Chapter 52 : The First Clash
The grand hall was unlike anything Raven had ever seen. Surrounded by towering structures crafted with intricate designs and shimmering golden accents, it radiated nobility and power. The marble floor reflected the elegant chandeliers above, and every corner echoed with the prestige of its name.
Raven stood silently in awe.
"Of course it would be this beautiful… it's the most prestigious academy in the Varaxon country," he whispered to himself.
Beside him stood Lyra and Seraphine, both observing the sea of students filling the grand area. They weren't ordinary students — every single one of them came from powerful, influential families. The air was heavy with mana and dominance; each individual exuded an aura that screamed strength and heritage.
A man stepped onto the stage, drawing everyone's attention with his confident stride and commanding presence.
"Welcome, students," the man began, his deep voice carrying across the vast hall. "I am Kale — you may call me Instructor Kale. You are the first generation of Rankers who survived the Tutorial Room. Soon, you'll begin clearing the Floors."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"I'm the Head Instructor of the Royal Academy," Kale continued. "Previously, I served as the Head of Sports here. All of you have been summoned to another world… and in return, we gained strength far beyond what this world could offer."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Several of our faculty have forged contracts with the kings and queens of that world. Because of that, we now hold the knowledge and experience to guide you in mastering your newfound powers."
His voice was powerful — not as overwhelming as the voices they'd heard from the leaders of the guilds in the other world — but still enough to demand respect.
They're definitely strong, Raven thought, glancing at the instructors scattered around the edges of the hall.
Kale resumed, "It's been only three days since our return, but the academy has already built infrastructure, training facilities, and specialized halls. You will still study common subjects, but the primary focus now is growth, survival, and combat — skills you'll need when we return to that other world."
His tone sharpened.
"Today, you'll be grouped and evaluated through combat matches. Based on your performance, you'll be assigned to classes ranging from E, the lowest, to A, the highest. The higher your class, the stronger your mentors and the better your resources. Give it your all."
Groups began to form throughout the hall. Raven, Lyra, and Seraphine stood together, naturally aligning as a trio.
"So… it's a test of our abilities," Raven muttered.
"They're trying to gauge our strength," Lyra said, arms folded. "Though I doubt they're that much stronger than us. After all, they were summoned and returned with us."
"I agree," Seraphine nodded. "But… those who joined guilds and forged contracts with the monarchs of the other world may have gained a significant edge."
Raven's gaze turned serious. "We need to secure our place in Class A. We're wearing the LUNAR batch now. Our performance will reflect directly on sister-in-law's guild. So remember — don't show off. Just do what's necessary to win. Conserve your strength. Prove enough to get into Class A — nothing more."
Lyra and Seraphine nodded in agreement.
Just then, a familiar voice called out.
"Raven!"
He turned, eyes widening. "Aria!"
Before he could step forward, he felt a firm hand rest on his shoulder. Seraphine. Her expression was calm, but her voice held a dangerous undertone.
"And who is she?" she asked quietly.
Damn. Wrong timing, Raven thought, smiling awkwardly. "She's… the childhood friend I mentioned yesterday."
"Ohh, so it was her scent I noticed," Seraphine said flatly, stepping forward to face Aria. She extended her hand. "Nice to meet you."
As their hands touched, Seraphine's ability silently activated — her eyes briefly gleaming as she scanned Aria.
___
STATS
NAME: ARIA GOLDENHEART
LEVEL: 155
STRENGTH: 90
MANA: 100
ENDURANCE: 100
IQ: 75
ABILITY: Phoenix Flare (SS-Rank)
___
She's strong, Seraphine thought, narrowing her eyes. A mage, huh… Great.
She didn't like it. Not one bit. Not because Aria was a threat — but because she didn't want anyone coming between her and Raven.
Aria, smiling, responded with grace, "Hello, I'm Aria Goldenheart."
Seraphine smiled back, her tone laced with subtle edge. "Yeah… Raven told me. You're a mage, right?"
Aria blinked. Wait… I didn't tell Raven I was a mage. Her guard instantly went up.
Before things could escalate, Raven stepped between them, chuckling nervously. "Aria, this is my sister, Lyra. And she," he said, gesturing to Seraphine, "is my girlfriend."
Lyra extended a hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, Aria. Raven told me about you."
Aria looked at both of them, processing the situation. So… she's his sister, and this one's his girlfriend.
She gave a soft smirk, masking the brief flicker of disappointment in her eyes.
"Well, I'll see you all again soon," she said coolly. "I need to go meet my brother." With a polite nod, Aria turned and disappeared into the crowd.
---
All students gathered in the stadium.
The stadium rises like a fortress of marble and steel. Built in just three days, it still carries the scent of fresh polish and power. Pillars stretch toward the sky, each carved with intricate runes glowing faintly under the sun. There are multiple arenas spread across the open grounds, all made to host battles between students. Every corner screams strength, prestige, and preparation.
This is the new Royal Academy.
Raven enters with Seraphine and Lyra beside him. All three wear the same uniform—Raven in a black blazer over a crisp white shirt, and the girls in light blue shirts and white blazers. Though skirts are standard, Lyra and Seraphine choose to wear white pants.
Their assigned seats await. Raven's name is marked separately, a few rows ahead. Seraphine and Lyra sit together behind him.
Seraphine leans toward Lyra. "Who was that girl? The one from earlier."
Lyra blinks, then shakes her head. "I don't know her. Raven mentioned her years ago—said they met at a meeting he went to with Father. But I never saw her."
Seraphine narrows her eyes. "Goldenheart, right? My sister might know. I never went to those business meetings."
"Same. Only Raven did," Lyra replies.
A sudden buzz fills the stadium.
A man in his late twenties steps onto the central stage, a mic in hand. His voice booms through the speakers. "Students! Today marks the beginning of your journey at Royal Academy."
The students quiet down immediately.
"You will compete against one another. Your performance will decide your class—from E to A. Class A receives the best instructors and resources."
He gestures to a large screen behind him.
"All names are recorded in the system. It will randomly select matchups. Step forward when your name is called."
Matches begin. Students step onto stages spread throughout the arena, each battle showcasing powerful abilities. The audience roars, cheers, and gasps echoing through the stadium.
Then comes the announcement.
"Seraphine Ashfall versus Lucas Storm."
Gasps ripple across the stands. The Storm family is one of the most influential in the country.
"Show him, Lucas!"
"Crush her!"
Seraphine steps forward confidently. Her long crimson hair flows behind her, golden eyes calm and unreadable. She takes her position on the stage.
Lucas arrives with a smirk. His blue hair shines under the sun, his black eyes sharp.
He smiles. "You're beautiful. Do you really need to fight? Just surrender."
Seraphine returns his smile. "Thank you. I know I am. But worry about yourself."
"Confident. I like that," Lucas chuckles. "Show me why."
A digital voice announces: "3... 2... 1... Begin."
Seraphine activates her ability. A golden shimmer flashes in her eyes.
___
STATS
SERAPHINE ASHFALL
LEVEL: 162
STRENGTH: 90
SPEED: 90
ENDURANCE: 90
IQ: 80
ABILITIES: Queen's Eyes (SSS), Enhanced Reflex (A), Speed Rush (A)
___
She scans Lucas instantly.
___
STATS
LUCAS STORM
LEVEL: 188
STRENGTH: 80
SPEED: 90
ENDURANCE: 75
IQ: 77
ABILITY: King's Contract
___
Many who survived the other world had the chance to form contracts with its rulers—Kings and Queens who offered power in exchange for loyalty. Those who accepted gained rare abilities. Raven, Seraphine, and Aurelia were offered such contracts but chose to wait. Aurelia believed stronger opportunities would come.
Seraphine narrows her eyes.
"A contract user," she mutters. "This won't be easy."
Yet her lips curl with excitement. Her father is gone. Her chains are broken. Now she fights freely.
Lucas lowers his stance. "Let's see what you've got."
Seraphine doesn't reply. Her golden eyes glow brighter.
The battle begins.