The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Alex and Marc stirred awake.
"You ready, pal?" Marc asked, already stretching as he got off the bed.
"Yeah," Alex replied, fastening his cloak. "Let's head out."
As the two walked toward the academy gates, Marc spoke up again, his tone half teasing, half serious.
"You know," he said, "things have gotten a lot calmer since the midterms. The nobles hardly bother anyone anymore. Maybe you should've killed a few more—just to keep the peace."
Alex shot him a sidelong glance, smirking faintly. "It's not like I didn't try. But that situation was… special, as you know. Still, you're right. They've learned fear. Now most of them think twice before insulting the wrong commoner—worried they might end up like those three."
Marc chuckled. "Give it time. Once the fear fades, they'll crawl back to their old ways, testing the waters bit by bit."
"Yeah," Alex said quietly, "it's inevitable."
Their conversation faded into comfortable silence as they reached their usual meeting spot and waited for Tessa. She appeared a few minutes later, cheerful as ever, and together they headed toward the main hall.
The academy's central hall buzzed with noise. Students filled every corner—some cheering, others crying, a few hugging each other in relief. The results had just been posted.
Curiously, there were almost no nobles present. They had been ordered to receive their results privately on paper—partly as a precaution, until the so-called noble killer was caught.
The noble killer himself, of course, was strolling casually toward the giant results board.
It didn't take Alex long to find his name.
10th Place | AlexanderField Test: 85Written Test: 90Average: 87.5
He blinked once, then smiled faintly.
A few lines above him, another familiar name stood out:
6th Place | TessaField Test: 93Written Test: 95Average: 94
And, a little further down:
16th Place | MarcField Test: 81Written Test: 82Average: 81.5
"I really wish I could switch places with you, Marc," Alex said dryly.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Marc replied immediately. "You can keep your top-ten spotlight. I'm good down here."
Tessa stepped beside them, arms crossed. "I really wish you'd actually try, Alex." Her voice held both pride and frustration—pride because she'd beaten him again, frustration because she knew he hadn't even put in effort.
"I'm good, thanks," he said calmly.
Marc threw an arm around his shoulder. "Still, two of us in the top ten? That calls for a celebration. What do you say? Drinks and food tonight? I heard someone here is pretty loaded."
Alex rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile.
"Yeah, sure!" Tessa added instantly, her eyes lighting up.
"Fine," Alex said with a faint grin. "Let's do it."
This week marked the beginning of their midterm vacation—a full seven days off. The academy encouraged students to rest and recover after the intense exams.
Alex and Marc had decided not to go home. The trip alone took two days each way, leaving them barely any time to stay. So instead, the trio planned to enjoy the city.
Their first stop was the shopping district.
As Marc had joked, Alex really was loaded—at least by commoner standards. Between the potions he'd sold and prize stipends from the academy, his savings were comfortable.
When they entered a clothing boutique, Tessa's eyes immediately started sparkling at the displays.
"Pick anything you want," Alex said casually. "It's on me."
"Seriously?!" she asked, eyes wide.
"Yeah. Go ahead."
Marc elbowed him with a grin. "Smooth move, lover boy."
"Shut up," Alex muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
Tessa darted off between the racks, humming softly as she picked outfits. Watching her laugh and hold clothes up to her frame made Alex's chest feel strangely warm.
After a while, she disappeared into the changing room, emerging a few minutes later wearing a light-blue dress that hugged her figure gracefully.
"Well?" she asked, spinning once.
Alex froze for a heartbeat. Normally, he'd look only at her face to avoid staring, but this time, his eyes lingered just a little longer.
"You look… pretty," he said finally, his tone quiet but sincere.
Tessa's smile softened. "Thank you."
Marc smirked from behind them. "Would you two like me to leave? Or should I start charging rent for the air between you?"
"Marc," Alex warned, voice flat but cheeks faintly red.
"Alright, alright, I'm done!" Marc laughed.
Once they finished shopping, they carried their bags back to the dorms to drop everything off before getting ready for the night out.
Marc, of course, spent the entire walk home teasing Alex relentlessly, mimicking his expression when he'd complimented Tessa.
"'You look pretty,'" Marc repeated in a dramatic tone, clutching his chest. "Ah, the mighty killer of nobles, slain by beauty!"
"Keep talking," Alex muttered, "and I'll show you how noble number four would've died."
"Worth it," Marc said, grinning.
Tessa laughed all the way back, shaking her head.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the three reunited at their usual spot, dressed cleanly and ready for the night. Together, they made their way to a lively bar just off the academy's main avenue.
The place was already bustling with students. Laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses filled the air.
They found a table near the window and placed their orders. Before long, the bartender returned with a tray of drinks—frothing ale for Marc, a fruit-infused spirit for Tessa, and a mild brew for Alex, who wanted to start light.
Marc wasted no time, downing half his mug in one go. "Ahh! Now this is the good stuff!" he said, slamming the cup on the table with a satisfied grin.
Tessa took a cautious sip, her expression brightening. "Not bad!"
Alex tasted his as well, the unfamiliar burn warming his chest. "Hm. Interesting."
Marc leaned back, eyes glinting with mischief. "You know, Alex," he began, "how about we make a promise—you and I."
Alex raised a brow. "A promise?"
"Yeah," Marc said, grinning wide.