The sun dipped below the horizon as Caelum stepped out of the training grounds, the cool evening air doing little to ease the tension in his muscles. The duel with Leonhardt had drained him more than he cared to admit, but the **System notifications** that followed had made it clear—his influence was growing.
> **[Quest Progress: The Dance of Power - 10% Completed]**
> **[New Title Acquired: Rising Duelist]**
> **- Bonus: Increased reputation among Academy students.**
Students whispered as he passed. Some with admiration, others with wariness. He had gone from being a mere extra in their noble-dominated world to someone they couldn't ignore.
But not everyone was pleased.
---
The noble factions within the Academy were restless. Gareth's defeat had already stirred things up, and now, with Leonhardt falling as well, **Caelum had become a wildcard.**
Seated in an elegant salon within the Academy, a group of nobles discussed the recent events over wine and delicacies.
"We need to put him in his place," one murmured.
"He's just another common noble playing hero. He'll fall eventually," another scoffed.
"But what if he doesn't?" a third voice spoke. "Seraphina is watching him closely. If she moves to recruit him—"
Silence fell over the group. The princess had a reputation for choosing only those with potential. If she deemed Caelum worthy, it would change the Academy's power balance entirely.
One noble swirled his drink, eyes narrowing.
"Then we must act before that happens."
---
Meanwhile, Caelum had barely reached his dormitory when a **royal attendant** awaited him. The man bowed respectfully before handing him a sealed letter bearing the royal crest.
Breaking the wax seal, Caelum unfolded the parchment.
> **[You are invited to a private gathering hosted by Her Highness, Princess Seraphina.]**
> **[Location: The Moonlit Garden]**
> **[Time: Tomorrow at dusk.]**
He exhaled. He had expected Seraphina to act, but not this quickly.
Still, refusing an invitation from the princess wasn't an option.
Looks like his night just got more complicated.
---
Elsewhere, Evelyn sat alone in her room, staring at her trembling hands.
Caelum's cold rejection earlier still echoed in her mind.
*"I'm done here."*
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Why? Why was he pushing her away? Why wouldn't he understand?
She had tried to move on, to let go of the past, but every time she saw him—stronger, colder, untouchable—it **drove her insane.**
Her thoughts were chaotic, a mix of love, guilt, and something darker.
A single realization settled in her mind.
**If she couldn't have him… then no one could.**
---
The next evening, Caelum arrived at the **Moonlit Garden**, an exclusive part of the Academy reserved for royalty and high-ranking nobles.
Seraphina awaited him, dressed in a deep blue gown that shimmered under the moonlight. She smiled as he approached.
"Lord Drayton," she greeted. "I'm pleased you accepted my invitation."
He gave a slight nod. "Refusing wasn't exactly an option, was it?"
She chuckled. "Indeed. But I assure you, I invited you for more than just formality."
She gestured toward a private table, and they sat.
"Tell me," she said, pouring wine into two crystal glasses, "what do you want, Caelum?"
He studied her carefully. "That depends. Why are you asking?"
She rested her chin on her hand. "Because I see potential in you. You're not just some fallen noble trying to climb back up—you're **someone capable of shaping the future.** And I like having such people close to me."
Caelum took a sip of wine, his expression unreadable. "And if I refuse?"
Seraphina's smile didn't falter. "Then you'd be walking this path alone. And trust me, Caelum, the road ahead is far more dangerous than you think."
A **System notification** flickered in his vision.
> **[New Quest: A Royal Proposition]**
> **- Seraphina has extended an offer to ally with her.**
> **- Choice: Accept or Reject.**
Caelum's grip tightened around his glass.
No matter what he chose, this night would change everything.
---