The three of them stepped through the silver gates of the Royal Magic Academy, joining the bustling crowd of young mages gathered in the courtyard.

  “This…” Julian whispered, his jaw slack, “this is paradise.”

  ‘Look, Julian, as your master, I am warning you. We must focus on growing your strength as soon as possible. Don’t let other things distract you.’

  “I know what you’re trying to do. You just want me to get strong fast so you can finish your work with me and move on, but I’m not in a hurry. I want to enjoy my school life,” Julian continued. “Oh my, did you see that girl over there? The one with the fire-red hair? She looks like she could burn my soul, and I’d still say thank you. And that one! The tall one in the green robe—no way she’s an elf…” He paused, clutching his chest dramatically. “She’s a goddess.”

  Elias and Lyra were also excited and didn’t notice the real reason behind Julian’s enthusiasm.

  “This is really amazing. Are all the young mages from across the kingdom here? They all look so talented. My older brother is a student here, and he said it’s so hard to pass the entrance test. Do you think we can really make it, Julian?” Elias looked at him with pleading eyes, searching for reassurance.

  But Julian was on a roll, pointing out yet another girl. “Her! The one with the ice-blue eyes! She could freeze me solid, and I’d still melt for her.”

  “He asked you a question, douchebag,” said Lyra.

  “Wha-what? What did you ask?”

  “I asked if you think we can pass the entrance exam. I heard it’s so hard.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake. I’ve already started planning my next moves in the academy, heheh—”

  Elias looked at him with awe. “How self-confident you are. I wish I was like you. I wish I could just believe in myself. Is it okay if I call you boss and tag along with you?”

  Julian didn’t even bother to answer; his eyes were fixed on the crowd like a predator scanning a buffet.

  Lyra had already noticed that Julian wasn’t listening to them, his hungry eyes scanning the girls around.

  “Do you ever stop?” Lyra asked, glaring at him. “You look ridiculous.”

  Julian turned to her with a cheeky grin. “Jealous?”

  “Of what? Your complete lack of shame?” Lyra shot back.

  While Julian was busy enjoying the view, Lyra and Elias continued their conversation. Suddenly, Julian’s eyes locked onto a familiar face—a sinister smile playing on their lips as they approached him.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t Julian, the village idiot.”

  Julian’s face turned cold as ice. He looked toward Lord Gray, the smug noble who had made it his personal mission to irritate Julian during their first meeting. Gray’s perfectly styled hair and pristine robes screamed wealth and arrogance.

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  “Gray,” Julian said flatly. “Still pretending to be important, I see.”

  Gray’s entourage immediately shouted, “How dare you!” but Gray silenced them with a wave of his hand.

  “Shut up, you idiots. Do you think this is a place where you can raise your voices? Just calm down. By the way, why are you still alive, Julian Stark? Why don’t you just die? Believe me, it’ll be easier for you because I personally enjoy making your life a living hell.”

  Before Julian could respond, Gray’s attention shifted to Lyra. He stepped closer, his tone softening into what he probably thought was charming.

  “And who is this lovely creature?” he asked, taking Lyra’s hand. He glanced at Julian again. “Don’t tell me you finally managed to find a woman.” Then, turning back to Lyra, he added, “I’m Lord Gray. Surely a beauty like you deserves better company than these two.”

  Lyra yanked her hand away, her glare sharp enough to cut glass. “I’d rather hang out with goblins than someone like you.”

  Elias snickered, and Julian’s grin returned before he burst into laughter.

  “Did you hear that, Elias? A goblin—really comparable to our noble Lord Gray, right?”

  “Yes, boss, as you said,” Elias answered softly.

  Gray’s expression darkened. “When they kick your sad ass out of the academy after the selection, I’ll personally punish you, Julian. And I’ll also ask my father to pay your parents a visit.”

  A flicker of fear rose in Julian’s heart. Lord Gray had always been brutal to him but had never threatened his parents before. Lyra’s rejection must have hurt Gray’s pride deeply. Just as Julian was about to swallow his pride to protect his family, the boy standing beside him spoke.

  “I strongly advise you not to do that. Don’t make such a stupid mistake you and your father will regret.”

  Gray’s face turned purple with anger. How dare someone who called this garbage “boss” talk to him like that?

  “Who do you think you are to talk to me like that, you little bitch?”

  Elias remained calm and replied, “Bitch? I warned you not to do something you’d regret, but you’re too stupid to understand. I am the third son of Duke Kael Silverthorne.”

  Gray was stunned. Could such a highly noble person really stand near this garbage, Stark? He didn’t know but couldn’t risk it if it was true.

  Deciding to check later, he nodded respectfully and left with a few mumbled apologies.

  For the first time, Julian looked at his friend with genuine attention. “Are you really the son of a Duke or just bluffing? Either way, I respect you more than before.” His face lit up with a smile.

  “It’s true, boss. I’m sorry I meant to hide my identity. It’s just a little complicated, and I didn’t get the chance to tell you.”

  “Never mind. Okay, I’ll let you call me boss. Did you see Gray’s face?” Julian laughed happily, relieved his parents were safe and untouchable.

  “If you’re the son of a Duke, how in the world did you end up in an alley, almost getting robbed?” asked Lyra.

  “My father is a little strict. Even though we’re nobles, he wants us to rely on our strength, not guards. He says we can be strong and live or weak and die. So, I came here alone, and, well, you know the rest.”

  “Oh, sorry. Sounds like a horrible father,” said Lyra.

  “It’s okay. I understand why he does it. My grandfather was betrayed by his men and friends. Because he wasn’t strong enough, my father and family lost everything. That day, my father decided that if you want to be strong, you can’t rely on others. He grew up to become a 7th-level flame wizard, took his father’s revenge, and earned the title of Duke.”

  Elias told the story like it was nothing, but Lyra was shocked. Meanwhile, Julian had already lost interest and was looking around.

  Suddenly, a loud chime echoed through the courtyard. All heads turned toward a raised platform where a tall man in ornate robes stood. His presence was commanding, with sharp, hawk-like features and eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd.

  “Welcome, young aspirants, to the Royal Magic Academy,” he began, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. “Today, you stand on the threshold of greatness. Only the most talented and determined will earn the right to call this place home. For the Royal Magic Academy Selection is about to begin.”