Lucien adjusted his uniform carefully as he walked through the academy corridors.
The morning was cool, and sunlight streamed through the tall windows, reflecting off the training armors hanging on the walls. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the exam he was about to face, but his mind wandered to less academic matters.
'Elara… my fiancée by convenience. I don't love her, and I don't intend to. It's all politics.'
He glanced toward the courtyard, recalling the small interruptions Elara often caused — gestures, unexpected questions, subtle comments that seemed harmless but frequently disrupted his carefully structured plans. She was intelligent and perceptive, yet her presence required constant caution.
'The person I'm truly interested in is Gabriela Asumi… her posture, her determination, the way she faces everything without hesitation. She's someone who truly understands what matters.'
As he walked toward the examination area, Lucien noticed the students preparing. His attention was quickly drawn to something unexpected: a young commoner, blindfolded, stood before a training mannequin. Within moments, he delivered precise and firm strikes, destroying the mannequin — which was supposed to withstand C-level mana — with surprising ease.
Lucien raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
'Who is this? A commoner… yet so skilled?'
He observed the blindfolded youth closely, noting every movement and stance. The way he wielded his invisible sword and concentrated his mana — a dense, shadowy aura — immediately caught Lucien's attention.
Meanwhile, he cast a quick glance at Elara and Gabriela.
Elara remained elegant, though her expression showed slight tension, perhaps from the exam or some other concern Lucien did not yet understand. Every step, every gesture seemed deliberate, reflecting her intelligence.
Gabriela watched the scene intently, arms crossed and stance firm, but there was a spark of curiosity and determination in her pale blue eyes. She appeared to measure every movement of the group, fully aware of her own strength.
Lucien took a deep breath and refocused on the exam, but he did not lose sight of the commoner. Each strike, each movement, demonstrated experience and skill far beyond what one would expect from someone without formal training.
'Interesting… perhaps this is someone who will truly challenge the academy's standards. I need to monitor this young man closely.'
The sound of strikes echoed across the courtyard, blending with the distant murmur of other students. Lucien realized the commoner wasn't just breaking the mannequin — he was doing so with precise mana control, reminiscent of advanced sword techniques, possibly a rare skill taught only to a select few.
Meanwhile, Gabriela and Elara seemed to be having a discreet discussion. The tone was serious, though no words reached Lucien. He could only sense the tension, as if plans, secrets, or important decisions were being weighed.
'Her presence (Elara) can be a nuisance at times… but I can manage. Gabriela, on the other hand… direct and focused. She understands what matters.'
Lucien remained steadfast, analyzing every detail of the commoner. He knew he could not underestimate someone with such skill, even if he was of humble origin. Every gesture, every thread of mana, hinted at extraordinary potential.
As the first students finished the exam, Lucien felt a chill — a mixture of curiosity and caution. He knew this mysterious young man, blindfolded and unusually skilled, could alter the dynamics of the academy.
'I must observe him. Not just for the exam… but for everything he represents.'
And so, as the morning progressed and the test continued, Lucien kept his eyes firmly on the commoner, ready to analyze every action, every reaction, and understand how he might fit into the academy's future — and perhaps, into the complex web involving Elara and Gabriela.