While the airship continued its steady flight, Aerys kept talking with the young noble beside him.
"People live fully there… and die quickly."
Julios laughed.
"Except us, I hope."
"So," Aerys said lightly, "you have an interest in politics?"
"I'm not a gambler," Julios replied, sounding surprised—almost wary. Aerys forced a smile and gave him a brief wink.
"Unless it's worth the risk, of course. Isn't that right?"
Julios brightened.he must have thougth that i wanted to recruit him into my faction
"So then! What do you prefer? Bloody chess? Horse racing?"
"I appreciate chess, naturally," Aerys said, flashing a wide, polished smile. "But nothing compares to simulated war. Especially when you're the conqueror."
Julios placed a familiar hand on his shoulder.
"Ah! I can tell our friendship is off to a fine start," he said, pointing at himself proudly.
It felt strange. The nobles of the Central Dominion were far too familiar with him. they truly dont care about the dukes ?
They both laughed.
Aerys's heart remained cold.
It was only a game—a social ritual meant to identify one another, to establish proximity without vulnerability. Ighoras had trained him well. To Julios's credit, he didn't seem like a monster.
But Aerys knew better,He had to be one.
"My brother is already at the Institute," Julios chattered on. "Probably causing trouble, as usual." He shook his head, admiring. "He's the most talented person I know. I'd wager he'll be named Primus. My father swears by him—and that's saying something, considering how many siblings I have."
There was no jealousy in his voice. Only genuine affection.
"Primus?" Aerys asked. He didn't recognize the term.
Julios's eyes lit up.
"They're the leaders of the Academy's Houses. There are eight of them, each named after a god from imperial mythology. Students of those houses are supposed to share certain traits, but in truth, assignment is based on preliminary test results."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.
"The Houses function as social structures. Loyalty extends beyond the Academy. The elders protect the younger ones. When students leave, they're classified into groups: Dominants, Graduates, Deficients… and the dead."
Aerys listened in silence.
"Dominants obtain the most prestigious positions in the Empire. Graduates also rise—but they still need to prove themselves before attracting the attention of the high nobility. Deficients are exiled. Sent to the outer colonies to oversee mithril mines."
Julios shrugged.
"There's a ranking system. A competition. The Empire was built on conquest—it makes sense that conquest is part of education. It reinforces the influence of the great families, the backbone of imperial society. Among the Imperious, influence belongs to the family. Without one, you have no power."
"Family…" Aerys muttered before he could stop himself. "So inequality is built in from the beginning."
Julios burst out laughing.
"My dear friend, the Academy also runs a sponsorship system. Your performance determines your value. It's a public audition for lesser nobles and commoners. When they graduate, they'll need a patron—someone to introduce them to high society and grant them apprenticeship."
The smile on his face sharpened.
"The more talented you are, the more prestigious your patron. Imagine a commoner catching the eye of an Imperator. Unlikely—but in ten years, he could be commanding a fleet."
Julios paused, studying Aerys with open curiosity.
"Though our generation might be… different."
"I know," Aerys replied quietly. his eyes burnig with determination
"The battle of heirs."
A voice cut in from the back of the passenger hall.
"Are you done polishing each other's tails, you two bitches?"
The speaker was deeply tanned—almost khaki. Thin lips. Eyes like a hawk playing with its prey. A commoner.
Aerys turned slightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Are we bothering you?"
"Like dogs screwing, yeah. Mostly the noise."
Julios straightened immediately.
"Apologize, vermin."
"Go to hell."
In an instant, Julios produced a pristine white glove from somewhere.
"What? You want to polish my tail, little fairy?"
Julios stared, stunned.
"I— You savage! Who educated you?"
"Wolves. After your mother gave birth to me."
"Animal!"
Aerys watched, amused. Julios was flustered, retreating to what he understood. He threw the glove at the boy's feet.
"I challenge you to a duel, sir."
"A duel?" The boy snorted. "Seriously? That's all it takes to insult you?"
He picked up the glove and wiped his nose with it. "Fine. I'll deal with you later."
"Why not now, coward?" Julios snapped.
"With what?" the boy shot back. "Got a sword? A spear? Drop it."
His name was Sirius.
Strangely, Aerys liked his manners.
"We'll settle this when we arrive," Sirius repeated.
Julios had an insult ready, but restrained himself.
Aerys remained silent, a faint smile on his lips.
The conversation unsettled him.
The Houses. The sponsorships.
He realized how little he truly knew—barely the minimum. It made sense. He had always been kept away from the circles of power.
He listened as Julios and the others discussed their test scores. They were low—far lower than his. Yet they had passed. Perhaps their magical aptitude compensated.
But what about him?
Without resonance. Without measurable magic.
A bad feeling twisted in his gut.
Night had fallen when they arrived.
Lights stretched endlessly across the land, forming a vast illuminated path. Vichoras rose from the plain like a jeweled monument, piercing the darkness. The Imperial Palace towered above its terraces, a shrine to the gods.
Massive airships drifted overhead—far larger than the one carrying them.
They crossed several districts, each roaring with a different cacophony. In the distance stood the colossal statue of the Emperor.
Aerys felt bile rise in his throat.
The académie lay far from the city center, isolated within a canyon whose walls soared over six kilometers high. Stone cliffs blanketed in lush vegetation lined the valley like velvet in a jewel case.
The Academy itself—white stone, ancient design—was embedded into the canyon wall. Columns and statues adorned its balconies.
It was his first time seeing it.
Yet it felt familiar.
He had studied this destination.
He knew what awaited him.
Bitterness flooded his mouth.
The game had already begun.