I didn't wake up on my own.
When my eyes opened, I was already waist-deep in the academy lake, cold water rippling around my body as I exhaled slowly. Morning mist clung to the surface, thin and pale.
"Good morning, big brother."
Aeldir's voice came from behind my thoughts.
"What time is it?" I asked, rubbing my face. "And where exactly are we?"
"You were sleeping deeply," he replied calmly. "So I prepared the body for you. There's still almost two hours before classes begin."
"…When did you wake up?"
"About an hour ago."
I let out a breath. Typical.
By the time we returned to the hostel, Aeldir was already dressed. The moment Kael appeared in the corridor, Aeldir smoothly shifted control.
"So you're ready early on the first day," Kael said with a smile.
"Yes," I replied. "Where are you headed?"
"Staff room. Something of mine went missing."
"Be quick. I'll wait in the hall for breakfast."
---
I don't seek friends.
Solitude taught me two things:
If you have friends, they shape you.
If you don't, your mind creates them instead.
Most people I met surrendered themselves to society, bending until they became hollow. I wanted no part of that. I had only trusted one person before—and she died.
But Aeldir was different.
He was lonely.
So this time, I would try—for him.
---
On the way to the hall, everything went wrong.
My foot caught something hard. I stumbled forward—and so did someone else. As I fell, I caught a glimpse of brown mana trim at the edge of my vision. Earth magic. A rock had been placed deliberately.
I hit the floor hard, raising my arms to protect my face. The noble I collided with recovered instantly.
Black hair. Crimson eyes. Red-trimmed uniform.
"What's your problem, commoner?"
His shoe pressed against my neck before I could fully rise.
"Remain an honored student," I said calmly, pushing it away.
His answer was his fist.
Blow after blow landed on my face. My mouth filled with blood. I didn't retaliate. From the dungeon, I learned one rule—escalation kills.
When he finally kicked me aside, he spat in disgust.
"Filthy blood."
He left.
I stayed on the floor, unmoving.
A shadow fell over me.
Princess Lysandria looked down, amused.
"Barely the first day, and you're already beaten."
Kael knelt beside me. "Don't tease him. Hold still."
His healing stopped the bleeding—but didn't restore everything.
"Move."
Lysandria stepped forward. Her eyes glowed softly. Green mana fell like snow, gentle and warm. Pain faded. Flesh knitted.
Something about it felt… deliberate. Too clean..
Students nearby glanced over. They didn't say anything—but they noticed.
At breakfast, cloud bread was served.
"This is the academy's signature dish," Kael explained.
I took a bite.
Light. Warm. Almost unreal.
For a moment, I forgot everything.
As I finished explaining, Lysandria didn't speak immediately.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table.
"You're saying," she said slowly, "that he planned it… tested you… and walked away."
I shrugged. "It wasn't worth—"
Bang.
The table shook.
"Nothing?" she snapped, eyes flashing. "That wasn't nothing."
"This isn't over," she said coldly.
I met her gaze. "Later. Everyone's watching."
She smiled—but her eyes promised violence.
And as we walked toward our first class, I forced my eyes to stay open.
Sleep was dangerous.
Not when I only trusted two beings in this world.
---