"Hiss—this hurts like hell."

"Damn it! That bastard actually hit me. I’ll make him pay!"

Wyatt Paul clutched his stinging cheek, fury flashing in his eyes. He stormed back to his quarters.

His steward jumped at the sight of his young master’s swollen face.

"Young Master Paul! What happened?! Who did this to you?!"

"Adel, help me get revenge! I want revenge!"

"Revenge? Against whom? Calm down, Young Master. Tell me slowly."

"That Nebis Leyang from the Nebis Family!"

Once Wyatt Paul’s rage cooled, he recounted every detail to his steward.

——————

"Our Glantham family has served as knights of the Camila Empire for generations. My father is a knight. My grandfathers were all great knights. As the only daughter of House Glantham, I must uphold our honor and become a knight as noble as my father!"

A dreamy light shone in Glantham Phoenix’s eyes. She clenched her tiny fist, voice unwavering.

"Hmm~ Being a knight? Having dreams is wonderful. Work hard—I believe you’ll become a great knight someday."

Leyang smiled faintly, offering gentle encouragement.

"What’s your dream, Leyang-sama?"

Phoenix gazed up at him, her sapphire eyes gleaming with innocent curiosity.

"My dream… happiness and freedom, I suppose."

Leyang paused, then smiled.

"Happiness and freedom? Does that mean you’re unhappy now? I didn’t mean—"

"It’s complicated. You’re still young. Don’t push yourself too hard."

He ruffled Phoenix’s hair before turning away, hands tucked behind his head.

*Thump—thump—*

Phoenix’s heart skipped a beat. No one but her parents had ever touched her head like that.

"You’re not much older than me," she muttered under her breath.

Soon, Leyang escorted Phoenix to her dorm. The D-block houses were plain—just simple wooden cabins with no luxuries.

"Thank you for today," Phoenix said, bowing deeply.

"No trouble. I’m in C-Block, Room 33. Find me if you need anything. It’s late—I’ll head back now. See you, Phoenix."

Leyang waved casually and strode off.

"Goodbye, Leyang-sama," Phoenix called after him.

"Huh? C-Block 33 is… No, I must be overthinking it."

She blinked, realizing too late. Leyang had vanished. Shaking her head, she sighed to herself.

Night fell. Magic lamp posts glowed across Kamila Noble Academy. Under Doloryara Continent’s starlit sky, the darkness never swallowed the path.

At dawn, Leyang rose early. He practiced martial arts beneath the rising sun, drawing elemental energy to fuel his magic. Then came sword drills—daily rituals for body and spirit.

"Right. Assembly at the main hall today."

He sheathed his Silver Blade Dagger against his right thigh, ready for sudden threats.

Today was the academy’s freshman assessment day—testing magic aptitude and combat skill. Top performers would earn rewards.

When Leyang entered the hall, over a hundred students already milled about. Laughter and flattery filled the air; some stood aloof. No instructors were in sight. As Leyang sought a quiet spot, a bright voice cut through the chatter—

"Leyang-sama! What a coincidence!"

A half-elf girl with ash-green hair ran toward him, beaming.

"Phoenix? You’re a freshman too?"

Leyang’s surprise melted into a warm smile. *Such a lively kid.*

"Yes! I never knew you were in my year!"

Phoenix’s eyes crinkled with joy.

"Did I not mention it?" Leyang scratched his head.

"Maybe we’ll be in the same class!" Her cheeks flushed with hope.

A sharp glare pricked Leyang’s senses. He turned.

Wyatt Paul stood nearby, flanked by servants and cronies, eyes burning with hatred. Only the academy’s no-fighting rule held him back.

"It’s Paul! Be careful, Leyang-sama!" Phoenix’s smile vanished.

"So the half-breed found a new protector already? Think he can save you?" Wyatt sneered, striding over. "Watch your tongue, *viscount’s son*. I didn’t ‘find’ anyone. And my elven blood isn’t dirty—don’t insult my mother!" Phoenix shot back, face crimson.

"Hmph. Hiding behind strong arms now?" Wyatt lunged for her wrist—then froze. His feet stumbled backward. Yesterday’s defeat still haunted him.

Leyang stepped between them, voice icy.

"If your skin’s itching again, I’d be happy to loosen your bones for you."