2025-08-04 21:22:29Isabella's face remained carefully neutral, but Draven could see the tension in her shoulders. Surrounded by admirers and trapped by Theron's unwanted attention, she was maintaining her composure through sheer force of will.
"Thank you, Theron, but I'm here to relax with friends," she said again, her voice carrying just enough edge to make her point without creating a scene.Theron wasn't taking the hint. He leaned closer, his knee touching hers until she shifted away."Your friends are here," he insisted, gesturing to the circle of students who were clearly more interested in her status than her company. "I'm here. What's the problem?"Celeste stepped in, her voice cool as winter. "The problem, Theron, is that you're not listening. Isabella has declined your invitation. Multiple times."Flames flickered at Theron's fingertips, his control slipping with his temper. His expensive clothes—clearly chosen to impress—seemed to glow in the light of his agitated fire ma
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Chapter 42
"The headmaster assigned us a secret mission?" Jin's eyes were wide with excitement as Draven briefed his friends in their dormitory room. "Us specifically?"Lyra Stormwind, her blonde hair pulled back in a practical braid, looked more skeptical. "Why would he choose first-years for something this important? There are plenty of senior students with more experience.""Maybe because we're expendable," Sera Nightwhisper suggested, her voice characteristically soft yet pointed. The shadow mage lounged in the corner, half-hidden as always, her silver eyes missing nothing."Or maybe," Jin countered, "it's because we've proven ourselves already. The catacombs, remember? We did what senior teams couldn't."Draven spread the headmaster's map on his bed, weighing down the corners with books. "Whatever his reasons, this is our assignment. These tunnels beneath the Imperial City—we're supposed to investigate energy fluctuations that might be connected to the Shadow Moon Sect."His friends gathere
Chapter 41
Word of the confrontation at The Amber Chalice spread through the academy like wildfire. By morning, it seemed everyone had heard some version of the story. Students whispered in corridors, exchanged theories during breakfast, and cast curious glances at Draven whenever he passed."There he is," they whispered. "The chopstick phantom."Draven did his best to ignore the attention, keeping his head down as he made his way to morning classes. The pendant rested cool against his chest, its power dormant but ever-present, a constant reminder of the responsibility he carried.Jin, however, was thoroughly enjoying their newfound notoriety."Did you hear the latest version?" he asked as they settled into their seats for theoretical magic class. "Now they're saying you disarmed three of Theron's friends before taking him down.""Wonderful," Draven muttered. "By lunch, it'll be an entire army."Their instructor arrived before Jin could respond, bringing the class to order with a sharp clap of h
Chapter 40
"I think we lost them," Jin gasped as they rounded another corner, ducking into a narrow alley between two bookshops. "Do you think Theron followed us?"Draven peered carefully around the corner, scanning the crowded street for any sign of pursuit. The Scholar's Quarter was still bustling with students and shoppers, but none of them seemed to be looking specifically for two academy students on the run."I don't see anyone," he said. "But we should keep moving. Word travels fast."They continued through the back streets, taking a circuitous route back toward the academy. Jin was still buzzing with adrenaline, his questions coming in an excited rush."What was that technique?" he asked for the third time. "The way you moved, the precision... that wasn't just luck, Draven.""I told you, I just got lucky with good aim," Draven insisted, checking over his shoulder again. "Right place, right time."Jin snorted in disbelief. "Yeah, and I'm the emperor's secret son. Come on, Draven. I saw wha
Chapter 39
The Amber Chalice fell silent as Theron rose from his seat, fire magic crackling around his fingers. Isabella and Celeste exchanged worried glances as the tension in the room thickened to something almost physical."Did you hear me, Ember-boy? Move!" Theron's voice had an edge of desperation now, his pride wounded in front of the entire bar.Students began backing away, creating a clear space between Theron and Draven's table. No one wanted to be caught in the crossfire if magic started flying. Several pulled out scrying crystals, eager to record whatever happened next.Jin's knuckles were white as he gripped his own chopsticks, clearly torn between wanting to defend his friend and knowing they were outmatched against a Wall of Recognition member."Draven," he whispered urgently. "Maybe we should just go."But Draven felt strangely calm. After facing the Plum Flower Clan, after dueling Chen with the fate of his freedom hanging in the balance, Theron's posturing seemed almost... insign
Chapter 38
Isabella's face remained carefully neutral, but Draven could see the tension in her shoulders. Surrounded by admirers and trapped by Theron's unwanted attention, she was maintaining her composure through sheer force of will."Thank you, Theron, but I'm here to relax with friends," she said again, her voice carrying just enough edge to make her point without creating a scene.Theron wasn't taking the hint. He leaned closer, his knee touching hers until she shifted away."Your friends are here," he insisted, gesturing to the circle of students who were clearly more interested in her status than her company. "I'm here. What's the problem?"Celeste stepped in, her voice cool as winter. "The problem, Theron, is that you're not listening. Isabella has declined your invitation. Multiple times."Flames flickered at Theron's fingertips, his control slipping with his temper. His expensive clothes—clearly chosen to impress—seemed to glow in the light of his agitated fire ma
Chapter 37
The Scholar's Quarter buzzed with energy, streets packed with students enjoying their day off. Colorful banners hung between buildings, street performers demonstrated minor magic tricks for copper coins, and the scent of food from a dozen different regions filled the air."I told you this place was amazing," Jin said, practically bouncing with excitement as they navigated the crowded streets. "Wait until you see the bookshops. They have cultivation manuals you can't find anywhere else."Draven nodded, taking in the sights and sounds. After days in the austere Plum Flower Clan compound, the vibrant chaos of the city was almost overwhelming. The pendant rested cool against his chest, seemingly content with their surroundings."There it is!" Jin pointed to a building ahead, its facade decorated with amber-colored glass that caught the sunlight. A wooden sign swung gently above the door, bearing the name "The Amber Chalice" in elegant script.Fancy for a student bar.
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