"Edward…" Kaito muttered beneath his breath. The tension in his jaw was visible, but his tone remained even.
Alexia, however, made no effort to hide her irritation. She crossed her arms, her armored bust slightly pushing upwards with the gesture, which didn't go unnoticed by Edward, whose eyes momentarily dropped—and lingered.
"I see you're still looking at women like they're meat on a silver platter," Alexia snapped, her golden eyes flaring like molten gold. "Some things never change."
Edward chuckled, brushing off her tone as if she were praising him instead.
"Still sharp as ever, Princess." He replied.
"But forgive me. I wasn't staring… I was admiring. You've grown, haven't you? That short skirt... quite the statement." His eyes traced her thighs lazily. "And the way your armor hugs those curves… elegant craftsmanship."
Alexia's fingers twitched dangerously near her sword.
"Say another word and I'll cut off your tongue," she said sharply, her voice low and threatening.
"Edward," Kaito interjected, stepping between them subtly. "Enough."
Edward tilted his head toward Kaito, smile never wavering.
"You always were the serious one. But I suppose that's why we work, don't we?" He threw an arm casually around Kaito's shoulder. "The stoic shadow and the charismatic flame."
Kaito didn't respond. His purple eyes narrowed slightly. The arm stayed for a second too long before Edward withdrew it with a clap of his hands.
"Relax, old friend. I mean no harm. I'm just excited, you know? Entrance exams into the Velmaria Imperium Academy—it's a huge deal. And imagine my surprise, I get to see you and royalty before it even starts. Truly a good omen."
Edward turned back to Alexia, flashing her what he probably thought was a charming smile.
"So, Your Highness," he began, "since you're clearly here early and looking... irresistible, I wonder—do you happen to know anything about the exam format? Some insider info perhaps? You know, give your admirer a little edge."
Alexia raised an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly. "You're assuming I'd give anything to you, Edward Rothstaylor."
"Come now," Edward said with mock hurt. "You wound me, truly. I'm just asking a harmless question."
"I know nothing about the exam," she said flatly. "Now get lost."
Edward leaned a little closer, his tone darkening with suggestion. "Are you sure you're not hiding anything… perhaps in that pretty little armor of yours?"
Before her hand could reach the hilt of her blade, Kaito moved again—faster this time—stepping between them with a calm but sharp voice.
"Edward," he said again, "I said stop it."
There was no mistaking it now—the authority in Kaito's voice was absolute. Despite his composed nature, there was an undercurrent of protectiveness, one that even Edward knew not to provoke too far.
Edward stepped back a little, raising his hands in faux surrender. "Touchy, aren't we?" He gave Kaito a sly glance. "Didn't realize you had such a thing for royalty. Or maybe… she's just a weakness?"
Kaito's expression didn't waver, but his purple eyes grew colder. "Watch your mouth."
"Alright, alright," Edward laughed, taking a few steps back. "I'll behave. Just having a little fun. You know me, I'm all jokes and joy. Besides, this exam isn't going to be easy. We should at least enjoy ourselves before the pain begins."
Alexia scoffed and turned her head. "I hope you fail."
"Princess," Edward said with a mocking bow. "If I fail, it won't be because of your beauty distracting me… although I wouldn't blame myself if it did."
He winked, then turned on his heel, whistling a merry tune as he strolled off into the crowd.
Once he was out of earshot, Alexia looked at Kaito with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.
"Didn't think you'd stand up for me like that," she said, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
Kaito shrugged, eyes watching Edward's fading figure. "He crossed the line. You didn't deserve that."
"Hmph," she smirked. "Thanks, dark boy."
He looked at her, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You're welcome, golden eyes."
Their gazes locked again, and for a second, it was just them amid the crowded courtyard.
But they both knew—it was only the beginning.
The real test awaited.
And with Edward's presence, things were sure to get messy.
★
After a few minutes the crowd of exam-takers quieted as a man with neatly combed black hair and rectangular glasses stepped onto the raised marble platform at the far end of the hall.
He wore an indigo trench coat lined with silver runes over a dark waistcoat.
His aura was cold and focused, like sharpened steel, and his voice cut through the silence with surgical precision.
"Welcome to the Velmaria Imperium Academy's official entrance examinations."
Kaito's gaze sharpened. Alexia folded her arms beneath her chest, pushing up her ample bosom slightly, though she seemed unaware of the effect it had on Kaito's peripheral vision. Edward was still smirking beside them, leaning on his halberd like he was lounging.
"I am Professor Glast Delvantes," the man said calmly. "Vice Head of Magical Assessment and Combat Integration. For the next 72 hours, your lives will be dictated by me and the rules of the Academy."
A murmur rippled through the sea of examinees — hundreds of elves, dwarves, beastkin, humans, and hybrids gathered in one place, all shifting nervously. Some were confident and chatty, others quiet and already sweating.
"You stand in the Grand Hall of Seraphus. This is where those with the sanctuary of knowledge, combat mastery, and imperial pride are chosen. If any of you thought this would be a regular exam, I highly recommend you turn back now."
Kaito observed the tremble in a few recruits. Even a dwarf with a large hammer took a cautious step back. Glast continued, undeterred.
"The Velmaria Imperium Academy does not tolerate weakness, hesitation, or corruption. We forge warriors, tacticians, and leaders capable of defending the realms from the rifts and the beasts that crawl from them. And we do not give second chances."
Edward clicked his tongue. "Same speech every year, I swear…"
Kaito elbowed him lightly to shut up.
Professor Glast adjusted his glasses, the reflection of magical glyphs flickering on the lenses.
"There will be five stages in this examination process. You will be tested on mental acuity, magical affinity, physical resilience, real-world battles and 1 v 1 duels. Anyone who fails even one stage — is disqualified."
Whispers filled the air like mosquitoes at dusk.
"No retakes," Glast reiterated. "No appeals. No exceptions."
A thick silence fell again. The pressure of his words was almost suffocating. Some already regretted coming.
"One more thing," Glast added. "Death is not common, but it is possible. Especially in stage four. You are signing your life into the hands of this academy's judgment. If that frightens you, the doors are still open. Turn back now."