Arthur's resounding victory not only consolidated his position; it had acted as a catalyst, breaking the barrier of respect and fear that surrounded the top 10. If any of his relatives could be challenged, then they too were vulnerable. The academy entered a new, more aggressive, more calculating phase.
Hakime became the main target of attention. His SSS rank, though still unofficially secret, was a ghost that haunted the corridors. Rumors were rife, fueled by his level 7 and his place at the top of the rankings. Was he a misunderstood genius? A lucky impostor? An absolute weapon in the making?
The following week was exhausting, not because of the training, but because of the constant demands. He could no longer go to the library or the dining room without being intercepted.
One morning, while studying ancient texts on the properties of light, a man in a sober suit, wearing the discreet emblem of the Valerius family, sat down at his table without an invitation.
"Mr. Hakime. Such potential deserves an environment that can nourish it, not stifle it. The Valerius family can offer you personalized tutoring, high-quality ether crystal resources, and discreet protection. In exchange, a simple promise to consider our interests in your future decisions."
Hakime looked up, his calmness intact." Thank you for the offer. But as I told Governor and Councillor White, I prefer to forge my own path."
The man smiled, a smile that did not reach his eyes. "The lonely paths are the most dangerous, young man. Think about it. Valerius do not forget friends... nor enemies."
Later, she was a representative of the Guild of Insightful Shadows, a woman with fluid movements and a piercing gaze.
"The Guild does not require exclusive loyalty," she explained. "We value information and flexibility. A partnership would give you access to an unparalleled network of knowledge about the Towers and the blessings. Information that could save your life. In return, we would like to be kept informed of... the unique evolution of your power."
It was more subtle, but equally dangerous. Sell information about himself? It was unthinkable. He politely but firmly refused.
Even some of the large families represented among the students tried their luck. A distant cousin of the Griffin family approached Lyra, perhaps hoping to use their budding friendship as a bridge. Lyra, with her usual coldness, made it clear to her that Hakime was not a bargaining chip.
"They see you as a resource, not a person," Conor summed up one night, as they were back in their room after a tiring day. He cleaned his mass with an oily cloth, a soothing ritual. "Or as a threat."
"They're scared," Arthur corrected, sharpening his daggers with a stone. "They don't understand your truth, so they want to either control it or break it."
Hakime listened silently. The pressure was different from that of the expedition. There, it was a physical, direct threat. Here, it was a psychological vice, a chess game where he was the centerpiece without knowing the rules.
"I can't afford to divide myself," he finally said. "Nor to give them a hold. I have to stay focused on my progress."
But ignoring the problem wasn't going to make it go away. An incident proved it two days later. While he was training alone in an annex room, a group of four students, all ranked between 15th and 25th, burst in. They were not aggressive, but their attitude was clearly intimidating.
"Hakime. We think your place in the lead is a stroke of luck. We propose a friendly duel. As a group. To see if you really deserve your position."
It was an obvious trap. If he agreed, he would be overwhelmed. If he refused, he would pass for a coward and his credibility would collapse. He felt his ether shudder, ready to form his Aegis.
Before he could answer, the door to the room opened on the fly. Loïd Skydream stood on the threshold with his arms crossed, his aura of warmth shaking the lights.
"Do you have a problem?" he asked, his voice trailing with contempt.
The students froze, surprised and frightened." Skydream... We... We just have a proposal for Hakime.
"She's refused," Loïd cut dryly. "Get out of here."
Without another word, the group dispersed, spinning like shadows.
Hakime looked at Loïd, surprised and suspicious. "I didn't need your help.
"It wasn't for you," retorted Loïd, his blue look piercing like lightning. "These scavengers don't even deserve to touch you. Your defeat, when it comes, will be my work. No one else. Don't get me wrong, orphan. I'm not your ally. I'm just the first one in line to break you."
With these words, he turned his heels and left, leaving Hakime alone, more aware than ever of the power games that surrounded him. Loïd, in his outsize pride, had paradoxically become a protection against the lowest threats. But it was a precarious protection, which could turn into the most dangerous attack at any moment.
That evening, Lyra came to him while he was meditating in the academy garden, looking for some peace.
"Skydream is right about one thing," she said without preamble. "You can't remain a passive target. You must assert your position in a way that deters small aggressors without provoking large families."
"How?" asked Hakime, opening his eyes.
"By showing results. Not just in the rankings. By harnessing your power in a way they can't ignore. By becoming so inescapable that any attempt at manipulation would become too much of a risk."
She looked at him intensely." They are afraid of the unknown. So, show them enough to impress them, but not enough for them to catalog. Let them guess. And in the meantime, get stronger than they think possible."
The council was wise. Hakime nodded, a new determination in his eyes. The race to the top wasn't just about level or points. It was a war of influence, perception and will. And he had just realized that he had to learn how to fight on all fronts.