I jolted awake, my heart racing.

  There were five figures looming over me, their gazes filled with a ravenous intensity that sent chills down my spine.

  As soon as they realised I was conscious, they lunged at me, trying to subdue me.

  With a quick flash of instinct, I rolled to the side, but my movement was too abrupt, and I crashed into the wall opposite my bed.

  Everything went dark as I blacked out from the impact with the unforgiving surface.

  When I regained consciousness, I found myself pressed against the wall, my lip split and a black eye forming.

  “What’s happening?” I mumbled, my voice thick with confusion.

  “What’s happening is that you think just because you have immense potential, you can flaunt it in front of everyone else,” spat Cyrus Threwq, a wealthy noble with a reputation for arrogance.

  “But I didn’t do anything!” I protested, slowly becoming aware of the throbbing pain that was subsiding, revealing an unsettling truth—I was healing at an unnatural speed.

  “Have you not noticed the whispers about your outstanding results? Everyone's talking about how you will be the next Blake! I’m fed up with it!” He shouted, drawing the attention of those around us. “I AM meant to be the next Blake! ME! Not you! Not some lowly commoner.” With a dismissive scoff, he released me from his grip.

  I stumbled to the ground but somehow managed to stay on my feet.

  As I looked around, I noticed the crowd’s gaze fixated on me like I was public enemy number one.

  I couldn't blame them. If Cyrus Threwq loathed me, then so would they.

  The Threwq family was among the most powerful noble lineages, with a legacy of legendary figures.

  Dauca-Threwq was Cyrus’s uncle.

  Maxwell Threwq was his father, serving as King Raethi’s chief advisor.

  And then there was Blake, the Raraba—“the general” in the ancient tongue—of the Kingdom of Raethi’s Army… and the man my father had killed.

  Fortunately, Cyrus remained unaware of that connection!

  …

  Later, I had changed into my new attire and sat on my bed, reflecting on the chaotic events that had just transpired.

  Perhaps it was merely a moment of rage.

  Or maybe he was just envious. Nothing too serious.

  Still, this would undoubtedly complicate my efforts to make new friends.

  “Hello,” a voice chimed from directly in front of me.

  I was caught off guard; someone had managed to sneak up on me. Not a good sign.

  I looked up, expecting hostility, but instead, I was met with a cheerful, easygoing guy standing there.

  “Hello?” I responded cautiously. “Has Cyrus sent you?”

  “Oh no, definitely not! I can’t stand that guy.” He replied, plopping down on my bed without so much as a by-your-leave.

  “Then why are you here?” I asked, suddenly realising I was speaking to a noble—how rude of me.

  My ingrained instincts of subservience kicked in, and I quickly altered my demeanour.

  “I’m so sorry, sir! Please forgive my rudeness! How may I assist you? I was just about to find the dining hall. Is there anything you would like?”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Don’t do that again,” he said firmly. “I’m looking for a friend, not a servant.”

  My brain momentarily froze.

  What? He wants to be my friend after everything that just happened?

  “Um, okay,” I replied, my voice a bit hesitant.

  “Oh great!” he sighed with relief. “I thought this would be awkward.”

  “Mhm! Not awkward at all,” I replied, though a few seconds of silence followed, thick with tension.

  “Want to grab a bite to eat?” He asked, turning to me. “I’m starving.”

  “Oh, uh, sure! Why not?” I said, realising I had no idea where the dining hall was.

  “Well, I do, so follow me.” He stood up, paused, then turned back toward me, extending his hand for a handshake. “I’m Daniel Theria, but you can call me Dani. I have a Ruby Core and an Exceptional Affinity in Echo.”

  I raised my eyebrows at his affinity; I had never heard of such a thing but decided not to question it. “Alex Toui. I have a Platinum Core and Exceptional Affinity in Shadow.” My thoughts drifted to my Ashe Affinity, but I refrained from mentioning it.

  “Oh, trust me, I know!” Dani said with a grin.

  We made our way into the hallway, where he navigated the winding corridors, finally leading us into a vast dining hall.

  To my astonishment, the food spread before me was a feast fit for royalty—roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, succulent beef, tender chicken, and so much more.

  It was the most food I had ever laid eyes on in my life.

  I didn’t count the first six years of my life, spent in luxury, before my father killed Blake Raethi, and my mother and I ended up on the streets.

  With a newfound spring in my step, I headed straight for the buffet line.

  Just then, I spotted Cyrus Threwq approaching with his entourage.

  I was about to sidestep him when Dani unexpectedly stepped up beside me, chattering about the campus's size and how it didn’t need to be so expansive for a handful of students.

  He then veered off to discuss the fact that there were three years of academy students above us.

  I didn’t pay much attention; I was focused on trying to blend into the background and avoid any confrontation.

  But of course, that was futile.

  Cyrus strode right up to me, his piercing gaze boring into me with disdain.

  He was slightly taller and much more muscular than I, a stark contrast to my skinny frame, which had suffered from a lack of good housing and nourishment for years.

  I was determined to change that here.

  “So the ‘highest potential ever seen’ decides to show his face again,” Cyrus sneered venomously, stepping closer.

  Panic surged through me. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m sure you’re far better than I! Just a lowly commoner,” I stammered, trembling in my new boots.

  “Oh?” he feigned sympathy. “Are you scared? I’m so sorry. Did I frighten you?” He plastered on a condescending smile that made my skin crawl before shouting in my face.

  “Do you think that will make me forgive you?” His voice rose, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

  “You think you can just waltz in here and pretend to be the best? Good luck, because as soon as we spar, you’d better watch out. I will prove to everyone that no matter how vast your core is or how powerful your affinity, it will never compare to the next Raraba of the Kingdom of Raethi! I will be the next Blake. Not you!”

  With a final jab of his finger into my forehead, he shoved me backward, knocking me into Dani, and we both tumbled to the floor.

  Cyrus and his four lackeys—two commoners and two nobles—took our places in line, their sneers directed at us while Cyrus strutted around, exuding an air of superiority that I despised with every fibre of my being.

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  I scrambled to my feet, quickly helping Dani up as well.

  “Come on! You can’t let him treat you like that,” Dani urged.

  “I’ve learnt that fighting back in these situations never ends well,” I replied with a hint of resignation.

  He paused, nodding slightly in understanding.

  We lingered for a moment before joining the queue, trailing a few people behind Cyrus and his gang.

  “Well, I guess you’re just going to have to train hard!” He said softly, a hint of encouragement in his tone.

  “What!” I exclaimed in surprise.

  Then it hit me—I was in a school dedicated to honing combat and magic skills, and someone was already gunning for me.

  I was in deep trouble.

  “I – I guess I would. Yeah!” I stuttered.

  “Well, let’s get back in line, and I can fill you in on who you’ll be facing,” he said, stepping back into the queue. “He has a Ruby Core, high affinities in Fire and Mud—yes, Mud—and trust me, it’s more powerful than you think. Plus, he has an exceptional affinity for poison.”

  “WHAT?” I gasped. “He has three affinities at High or better?” I whispered, realising my outburst had drawn attention.

  “Yup!” Dani replied cheerfully, as if I weren’t about to face one of the most promising fighters in recent history.

  To be fair, I did possess two exceptional affinities, but I doubted I could openly use one of them in combat. I paused to consider that. At least not without drawing unwanted scrutiny…

  I hadn’t realised we had reached the front of the line until a shrill, grating voice reached my ears.

  “Well, come on! I don’t have all day.” The voice, harsh and impatient, emanated from behind the counter.

  I complied quickly, apologising profusely to the stern-looking woman.

  I heaped my plate with a little bit of everything—except broccoli!

  I hadn’t had it in ages, but I distinctly remembered loathing it as a child when I had access to good food.

  My plate was piled high!

  Yet, I turned to see Dani’s eyes widen in astonishment as he took in the mountain of food before me.

  “What?” I asked innocently.

  “How can you eat so much?” he asked, utterly bewildered.

  “I don’t know,” I shrugged. “I haven’t had food like this in years.”

  “You’ve had food like this before?”

  A shadow passed over my face.

  “Yes!” I replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into my tone.

  His eyes widened as he realised he had stumbled onto sensitive territory.

  “I’m sorry if it’s a touchy subject,” he said quickly, guiding us to a table at the far end of the cafeteria.

  I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. I’m okay, just… yeah.” I fumbled for words. “It’s been a long time…” I said, my voice trailing off as I began to eat.

  Oh boy, was it delicious.

  The meat was tender, the vegetables fresh, and the potatoes crispy! This was the life.

  I glanced around the hall, finally taking in the grandeur of my surroundings.

  Massive pillars adorned with historical depictions surrounded us.

  I turned to see Dani happily devouring a plate full of almost exclusively broccoli.

  My expression shifted slightly at the sight of someone so blissfully enjoying broccoli.

  Noticing my reaction, he asked, “What?”

  “What?” I replied, playing innocent.

  “Why were you looking at me like that?”

  “Like what?” I continued my act, feigning ignorance.

  “Like I just offended you,” he said.

  “I-I-I…” I decided to be honest. He wasn’t like other nobles who would explode at minor inconveniences.

  “I just really hate broccoli,” I admitted with a shrug.

  “WHAT? How can you hate broccoli? Broccoli is the best!” His eyes bulged in disbelief.

  “What?” I echoed.

  “What?” came a voice from behind me, startling me nearly out of my seat.

  Suddenly, two girls plopped down beside us—one next to me and the other next to Dani, causing him to squeak in surprise.

  “What?” both girls asked in unison.

  Dani and I exchanged bewildered glances, realising we were now in the presence of two very different girls.

  The one beside me had skin as dark as midnight and a strikingly attractive face, her long braids cascading down her back.

  The girl next to Dani was her polar opposite, with skin whiter than snow and hair so blindingly white it looked bleached.

  We both stared at them in awkward silence.

  “What?” they asked again in perfect harmony.

  “Who are you two?” Dani enquired quickly, his gaze flickering back to the pale girl beside him.

  Someone has a cruuuush! I thought to myself, a small smile creeping onto my face, which I quickly hid.

  “I’m Muna Agrinya. I have an exceptional affinity for Light and a Platinum Core,” the girl next to me introduced herself.

  My eyebrows shot up. So this was the Light wielder Dauca-Werni had mentioned.

  “And I’m Sylvia Grace, with high affinities in Fire and Water and a Ruby Core,” the pale girl added.

  Dani and I exchanged sceptical looks.

  “And why are you here?” I asked gently, sensing they were unlikely to react aggressively.

  “Well, for me—” Muna placed a hand on her chest. “I’ll have classes with you two anyway, so I’ll be facing backlash for that. Why not strengthen relationships instead of starting off on the wrong foot? Good idea, right?”

  Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, but I noticed it masked a hint of something deeper.

  Dani and I shared a glance that concluded with a shrug from him, as if to say, “Why not?”

  “Okay,” Dani replied.

  “Okay!” Muna said, visibly relieved.

  “So, who are you?” Sylvia leaned in closer.

  “I’m Daniel Theria; I have a Ruby Core and an Exceptional Affinity in Echo.”

  Sylvia’s eyebrows shot up. “Echo?” she asked curiously.

  “I think it just means I can replicate other powers,” he replied nonchalantly.

  “Wow! That’s incredible! I think that’s the coolest affinity of all,” Sylvia exclaimed, her gaze locked onto him.

  A slight blush crept across Dani’s cheeks under her intense stare.

  I exchanged a knowing look with Muna, and soon, we both burst into laughter, while Dani and Sylvia remained confused.

  “Nothing”, I said, shaking my head, trying to suppress my amusement.

  “I’m Alex Toui, with an exceptional Shadow Affinity and a Platinum Core,” I introduced myself.

  Muna opened her mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted.

  “Finish your breakfast quickly!” a commanding voice boomed across the hall. “Then meet in your dorms; we’ll be distributing all the materials you need. This will take place in 30 minutes. If you’re late, you’ll miss out. So be swift!”

  The conversation came to a halt as we hurriedly began shovelling down our food.

  I no longer paused to savour each bite; I devoured my meal as if my life depended on it.

  We all finished around the same time, though my plate towered over the others.

  We rushed to dispose of our dishes in the designated bucket and sprinted through the winding corridors back to the dorms.

  We encountered others doing the same, and soon, a large group of us were racing full tilt, oblivious to the people beside us—only focused on reaching our destination.

  “15 minutes left,” the authoritative voice echoed magically through the hallways.

  Finally, we burst breathlessly into the dorms just as the voice announced, “5 minutes left.”

  The four of us collapsed, panting heavily. I was in worse shape, having lacked both exercise and food for so long, while they were all minor nobles of some sort.

  Just as I managed to stand upright without gasping for air, the voice rang out one last time. “If you are not in the dorms as of this moment, you will be barred from entering.”

  Dauca-Werni, the source of the voice, scanned the room. “There are 81 of you present; only one is missing—”

  The bathroom door swung open, and the culprit hurried over, head bowed.

  “- All of you are here! That is good.”

  With a snap of her fingers, a large chest appeared before her.

  Gasps rippled through the crowd.

  It opened to reveal packages wrapped in fabric, each with a name tag.

  “I will read the name on the package. Step forward to receive it and then return to your bed to briefly review everything. If there are any issues, come speak to me.”

  She picked the top bundle. “Muna Agrinya.”

  Muna stepped forward to collect her package and retreated to her bed on the opposite side of the curtain.

  “Michael Walt”.

  “Smith Felp”.

  “Samantha Safe.”

  “Sylvia Grace”.

  I watched as Sylvia collected her package and then made her way back like Muna.

  “Abdulh Mak.”

  “Ismael Mungai.”

  …

  “Daniel Theria.”

  He did the same as the others.

  As I followed him with my gaze, I realised he was headed for the bunk above mine instead of the one he had occupied earlier.

  I guess I’m stuck with him for now, I noted. That might not be too bad, though.

  …

  “Alex Toui.”

  My head snapped up at the sound of my name.

  I walked forward to collect the parcel being offered to me.

  “Maxwell Tourn.” She announced again without a second thought.

  Taking the package, I returned to my bed and sat down, clutching it tightly.

  “So?” Dani’s head poked down over the edge, looking at me eagerly. “What did you get?”

  “The same as you, probably,” I said, giving him a knowing look.

  He rolled his eyes but gestured for me to open it.

  I complied, unwrapping it to reveal a small pouch filled with coins, a book titled Shadow Affinity Manual (Tier 1), another titled Rules and Regulations—though it was alarmingly thin—a map, a paper detailing my group, a token with two crossed swords and a message on the back, and finally, a small envelope.

  I eagerly ignored everything else to open the pouch, revealing ten shiny silvers.

  TEN SILVERS!!!

  “Hey! That’s not fair!” Dani exclaimed, jolting me from my reverie. “I didn’t get an envelope.”

  “What?” I asked, confused.

  “Look there,” he pointed at the envelope. “You have one, but I don’t.”

  “Oh, I guess so.”

  I placed the rest of the items on my bed, reluctantly letting go of the coins.

  Inside the envelope was a card written in elegant handwriting.

  Check inside your chest.

  ~Werni

  “You got a personal letter from Dauca-Wer—” Dani started to shout.

  “Shhhh!” I hushed him quickly, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

  Luckily, everyone else was absorbed in their packages.

  I moved to the chest at the foot of my bed and opened it.

  Inside was a small, thin book with very few pages.

  I picked it up and turned it around to check the title.

  Ashe Affinity Manual (Full Compendium)

  As soon as I read it, I quickly tucked it away.

  But the damage was done.

  Dani’s expression shifted to one of intense scrutiny.

  “What is that?” he asked, his tone accusatory.

  I hesitated, contemplating whether to fabricate a lie.

  “And don’t even think about lying to me,” he warned, anticipating my response.

  “I have another Affinity,” I confessed weakly. “But please don’t tell anyone.” I added it urgently.

  “I was told that if anyone found out, I would be enslaved.”

  “Whoever told you that was right,” he replied seriously.

  My eyes widened. “Are—are you sure?”

  “Yes! And I have half a mind to tell the Head-Dauca about this and that Dauca-Werni is committing treason.”

  “Treason?!” I exclaimed incredulously.

  “Yes, treason,” he nodded sagely. “When King Raethi was betrayed by his most loyal servant, Aston Fouw, he outlawed the ability to possess an Ashe Affinity.”

  “Wait! What?” I asked slowly, my mind racing. “Aston Fouw had an Ashe Affinity?”

  His eyes widened slightly. “I wasn’t meant to say that, but yes. He had an Ashe Affinity.”

  My father had an Ashé affinity!

  “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone,” Dani said solemnly.

  Then a huge grin spread across his face. “Actually, that’s so cool. Can you imagine having a dual affinity in Ashe and Shadow?”

  He looked at me, eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’re going to be unstoppable. That is, if you can manage to wield True Ashe without anyone noticing,” he added.

  “True Ashe?” I asked, intrigued.

  “You know how when your Shadow Affinity manifests into the physical world, or the Ashe of a particular affinity in its Core is referred to as things like Water Ashe, Earth Ashe, or Air Ashe? True Ashe is just the raw essence of Ashe.”

  Realisation dawned upon him. “So you’ll essentially have two Platinum-sized Cores with two of the strongest Affinities, both at Exceptional. And I can echo you. We’d make an amazing team, especially with Muna’s Light Affinity.”

  Then a thought struck me.

  Maybe this wouldn’t kill me after all. Maybe I would thrive.