The sun had already begun to set when Leon finally left the academy grounds. The large stone gates slowly closed behind the last group of students leaving for the day. The noise of the academy faded with every step Leon took down the road. The air outside felt calmer.

  No whispers.

  No noble crests watching him.

  No expectations.

  Just silence. Leon walked through the familiar streets toward home. Small lanterns had begun lighting the roads as evening approached. Merchants were closing their shops while people returned to their houses after a long day. For most of them, the academy was just another distant building on the hill. For Leon, it had already become something far more complicated. After a while, he reached his house. Warm light shined through the windows. The moment Leon stepped inside, the atmosphere changed completely. “Leon! You’re back!” One of his siblings ran toward him immediately. “How was the academy? Did you fight anyone? Are the nobles really as annoying as people say?” Leon blinked once at the sudden barrage of questions. “It was… interesting,” he replied calmly. From the other room, their mother’s voice followed. “Let him breathe first.” Soft laughter filled the house. Leon allowed himself a small smile. The academy might have been filled with pride, politics, and competition… But here, things were simple. And Leon preferred it that way. Later that night, Leon sat quietly in his room. The window beside him was open, letting the cool night air enter. The moon hung high in the sky, casting pale light across the floor. For a while, the room remained silent. Then a familiar voice spoke inside his mind. “So.” Leon didn’t move. “What do you think?” he asked calmly. Victor answered after a moment. “Your academy is… interesting.” Leon leaned slightly against the wall. “You’ve been quiet all day.” “I was observing.” Victor paused briefly before continuing. “You met several interesting individuals today.” Leon already knew where this was going. “Nathan,” Victor said first. “Nathan Everwyn.” Leon nodded slightly. “He’s easy to talk to.” Victor sounded mildly amused. “That boy talks enough for two people.” Leon chuckled quietly. “He didn’t judge me.” “That is true,” Victor admitted. “He sat beside you without hesitation despite all those whispers.” Leon looked out the window at the moon. “He seems genuine.” Victor didn’t argue. “Perhaps. But people like that can also get themselves into trouble.” Then Victor continued. “The red-haired one.” “Michael Ashford,” Leon said. Victor sounded slightly amused. “He fights like a charging beast.” Leon smiled faintly. “He’s strong.” “And straightforward,” Victor replied. “A rare quality.” Leon remembered Michael laughing after losing the sparring match. “He didn’t seem bothered by losing.” Victor chuckled. “That alone makes him better than most nobles.” Then Victor spoke again. “The observer.” “Julian Valecrest.” Victor’s voice grew slightly sharper. “That one sees everything.” Leon remembered Julian watching the match carefully. “He noticed my mana control.” “Yes,” Victor replied calmly. “People with minds like his can be dangerous.” Leon didn’t disagree. Finally Victor mentioned the last name. “And that noble.” “Lucien Harrowmont.” Victor hummed thoughtfully. “he is quite prideful.” Leon corrected him. “But he is not that arrogant though.” Victor considered that. “Yes I suppose you are right.” Leon remembered Lucien’s calm gaze. “He challenged me.” Victor sounded pleased. “Good.” Leon raised an eyebrow slightly. “You like that?” “Of course,” Victor replied. “Rivals are important for someone's growth… and something tells me this will be fun.” Leon smiled faintly. For the first time since arriving at the academy, things didn’t feel so complicated. Victor spoke again after a moment. “You seem… happier today.” Leon didn’t deny it. “…Maybe.” Victor chuckled quietly. “Well, don’t get too comfortable.” Leon raised an eyebrow. “Why?” Victor answered calmly. “Because gathering allies also attracts enemies, remember that.” Leon looked at the moon. “I know.” The room fell silent again. The next morning, Leon walked toward the academy as the city slowly woke up around him. Footsteps suddenly approached from behind. “Leon!” He turned. Nathan jogged towards him. “Morning,” Nathan said, slightly out of breath. Leon nodded. “Morning.” Nathan walked beside him. “Looks like we’re both early.” Leon didn’t mind the company. They continued toward the academy together. Nathan talked easily about classes, instructors, and rumors he had already heard about the noble students. Leon listened quietly. Before long, the tall academy gates came into view. Students were already entering the courtyard. Nathan stretched his arms slightly. “Another day in the most prestigious academy in the kingdom.” Leon allowed a faint smile. They entered the Noble classroom together. Students were already taking their seats.

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  Expensive fabrics.

  Family crests.

  Perfect posture.

  Nathan sat beside Leon without hesitation. Julian sat behind them. Michael dropped into his seat with his usual energy. “Morning everyone.” As the classroom settled, the instructor entered. My name is Professor Aldric Thornvale and I will be your teacher Magical Theory & Casting Control. Leon barely looked at him.

  But Victor suddenly spoke. “…Leon.” Leon kept his expression calm. “What is it?” Victor’s tone had changed slightly. “That man.” Leon looked forward. “The teacher?” “Yes.” Victor paused. “There is something strange about him.” Leon remained calm. “What do you mean?” Victor answered slowly. “You remember the Scale of Justice.” Leon did. Victor’s rare ability. The power to glimpse fragments of the past, present, and possible futures. “It reacts to people,” Victor continued. “It shows me pieces of what they are.” Leon asked quietly in his mind, “And?” Victor hesitated. “…Nothing.” Leon frowned slightly. “Nothing?” “That is the problem.” Victor’s voice grew more serious. “I see fragments from everyone.” “But when I look at him…” “There was nothing shown too me.” Leon kept his gaze forward so no one would notice the conversation. “What does that mean?” Victor answered quietly. “I don’t know yet.” Then he added one final warning. “But stay cautious around him.” Leon nodded slightly. “…Understood.” At the front of the classroom, the teacher began the lesson as if nothing was wrong. But for the first time that day… Leon was paying closer attention.