After the fight between Ethan and me came to an end, Darius Blackfang's voice rose steadily—as calm and firm as ever—cutting through the silence that had settled over the hall after the final blow.
"That concludes today's combat session. This evening, your combat uniforms will be prepared. You are dismissed."
His voice was cold, yet sharp—like blades being honed against solid stone.
Some students let out tired sighs. Others dropped to the floor, drained from exhaustion, while a few began boasting loudly about their performance in the sparring matches.
As for me, as usual, I stayed away from the noise.
I stood up, returned the wooden sword to its place, and headed toward the exit with unhurried steps. I was the last to leave, trying to organize my thoughts before tomorrow arrived.
Mana compatibility test.
Should I tell Carmilla about the Void element?
Would they even believe me?
Or… would they see me as a threat?
"Maybe I should only reveal a small part," I thought.
"Just enough to avoid suspicion."
I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice the person in front of me and lightly bumped into someone.
I looked up immediately.
It was Oriana Lumière.
Her noble presence was unmistakable—smooth black hair cascading down her back, and emerald-green eyes that reflected refinement and pride.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly, stepping aside to continue on my way.
But her voice stopped me.
"Wait."
I turned back, trying not to look irritated.
"Yes?"
She hesitated for a moment, then said,
"What do you think… about having breakfast together?"
I blinked.
I hadn't expected that—especially not from her.
"…I'm sorry, I have—"
"Just breakfast," she interrupted with a gentle smile that carried a quiet persistence.
"We're in the same class. It won't take long."
I sighed.
Sometimes, agreeing was easier than getting dragged into a long conversation.
"…Alright."
I noticed the faint glimmer in her eyes when I agreed.
---
Five Minutes Earlier
—Oriana's Point of View—
I was walking through the corridor, my mind still replaying the fight between Nyx and Ethan.
That fight…
It felt as if he were standing on a thin line between an inexperienced boy… and a seasoned warrior who knew exactly when to attack and when to retreat.
His movements were clean—free of the hesitation most of us showed.
As if he had already lived through battles.
As if he had experienced far more than someone his age ever should.
"He's not just strong… he understands combat," I thought.
And that alone made him dangerous.
For me, someone with that level of strength and composure could become a powerful card in the succession conflict within the Kingdom of Solarim.
Alliances mattered. Every step could change the fate of an entire throne.
Then—I collided with something.
I looked up quickly… and nearly lost my breath.
It was him.
One blue eye, one golden.
White hair unlike anyone else's.
And that unreadable gaze—no matter how hard you tried.
He's incredibly handsome… I thought unconsciously.
"Sorry," he said quickly as he passed by.
No. I won't let this end here.
"Wait."
He turned around.
His expression was calm, distant—as if he were only listening because he had to.
I hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Then I spoke the first thing my instincts offered:
"What do you think… about having breakfast together?"
---
Back to the Present
The walk to the cafeteria was strangely quiet.
Nyx walked as if solitude were natural to him—as if he saw no reason to expend effort on unnecessary conversation.
The cafeteria was a spacious hall with large windows, sunlight spilling across the tables.
The chatter of students mixed with the scent of fresh bread and coffee.
The moment we entered, several conversations stopped.
Some eyes turned to me.
Others to Nyx.
And some began whispering.
Nyx, however, ignored them all as if they didn't exist.
We each took our trays.
I chose warm bread, some cheese, and a light soup.
He took boiled eggs, two pieces of bread, and some meat.
We sat near a window overlooking the courtyard.
Silence settled between us, growing heavier with each passing second—until I finally spoke.
"Nyx… what's your goal in joining the academy?"
I tried to soften the question with a smile.
"Power? Fame? Or… love?"
He slowly raised his head and looked at me.
"…There's no important reason. I'm here to become as strong as possible."
His answer was so direct it caught me off guard.
"Really?" I said, setting my bread aside.
"I thought you might be the type who wants to teach the nobles a lesson. Since you're from the common folk…"
He replied calmly,
"Should I hate them?"
"…Isn't that what most commoners do?"
"I'm not like them. I don't care about nobles, commoners, or kings. As long as they don't interfere with my life… I don't care."
I took a moment to process his words.
They were cold—yet filled with certainty.
This kind of indifference…
What had he gone through to become like this?
After a pause, I asked softly,
"Do you live here with your family?"
He froze.
Then slowly lifted his head.
His gaze was empty.
No sorrow. No anger. Nothing.
"My family has been dead for a long time."
My heart skipped a beat.
"I… I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"It's fine," he said, returning to his food.
But I noticed—he wasn't eating as calmly anymore.
A minute later, he set the spoon aside and stood up.
"I'm busy. See you later."
I watched him leave.
His steps were steady.
No hesitation.
No looking back.
I placed a hand over my chest.
Was he angry?
Or does he simply… not allow anyone to get close?
I didn't know anymore.
But one thing was certain:
Getting close to the boy named Nyx would not be easy.
Still…
I had no intention of giving up.
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Also, if there are any questions about the novel, I would be happy to answer them.