Jaluxis, Swordflower University.
Three radiant stars dipped lower into the western sky. A young professor ambled down the campus path, his pace quickening as he caught sight of a vibrant, attractive female student heading his way. Seeing no other escape, he pivoted sharply, ready to flee.
"Professor Librome..."
"Miss Servi." He stopped, letting out a resigned sigh. "I have to admit, your persistence is... admirable. Any more of this, though, and my reputation will be in shambles. Even my stern and traditional father warned me not to damage Swordflower University's name by getting tangled up in a... student affair."
Sonia's eyes lit up. "Then—"
"But," he interrupted firmly, "I still don't have the authority to swap out the host last minute. Either you vanish before the event begins, and I implement an emergency backup plan—which will cost you a formal warning on your record—or you take it up with the Chancellor herself. If she approves, the rules don't matter. But since you haven't even bothered to offer a proper explanation, good luck with that."
Sonia shook her head vehemently.
"The Chancellor? She's practically a hermit, and she's a Four-Winged Legendary Sorcerer! If I upset her, not even Professor Trozan can save me."
"And yet you're fine with upsetting me?"
Sonia slapped a hand over her mouth, but the words still slipped out between her fingers. "Because you're just a two-winged alchemist who specializes in academic research. Offending you won't cost me anything significant."
Librome's face stiffened in irritation.
"Thank you, Miss Servi, for your... refreshing honesty. It's been truly enlightening to hear how students see my worth. I'm humbled."
"But," he continued, "if you won't go to the Chancellor, your choices remain the same: fulfill your duty, or accept the warning. Dinner's coming up. Make your decision soon—I'll be waiting backstage."
As Librome strode off, Sonia felt helpless.
She considered calling the Observer for advice, but knowing it was their "action day," she decided against disturbing them.
She sighed deeply and trudged back to her dorm room, shoulders heavy with indecision.
When Lois and her two dormmates returned from dinner, they were shocked to find Sonia sprawled listlessly at her desk.
"What are you doing here?" Lois exclaimed. "The delegation from Truth University is already at the gates! Why aren't you dressed and getting your makeup done?"
"I'm not going."
"What kind of childish tantrum is this?" Lois snapped. "This isn't about your personal reputation—it's about Professor Trozan's reputation! About Swordflower's reputation! Do you think being a swordsmanship prodigy lets you do whatever you want?"
Lois was stunned. Living with Sonia had shown her plenty of odd quirks lately, but skipping an event like this? This was new.
This wasn't just any event.
This was the inter-university Unity Gala.
Far more than a mere evening of pleasantries, the Gala served as a prelude to the Galuxis High Collegiate Tournament, an annual event where top students showcased their skills in a series of friendly duels. Though these duels were "just for show," everyone knew their real purpose: scouting the competition for the upcoming league battles.
In a world that now leaned more toward productive fields like alchemy and engineering, combat sorcerers still commanded the most respect—and resources. Their mastery of battle determined their potential in the Mystical Abyss, and by extension, their societal value.
The Gala was prestigious, and hosting it was an even greater honor. This year's partner? Truth University, the epitome of academia. There was no room for error.
So when Lois saw Sonia lying there, motionless and indifferent, she knew something was seriously wrong.
"Adelle, grab her formal gown. Ingulite, hold her down. I'll handle her makeup," Lois commanded.
"On it!"
"Got it."
Sonia didn't resist as her dormmates manhandled her, shoving her into a chair and fussing over her appearance.
Her mind churned with indecision.
Should she risk the Gala, where her truthfulness might wreak havoc, or accept the formal warning?
Both options felt disastrous.
Lois's voice cut through Sonia's thoughts as she expertly applied fake lashes. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Two months ago, you beat me and all the upperclassmen to win this spot. You should be thrilled!"
"You know hosting the Gala is the best shot at becoming the League's main announcer, right? That gig alone can skyrocket your career—any network would hire you in a heartbeat. Not to mention the millions of viewers you'd get. There's no faster way to make a name for yourself!"
Lois leaned in, her tone softer. "You don't just want to be a swordsmaster, Sonia. Admit it."
"What's wrong with being a swordsmaster?" Ingulite muttered.
"For you, it's fine," Lois said, not unkindly. "You hate crowds, you hate attention. Swordsmanship fits you perfectly." She turned back to Sonia, narrowing her eyes. "But you're not like her. You're like me."
"Dazzling lights. Applause. Fame. Stardom." Lois's smile curled slightly. "You want what I want—to rise through the ranks, to be adored. To shine brighter than anyone else."
Sonia muttered under her breath, "How did you know I love Daedalus?"
"Who doesn't?" Lois replied.
Daedalus Shiva. The most famous woman in the Starbound Nations.
She was an icon: a child star turned legendary actress, with countless awards and accolades. Her classics like The Queen's Return and A Beautiful Betrayal were eternal favorites, rewatched year after year.
And she wasn't just talented—she was powerful. Last year, Daedalus reached the Three-Winged Sanctuary, cementing her status not just as a performer, but as a force to be reckoned with.
To Sonia, Daedalus had always been more than a star. She was a dream.
As a child, watching Daedalus on the holo-screens had fueled her ambition. Not just to emulate her, but to work hard enough to even deserve standing in her shadow.
Lois was right. Sonia wanted more.
Strength was a means to an end—not the end itself.
"Thank you, Lois," Sonia murmured.
"Wow, you're disgustingly sincere lately," Lois joked.
Sonia tilted her head. "Why are you helping me? Wouldn't it be more fun to watch me fail and spread the gossip?"
Lois froze.
Ingulite winced.
Adelle stifled a laugh.
"Well... I mean... you did rub it in my face after you won the selection process," Lois said defensively.
"To get your attention," Sonia said quietly. "Because I wanted to compete with you. If you stopped caring, I'd feel... lonely."
Lois stared, dumbfounded.
"And when we first met, I acted aloof because I envied you. You're noble, rich, with a perfect childhood. I didn't want to accept your kindness because it felt like pity. My pride couldn't handle it."
The room fell silent. Sonia wanted to die.
Why was she saying this?
The Observer! This was all their fault! These weren't her words. They didn't count. None of it counted!
After a long pause, Lois broke the silence.
"All right, let's get you dressed. We're late. No time for dinner—we're heading straight to the venue."
As they descended the stairs, Lois leaned in and whispered, "I'll be watching you."