The warm steam of the shower rolled off Ryker's skin as he leaned his forehead against the tiled wall, letting the water flow down his back. His thoughts, however, were anything but relaxed. He had a plan now.
Finally,
The next six months were mapped out in his mind with clinical precision. He would make calculated movements, build bridges with forgotten yet capable characters and quietly knit together the foundations of his dream team. He couldn't approach them all at once,
No, that would only raise suspicions. Instead, he would slowly weave himself into their stories. Become a presence. An acquaintance. A name they could trust.
And then, after the midterm exam... the real game would begin. That is when he would claim his 'Sword'
A person, far more powerful than any weapon.
A being that has unmatched potential whose loyalty would decide the success or failure of everything Ryker intended to build in the future.
He shut the water off and stepped out, drying himself as he glanced at his smartwatch. The time was right. If he was to start somewhere, it might as well be with someone he already had a comfortable footing with.
'Arthur'
Dressing in a fresh uniform, he ruffled his damp hair into something presentable and exited his dorm room. Their dorm floor was reserved for top ranked students, so Arthur's room wasn't far.
The hallway was quiet, lined with polished floors and pristine walls. When he reached Arthur's door, he tapped on his smartwatch and called.
[Yo, I am outside your door.]
Moments later, the door cracked open and Arthur's tall figure appeared. He blinked at Ryker, slightly puzzled.
"Ryker? What are you doing here at this time of the day?"
Ryker offered a casual smirk. "Just checking in the."
"Are you planning to make me stand out here the whole time?"
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck and let out a short laugh. "Right…. sorry. Come in."
As the door opened fully, Ryker stepped in and immediately paused.
The contrast was startling.
Arthur's room looked like it belonged to a military officer. The bed was tightly made, there was not a single wrinkle in the sheets. The desk was immaculately organized, every book aligned, every pen placed with precision. The floor gleamed like it had been scrubbed just this morning.
Ryker let out a low whistle. "Damn!!"
"Didn't realize I stepped into the barracks. Should I salute or something?"
Arthur chuckled, gesturing Ryker towards the kitchenette. "Do you want coffee or tea?"
"Coffee, definitely."
As Arthur busied himself at the counter, Ryker took a seat on the small couch near the window, watching the steam rise from the kettle.
"So," Ryker began casually, "do you always live like this? Or is this some deeply ingrained soldier habit?"
Arthur glanced back with a sheepish smile. "Force of habit, I guess. My dad used to say, 'A cluttered room reflects a cluttered mind.' I just stuck with it."
Hearing it Ryker said with a stone face, "My dad used to say, 'A messy room is a sign of creative genius.' Not sure he believed it, though."
They both laughed.
"So," Arthur said while preparing the mugs, "what brings you here? Bored?"
"Partially. Mostly just figured I should start spending more time with people who aren't completely brain dead."
Arthur gave a look that he was offended, "That better be a compliment."
"Take it however you want."
The kettle whistled and Arthur began pouring the coffee. "How was your meeting with Chancellor Vael? You were the last one to meet her. How did it go?"
Ryker tilted his head, pretending to think deeply. "It was... intense. She is sharp, intimidating and not someone I would want as an enemy. But she didn't break me. I think that counts for something."
"Yeah, she is not the kind of person who wastes time on weaklings," Arthur replied, handing Ryker a mug.
"Thanks," Ryker said, taking the warm cup. He took a sip, then blinked. "Whoa. This is actually good."
Hearing his comment Arthur smirked. "I use imported beans. Little hobby of mine. You get used to good coffee after a while."
"Well, you just ruined cafeteria coffee for me forever."
They both settled on the sofa, mugs in hand.
"So," Ryker began again, swirling the coffee in his mug, "what is going on with you and Lia?"
Arthur nearly choked. "What?"
Ryker raised a brow. "You seriously haven't noticed? The way she acts around you? I think anyone could say that someone is definitely in love."
Arthur shook his head left and right fast. "No way. We have only known each other for a month."
"Besides, she is just... being friendly with me."
"Too friendly, if you ask me. Lia doesn't act that way with others. She clings to your every word and watches you like you are a damn star in the sky."
Arthur scratched his cheek, visibly uncomfortable. "I don't know, Ryker. Maybe you are overthinking it."
Ryker leaned back, sipping his coffee. "Or maybe you are just blind. Either way, be careful with that one. She is sharp. And dangerous if you break her heart, she might cook you alive."
Arthur didn't reply, but his brows furrowed.
They sat in silence for a moment, the silent hum of the academy outside, bleeding in through the window.
Ryker broke the silence. "Arthur, I need a favor."
Arthur looked up. "Sure. What is it?"
Ryker turned to face him fully, directly looking at his eyes, "Train me. Specifically in close combat."
Arthur blinked, surprised. "You want me to train you?"
Ryker nodded. "I have the support side down. Healing, barriers... but I need to be able to handle myself when things get close and dirty. I want to learn how to fight properly. No magic. Just hands, feet and instinct. And you are the best person I can ask for"
Arthur looked at him for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. I will help you. But I don't go easy on training. Are you sure you are ready for that?"
Ryker grinned. "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."
And just like that, the first piece on Ryker's board was moving.
*****
[A/N: I finally got contracted!!!!!!. Because I am dumb in the last week my contract verification failed six times 😔 because I miss placed a word. Overall, I finally have a contract. Soon the character art and everything else will be put and the upcoming week, I will lock the chapters]
[Please send gifs to support me on this journey. Thank you all!!!!]