The academy was quieter in the early morning.
Sunlight slipped through the stone corridors as Lior walked toward his classroom. his steps slow absent-minded. Students passed him—some greeting each other, some already deep in conversation—but his thoughts were elsewhere.
His hand tightened unconsciously.
That handshake... He thought. *what just happened yesterday. i can't believe i just shaken hand with princess. It felt nice her soft hand.* Then his expression darkened. *but i acted like loser and nervous what would she thinking about me now that i am just a Coward. Maybe that's why she laughed but how can be kael be confident in a situation like this he was full calm and ready for that sudden meeting.*
* if he tell me properly about it maybe i can be acted like cool. That pridefull bastard maybe he done on purpose. Anyway he said our further plan about winning the election will talk about in class. Hope he is in there.* lior arrived at entrance of class room. As he entered to the class he see kael speaking with some 2, 3 classmates. From back bench Kael was in mid-conversation when his gaze lifted. For a brief moment, his eyes met Lior's. Then Kael smiled. "Oi lior." The sound of his name made Lior stiffen. Several students turned to look at him. Lior felt the familiar weight settle in his chest—the quiet pressure of being noticed. His first instinct was to pretend he hadn't heard. Kael didn't give him the chance. "Over here." Kael said, lifting a hand in a casual wave.Lior hesitated. They're all looking… His fingers curled at his side. His heartbeat thudded louder than it should have. "Calm down. Just walk. That's all. You can do it lior" he whispers He took a step forward. Then another. The distance felt longer than it was, but with each step, the tension loosened—just a little. By the time he reached them, his breathing had steadied. Kael grinned. "Took you long enough." Lior scratched the back of his head. "S-sorry. I was… thinking." Kael gestured to the group."guys this is lior and he will the one supporting me in election." The words landed heavier than expected.the one of them from started introducing themselves. The first was a broad-shouldered boy with short brown hair and calloused hands.—clearly someone used to work rather than privilege. He straightened and gave a firm nod. "Name's Rovan Hale" he said. "From east quarter. I'm not good with fancy words… but it's nice to finally meet you." Next to him stood a girl with tied-back auburn hair and sharp, observant eyes. She wore her uniform neatly, though it was clearly well-used. She offered a small but sincere smile. "I'm Elira Venn," she said. " Most nobles don't even remember our names, so… this is refreshing." The third leaned against the desk, thinner than the others, with ink-stained fingers and slightly messy black hair. He adjusted his glasses before speaking. "Tomas Reed." he introduced himself. he paused, glancing at Kael, then at Lior "we're really glad you're here." Lior blinked. "glad?" Rovan nodded. "Yeah. Most people like you two don't look at us like we're… beneath them. We're happy to have classmates like you." he said "And Kael too. People who see us as equals" Lior swallowed, then gave reply. "I am Happy to study with you guys." It wasn't perfect. His voice was quiet. His posture awkward. But no one turned away.they looked and smiled at each of them he thought*not bad the starting of socializing. but what did kael told about us to them they become so friendly. He so sharp and cunning. Maybe because of the election what is he planning to do after becoming a leader.* he gazed on kael. Kael and the others back to their conversation.
Suddenly The classroom door slid open with a firm push. The sound cut cleanly through the low murmur of conversation.
A girl stepped inside. She wasn't late. but she carried herself like someone who didn't rush for anyone. Her uniform was worn in places, the sleeves rolled slightly at the cuffs, not out of carelessness but habit. It fit her closely, outlining a compact, athletic frame—built for movement rather than display. Her dark hair was tied back in a low knot, a few loose strands brushing her cheek as she scanned the room.
Her eyes were sharp.
Not cold. Not arrogant. Alert.They moved quickly, assessing faces, reactions—lingering for half a second longer on the noble students before moving on. A few whispers followed her.
"That's her…"
"Commoner, right?"
"I heard she argued with an instructor yesterday."
"Not only instructor but she had an argue with a senior student"
Mira ignored them.
She walked down the aisle with steady steps, boots soft against the stone floor. There was no hesitation in her stride. no nervous pause—only quiet purpose. When her gaze briefly crossed Kael's, she didn't look away.
She also didn't bow. Kael noticed. So did Lior. Mira chose an empty seat near the window and sat down. resting one arm on the desk, the other loose at her side. She leaned back slightly, posture relaxed but ready—like someone used to keeping their guard up even in safe places. Only then did she exhale.
From the corner of his vision. Lior glanced at her. he thought. *who is she she giving the feeling of an important character.* There was something grounded about her. Kael, meanwhile, let a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth. And whispers in lior ears"that's mira you know my oppent in class leader election." Rovan was the first to notice her. His posture shifted the moment Mira entered—subtle, instinctive. He straightened, eyes lighting up just a little."That's Mira," he muttered. Elira followed his gaze and smiled softly. "She made it."
Tomas adjusted his glasses, already gathering his books. "Took her long enough." Without making a big deal of it, the three of them drifted away from Kael and Lior, moving toward the window side of the classroom.
Mira looked up as they approached.
"Took you guys long enough." she said dryly. Rovan snorted. "Says the one who who just late." Elira set her bag down beside Mira's desk. "You okay?" she asked quietly. Mira shrugged. "Same as always. Nobles staring like I'm about to steal something."
Tomas leaned against the desk. "You scare them. That's a talent."
A corner of Mira's mouth twitched—almost a smile. Lior watched the scene unfold. "So they already knew each other… that's why you had a conversation with them are you ploting to win by using them from her back like stabbing". Kael replied with measured tone "It wasn't just coincidence. There was ease between them. Trust. The kind built over shared struggle, not shared status. But i am not backstab it's against my pride. I am not Villan type who use dirt to win and look their team. A group of commoners.Organized. Connected.
And at the center of them—Mira."
Kael's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary.
*So that's you,* he thought.
Mira didn't look back. But somehow… she knew. "So what about us don't you got any team you and me only."Lior asked. "Right now just us that's is only we needed. We don't have time for making a big team like them with trust and bond."
The low murmur of the classroom. hadn't fully settled when the door opened again.
This time, it wasn't a student. The room quieted almost instantly. A tall man stepped inside first, his presence calm but commanding. He wore the dark slate robes of a senior instructor, trimmed with silver runes that pulsed faintly with restrained resonance. His hair was streaked with gray. despite his sharp eyes, and the way he carried himself made it clear. this was someone who didn't raise his voice because he never needed to. Behind him walked a woman. She was younger, dressed in a lighter academy uniform marked with a tutor's insignia. Her silver-blonde hair was tied neatly behind her back, and her expression was composed, observant—eyes quietly measuring the class. "This is Class One, Section A," the man said, his voice even. "Good. You're all here."
He turned slightly. "And for those who don't know—this is Lyra Vensel. She'll be assisting this class as your assigned tutor. Lyra inclined her head politely.
"I'll be overseeing your academic conduct and evaluations this year," she said. "Try not to disappoint me." A few students straightened immediately.
The instructor moved to the front desk and placed a hand on it. "I am Professor Aldric Vael. I'll be teaching History of Resonance & the World."
His gaze swept the room—nobles, commoners, familiar names, unfamiliar faces. "Resonance is not just power," he continued. "It shaped borders, kingdoms, wars, and peace. If you don't understand where the world came from, you will never understand where it's going." Lior listened quietly. This feels… different from normal classes,
Professor Vael paused, then tapped the desk once. "One more matter before we begin."The class leader election will be held next Friday."
A ripple went through the room.
"The class leader will represent you in academic councils, coordinate combat formations, and act as liaison between students and instructors," Vael said. "This is not a ceremonial title. Poor leadership will cost you." He folded his hands. "Those who wish to participate—stand." For half a second, nothing happened. Then Two chairs scraped the floor at the same time. Kael stood and Mira stood. The sound echoed louder than it should have. Lior's eyes widened slightly. Same time…
A few students glanced between them, whispers sparking instantly. Professor Vael's brow lifted just a fraction.
"Interesting." Kael stood straight, calm as ever, hands relaxed at his sides. His expression was polite, confident—someone who expected scrutiny and welcomed it. Mira, on the other hand, stood with squared shoulders and a steady gaze. No smile. No hesitation. She didn't look at Kael. She didn't look at the class. She looked straight at the instructor. Lyra's eyes flicked between the two, curiosity sharpening.
"Very well," Professor Vael said. "Two candidates so far." He looked around the room. "Anyone else?"
Silence. After a moment, he nodded.
"Then we'll proceed with these two"
Mira sat down first. Kael followed a heartbeat later. Lior exhaled. Professor Vael continued, "The rules are simple."
He raised one finger.
"No physical combat between candidates." A few disappointed sighs.
"Second," he added, "no coercion. Influence must be earned, not forced."
His gaze lingered briefly on the nobles.
"Third—your evaluation will be based on three factors:
Academic coordination, peer trust, and crisis response." That last one drew attention.
"On Friday," he said, "you will be given a simulated scenario. How you lead—not how powerful you are—will decide the outcome." Kael's eyes gleamed faintly. Mira's jaw tightened, focused.
"And finally," Vael concluded, "this election is not about winning."
He paused. "It's about revealing who you really are when others rely on you."
The bell chimed softly, signaling the start of the lesson. Professor Vael turned to the board. "Now—let's begin with the First Resonance Age."
Lior leaned back slightly, heart still unsettled. He thought
*Kael… Mira… This isn't just a class election anymore.
It's the beginning my election arc i can't wait to see whats gonna happened. from know i need to start think about some plans. to make it more fun and exciting. After all i got experience from fictions i readed and scene in my past similar to this situation* a small smile crept onto his face because of the excitement.
Tap.
Something struck Lior square on the forehead. "Ah!" A choke clattered to the floor. The room went silent. Lior froze.
Professor Vael's gaze was already on him. "Stand up" the instructor said calmly. Every eye in the classroom turned toward Lior.His smile vanished instantly. "H–huh?"
"I asked you to stand." Vael repeated.
Lior did, stiff as a board. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. "You seem amused." Professor Vael continued. "Care to explain why you were smiling during my lecture?"
Lior swallowed.
*Think. Say something. Anything.*
"I—um… I wasn't laughing." he said weakly. "I was just… thinking."
"Thinking about what?" Vael asked.
The silence stretched. Lior felt heat rush to his face. Dozens of eyes. Nobles. Commoners. Kael. Mira.
His mouth moved before his brain caught up. "I… I was thinking that this class feels fun." A ripple ran through the room. few muffled snorts. Someone coughed to hide a laugh. Professor Vael stared at him for a long moment. Then— "Out." Lior blinked. "S–sorry?"
"Out of the classroom," Vael said evenly. "First period. Consider it punishment for treating history like entertainment." Lyra Vensel glanced at Lior, curiosity flickering briefly across her face—but she said nothing.
Lior bowed hastily. "Y–yes, mam."
He grabbed his bag and hurried out, the door closing behind him with a dull thud. The corridor was quiet again.
Lior exhaled heavily and leaned against the wall. "That went badly. Teacher got an bad impression on me she think i am just lazy Nobel. shit what an awkward morning is this." He rubbed his forehead where the pen had hit.
"Why did I say that? I should've just stayed quiet. He straightened.
Well… I'm already out. Might as well walk around a bit." With nothing else to do, Lior headed down the corridor, footsteps echoing softly against stone. The academy felt different outside the classroom—less rigid, more alive.
As he turned a corner near Class 3, raised voices reached his ears.
"Hey watch where you're walking!"
Lior slowed.
Another voice followed—younger. Nervous.
"I–I said sorry!" Lior's brows knit together. He stepped closer. Near the entrance of Class 3, three first-year students stood blocking a smaller boy. His uniform was old, sleeves too short, hands clenched tight at his sides. A commoner.
One of the older boys shoved him lightly. "You think saying sorry fixes everything?"
The boy stumbled but didn't fall.
Lior felt something tighten in his chest. He started walking towards them. *this is one of the moment i waited for interfering bullys from bullying and give them a good beat. Interesting what dialogue should say first. This is lior your spot light is here.* as he reached near them he shouted "hey you three what are you doing." the four of them looked at lior confused. "who the hell are you." one of them asked. "If you are commoner come and join with this idiot." he continued with a laugh. " or not then don't interfere we teaching these faithful idiots they're orginal place." After hearing this lior expression. changed. "why it's always like this every one of you don't got any good reasone for bullying. But You still do it don't you guys have no shame in doing this."By hearing this they're expression changed. "Hey what the hell are you saying idiot. because of people like you these morons is forgetting about they're place maybe we should teach you a lesson" they 3 surrounded lior. Lior steady his gaze and posture.
suddenly The tension snapped.
Before Lior could a move forward, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor—loud, deliberate, unhurried.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
The three bullies stiffened instantly.
A tall boy stepped into view, academy coat worn loosely over his shoulders like a noble mantle. His blond hair was slicked back, revealing sharp features twisted into a faint sneer. His eyes were pale, cold and utterly dismissive.
The bullies straightened like soldiers.
"Darius…" Darius Valemire. First-year noble. Class 3. His gaze swept the scene lazily—the trembling commoner, the three boys, and finally Lior.
He stopped directly in front of Lior.
Silence pressed down. "You," Darius said. "What's your name?"
Lior hesitated for half a second. "Lior."
Darius's eyes narrowed. "Full name."
"…Lior Eryndor." Darius's lips curled upward—not in surprise, but amusement. He turned slightly and gestured toward the three bullies.
"Did you hear that.?" he said mockingly. "An Eryndor." The boys' eyes widened. "Ohhh" one of them laughed nervously. "So that's why he's acting brave." Darius chuckled. "Trying to play hero, are we? Don't embarrass your house like this." He stepped closer to Lior, invading his space. "Let me ask you something, Eryndor." Darius said coldly. "Why are you interfering?"
Lior clenched his jaw. "Because bullying people weaker than you."
"is normal," Darius cut in sharply.
His voice hardened. "Commoners exist to serve. To obey. To know their place."
He glanced at the smaller boy who had been bullied. "If they forget it, we remind them." The commoner flinched.
Darius looked back at Lior, eyes full of disdain. "And you—acting like you're above this?" He scoffed. "Don't mistake your surname for authority. This isn't your class. This isn't your territory." One of the bullies smirked. "Yeah, if you care so much, maybe you want to babysit him?" Darius raised a hand—not to stop him, but to silence him. His gaze never left Lior. "Here's how this works." Darius said slowly.
"You walk away. You mind your noble business. And you don't interfere with my people disciplining their property."
The word hit like a slap. Property.
Lior's fists trembled. "…And if I don't?" Lior asked quietly. Darius smiled. Not amused. Threatened. "Then I'll make sure." Darius said, voice low and venomous. "that even your precious Eryndor name won't protect you inside this academy." He leaned closer, whispering "Stay out of my way."
Darius straightened, turning his back on Lior as if he were already dismissed.
"Come," he said to the three bullies. "Class is waiting." They followed instantly. As they left, the commoner boy remained frozen, breathing shakily.
Lior stood alone in the corridor, heart pounding. *So this is Darius Valemire…
The headache kael mentioned in class 3.* Lior exhaled slowly. "Bloody moron i make sure you are gonna regret it." he murmured. With anger while clenching his fist.