šļø Strategic Magic Class ā Main Academy Hall
Today, all young nobles were gathered for a magic strategy simulation.
Not just duelingā
But tactics, teamwork, and thinking under pressure.
> "You'll be divided into teams of four," explained Professor Allester, head of strategic magic.
"Each team must defend and attack the opposing 'fort'."
Alexa glanced at the board. Her team:
Alexamysa Zevarelis
Thalionric Arelthia
Eiden Vaelthorn
Seraphina Ravelle (?!?)
> "Great," Alexa muttered.
"I'll freeze her if she tries to sabotage."
Eiden smirked.
Thalionric? ā¦Visibly displeased. But said nothing.
---
š§ Simulation Field ā Combat Forest (created with illusion magic + real terrain)
They began forming strategies. But Seraphina instantly tried to take control.
> "If Alexa guards the fort, Thalionric and I can focus on attack."
> "Absolutely not," Thalionric cut her off coldly.
"Alexa is our chief strategist."
Alexa turned to him.
> "Me? Not you?"
Thalionric looked at herāhis gaze holding too long.
> "I trust your instincts."
Seraphina forced a smileā¦ and kicked a small branch toward Alexa (to make it look "accidental").
Before Alexa could respond, Eiden grabbed her hand, pulling her behind a large boulder.
> "Come here. I know the blind spots in the enemy field."
"You handle the defenses, I'll bring the mist, he attacks front, and the saboteurā¦ gets confused."
Alexa noddedā¦ unaware that, from a distance, Thalionric saw them holding hands.
And his jaw clenched.
> "You know," Thalionric said coolly as he approached,
"Fog magic isn't very useful when the main target isā¦ distracted."
> "What do you mean?" Eiden asked innocently.
> "I meanā¦ some fog hides danger. Othersā¦ hide intentions."
Alexa raised a brow.
> "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Your Highness."
> "I'm not jealous," he repliedā¦ far too quickly.
> "Of course not," Alexa teased with a sly smile.
---
š Night ā Letter from third brother, Aezran Zevarelis
A black-and-white spirit bird arrived, pecking loudly at her window until she opened it. The message:
> SISSSSS!!!
LISTEN. RIGHT NOW. I HEARD YOU'RE TEAMED UP WITH THE CROWN PRINCE.
IF HE EVEN TOUCHES YOUR HAIR, I'M COMING OVER AND SINGING OUR FAMILY ANTHEM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HALL.
> P.S. You looked SO pretty during the duel. BUT! Don't let him hold your hand too long. THIS IS A WARNING.
Alexa laughed until she coughed.
Liora peeked over and laughed too.
> "That brother of yoursā¦ sounds loud."
> "He may be the loudestā¦ but he's also the one most scared of losing me."
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šÆļø Midnight ā Suspicious discovery
As Alexa returned to her room, she passed a lower hallway that should've been empty. But she heard whispers of magic being cast.
She crept closerāand saw a student in a black cloak, speaking to a shadow spirit on the wall.
> "The next order comes from the Hall of Echoesā¦ sacrifice one from House Lunaris, make them doubt each otherā¦"
> "And don't let the 'Snow Spirit' know too soon."
Alexa held her breath. Snow Spirit?
Thatā¦ was her title.
But thenāa floorboard creaked.
The figure turnedāand only managed to cast one spell before vanishing into dark mist.
Alexa stood still, shaken but composed.
> "If they've started attacking in secretā¦ then I'll start hunting in the open."
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š To Be Continuedā¦