After seeing the approaching guards, he spat at the ground near Alexander's feet and snarled, "Fine! See you in a week, you lowly scum!" With that, he turned on his heel and stalked off, muttering curses under his breath.
As Roderick disappeared into the crowd, Alexander finally collected the dagger and the stone from Garrick, who was all too eager to conclude the transaction and avoid any further trouble.
After pocketing the items, Alexander turned to Lira, his expression softening. "Thanks for stepping in."
"You're welcome. But how long do you want to hold my hand?" Lira raised her eyebrows playfully at Alexander. Her tone was light, but the question caught him off guard. Realizing that he was still holding onto her hand, Alexander quickly let go, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
"Ah, sorry about that," Alexander replied with a sheepish grin. "I got a little carried away."
"Well,"Lira chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, are we heading to the research room now?"
Alexander's demeanor instantly brightened at the mention of the research room. His earlier discomfort forgotten, he quickened his pace, excitement evident in his voice. "Let's go now!"
Lira watched him rush ahead, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She had seen this side of him before—passionate, focused, and driven. But before he could get too far ahead, she called out, "Hold on, Alexander. You don't even know where it is!"
Realizing his mistake, Alexander stopped abruptly, turning back to look at her with a slightly embarrassed expression. He scratched his head, laughing at himself. She walked up to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm, guiding him toward the research room.
....
Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, Roderick was in Lucian Draven's quarters, eagerly reporting the details of his upcoming duel with Alexander. He spoke with a fervor that bordered on reckless enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of proving himself.
Lucian listened to Roderick's report with an impassive expression, his sharp eyes betraying none of the thoughts that ran through his mind. When Roderick finished, Lucian leaned back in his chair, a trace of a cold smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"During the duel," Lucian began, his voice smooth and calculated, "I want you to make sure Alexander doesn't leave the arena in one piece. Kill him if you could, or at the very least, cripple him. Make sure he's unable to stand in my way ever again."
Roderick's enthusiasm faltered at Lucian's words, a flicker of fear crossing his face. "But the academy forbids taking lives within its walls, master. If I kill him, the consequences could be dire." he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Lucian's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening, his tone turning dangerously persuasive and tempting. "Don't worry about the rules. I'll handle any fallout. Your only job is to do what's necessary. Just remember, if you succeed, your family will be well taken care of. And your sister… she will get the best treatment she needs."
At the mention of his sister, who lay bedridden and fragile, Roderick's resolve solidified. His eyes grew cold as he nodded. "I'll do it. I won't let you down."
"Good," Lucian said, his tone colder than ever. He reached into his desk and retrieved a small vial filled with a dark, swirling liquid. "Take this. It will enhance your strength and endurance during the duel for a short period. Use it wisely."
Roderick took the vial, his hand trembling slightly, he turned and left the room, without another word.
....
In a dimly lit secret room deep within the academy, a black-robed man knelt before a crystal ball that flickered with an eerie glow. The ball projected a shadowy figure, its features obscured by darkness.
On a nearby table, a precise glass container held a bubbling, blood-red liquid, heated by a small, steady flame. Across the room, a severed werewolf's head floated in a nutrient solution, its flesh half-decayed, leaving bones exposed.
"Who purchased that item?" the shadowy figure in the crystal ball inquired, his voice a low and cold whisper that filled the room with an ominous chill.
The black-robed man bowed his head even lower, his voice filled with reverence as he replied, "It was Alexander, a first-year student of House Noctis. He is closely associated with Lira Valen and Elara. He has a duel scheduled with Roderick, one of Lucian Draven's followers, in a week's time."
The figure in the crystal ball was silent for a moment, as if contemplating this information. "Keep a close watch on him," the figure ordered. "And when the opportunity arises, collect a sample of his blood. I suspect it may be… special."
"Yes, master," the black-robed man replied, his voice full of dread and obedience.
....
The research room was located in the east district of the academy, nestled near the edge of a dense forest. It was a quiet area, far removed from the bustle of the main campus, and managed by members of the student union. The area was a hub of activity for those engaged in magical studies, and was divided into three main sections: the laboratory, the biological room, and the training ground.
The laboratory was primarily used for testing magical materials and developing potions, while the biological room was dedicated to cultivating magical plants, growing rare herbs, and breeding magical creatures. The training ground was split into two sections—one for physical training, favored by students of House Terra who believed in strengthening the body to better control magic, and the other for magical training, where students honed their spells and abilities through actual combat, which was always in high demand.
Outside one of the laboratory rooms, Alexander and Lira received the keys and signed documents from the administrator. After thanking the administrator, the two of them entered the room and immediately donned white coats and gloves.
The white coat didn't hide Lira's natural grace; if anything, it highlighted her elegance. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat on the bridge of her nose, giving her an intellectual air. As she stretched, the coat hugged her curves, making her look both professional and stunning.
Alexander couldn't help but stare for a moment, captivated by the sight. Sensing his gaze, Lira waved a hand in front of his face. "What's wrong with you?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"Nothing," Alexander blinked, snapping out of his reverie, shaking his head. "It's just that you look… really beautiful. I got distracted for a second."
Lira rolled her eyes, though a slight blush crept onto her cheeks. "You're a smooth talker, aren't you? Now, about that stone you picked up—care to explain what it is?"
Alexander shrugged, his tone sincere. "I honestly don't know. When I saw it, I had this overwhelming urge to… consume it, like it was calling to me. It was… weird."