"Don't mention it," Arthur replied casually.
Jason nodded and headed off toward the east wing, where the combat arenas were located.
His posture was different now, he carried some confidence that he had built. The simple act of being acknowledged by elite students had already affected how he carried himself.
"That was unusually charitable of you," Elara remarked as they walked toward their next class. "I didn't think you concerned yourself with Academy politics."
"I don't think it was that big of a deal," Arthur replied simply, though his eyes scanned the cafeteria.
One of the reasons he'd helped Jason wasn't mere charity. The boy had potential as an ally for the coming chaos.
'If he shows the traits I'm looking for, I might let him take Regulus's inheritance,' Arthur thought, glancing sideways at Sarah, who walked beside him, her posture still tense from her tournament loss. 'Though I'm not entirely convinced. Since someone else might be more deserving.'
'I'll continue observing for the next few days. Then I'll decide...'
The remainder of the day passed in a blur.
Sarah stretched as they exited the final classroom. "I've got something to take care of. See you tomorrow."
She departed quickly, leaving Arthur alone with Elara in the Academy's grand courtyard.
"You're not heading to your dorm?" Arthur asked, noting the direction Elara was walking.
She shook her head, silver-blonde hair catching the late afternoon sunlight. "No, I have business at the royal castle." A slight smile curved her lips. "And speaking of the castle, my father wants to meet with you today."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Today? When?"
"Right now, if possible." Elara adjusted the strap of her bag. "Usually you'd get some stuffy royal messenger with a sealed scroll, but since we're in the same classes, I figured I'd save everyone the formality."
Arthur nodded, mentally shifting his plans for the evening. The King of Caldera requesting a meeting wasn't something to refuse—especially not when Arthur needed the kingdom's resources for what was coming.
"Let's go together then."
"That's what I was thinking."
They walked through Caldera's winding streets, a strange pair—the crown princess and the uprising guild master.
Citizens bowed as they passed, not to Artur, but to the princess.
Rumors about him had spread throughout the capital city. Some claimed he was a demon in human form. Others whispered he was a forgotten royal heir from a distant kingdom. The truth—that he was just a player—would have greatly disappointed them.
The royal castle rose before them.
Guard patrols with very rare armour and weapons stood at the gates.
Caldera spared no expense on security.
The guards at the main gate saluted Princess Elara and barely glanced at Arthur. His presence with the princess was validation enough—no one questioned a companion of royalty.
"I need to check on something in the east wing," Elara said as they entered the grand foyer. "Father's chambers are through there." She pointed toward an ornate hallway lined with portraits of past monarchs. "Just tell the guard I sent you."
Arthur nodded. "Will you join us later?"
"If Father permits it." Her expression turned mischievous. "Though I suspect this conversation is meant to be private. Just like the last one."
They separated, Elara heading toward the east wing while Arthur approached the king's chambers. Two elite guards stood on both sides of the massive door.
"Azarel to see the king," Arthur stated. "Princess Elara sent me."
The guard on the left studied him briefly before activating a communication crystal at his wrist. "Inform His Majesty. Sir Azarel has arrived as requested."
A brief pause, then the guard nodded. "The king will see you now."
The massive doors swung open, revealing the royal chamber beyond—and with it, whatever game the King of Caldera wished to play.
Arthur stepped forward, his mind already calculating possibilities. The countdown in his vision continued its relentless march.
Whatever the king wanted, Arthur would use it to his advantage. The merge was coming, and every alliance, every resource, every piece of information mattered.
The royal chamber doors closed behind Arthur with a resonant thud, sealing him inside with the most powerful man in Caldera.
Alaric Ashborne II stood near the massive stained-glass window that dominated the eastern wall.
The king turned, his gaze soft but assessing.
"Protector Arthur. Nice to meet you again." The king inclined his head—a gesture of respect rarely shown to anyone outside the royal family.
Arthur returned the greeting. "Your Majesty."
"Please, sit." The king gestured to one of the chairs typically reserved for his highest ministers.
Arthur took the offered seat.
"How are you finding the Academy?" Alaric asked, pouring two glasses of amber liquid from a crystal decanter. "My daughter speaks highly of your abilities."
"It's impressive," Arthur replied, accepting the offered drink. "The royal family has created a remarkable institution."
The king's lips quirked in amusement. "Diplomatic answer. I expected nothing less." He raised his glass slightly. "To Caldera."
"To Caldera," Arthur echoed, taking a measured sip. The drink was pleasantly sweet and refreshing, nothing like he had expected.
The king set his glass down, his expression shifting from cordial to focused. "I called you here today regarding tomorrow's Guild Council meeting."
Arthur nodded, having anticipated this. As the newest guild leader to achieve a manifestation status, his presence at the council would disrupt the established power dynamics.
"As you're aware, you've arrived on the scene rather... abruptly." The king's fingers tapped a rhythm on the table's polished surface. "The four elite families have controlled Guild affairs for over a century. They won't welcome competition."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
The king studied him carefully. "Do you? The Gilderhavens, Draketowers, Ashencroft, and Thornwycks have built their positions through generations of political manoeuvring."
"They have reason to be concerned," Arthur acknowledged.
Alaric laughed suddenly, the sound unexpectedly warm. "Yes, they certainly do." He leaned back in his chair. "Particularly because your guild's manifestation abilities are something that none of them are close to."