When morning came, all students of the Golden Aegis Guild Academy gathered by the front gates, waiting to welcome the visitors from the Four Great Kingdoms of Aethelgard.
The S-Class students had already taken their positions—each tasked with ensuring the safety of every delegate attending the summit.
The trumpets of Solara resounded across the courtyard.
From the highest balcony of the Golden Aegis Guild Academy, sunlight blazed against marble and gold, casting the plaza below in divine brilliance. The air shimmered with mana — tense, expectant, alive.
The visitors began arriving one by one, each riding elegant carriages that stopped before the massive golden gates. From there, one by one, the honored guests stepped down.
The First Arrival — Frostveil Dominion
The sound of hooves striking ice echoed like chimes as a pale carriage, carved entirely from frozen crystal, approached the gates. Snowflakes fell around it, though the sun still burned above.
From within stepped a woman draped in silver furs — her gaze colder than the tundra itself.
Kareen Frostbane, Guildmaster of the Azure Fangs Guild Academy, known as The Frozen Huntress. Her every breath left frost in the air. Her presence commanded silence.
Behind her followed her chosen Captain — Eira Thalven, The Silent Wolf.
Runic tattoos glowed faintly beneath her assassin's garb, and her silver eyes scanned the crowd without emotion. The dual chakrams at her waist gleamed like crescent moons.
Frostveil's magic was a blend of illusion and temperature — stealth, deception, and the art of absolute stillness. Together, they were the Dominion of Ice and Mirage.
Kareen's eyes flicked toward the Solaran banners. "Let them sing," she murmured. "We deal in silence."
Eira said nothing. The frost beneath their feet spread a little wider as they passed.
> "The dead make no noise," she thought. "I prefer it that way."
The Second Arrival — Ignis Empire
The next carriage came with thunder and heat. Flames danced across its wheels, and every step of its warhorses left scorched prints upon the cobblestones.
A booming laugh split the air before the door even opened.
Rogar Drayne, The Ember Tyrant and Guildmaster of the Crimson Blades Guild, stepped down first — towering, scarred, and wreathed in heat. His crimson cloak rippled like a living flame, and his greatsword hung casually on one shoulder as though it weighed nothing.
Behind him strode his son and protégé, Ravien Drayne, The Ember Prince. His molten gaze mirrored his father's pride. Flames danced across his armor, licking at the edges of his grin.
The Crimson Blades were mercenaries of passion — wielders of fire and blood, bound by the creed that strength defined truth.
Ravien's aura flared, and the crowd instinctively backed away. He lived for the duel, for the burn.
> "If I burn out," he said with a laugh, "at least the world will remember the blaze."
Rogar only grinned. "Just make sure the world burns with you, boy."
---
The Third Arrival — Sylveryn Dominion
Then came the sound of leaves rustling — not from trees, but from the carriages themselves.
The Verdant Dawn Guild arrived in a procession of living wood and blooming flowers. Roots unfurled to form stairways as the carriages halted.
From the foremost carriage emerged Elyndra Vael, Mother of Thorns — Guildmaster of the Sylveryn Dominion. Her green and gold hair glowed softly in the sun, and her armor was woven from living vines that pulsed with mana. Every step she took caused tiny blossoms to bloom along the marble.
At her side walked Elyra Vael, Princess of the Vein — her daughter and chosen Chief Captain. The resemblance was uncanny, though Elyra's eyes held the fierceness of youth. Her living staff coiled like a serpent, shifting shape with her breath.
The Verdant Dawn guild commanded nature itself. Their domain was balance — the communion between life, beast, and spirit.
Elyndra raised her gaze toward the gilded academy towers and smiled faintly.
> "Even death," she whispered, "feeds the roots of life."
Petals spiraled through the air, and even the wind bowed for them.
The Fourth Arrival — Obsidian Dominion
The world dimmed as the final carriage arrived.
It was made of blackened glass and gold filigree, pulled by steeds whose eyes glowed faintly violet. As it stopped, the shadows around the courtyard seemed to breathe.
The door opened, and out stepped Lucien Vareos, Guildmaster of the Black Sun Guild, known across the continents as The Silent Prince. His movements were deliberate, his eyes unreadable. Behind him followed his chosen heir — Vyre Lareth, The Eclipsed Heir, a necromantic prodigy whose calmness was unnerving.
Lucien's presence drew unease from every mage nearby. He was the scholar of forbidden truths, master of curses and ancient demonology. The Obsidian Dominion's symbol — a dark eclipse — shimmered faintly on his cloak.
These five Guild Academies, alongside the Kingdom of Solara, stand as the pillars of Aethelgard. Each contributes to the world's balance and control over the mana ley lines.
Though their purpose is shared, a silent war simmers beneath their unity—an unseen cold war fought not with swords, but with influence.
Whoever controls the ley lines, controls the power of nations.
As they entered the academy grounds…
"Stay sharp. Don't let your guard down," Kareen Frostbane whispered to her chief captain. "Even if this kingdom seems peaceful, never forget—they're still potential enemies."
"Yes, master," replied Eira Thalven, her sharp eyes scanning every corner.
Following behind them came the Ignis Empire's Crimson Blade Guild.
"Hmph. As always—Golden Aegis is too quiet," grumbled Guildmaster Rogar Drayne, his deep voice rumbling like fire.
Beside him, his son and chief captain, Ravien Drayne, sneered arrogantly.
"Hmph! Father, these students look weak. I can't see a single one who could match my power!"
Rogar laughed. "Haha! Calm down, boy, or you might end up burning this entire academy."
Behind them, Guildmaster Elyndra Vael of the Verdant Dawn Guild sighed softly.
"The people of Ignis Empire... still as arrogant as ever," she murmured.
Her daughter and chief captain, Elyra, walked quietly beside her, expression calm but eyes keen.
And finally, at the rear—the most enigmatic guild of them all—
Obsidian Dominion: The Black Sun Guild.
Guildmaster Lucien Vareos walked in silence, unreadable as a shadow. Beside him was Vyre Lareth, his chief captain, thinking to himself with an eerie grin:
Immortality… I'm so close to becoming immortal!
When everyone arrived at the sealed meeting chamber—its very walls warded to block sound and mana—they each took their seats. The Chief Captains remained standing behind their Guildmasters, alert and watchful.
No one dared meet another's gaze. Even a wrong glance could be taken as provocation.
Though silent, every Chief Captain in that room could sense killing intent sharper than steel.
Moments later, the Grandmaster of Golden Aegis, Seren, entered the room alongside his chief captain, Cyran.
"Hmm. It's good to see you again, Guildmasters," Seren greeted politely.
Rogar chuckled darkly. "Hah! Master Seren, it's been a year, hasn't it? Tell me—how's your health? You look like your goddess might take you soon, old man!"
The other Guildmasters fell silent.
No one was comfortable being in the same room together—they all knew that one wrong word could start a war.
Though Cyran was visibly irritated, he restrained himself. Unless there was a direct threat, he wouldn't act out of line.
Seren merely laughed.
"Hm. If only you knew, Master Rogar… how much I wish that were true."
Ravien suddenly interjected with a mocking tone,
"Oh? Then, old man, want me to help you disappear from this world?"
The room fell silent.
Every person inside felt the tension spike.
The Chief Captains readied themselves instantly—the boy's words were no light jest.
Though the chamber was sealed and cold, the atmosphere grew heavier and tighter with every breath.
It was Elyndra who broke the silence.
"Forgive me, Master Rogar, but it seems your captain's tone is… rather inappropriate, don't you think?"
Kareen Frostbane spoke next, calm yet sharp.
"We are here for a summit, not to parade immaturity."
Lucien gave a single nod in agreement, his eyes cold.
Rogar laughed again, waving dismissively.
"Ah, forgive him. My son serves as Chief Captain—he's reckless, especially when surrounded by the weak."
Then, with a smirk, "Ravien, go take a walk outside. Entertain yourself."
Ravien chuckled arrogantly, heading for the exit.
"As you wish, Father. I'll leave you to your boring talks. Even if they all ganged up on you, none could ever defeat you anyway."
And with that, he left the chamber.
---
The summit proceeded—discussing economy, inter-kingdom affairs, and the rising disturbances across Aethelgard.
When the topic turned to demon-corrupted entities that had appeared recently, the air in the room changed.
"Guildmasters," said Seren gravely, "I must inform you of a growing anomaly within Solara's borders."
"I've heard the same," Elyndra replied. "Cursed spirits appearing and spreading unrest."
Rogar laughed mockingly.
"Ha! I also heard about that giant Cursed Goblin in the Sunderroot Taiga. Caused quite the mess, didn't it? Good thing your weak little students handled it, huh?"
Seren ignored the insult.
"Yes. Those so-called weak students saved Golden Aegis that day."
Elyndra's tone sharpened.
"These strange occurrences… could mean one of our kingdoms is behind them."
Instantly, all eyes turned toward the Black Sun Guild.
The silence was deafening.
Then, for the first time, Lucien Vareos spoke.
His voice was deep and slow.
"Are you implying, all of you… that my guild is responsible for these events?"
Rogar leaned forward, smirking.
"Who else uses cursed power so freely, if not your people?"
Dark aura seeped from Lucien's body.
The Chief Captains moved instantly to defend their masters.
Cyran unsheathed his blade, Elyra raised her living barrier, and the room trembled with colliding mana.
"If you insist on your accusations," Lucien warned coldly, "I cannot promise what happens next."
Shadowed mana spread thick across the room. Cyran conjured a light barrier, Elyra strengthened her healing ward, while Rogar—grinning madly—released scorching flames that cracked the air.
The sealed chamber groaned under the pressure.
Everyone knew it—the first to strike would ignite a war.
---
Meanwhile, outside on the first floor—the mess hall of Class C and D—
Lilith, Arman, Anya, and Elara were sitting peacefully, eating their favorite sweet bread.
Because of Lilith's influence, the others had grown to love it too.
"Miss Lilith! You ordered so many again!" Elara exclaimed.
"Hmph! Totally normal. You mortals never know—if the world's about to end, you better make sure this is your last meal," Lilith said with a sly smile.
Arman blinked. "Huh!? Miss Lilith, your jokes always sound… kinda real sometimes, you know that?"
Lilith frowned. "Do I look like I'm joking, mortal boy? Better die full than starve in your grave."
Anya chuckled, used to Lilith's weird humor.
"She's right. Might as well eat now—if the world ends tomorrow, I'm not going into the afterlife skinny."
"Huh? Not you too, Anya!" Arman groaned.
Lilith smirked proudly. "See? Anya gets it."
They all burst into laughter—except Lilith, who stayed eerily serious.
---
Moments later, a loud voice echoed across the hall.
It was Ravien, the Crimson Blade's Chief Captain, recently dismissed from the meeting.
He was harassing a female mage student who was trying to eat quietly.
"Hey! Why won't you come with me? A pretty face like yours doesn't belong in this dull academy—come join Crimson Blade instead!" he barked, grabbing her arm.
"P-please, let me go!" the girl cried.
Arman immediately stood up.
"Hey! Who do you think you are, harassing a student in our academy!?"
Ravien turned, glaring.
"Huh? Some wannabe hero? You look weak. Pathetic, even."
Students started gathering around—some watching, others retreating nervously.
Anya and Elara ran up to Arman.
"Arman, he's an S-Class Chief Captain. Be careful!" warned Anya.
Ravien's eyes flicked toward her.
"Oh, another beauty. You should come too—I'll make you my wife."
Anya recoiled.
"W-What!?"
Ravien stepped closer, but Arman blocked his path.
"Don't you dare come near her!"
"Hmph. What are you gonna do about it?"
"I don't care if you're S-Class! You and your guild are nothing but arrogant bastards!"
Ravien smirked. "Oh really? Then go ahead—hit me. One punch is all you'll need."
Arman charged forward, throwing everything into his strike.
But Ravien caught it effortlessly—and countered with a fiery blow.
BAM!
The explosion sent Arman crashing into the wall, blood spurting from his mouth. The wall cracked apart on impact.
"Arman!" Anya and Elara screamed.
"Agkh!" Arman coughed blood, struggling to move.
Ravien laughed maniacally, grabbing Arman by the hair.
"Weaklings! All of you are weak!"
Elara and Anya rushed to help Arman.
Meanwhile, Lilith stood up, grinning faintly.
"Oh? Not bad… for a mortal," she said playfully.
Students panicked. Some ran away, others stayed frozen in fear.
Ravien noticed her.
"Well, well… you're the prettiest one here. Care to come with me instead, miss?"
Lilith crossed her arms.
"Hmph. And you're the foulest-smelling mortal I've ever met."
Ravien's aura flared—burning hot and suffocating.
Anya immediately cast a light barrier for the nearby students, joined by other mage students to shield themselves.
But Lilith… stood there unfazed.
"You're too weak for an S-Class," she said coldly. "And you dare invite me? What a pitiful creature."
She sat back down, taking another bite of her bread.
Ravien snapped. His fiery mana erupted, shaking the entire building.
"Let's see if you can still talk after this!"
---
Back in the meeting room…
As the Guildmasters' confrontation reached its boiling point,
a sudden burst of overwhelming aura was felt from outside.
Everyone froze—the signature was familiar.
It was Ravien.
Rogar smirked proudly. "Ha! Looks like my son's having some fun downstairs."
Even the S-Class Captains felt the pressure.
Cyran muttered, "What power… I can't believe it—it's nearly on par with Master Seren."
Elyndra's eyes widened. "That child… his aura surpasses most S-Class mages."
Seren frowned. "Guildmasters, please, calm yourselves."
The tension doubled—the chaos was now both inside and out.
The four S-Class of Golden Aegis—Kaiya, Jaxom, Silas, and Lyra—moved instantly toward the mess hall, sensing the clash.
---
Back downstairs, the mess hall shook violently.
Ravien stepped closer to Lilith, whose calm eyes glimmered like crimson glass.
His flames grew hotter, melting tables and chairs.
Students screamed, "Please! Stop this already!"
"Miss Lilith!" cried Anya and Elara.
Arman tried to stand, staggering forward.
"Don't… you dare… touch her!"
But Ravien's overwhelming aura froze him mid-step.
"A-Ah!? I can't move!"
Elara gasped. "No… his aura's pinning him down!"
Ravien reached Lilith's table, grinning.
"So, tell me, miss—can you feel my power now?"
Lilith smiled faintly, picking up another piece of bread.
"You know, if I were you… I'd stop now."
She tilted her head with a teasing smile.
"Want some bread? At least you'll die with a full stomach."
And just then—
heavy footsteps echoed behind her.
To be continued…