Elias stared at the letter on his desk, the wax seal of House Arden still resting in two broken halves. The weight of the words pressed against his mind, heavier than he cared to admit.
Lira sat across from him, arms folded, her usual mix of frustration and exasperation clear on her face. "So, just so I have this straight—you've barely survived two fights, somehow managed to impress the Headmaster, humiliate Darian Velcroft, and now you've been summoned by Arven Arden himself?"
Elias smirked. "I mean, when you put it like that, it almost sounds impressive."
Lira groaned, rubbing her temples. "This isn't funny, Elias. You do not ignore an invitation from a noble like Arven."
Elias tapped his fingers against the desk. "And what happens if I just… don't show up?"
Lira snorted. "Then congratulations, you've just insulted one of the most powerful noble houses in the Academy. He'll come after you anyway, except now he won't be playing nice."
Elias exhaled. "So, it's not really an invitation. It's more of a 'show up or die' situation."
Lira nodded. "Now you're getting it."
Elias leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He had been in this world for what? A few weeks? And somehow, he had already gone from "random summoned nobody" to target of the aristocracy. He should have been more careful.
But then again…
If the nobles were taking him seriously, that meant he was doing something right.
Lira watched him carefully, then sighed. "You're still going, aren't you?"
Elias grinned. "Obviously."
Lira groaned. "You have a death wish."
Elias stood, grabbing his gauntlet and tightening the straps. "Nah. I just want to see what I'm up against."
The East Wing Dueling Hall
The next evening, Elias made his way toward the East Wing, the letter still tucked in his pocket. The halls were quieter than usual, the usual buzz of students fading as he entered the more exclusive parts of the Academy.
He knew the noble houses had their own hidden world within these walls—places reserved for the elite, areas commoners and lower-ranked students rarely saw.
And now?
He was stepping right into the middle of it.
The doors to the East Wing Dueling Hall were already open when he arrived. The moment he stepped inside, he was met with the sight of several nobles lounging in high-backed chairs, watching the dueling ring below.
It wasn't a classroom. It wasn't a training field.
This was an arena.
And seated at the center, looking completely at ease, was Arven Arden.
Elias exhaled slowly. Alright. Here we go.
Arven turned as Elias entered, his sharp silver eyes gleaming with amusement. "Right on time. Good. I was starting to think you'd run."
Elias smirked. "And miss all this hospitality? I wouldn't dare."
A few of the nobles chuckled, but others simply watched him in silence. Judging. Measuring.
Arven gestured toward the ring. "You've made quite the impression, Elias Graham. I wanted to see if it was earned."
Elias crossed his arms. "You could've just asked."
Arven smirked. "Where's the fun in that?" He stood, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. "You proved yourself against Darian. But he is not the strongest duelist here."
Elias tensed slightly. "Oh? And let me guess—you are?"
Arven chuckled. "No. Not yet." He turned, motioning toward the far side of the arena. "But she is."
Elias followed his gaze—and felt his stomach drop.
A young woman stepped into the dueling ring, her movements sharp, controlled, and effortless. Her black hair was tied back in a precise braid, and her deep crimson uniform marked her as part of House Arden.
Her presence alone radiated danger.
Lira—who had followed Elias in, against her better judgment—visibly paled. "Oh, gods."
Elias frowned. "What?"
Lira grabbed his arm, whispering urgently. "That's Seraphina Arden. The prodigy of House Arden. She's the strongest duelist in our year."
Elias blinked. "Oh."
Lira gritted her teeth. "Elias. You cannot win this."
Elias turned back toward the ring, where Seraphina was already rolling her shoulders, loosening up. She looked utterly unimpressed.
Arven stepped to the side. "You proved you can fight, Graham. Now prove you can survive."
Elias exhaled, stepping forward. His gauntlet hummed with power, the circuits pulsing steadily. He had just barely managed to take down Darian.
And now?
He was about to fight someone even stronger.
Seraphina raised her hand.
A single flame sigil flared to life around her wrist.
Elias cracked his knuckles. "Alright. Let's dance."
The duel had begun.