I woke up shortly before sunrise.
The silence that precedes the academy's awakening was always comforting. No footsteps echoing through the corridors, no idle chatter, no lingering gazes following you around. Just quiet—quiet enough to hear your thoughts clearly… or at least try to.
I washed my face, had a light breakfast without paying much attention to the taste, then headed to the residence's indoor training yard.
The sword was the first thing I picked up.
At first, I moved slowly—basic motions, no rush. I didn't draw on mana, didn't activate any element. Just my body, the sword, and the narrow gap between one movement and the next.
After a while, I began introducing mana gradually.
The flow was stable. No turbulence. No resistance.
Lightning responded easily, as it always did. I felt it surge through my pathways without effort—fast, sharp, familiar.
But the Void…
I stopped.
I tried again. Deeper focus. Slower breathing.
Nothing.
Not a complete failure—but not progress either. The same vague sensation. The same empty space that refused to be filled, as if the element existed… but simply didn't want to move.
I slowly opened my eyes.
"…As expected."
I didn't push it further. The Void isn't an element you can force. I learned that early on.
I ended the training session after a while. My body was warm, my mind clearer than it had been when I woke up.
I took a warm shower.
After that, I put on my academy uniform and headed to the classroom.
The students were quieter than usual.
Some spoke in low voices, others merely glanced my way before looking elsewhere. There was no hostility—but it wasn't innocent indifference either.
I took my seat without comment.
Carmilla entered a few minutes later, and the lesson began as usual.
She spoke about how Awakened adapt to different social environments, about the difference between battles fought with swords and those fought with words. It wasn't a lesson directly about the ball—but it wasn't far removed from it either.
I listened without giving it my full focus.
The class ended without anything noteworthy.
As I was gathering my things, I heard a familiar voice.
"Nyx."
I turned.
Orianna stood a few steps away. Her expression was calm as ever, but there was a faint hesitation in her eyes.
"Have you…" She paused. "Have you decided who you're attending the ball with?"
I understood immediately.
"Yes," I said calmly. "I'll be going with Charlotte."
Her expression barely changed, but she nodded slowly.
"I see," she said. "I just… wanted to ask."
She didn't add anything else.
"Thank you for understanding," I replied.
She gave a faint smile, then turned and left.
I didn't feel relieved.
And I didn't feel guilty.
It was simply the choice I had made.
Combat class with Darius Blackfang passed without surprises.
Basic drills, general instructions, direct corrections. Darius didn't mention the ball, nor did he comment on anything outside of training.
As it should be.
By evening, I returned to my room.
The quiet returned.
I placed the clothes I'd bought on the bed.
They were simple—elegant without excess. A dark jacket in a muted tone, a neutral-colored shirt, and tailored trousers with no unnecessary decoration. Nothing that drew too much attention, but nothing cheap or careless either.
I put them on slowly.
Then I looked at myself in the mirror.
"…Good enough."
I left the room.
The elite-class residence building was quiet at this hour. Most students were preparing for the ball in their own ways.
I stopped in front of Charlotte's door and knocked once.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Charlotte stood there.
My thoughts froze for a moment.
Her white hair fell softly, catching the light in a gentle way. Her blue eyes looked clearer than usual—calm, pure. The dress she wore was simple in design, yet it highlighted her figure effortlessly. Elegant without being flashy.
She was simply… beautiful.
Beautiful enough to make boys drool at first sight.
She looked at me for a moment, then said,
"You look… handsome."
I didn't hesitate.
"Thank you."
She paused for a second, then asked,
"And… what do you think of me?"
I met her gaze directly.
"You look beautiful."
Silence.
She blinked once, then her eyes shifted away slightly.
"Thank you…" she said, her voice softer than I expected.
A brief silence followed.
Not awkward—but noticeable.
I broke it.
"So, shall we go?"
She lifted her head and nodded.
"Yes."
She closed the door behind her, and we walked side by side toward the celebration hall.
Night had begun to spread its shadows, and the distant lights of the hall shimmered through the trees.
Neither of us spoke.
But our steps were in sync.
And that… was enough.
---
Elsewhere Within the Academy
Leander stood in front of the mirror in his room.
He wasn't nervous… but he wasn't relaxed either.
The clothes he wore were formal, clearly tailored with care, yet free of gaudy nobility. A light-colored jacket with clean, straight lines, a simple white shirt beneath it, and dark trousers that completed the look without stealing attention.
Everything seemed chosen to convey one thing:
Seriousness.
He fastened the last buttons, then ran a hand through his hair once—no excessive concern. He wasn't the type to linger before a mirror.
He looked at his reflection for a second.
"…Good enough."
He grabbed his coat and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
The corridors leading to the elite residence were dimly lit by soft night lights. His steps were steady, his mindset calm—but his thoughts were not empty.
The ball.
A social event. No combat. No training. No direct pressure.
And yet… it wasn't simple.
When he reached the agreed meeting point, he found Orianna and Naira waiting.
Orianna stood upright, her hands clasped in front of her. Her dress was elegant without being loud—muted colors, simple design, highlighting her confident posture. Her hair was neatly arranged, and her eyes carried their usual calm…
But behind it, something else.
Something more fragile.
Beside her, Naira was completely different.
Her dress was livelier, brighter in color, and her movements less restrained. A natural smile appeared as soon as she saw Leander—unforced, genuine. She looked comfortable, as if the ball were simply another chance to enjoy the evening.
"You're a little late," Naira said playfully.
"Not really," Leander replied. "I just arrived."
Orianna looked at him.
"You look… appropriate," she said after a moment.
It wasn't an obvious compliment—but it wasn't cold either.
"Thank you," he replied calmly.
A brief silence followed.
Not awkward—but present.
As if each of them carried an unspoken thought.
Naira broke the silence first.
"So, shall we go?" she said, gesturing toward the path leading to the hall. "I don't want to arrive after everyone's already dancing."
They moved together.
Leander in the middle. Orianna to his left. Naira to his right.
Their steps were synchronized—but the feeling between them was not the same.
For Naira, it was simple.
A pleasant night. Music. Food. Maybe some laughter.
For Orianna… it wasn't.
Her gaze occasionally drifted away, then returned quickly. She didn't say anything, but her mind wasn't fully present.
Leander noticed.
But he didn't ask.
This wasn't the kind of moment for heavy questions.
The lights of the hall began to appear between the trees. Soft music drifted through the air, along with the low murmur of voices—proof that the event had already begun.
They stopped briefly at the entrance.
Leander took a calm breath.
"Let's go," he said.
---
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