Chapter 51 – The Academy Begins
Raven returned to his room after the small celebration for Layla and Grace. The cake cutting, the reunion, the emotions—everything had calmed down. The apartment was quieter now.
He sat on the edge of his bed, his mind replaying the day's events.
Not long after, Lyra and Seraphine stepped into his room. They didn't knock. They didn't need to.
"Brother, you have to tell us about them," Lyra said, her voice filled with confusion.
Raven looked at both of them for a moment. He thought carefully before speaking.
"They're family now. That's all you need to know," he said. "They have our blood. That makes them our sisters. There's no need to think too deeply about where they came from."
He didn't want them to overthink it. He knew how complicated it was, and some things were better left unsaid.
He changed the subject.
"Anyway… don't forget the academy starts in a few days."
There was a small glint of excitement in his eyes.
Lyra and Seraphine exchanged a look, then nodded.
"Yeah, everything is ready," Seraphine said. "We just need to show up now."
They smiled faintly before leaving the room. The door clicked shut behind them.
Raven leaned back and let out a quiet breath.
"Looks like I need to stop using my ability so much…" he murmured. "This feeling—empty, emotionless—it's not right. It's draining me."
He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, thinking about the first day at the academy. Of course, he already knew what was going to happen. He had seen it all.
But still, the thought of being there made something stir in him.
"This is going to be fun," he whispered, a small grin forming on his lips. For the first time in a while, he felt something again.
---
The next morning, Raven, Lyra, Seraphine, and Aurelia were gathered in the living room of Apartment 102.
Aurelia stood in front of them, holding three small silver badges. Each one had a single word engraved across the surface: LUNAR.
"From tomorrow, your life at the academy begins," Aurelia said, handing them each a badge. "Things have changed a lot. The academy's methods, their teaching style… even the way they operate is different now."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"They've gained a lot of influence after the return of the first generation Rankers. They've recruited many powerful individuals. They even approached me."
She smiled slightly, but there was pride in her eyes.
"Students from many powerful families are already enrolled, and more are coming. So be prepared."
She held up her own badge, matching theirs.
"This is the guild we're building. Lunar. The girls' side is under me. The boys' side will carry Grim's name, but I'll still oversee everything."
Her tone grew firm.
"You three will represent Lunar inside the academy. So don't hold back. Don't lose. Make them remember you."
Raven studied the badge in his hand.
"Sister-in-law… don't worry," he said. "We'll make Lunar the most talked-about name in that place."
Aurelia gave him a small nod.
Raven then stretched slightly and casually said, "Oh, and today… I have somewhere to go."
He looked at her again, a little playful this time.
"Sister-in-law, mind if I borrow some money?"
Aurelia raised an eyebrow but didn't hesitate. She pulled out a card and handed it to him.
"Use it wisely," she said. "Don't waste it on something stupid."
"I won't," Raven smirked and turned toward his room.
Minutes later, he stepped out dressed in a simple black shirt and pants, clean and fitted. Without another word, he left the apartment.
---
A small café sat quietly at the corner of the street.
Inside, a girl sat at a table by the window. Her black hair fell neatly down her shoulders, and her black eyes seemed to draw attention from everyone around. She wore a simple dress, nothing expensive, yet she looked effortlessly beautiful.
She glanced at her wristwatch and sighed.
"He's late," she muttered.
The bell above the café door rang, and Raven walked in.
He spotted her instantly and walked straight to her table.
"Hey," he greeted casually.
"You're late," Aria said, crossing her arms.
"I know. Got caught up with something," Raven replied and took a seat.
"You've changed."
"Yeah, I guess."
"I'm eighteen now," Aria said with a smile. "So a lot's changing."
"Ah, right. You're also eighteen now," Raven said, leaning back. "So… you were summoned to the other world too?"
"Of course. You forgot?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Kind of. Things were crazy over there."
They both laughed, and the awkwardness faded.
They talked for a while, just like old times. Catching up. Laughing. Talking about the strange shift in the world. The people who went. The people who came back different. Some didn't come back at all.
After a long time, Raven checked the time and leaned forward.
"So… are you attending Royal Academy?"
"Yes," Aria nodded. "I got accepted last week."
"That's great. I'll see you there then," Raven said.
She blinked. "You got in?"
"Yeah."
"I'm happy for you," she said, smiling. "Really. That academy's no joke. Not just anyone can walk in there."
(Note for readers: The Royal Academy is an elite institution where only the strongest or most influential students are allowed. Even if you have money, if you don't have power, talent, or backing — you won't make it in.)
Raven gave a small nod. "Things have changed. That's all."
"I'm glad," she said quietly. "You've always deserved better."
Raven stood from his chair. "Let's meet there. We'll talk more later."
Aria stood too. "Don't be late this time."
Raven smirked. "No promises."
---
Raven walked down the street, a small bag in his hand. The city lights flickered as the sun dipped low behind the skyline. After a long afternoon, he returned to Luxe Haven and made his way to Apartment 102.
He opened the gate and stepped inside.
His mother looked up from the couch and smiled warmly.
"Raven, you're back."
"Yeah," Raven nodded, returning the smile. "I went to meet someone."
Lyra looked over from the side. "We were just talking about how we're going to live from now on."
Mother joined in. "You should take the first-floor room. Grim was supposed to have it, but he's staying with Aurelia now."
Raven shrugged. "Alright. It's a big room anyway. Sounds good."
Lyra nodded. "Me and Seraphine will share one room. You'll have the first floor, and Mother will stay with Layla and Grace in her room. Grim and Aurelia have their own apartment, so it works out."
"Perfect," Raven said. He walked over to Seraphine, who was sitting near the window, her eyes calm and quiet.
He reached into the bag and pulled out a bouquet of roses.
"Here," he said softly.
Seraphine smiled and took the flowers, holding them close. She leaned in, sniffed them gently… and then paused.
Her expression shifted.
She stepped closer to Raven and leaned in, sniffing his shirt.
Her voice dropped, sharp and accusing.
"You were with a girl."
Raven blinked, surprised. "W-What? How can you even tell—?"
She raised an eyebrow.
He sighed. "Alright, alright. I met my childhood friend. Her name's Aria. That's all."
Seraphine didn't say a word. She just turned, flowers still in hand, and walked away.
"Damn," Raven muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Should've brought her with me."
A second later, Lyra walked over, arms crossed.
"What did you say to her?" she asked.
Raven groaned. "I told her I was with Aria. That's why she's mad."
Lyra gave him a look. "You should've told her before. You know how she is."
"Why is everyone mad at me?" he said, throwing his hands up. Then he sighed and walked up the stairs toward his new room. "I give up."
---
The Next Morning
The three of them stood in the living room, dressed and ready.
Lyra and Seraphine wore the girls' academy uniform—white pants, soft blue shirts, and white blazers. The LUNAR badge on their chest gleamed under the soft light. Lyra's long white hair and black eyes gave her an elegant charm, while Seraphine's crimson hair and golden eyes made her shine like fire and gold.
They looked like perfect model students.
Raven stood beside them in black pants, a crisp white shirt, and a sleek black blazer. The LUNAR badge pinned to his chest added to his presence. His sharp jawline and lean build gave him a dangerous, charismatic charm. Calm, poised, and ready.
And beside them stood Aurelia.
She wore an all-white suit—crisp, fitted, flawless. Her long crimson hair flowed over her shoulders, and her golden eyes held the same icy sharpness they always did. The air around her felt colder, more refined. The diamond ring on her finger shimmered under the light, the name "Grim" engraved across the band.
She looked untouchable—like a queen from another world.
"Let's go," Aurelia said, her voice calm and composed. "Today is the first day of the academy. And I'm coming with you."
---
They stepped out of the apartment and shut the door behind them.
Waiting outside was a sleek black luxury car. Rhea, Grim's trusted ally and Kade's girlfriend, stood beside it, her posture sharp and professional.
As soon as she spotted Aurelia, she straightened.
"You've come, my lady," Rhea greeted formally.
Aurelia gave a short nod. "Yeah. Let's go. And from today onwards, you'll be working directly under me."
"Yes, I've been informed, my lady," Rhea said again, her voice calm.
Aurelia gave her a small glare. "Drop the 'my lady.' Just call me ma'am or boss."
"Understood, my lady," Rhea repeated without blinking.
Aurelia sighed, choosing to ignore it this time. "Let's go."
Rhea took the wheel. Aurelia sat in the passenger seat, and in the back sat Lyra, Seraphine, and Raven—quiet, composed, and ready.
They reached the academy after few minutes.
Aurelia gazed at the massive campus through the tinted window. "So this is the academy…" she murmured. "The most prestigious one in Veraxon."
The gates were open, and the driveway was filled with high-end luxury cars. Students from influential families stepped out, each of them carrying the air of someone important. This generation wasn't ordinary anymore—they were rankers. People who had returned from another world with powers that made them special.
They got out of the car and walked toward the main grounds.
Raven looked around "Looks like we have to gather over there," he said, pointing toward the large field where students were assembling.
Aurelia looked in the same direction and nodded. "Alright. You three go ahead. I have some other business here."
Rhea silently followed as Aurelia walked off in another direction.
---
Aurelia stood in front of a tall wooden door with a polished brass nameplate: Principal's Office.
The vice principal, a woman in her late forties with sleek blonde hair and sharp black eyes, rushed out and greeted her with a polite smile.
"Mrs. Aurelia," she said warmly, extending her hand. "It's an honor to meet you. Please, come in."
Aurelia shook her hand once and stepped inside.
The principal, a man in his early fifties with silver hair and deep black eyes, rose from his seat with a practiced smile.
He reached out to greet her.
But Aurelia didn't take his hand.
she walked straight past him and sat down gracefully on the leather sofa. Rhea remained standing behind her, calm and unreadable, her presence quiet but strong.
The temperature in the room dropped slightly. Her aura had arrived before her reputation.
"So," Aurelia said coolly, crossing her legs. "What business do you have with me?"
The principal adjusted his glasses and returned to his chair. He leaned forward slightly.
"Mrs. Aurelia," he began, "as you know, the world is changing. The return of the first generation of rankers has shifted the balance of power. We understand you've formed a guild—LUNAR. The academy would like to… collaborate with your organization."
Aurelia raised a brow. "Collaborate?"
"Yes. Your support would mean a great deal to the academy," he said carefully. "In return, of course, we'd ensure your guild has influence here."
"That's a given," Aurelia replied without missing a beat. "If I'm supporting your academy, then I expect to hold real authority here."
"Of course," he nodded quickly. "We are restructuring everything. Magic and swordsmanship are now key parts of the curriculum. We've already hired experienced teachers—people who grew stronger in the other world. Many of them are affiliated with guilds in another world and have contracts with kings and queens from that realm."
His words were polite, but his tone carried a subtle edge—a reminder of their own strength and backing.
But Aurelia didn't flinch.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice calm. "We have plenty of people under LUNAR who've made contracts with the King and Queens as well. You'll be surprised just how far our reach goes."
She stood up.
"We'll meet again soon. Don't forget—LUNAR is only getting started."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked out, Rhea silently following behind her.
Once they were outside, Rhea spoke for the first time since they entered.
" My Lady, It's a good thing Boss didn't come," she said. "He doesn't take kindly to being threatened. He'd have flipped the entire academy upside down."
Aurelia smirked. "Well, he's my husband after all. And don't worry, Rhea… soon enough, LUNAR will be one of the most powerful guilds in the world."
She looked up at the academy buildings rising in front of them, her eyes sharp with ambition.
"And when that day comes… we'll see if this country or this academy can still afford to ignore us."
______________________________________________
Note:
Many who returned from the other world had formed contracts with powerful guilds there. These contracts gave them access to unique techniques, rare books, pills, and enhancements—making them much stronger than those who returned without any backing.
But only a rare few managed to form direct contracts with the Kings and Queens of that world. Those chosen ones inherited abilities beyond imagination—and now stand at the very top, far above the rest.
___