thought long gone," Althair replied.
---
[End of Chapter 20]