Sitting in the window seat, bathed in the soft light of dawn, Dante's crimson red eyes glowed with an intensity that reflected both his sharp mind and the power that surged within him. Outside, the vast expanse of the estate stretched endlessly, a testament to the wealth and influence he now found himself surrounded by. But none of it impressed him. Power, after all, wasn't measured in land or wealth. It was measured in control—and control was something Dante had in spades.
"So let me get this straight… he's using you?" Dante 2's voice rang out, a mix of curiosity and disbelief. He stood across the room, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as if trying to unravel the complex game Dante was playing.
Dante took a slow sip from his cup of tea, savoring the taste before responding, "Correct."
"And you're using him… which he's also aware of," Dante 2 said, pacing slightly as the wheels in his mind turned.
"Correct again," Dante replied smoothly, a small, satisfied smile creeping onto his lips. He placed the cup down on the windowsill, watching the steam rise and twist in the morning air. The game was well under his control, and he knew it.
Dante 2 paused, his brow furrowing as he pieced it together. "It's not every day you come across a 15-year-old mid-rank Master magician." His voice was tinged with realization as if suddenly understanding the weight of the situation.
Dante said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes.
Dante 2's eyes widened slightly, the pieces finally falling into place. "Ah… that explains it. No wonder Derheim's so eager to grab you up, bring you over to his side. Adopt you, even."
Dante leaned back against the window, his gaze still fixed on the sprawling estate below. Derheim's intentions were clear, even if the man thought himself subtle. But Dante wasn't one to be controlled. He was the one pulling the strings, even if Derheim didn't realize it yet.
"Ok, putting that aside," Dante 2 continued, pacing again, his hands gesturing animatedly. "How are we possibly going to handle going to school if you're 15 and already a mid-rank Master magician? I mean, imagine everyone else! They've got to be on your level, right?"
In Dante 2's mind, this was a logical conclusion. There was no way Dante could be the only one this developed at such a young age. Right?
Dante couldn't hold it in anymore. He placed a hand over his mouth, stifling a laugh that quickly bubbled up from his chest. "PFFFT… HAHAHAHAHA!" His laughter filled the room, rich and deep, completely at odds with the calm exterior he usually maintained. "Bro… you cannot be serious! How do I put this?" He tried to catch his breath, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "My case is… special."
Dante 2 raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the outburst. "So you're telling me there's really no one else out there like you? No one this developed at our age?"
Dante's laughter faded, and he grew more serious, though the playful edge remained in his eyes. "Well, no one except one person, but…" He trailed off, his gaze flickering with a hint of something deeper, something almost dangerous. "That's a story for another day."
Dante 2 seemed ready to press the issue, but Dante stood up, brushing invisible dust from his silk pajamas. He crossed the room with his usual graceful yet confident stride, making his way toward the luxurious bed that dominated the center of the extravagant chamber. The rich fabric of the bedspread shimmered in the soft light, a perfect reflection of the lavish world Dante now occupied.
"C'mon, we have a school day to prepare for," Dante said casually, his voice cutting through any further questions.
But Dante 2 lingered by the window, his figure watching over Dante's every move. His presence was more than just an alternate voice—it was a constant reminder of the other side of Dante's psyche, always probing, always questioning, always irritating. And yet, Dante wouldn't be complete without him. The game he played required every bit of his cunning, strength, and madness.
As Dante gathered his school uniform from the closet—tailored perfectly to his slim but strong frame—he felt the familiar weight of his magic just beneath the surface. It pulsed within him, always there, always waiting to be unleashed. This wasn't just about school. It was about power. It was about control. And most of all, it was about staying one step ahead of everyone else.
Dante 2 finally pushed off from the window, sauntering over to where Dante stood, buttoning up his crisp white shirt. "You know, you really should tell me more about that other person," he said, his tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness. "Can't leave me in the dark forever."
Dante shot him a sideways glance, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Patience, my friend. You'll know everything when the time's right."
Dante 2 rolled his eyes but didn't press further. He knew better than to push when Dante was in one of his moods.
As Dante finished dressing, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation growing within him. This new chapter—school, Derheim, the academy—was just another step in his long game. He would observe, he would learn, and when the time was right, he would strike. Just like he always did.
But for now, he had to play along. School might be tedious, but there would be opportunities there—opportunities to further his plans, to test his strength, and to ensure that he remained untouchable.
Stepping out of his room, Dante made his way down the grand staircase, the polished marble floors reflecting the grandeur of the mansion. He could hear the faint sound of voices from the staff preparing for the day ahead, their murmurs echoing through the expansive halls. His senses heightened, he took in every detail, every sound, every subtle movement around him.
The mansion was alive, a sprawling network of power and influence, and Dante was at its center, spinning his web.
As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he spotted Frey, the ever-dutiful maid, waiting for him by the entrance. She looked up as he approached, her eyes wide and slightly startled, as though she still couldn't quite believe the young man standing before her was capable of wielding such power.
"Good morning, Lord Dante," she greeted him, her voice soft but tinged with respect. She bowed slightly, but there was something else in her expression—curiosity, perhaps even a little fear.
Dante smiled at her, his flirtatious side coming through as always. "Good morning, Frey. Ready for another exciting day?"
Frey blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Of course, my lord. Is there anything you require?"
Dante's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I can think of a few things, but we'll save that for later." He winked, enjoying the way Frey's blush deepened. But his mind was already moving beyond the playful banter. He had bigger things to focus on.
With a casual nod, he stepped outside into the cool morning air, his mind sharp, his magic humming beneath the surface. The academy awaited, and with it, a whole new set of challenges and players. But Dante was ready. He was always ready.
And as Dante 2 fell into step beside him, his constant companion in this twisted game, Dante couldn't help but smile.
The game was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning.