For a few seconds, the chamber continued exactly as it had before with its quiet discussions and shifting papers before directing their eyes to the newcomer and the doors, which slammed shut behind them. The sound rolled across the circular council chamber, prompting every conversation to die, and all eyes settled on the young man wearing the student academy uniform. Confusion slowly crept into some of the faces as they dropped their heads to their counsel for any academy punishment. When they found none, they narrowed their gaze back to Ryan, whose posture remained relaxed despite the pressure now pressing down on him from every direction. Ryan ignored the sea of suspicious faces as his gaze settled instead on Elizabeth. She was already on her feet before catching herself, and her emerald eyes panned at him with unmistakable surprise. Even when her outward appearance remained composed, Ryan knew her well enough to read the emotions hidden beneath the calm mask. ‘Why are yo

The council chamber remained beneath a suffocating silence lingering through the spaces, and despite the tension regulating through the council men Ryan stood calmly beside Odessa at the center of the circular chamber.Every pair of eyes remained fixed on him. Some were filled with disbelief while annoyance masked a few faces.The oldest council elder slowly leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together as though trying to determine whether the young man before him was courageous or simply insane."Would you purchase the academy?" the elder finally spoke, his deep voice echoing across the chamber."Yes, I would,” Ryan answered without hesitation.The chamber erupted again at the confidence lacing his tone."What nonsense!" The first man muttered under his breath. "A Tier Three student?""Outrageous!" Another voice followed.Several council members began speaking over one another, their voices crashing together until the room became a storm of outrage.Olisa struck her cane ag

The documents lay at the center of the mahogany table, with its crisp white pages standing out beneath the warm chandelier lights. The official seal gleamed from the cover page, and beneath it rested signatures, legal certifications, financial statements, ownership clauses, and acquisition records. No one reached for them anymore, as every pair of eyes had left the papers and was all staring at Ryan. He remained at the center of the chamber with one hand tucked inside his pocket while the other rested against the back of an empty chair. His posture was relaxed, almost lazy, and yet the confidence radiating from him filled the room more completely than any speech ever could. The council members exchanged uncertain glances, just like the ones written across the commander's faces. One of the elders adjusted her glass, nodding to her Olisa to continue. She dropped her gaze back to the paper and then finally stopped. Unlike the others, she wasn't looking at the signatures anymore. Her

The bass from the speakers pounded through the walls heavily, sending vibrations that rolled through the underground structure, rattling crystal glasses and expensive bottles that lined the shelves. Across the room neon lights swept in waves, painting everyone beneath them in shifting colors. Outside the private lounge, the nightclub was overflowing, and the dance floor was packed with figures despite the afternoon sun still hanging high above New City. For most clubs, daytime meant empty halls and tired bartenders, but for The Times, parties never ceased. A few months ago, it had been nothing more than a forgotten building tucked beneath one of New City's oldest commercial districts. The paint had peeled from the walls, assisted by a leaky roof whenever it rained, and rumors claimed the place had been haunted by debt more than ghosts. Then overnight, everything changed; rumors had it Millions had been poured into renovations, promoting imported marble to replace cracked concrete.

The academy dorm buzzed with morning activity, and from across the council building, students hurried between other sectors of the academy, with bags slung over their shoulders. Instructors, on the other hand, crossed the stone walkways carrying stacks of reports from yesterday's tournament.According to the calendar, the school has transitioned to an academy schedule, concluding the physical training session. Most students who eventually graduated from the academy were guaranteed a prosperous job, which was connected to the academy's influence. With the new investor taking over, Ryan's plan would increase the academy's influence around the city.Harrison had already outlined the academy's future to him. One that would generate ten times the amount he had invested within a short time.'Students who graduated from here would be given not only a starter plan to face the outside world but would also hold influence.“Did you hear the rumor of what happened at the council meeting? "A stude