Years had passed since the infamous duel that changed the power dynamics within the academy. Now sixteen, Jon Snow, known more widely by the name Saji, had matured into a tall, stoic young man whose quiet strength and unmatched combat prowess earned him a fearsome title among students and instructors alike:
"The Beast."
It wasn't a nickname born from cruelty or bloodlust—it was respect cloaked in fear.
He had no noble background, no famous lineage, no pedigree. Yet his strength, both martial and magical, outshone even the most pampered heirs.
---
Training Field – Afternoon
A cool breeze brushed across the neatly maintained academy training grounds. Students stood at attention in uniform rows as their sword instructor, a sharp-eyed man with a commanding presence, stepped forward with a parchment in hand.
Sword Instructor:
"An exhibition tournament between the Knights of the Realm will be held again this year."
A wave of excited murmurs rippled through the students.
Sword Instructor (raising his voice):
"Representatives for the Primary School Division have been selected from this class. If your name is called, step forward."
He cleared his throat and read from the parchment:
> "Sixth year, Alphonse Rodan.
Fifth year, Stewart Huguenot.
Sixth year, Rio Vandelin.
And finally, Jon Snow."
As the names rang out, each boy stepped forward. Alphonse with a swagger of entitlement. Stewart with quiet determination. Rio with a confident smirk.
And Saji—stoic, unmoved, his presence alone casting a heavy silence over the crowd.
But the tension in the air was thick.
Alphonse turned slightly, glaring at Rio and Saji. His face contorted with frustration, his pride once again wounded. He could barely contain himself.
Alphonse:
"This is absurd. Commoners—again—being chosen over nobility? This is a mockery!"
Sword Instructor (sternly):
"You will watch your tongue, Alphonse Rodan. The decision was made by the school council and reflects ability, not birth."
A murmur of support echoed among the students—some whispered in agreement with Alphonse, others clearly favored the meritocracy the academy preached.
Sword Instructor (coldly):
"No objections will be entertained. Step back into formation."
Alphonse bit his tongue, hatred flashing in his eyes. He stepped back beside Rio and Saji, but not without casting them a venomous glare. Saji met his gaze with the same unreadable calm as always. Rio just yawned and smiled.
---
Hours Later – Celia's Lab
Celia's lab, cluttered with enchanted vials, glowing sigils, and alchemical tools, was a place of refuge. The golden sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows cast vibrant patterns over the polished floor.
Saji and Rio sat across from Celia as she scribbled in her notebook, occasionally adjusting a mana-reading device.
Celia:
"So, both of you are going to represent the school in the Knight's Tournament? You do realize how dangerous this could be?"
Saji:
"I'm not afraid of danger. I've been preparing for this."
Rio:
"And besides, it's not like we had a choice. Council picks, remember?"
Celia stopped writing and looked up, worry etched into her features.
Celia:
"I've been getting… whispers. Strange reports. Someone's been pulling strings behind the scenes. Nobles with influence. This tournament—it might not be as clean as the last ones."
Saji:
"Alphonse?"
Celia (nodding):
"He's not just angry. He's plotting something. I saw his family's crest on correspondence with the Council. And that girl—Roanna—she's been seen sneaking around the academy's restricted sections."
Rio (frowning):
"You think they'll try something during the tournament?"
Celia:
"I think they'll try anything to discredit or remove you two."
A long silence followed.
Saji eventually stood, reaching for the black jacket he'd draped over the chair.
Saji:
"Then we'll be ready. Let them try."
Rio cracked his knuckles. "I've been itching for a proper fight anyway."
---
Elsewhere – Noble District, Secret Chamber
Alphonse stood before an ornate mirror in a hidden room beneath his family's estate. Roanna knelt nearby, drawing a complex summoning circle in dark ink.
Roanna:
"With the right relic and this glyph, we can summon a phantom spirit to possess the blade you'll wield during the tournament."
Alphonse (clenching his fists):
"If I can't beat them by skill… then I'll use every tool the Rodan family has passed down for centuries."
Princess Christina (emerging from the shadows):
"We have one chance. One strike. The Beast can't be allowed to win again."
Their pact was forged in envy and hatred. The wheels of betrayal had already begun to turn.