The next day…
The morning sun glimmered softly across the horizon, bright and gentle—just like every other day. Wei and Hao left their home for the university, accompanied by a few guards assigned to protect them.
From Valen, where the Wang family resided, to Vairon, where the Magic Academy stood tall, the journey took three long days by carriage.
Inside the carriage, the two sat side by side, quietly watching the vast scenery unfold beyond the window. The wind brushed against the curtains, carrying the faint scent of grass and dust from the road ahead.
At noon and dusk, the carriage would stop—everyone would rest, share a meal, and then continue onward.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. The guards remained alert and devoted, never letting their guard down. That night, under the blanket of darkness, the fire crackled faintly while the guards kept watch.
"You all should rest now," Hao said softly, eyes sharp yet calm. "We'll take the watch from here."
Wei nodded in agreement beside him.
The captain hesitated. "But, young master—if monsters attack, it's our duty to protect you."
Wei smiled faintly. "Then if we see one, we'll wake you. Simple, right?"
"But—"
"No buts," Wei interrupted firmly. "You haven't slept in two days. If monsters attack tomorrow, you'll be too exhausted to fight. Rest. We'll handle it tonight."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances. But in the end, they obeyed. One by one, they lay down beside the fire, drifting into sleep as the night grew quieter.
---
Wei and Hao sat silently.
Wei's eyes stayed fixed on the east and north, while Hao kept his watch on the west and south.
The night passed peacefully—no monsters, no disturbances.
When morning came, they resumed their journey. But peace never lasted long.
A sudden howl split the calm air.
The carriage stopped.
Before them stood a pack of Red Wolves—dozens of them—crimson fur gleaming beneath the morning light.
"Red Wolves!" one guard shouted in alarm.
"C-class monsters?" another stammered.
"No," the captain said grimly. "A pack this size… they're as dangerous as A-class."
Fear rippled through the guards.
"What should we do?"
"We can't win this…"
"We have to protect the young master and the princess—prepare for battle!" the leader barked, drawing his blade.
Ten guards rushed forward. Artifacts flared in their hands, bursts of light colliding with the wolves—but they were too few. The monsters moved like a storm of blood and fangs.
Wei and Hao stepped down from the carriage, calm amidst the chaos.
"Just two days of peace," Wei muttered. "And here they are, trying to show off."
Hao gave her a look, half warning, half amusement.
Wei smirked. "Fine. Let's get some exercise. You take half—I'll handle the rest."
"Alright," Hao replied quietly, confidence steady.
"Everyone, fall back!" Hao shouted. "We'll take care of this."
"But—" the captain started.
"Fire Orb!"
Wei's voice rang out. A blazing orb erupted from her hand, exploding into the nearest wolf.
Flames roared—and silence followed. The creature dropped dead instantly.
> [Monster Defeated]
[XP +70]
[MP -40]
"That was weak," Wei murmured. "Only cost me 40 MP."
"You're too strong," Hao said dryly.
Wei grinned.
The battle raged on. Hao's blade sliced through one wolf, while Wei's flames tore through several more. The guards retreated, tending to their wounds.
Suddenly, a wolf lunged at Hao's back.
Wei spun around—her left hand still glowing, her right bursting into flame. A bolt of fire shot forward, striking the wolf mid-air. It fell without a sound.
"Hah…" Wei exhaled, her eyes narrowing with focus. "Good training. And—level up."
"Same here," Hao said, a faint smile curving his lips.
Wei glanced at the wounded guards.
"Area Heal."
A gentle light spread from her hand, washing over them in a warm glow.
"I—I'm healed!" one soldier gasped.
The others looked down at their restored wounds in disbelief.
Wei said nothing, only turned away.
The road called again.
---
Vairon Magic Academy
The grand gates of Vairon stood tall, casting long shadows across the courtyard as Wei and Hao arrived.
After helping them down, the guards bowed deeply before departing for Valen.
"Hao," Wei asked softly as they entered, "do they keep boys and girls separate here?"
"Yes," he said. "But that's only for common students. Nobles like us have our own department."
Wei breathed out in relief. "Good. I was worried for a second."
As they walked through the academy halls, curious eyes followed. Whispers spread like wildfire—
"She's back… Lady Wang wei has returned."
---
The Prince's Secret Room
Future crown prince's at the Academy had his own private chamber—a quiet sanctuary reserved for the oligarch.
Inside, four young men sat together.
The twin prince's, Zeyang and Zeyu, shared the same golden hair and pale amber eyes.
Beside them sat Wang Liang—red-haired, calm, and sharp-eyed—and Jin, with eyes as blue as the deep sea.
"So," Liang said smoothly, "what brings the royal twins here today?"
Zeyang leaned back, his tone relaxed. "We're forming an adventure team. You two will join us."
Jin raised a brow. "Forming one already?"
"Yes," Zeyu said, smirking. "And a team needs four. You two are the obvious choices."
Liang smiled faintly. "Is that an invitation… or an order?"
"Come now," Zeyu chuckled. "Wouldn't want to see a prince beg, would you?"
Liang glanced at Jin, amused. "You're strong enough to fight alone, Zeyu. Why a team?"
Zeyang cut in. "When will you both be free?"
"In a week," Jin answered. "Liang wants to stay until he meets his lil sister."
"Then we'll meet in Aurallia Kingdom after a week," Zeyang said.
Liang frowned. "I never agreed. And don't bring my sister into this."
Zeyu raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Still, I want you with us."
Liang sighed. "Fine. But no one will give me orders, I will work as per my wish."
Before they could speak further, a student burst into the room.
"Master Liang! Your brother and sister have arrived at the Academy!"
Liang's eyes lit up. "They're here… finally."
"Deal, then?" Zeyang pressed.
Liang smiled. "Deal."
"Jin, you coming?"
"Of course," Jin grinned.
The two left together.
---
At the department gates, Wei and Hao arrived—just as Liang and Jin approached.
"Who are they?" Wei wondered, eyes narrowing. "Enemies from before?"
Hao sighed. "No. That's Brother Liang and Jin."
Wei's posture softened immediately. She greeted them politely.
"Oh?" Liang teased. "Since when did you learn manners?"
Wei blinked, unsure how to respond.
"Come here," Liang said warmly.
She walked closer. Liang brushed her hair aside. "You've gotten thinner. Are you eating well?"
---
The twin princes passed by soon after, their presence commanding quiet respect.
Surrounded by guards, they spared only a brief glance toward Wei and Hao before moving on.
---
That evening, the four of them—Wei, Hao, Liang, and Jin—shared a meal in the grand dining hall.
"They were surrounded by guards again today," Hao muttered.
"Of course," Jin laughed. "If they dropped their guard, the students would mob them."
"What are you two talking about?" Wei asked, chewing idly.
"Pretending you don't know the twin prince's?" Jin teased.
"Twin prince's, huh?" Wei said casually. "Seems like there are a lot of twins here."
Jin frowned. "There are only two pairs in the entire world—you two, and them."
Wei shrugged. "Then I'm lucky. Now let me eat. Fighting monsters is exhausting."
"Same," Hao said, still eating.
Jin leaned toward Liang. "Is she really your sister? I remember when she used to tremble at the word 'monster.'"
Liang chuckled. "She's grown up. By the way, what monsters did you two fight?"
"Red Wolves," Wei answered casually.
Jin's eyes widened. "Which ones?"
"Baby wolves," Hao said smoothly, before Wei could continue.
By the time they finished talking, half the food was already gone—thanks to Wei and Hao.
"Wei," Liang said gently, "can you attend classes now?"
"Yes, brother. I'm fine," she replied.
"Good. Classes start tomorrow. Rest well," Liang said, smiling.
"Alright," Hao replied.
Liang and Jin left shortly after.
But Wei didn't let Hao rest—she dragged him outside for late-night martial arts training.
---
Under the Moonlight
Later that night, as the moon rose over the Academy towers, Liang and Jin walked through the quiet corridors of the Magic Institute.
"Wei's really grown," Jin said with a soft laugh.
Liang smiled faintly. "Yeah… she's changed."
"Then it's settled—you'll join the princes' team?"
Liang nodded. "A word is a word. I never go back on my words."
Jin sighed. "Then I suppose I'll have to come along too."
Liang chuckled. "You said you couldn't wait to leave. Now you can't leave without me?"
Jin laughed lightly. "Maybe."
Their voices faded into the night, the academy bathed in moonlight—quiet, mysterious, and alive with untold stories.
---