Within the first-year class of Astralis Academy, Alden put his ManaSync away.
He had just sent a quick message to Nyx. She hadn't shown up today and he didn't know why.
So, he did what any good friend would do—check up on her.
The classroom door slid open and Cipher entered, her footsteps precise and deliberate.
"Hey, get up. Professor's here," Alden nudged the boy sleeping beside him.
It wasn't Aziel. Nope. That guy was too busy flirting with Cecilia at the desk in front of Alden.
It was Zephyr. In the past few months he had integrated into their group almost too well. At first, he barely talked to anyone except Alden or Aurelia.
But now? The guy even went out for karaoke with Aziel yesterday.
A massive achievement, if you asked me.
Zephyr stirred from his seat, grumbling. "Class is starting already? Tsk."
He didn't protest, though. He wouldn't have dared. Not with Cipher around. After all, the last time he fell asleep in her class… he got slapped.
Ever since then, Zephyr made sure to keep both eyes open whenever Cipher was teaching.
Cipher's sharp gaze scanned the room and the moment her eyes landed on Zephyr, he straightened up like a soldier caught slacking.
Alden controlled the urge to laugh. Watching the cold, battle maniac Zephyr acting like a scolded schoolkid never got old.
Cipher didn't waste time.
She walked to the front of the class, took the attendance and then spoke.
"I have an important announcement today."
Her voice was calm but something in the tone made everyone in the room sit up a little straighter.
"As you all know, Astralis Academy isn't the only top academy. Across the continent, other elite academies train the next generation of awakened."
"This year, an Inter-Academy Tournament has been approved. It will take place on an artificial island and include participants from the top ten academies of the continent."
Alden's eyes narrowed.
He could hear students whisper but he didn't focus.
His mind raced as he thought about the novel.
There was an inter-academy in the novel too… but it was never for first years. It was one of the most important arcs and started when Lucien was in Second Year.
That was also when Amyra officially sided with the demons.
Until then, she had only been a minor antagonist. But that betrayal… It turned her into one of the story's central villains.
Would the demon attack still happen? Or had the changes already thrown the story off course?
Cipher's explanation wasn't done yet.
"Each academy will send their most promising talents. The format is not limited to duels — there will be group battles, strategic simulations and even dungeon expeditions."
Murmurs turned into low chatter. Some students leaned forward. Others already looked tense.
Cipher let them speak for a moment before raising her voice again.
"Astralis will be sending a team of thirty. Selection will begin next week."
"This won't be voluntary," Cipher said, her voice flat. "Only those who qualify will be chosen."
Alden glanced at Aziel, who raised an eyebrow. Zephyr's fingers flexed. He was already itching for it. Amyra didn't even flinch as if it didn't concern her.
"One week. Train well. You won't have any classes in the meantime." With that, Cipher closed her attendance sheet and started her class.
Inter-Academy Tournament.
This wasn't just a battle.
It was an invitation.
And maybe… a path to answers.
Classes ended quickly. Aziel left with Cecilia.
Zephyr said he was off to challenge a senior.
Amyra went off somewhere saying she had something else to do.
So, Alden was on his way back to the dorms alone when a flicker of white caught his eye—wings slicing through the sky with grace.
Where the hell is she going?
He decided to follow her.
He made sure to hide his presence as much as possible, so she wouldn't notice him.
She vanished into one of the most secluded gardens on campus.
Alden moved quietly, each step wrapped in shadow to avoid noise.
He even made sure to mask his presence, not wanting to alert her—Kyun was sharp, after all.
Far too sharp for an infant spirit.
The garden was quiet and hidden from the main paths.
Heck, Alden didn't even know this garden even existed. He never really came this way before.
He headed toward where Kyun had vanished.
His sharp senses picked up a giggling sound a bit farther away.
The massive white crow—usually aloof, prideful and untouchable—was curled up on someone's lap like a spoiled child.
Alden froze behind a tall tree.
What... the actual hell?
He wasn't shocked by Kyun… or how her behaviour was. Because something else had blown his mind the moment he entered the scene.
The woman who was petting Kyun's wings.
Her expression was unreadable but not cold. Her fingers brushed gently through Kyun's soft wings.
How could she see Kyun?
Kyun shouldn't be visible. Not even high-ranking awakened could sense her if she chose to hide.
So why—why could Amyra see her? Touch her like it was normal?
Did Kyun decide to reveal herself to Amyra? But why?
I told her not to let anyone see her.
Is this where she went every time she vanished from the dorm?
Alden narrowed his eyes, walking right towards the duo.
Amyra didn't flinch as if she already sensed him long ago.
Kyun, however, turned her head—those glowing red eyes locking onto the one presence she could never miss.
Amyra looked up, her hand still resting on Kyun's feathers.
"I told you not to let anyone see you," Alden said, his voice low.
Kyun moved her wings slightly but didn't move from Amyra's lap.
Amyra tilted her head as a smile appeared on her face. "That's not how you talk to children, Alden."
Alden looked at her then at Kyun…
What the actual fuck is going on here?