That day, like usual, the atmosphere at the Royal Thalassos Elite Academy was very busy. Students rushed between classrooms and training sessions, while the fresh morning air flowed through the large windows. However, for Aris, today felt a little different. In the academy's main corridor, he heard whispers quickly spreading. His name, along with Lysandra's, was being discussed everywhere.
As Aris walked toward the garden where they usually met, he saw a group of students watching something with great interest. Curious, he approached and found two boys from well-known noble families, Raoul and Kain, standing face to face, glaring at him.
"Hey, little Cean!" Raoul greeted with a tone that sounded playful but full of mockery. "Seems like you really enjoy being the center of attention, huh? Don't tell me you've forgotten that your family was only adopted by the Kingdom out of pity?"
Kain, standing beside Raoul, chuckled softly. "Ah, don't be too harsh, Raoul. After all, he's quite talented. Maybe that talent was inherited from his mother? I heard the Cean family hasn't really contributed much, except—"
"—kissing up to the officials?" Raoul interrupted mockingly, causing a few students to laugh quietly.
Aris stopped walking, staring at them with a calm gaze, but his eyes held firmness. He knew they were deliberately provoking him.
"Is there something you'd like to discuss with me directly?" Aris asked politely, like a trained noble.
Raoul stepped forward, approaching him. "Oh, I just want to see how great you really are, little Cean. With all the attention you're getting, I'm curious if you're really as great as they say." He grinned. "How about we prove it?"
The crowd began murmuring. Everyone knew Raoul was one of the best students in martial arts. A duel between Aris and Raoul would be an exciting spectacle.
Aris sighed and then looked at Raoul calmly. "I'm not looking for this fight, Raoul. But if you feel the need to prove something, I'll accept. However, remember one thing," he said, looking Raoul directly in the eye. "If I win, I want you to learn to appreciate others, not based on their status."
The crowd fell silent, not expecting Aris's response to be so firm and dignified.
Raoul chuckled. "Hah! You speak as if you've already won. We'll see about that."
Meanwhile, Lysandra, who had just arrived at the academy after attending a magic class, heard the news from a classmate. Quickly, she made her way to the training field, worried about Aris's safety. Although they had just become friends, she already felt a strong bond between them. "Aris..." she whispered, quickening her pace.
At the field, the duel began with tension in the air. Aris and Raoul stood facing each other, each holding a sword. Raoul, larger and stronger, immediately launched an aggressive attack. However, Aris, with incredible speed, dodged, moving his body with agility, sometimes even stepping in ways that made use of the wind flow, creating an illusion of speed.
Raoul grew increasingly frustrated as he saw Aris evading his attacks with ease. "Why won't you fight back?" he yelled, striking the ground with his sword.
Aris paused for a moment, staring at Raoul sharply. "Strength isn't everything, Raoul. Other aspects like speed and calmness are just as important."
With a swift motion, Aris parried Raoul's attack, redirecting his sword and causing Raoul to lose his balance. With a smooth move, Aris lowered his sword to Raoul's neck. "You've lost," he said, his voice still calm.
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers, amazed at Aris's skill. Raoul panted, embarrassed, but could not deny the truth. After a few moments, he pulled his sword back and stepped away. "This isn't over, Aris!" he snarled before walking off.
As Aris walked out of the field, Lysandra approached him. "I... I was worried," she said softly but full of concern. "You're not hurt, are you?"
Aris smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Thanks for caring."
However, outside their pleasant encounter, another problem awaited. Lysandra, who was on her way home, was suddenly called by her father, Lord Sylas, who appeared very grim.
"Lysandra," his loud voice made the girl stop.
A few moments later, in the family home of Lysandra, a tense atmosphere filled the main room. Lord Sylas, Lysandra's father, stood with a cold stare.
"Lysandra," Lord Sylas's voice was full of authority, "I hear you're getting closer to the son of the Cean family. What do you think you're doing?"
"Yes, Father," Lysandra answered in a soft voice. "Aris is a good friend. Why are you worried—"
"Because you don't know what you're doing!" Lord Sylas interrupted, his tone growing louder. "The Cean family is just a tool for the kingdom, Lysandra. They're nobodies. They're just leaders bound by power and war, they won't stop our plans, but if you keep getting closer to them, everything will fall apart!"
Lysandra fell silent, her eyes searching for understanding in her father's words. "But Aris is different, Father. He's not like you say."
Lord Sylas sighed, then stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "The Cean family is just a tool used by the kingdom to maintain its power. They don't know what we're doing behind the scenes, and it must stay that way. I don't want you to ruin everything by getting involved with that boy."
Lysandra felt confused, her heart in turmoil. "But... Father hasn't told me what's going on. Why can't I know?"
"Because you don't need to know," Lord Sylas replied in a quieter yet forceful tone. "Our family's plans cannot be disrupted by anyone. The Cean family is not our enemy, they're just part of the big game we're playing. But if they learn too much or if you get too involved, our plans will fail."
Lysandra began to feel uneasy. Though she wanted to trust Aris, her father's words shook her conviction. "But I don't understand, Father. Why is the plan so important? Why do I have to stay away from Aris?"
Lord Sylas looked at her firmly. "Because your family—our family—has something bigger to work on, Lysandra. Something that must not be known by outsiders, not even the Cean family. I won't let that be disturbed by your connection with them."
Lysandra fell silent, her mind racing. She felt torn between her trust in Aris and the dark secrets her family was hiding. "I... I'll be careful, Father."
Lord Sylas nodded with a softer expression, but still full of warning. "You must do more than that, Lysandra. I just want to protect you. Don't let yourself get swept into something bigger than you imagine."