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Draegoth's **Academy of Dread** was a place of power, steeped in history and surrounded by an aura of authority that only the strong could truly understand. Founded by **Azarath K'vorr**, the progenitor of the **Infernal Sovereign Bloodline**, the academy had long been the most prestigious institution in Draegoth, serving as the breeding ground for the city's most elite warriors, scholars, and strategists. The academy's history was marked by conflict, betrayal, and the rise of countless champions who would go on to shape the world in their image.
At the helm of the academy now stood **Ralthoron K'vorr**, a direct descendant of Azarath. As headmaster, Ralthoron was not only a teacher but a living legend, his **Infernal Archon** class at level 40 granting him dominion over flames, shadows, and the very souls of his enemies. He ruled the academy with an iron fist, ensuring that only the strongest would rise to prominence, and anyone weak enough to fail would be left behind in the dust of history.
Though the academy was a place of learning, it was also a battleground, a place where students could earn their place through strength and cunning. Noah was aware of this. It was why he had sought entry here—not to learn but to leverage the academy's influence, resources, and connections to further his ambitions. The academy was a necessary stepping stone, and Noah had no intention of being just another student. His rise would be calculated, cold, and ruthless.
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Noah made his way through the massive gates of the **Academy of Dread**, the crimson cloak billowing behind him. The atmosphere was thick with power, an energy that could almost be felt in the air, the very stone of the academy imbued with infernal magic. He had come a long way, from a mere survivor to someone with the capability to shape the future of Draegoth itself.
Unlike many of the city's students who had entered through family connections or strength in battle, Noah's path had been different. His wealth, gained from his mastery over potions and his strategic mind, had paved the way for his entry. He didn't need the academy's teachings. What he needed was the connections, the influence, and the access to the resources of the city's elite.
He had already proven his value in Draegoth through the successful expansion of his business empire. His influence had reached the ears of the academy's lower-ranking professors, and soon enough, he had been granted entry. The academy had no issue with students coming and going as long as they proved their worth, and Noah had no intention of revealing his true power. Instead, he would remain inconspicuous for now, learning what he could, waiting for the right moment to strike.
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As Noah entered the academy, he quickly noticed the hushed whispers and glances exchanged among the students. These weren't just any students; they were the heirs from the city's most powerful families, the ones who had made a name for themselves in the recent tournament. Though Noah wasn't interested in getting involved with them directly, he knew that these heirs would play a crucial role in the future. They were the ones with the most influence and resources at their disposal.
- Zaren Malgrim , with his **Berserker** class, was a force of destruction in close combat. His overwhelming strength made him dangerous, but his lack of subtlety was a potential flaw.
- Lylith Umbraen , a master of shadows with her **Shadow Assassin** class, was a silent predator who could strike from the dark without warning. Her precise and deadly attacks made her an immediate threat.
- Kaelos Zephyrix , a Stormcaller who could command the fury of lightning, was powerful from a distance, but Noah sensed a vulnerability in his reliance on ranged combat.
- Syrene Kaelthar , an **Infernal Pyromancer**, commanded fire itself, and her fiery spells could incinerate anyone in her path. Her raw destructive power was undeniable.
Noah was already forming mental strategies, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, but for now, he kept his distance. These heirs were unpredictable, and for now, his priority was to stay unnoticed and continue building his influence.
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Noah's first days at the academy were spent observing the power dynamics at play. He had no interest in engaging in the academy's standard curriculum or petty rivalries. Instead, he focused on studying his fellow students, their abilities, and their ambitions. He could feel their power—each of them a potential threat—but he was patient. The academy was a tool, and he would use it to further his plans.
He also took note of the professors and their connections to the city's elite. While many of the academy's instructors were powerful in their own right, none held a candle to **Ralthoron K'vorr**, the headmaster. The **Infernal Archon** was a being of legend, and Noah knew that it would take more than mere strength to challenge him. For now, he would keep his head down, ensuring that his power remained hidden from those who might seek to challenge him.
Noah's plan was clear: earn favor with the right individuals, forge alliances with those who held power, and keep his true abilities a closely guarded secret. In time, he would use the academy's resources to further his own rise to dominance, until there was no one left to challenge him.
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Back at their estate, Kalis was busy managing their expanding business empire. His acquisition of two powerful **beastkin** slaves, **Vorrik**, the Level 30 **Ironclaw Berserker**, and **Kaela**, the Level 30 **Twilight Huntress**, had provided the protection and muscle the business needed to flourish. Kalis had ensured that their rivals were aware of the consequences of trying to interfere, and the beastkin slaves were more than capable of handling any threats.
"My lord, the business is expanding rapidly," Kalis reported, bowing before Noah as he delivered the news. "We've made significant progress, and our position is now solidified. The slaves are performing admirably, and we've secured a foothold in the market."
Noah nodded, his crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light of the study. "Good. Keep things running smoothly, but continue your surveillance of the academy. The heirs we've noted will play important roles in the future, whether as allies or threats. We must be prepared for both."
Kalis bowed again. "Understood, my lord. I'll continue to gather information."
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Noah turned his gaze back to the window, his mind already plotting the next steps of his rise. The academy, the city, and even the world itself were all pieces on a grand chessboard. For now, he would bide his time, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the time came, he would not hesitate. His ambition was clear: to conquer all, and to leave nothing standing in his wake.
The academy was only a stepping stone, but it was a critical one. In time, the world would tremble at the name of **Noah**, the one who would reshape the fate of all races.
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