The academy felt different that day.
Whispers moved faster than usual. Students gathered near the main path, attention pulled toward the front gate. Silas noticed it the moment he entered the hall.
Something felt off.
Three figures walked inside.
Two boys and one girl.
Their uniforms looked similar to others, but the details were different. Cleaner lines. Darker colors. Small glowing crests near their collars.
Nobles.
Silas didn't know the word yet, but he felt the pressure. One of the boys glanced around the hall with clear boredom.
So these are the new students? he said.
This place feels smaller than I imagined.
The other boy laughed softly.
His eyes moved across the room.
Then they stopped on Silas.
…You, the boy said.
Why does Null smell so close today?
The room grew quiet.
Silas felt eyes turn toward him.
I'm not bothering you, Silas said.
So don't bother me.
The noble boy smiled.
That tone, he replied.
You really don't know where you are.
Silas felt pressure press against his chest. Not physical. Something heavier. Before he could react, a voice cut through the room.
That's enough.
Instructor Varik moved forward.
His presence pushed everything else aside.
This is a class, Varik said.
Not a playground.
The noble boy clicked his tongue.
We were only curious about new Null student, he said. There are not many students in Null.
That's why.
Save curiosity for after class, Varik replied.
Take your seats.
The pressure faded. Silas released his breath slowly. As students moved, The girl among the nobles glanced his way. Her eyes widened slightly.
Just for a moment.
Silas…?
She recognized him instantly.
Her childhood friend.
They had grown up together in the same world, before everything split into two paths. Even after learning about the parallel world, even after gaining the ability to move between both sides, she never forgot him.
Silas didn't notice her gaze.
And she didn't speak.
Not to him.
Not to anyone.
Class began.
———
After the lesson ended, voices returned to the hall. Silas moved toward the exit.
Caleb caught up to him.
You felt it, right? Caleb said.
Yeah, Silas replied.
Who were they?
Caleb lowered his voice.
Nobles, he said.
Families with permission to move between worlds.
Silas frowned.
Between… both worlds?
Caleb nodded.
They grow up knowing this place exists,
he continued.
They don't get lost like us.
Silas looked back toward the hall.
The nobles were gone.
One of them, the girl, glanced back once more before leaving. Her expression stayed calm. But her eyes held something else.
Memory.
———
Caleb walked beside Silas through a quieter path of the academy.
You should be careful around those people, Caleb said.
The nobles.
Silas looked ahead.
They didn't look like students, he said.
They looked like they owned the place.
Caleb nodded.
In a way, they do, he replied.
Noble families are born in this world. They don't fall into it like us.
So they're stronger? Silas asked.
Not always, Caleb said.
But they have influence. Resources. Protection.
He lowered his voice.
People say nobles control divisions. Some say they control the academy itself.
A calm voice cut in.
That part is wrong.
Both Silas and Caleb turned.
The noble girl from class walked toward them. Her expression looked relaxed. Not hostile. Not friendly either.
You shouldn't spread half-truths, she said.
It will makes things messy.
Caleb frowned.
You're saying nobles don't control the academy?
We don't, she replied.
Not directly.
Silas stayed quiet.
Caleb crossed his arms.
Then what do nobles really control? he asked.
The girl paused.
You really don't know? she asked.
Caleb shook his head.
I only know what people whisper.
She exhaled slowly.
Then listen carefully, she said.
She continued walking. Silas and Caleb followed.
Nobles are the Circle, she said.
Not part of the four cuts.
Caleb blinked.
Circle?
She nodded.
The cuts are directions, she explained.
North. South. East. West.
Each cut has houses. Divisions. Structure.
The Circle controls all four.
Silas felt something tighten in his chest.
So the academy…? he asked.
A tool, she replied.
Like everything else.
Caleb looked uneasy.
How many noble families are there? he asked.
Seven, she answered.
Caleb raised an eyebrow.
But only six are known.
She nodded.
Two families directly control the cuts, she said.
The other four manage balance, war, and order.
And the seventh? Silas asked.
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
No one knows if they still exist or not, she said.
But if even one member is alive…
She stopped walking.
They can erase the Circle. Or the cuts.
Silence followed.
That's why the Circle and cuts stay allied, she continued.
To keep pressure on something they fear.
Caleb swallowed.
I didn't know any of this, he said.
That's normal, she replied.
You're not supposed to.
She turned toward Silas.
Walk with me, she said quietly.
Caleb hesitated.
I'll catch up later, Silas said.
Caleb nodded and walked away.
They moved toward a quieter path.
You don't remember me, she said.
Silas frowned.
Should I?
She stopped.
We grew up together, she said.
Same streets. Same days.
Silas searched her face. Nothing came.
She smiled faintly.
That's okay, she said.
Try to remember.
She turned away.
My name doesn't matter yet, she added.
But I know you, Silas.
She paused.
And I always have.
She walked back toward the academy lights.
Silas stayed behind.
Thinking.
Trying.
And failing to remember.
Silas didn't move.
He watched her walk a few steps away, then stop.
She spoke again, without turning back.
My name is Elena Drake, she said.
Silas felt the name carry weight.
Drake…? he asked.
She turned.
Yes, Elena replied.
The Dragon family.
Silas didn't speak.
I'm registered under the Ferus Division, she continued.
But dragons don't truly belong to any house.
Dragon… Silas said quietly.
My family ranks second among the nobles, Elena said.
And we maintain balance between realms.
Betweenrealms? Silas asked.
Heavens. Mid-Realm (earth). Hell, she replied.
That is our duty.
She looked at him closely.
And you, she added,
are standing close to a line you don't see yet.
Silas searched her face.
You said you know me, he said.
But I don't remember you.
That's fine, Elena replied.
Try to remember.
She turned back toward the academy.
Because I never forgot you, she said.
She walked away.
Silas stayed behind.
A dragon's name echoing in his thoughts.
And the feeling that Null was no longer unnoticed.
———
END OF CHAPTER 4