The streets of Rendely were alive with golden lights and the hum of celebration. Dune, Ned, and Atlas walked through the polished stone roads, the glow of lanterns reflecting off the elegant architecture that surrounded them.
A city of wealth, built on centuries of noble lineage and prestige. Yet tonight, none of that mattered.
Because tonight, the people of Renedely were celebrating them.
As soon as they stepped into the grand inn, one of the finest in the district, they were met with an explosion of cheers.
"They're here!" someone shouted.
Before they could even process what was happening, a crowd surged toward them. Hands clapped their backs, voices called their names, and a flood of people surrounded them, their faces brimming with excitement.
"You three were incredible!"
"I still can't believe it! Normal Neba users taking down nobles, you have no idea what this means to us!"
"You put those arrogant bastards in their place!"
Dune barely had time to react before a mug of something cold and frothy was shoved into his hands.
Ned blinked in shock as someone tossed an arm around his shoulder, laughing loudly.
Atlas, wide-eyed, muttered, "Uh… what just happened?" before being pulled into a congratulatory embrace by a group of strangers.
The energy in the inn was electric. People were calling out to others in the streets, beckoning them inside. The room was filling fast, the news spreading like wildfire, three boys, common-born, had embarrassed some of the wealthiest noble families in the first test of Bloodrose Academy.
And now, the people loved them for it.
Platters of food were brought out, thick cuts of roasted meat dripping with juices, golden-brown chicken glazed with honey, fresh bread still warm from the oven. The aroma alone was intoxicating.
Ned whistled. "Alright, now this is what I call a proper meal."
Atlas grinned, already reaching for a plate. "If this is how people treat us after one test, imagine what happens if we actually pass the whole thing."
Dune, though still taken aback, couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. The food, the energy, the sheer warmth of it all, it was overwhelming in the best way possible.
Dune exchanged a glance with Ned, who looked just as bewildered as he felt. It was strange. Just days ago, they were nobodies, just more students trying to survive in a tri ruled by gods. Now they were eating meal on Sanatria's Capital Rendely.
He looked around at the excited faces, at the kids in the corner looking at them with huge eys, throwing fake punches and shouting their names. He saw the hopeful glimmers in their eyes, young dreamers who, for the first time, believed that someone like them could stand against the powerful.
This was bigger than just a test.
But as warmth spread in his chest, another thought crept into his mind.
Is this too much attention?
Dune's grip tightened around his mug as his gaze flickered to the entrance of the inn. They had humiliated nobles, powerful nobles. Bloodrose Academy wasn't just a place of competition, it was a battlefield of influence.
And they had just declared war on the established order.
Was this celebration truly a victory, or the beginning of something far more dangerous?
He exhaled slowly, shaking off the thought, for now.
Tonight, they would celebrate.
Tomorrow? They would deal with whatever came next.
The celebration had gone on for hours. Atlas and Ned had stayed behind, caught up in the whirlwind of singing, drinking, and dancing, while Dune slipped away into the quiet streets of Renedely.
The night air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of festivities, but here, away from the crowd, everything felt still. Dune walked slowly, his mind heavy with thoughts.
How fast things could change. Just a few days ago, they were unknowns, barely worth a glance. Now? Their names were spreading like wildfire.
And that was dangerous.
Maybe we should've used fake names after all, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck. But there was no point in worrying now.
Matiane is the only one who truly knows us.
That gave him some relief. Matiane wouldn't benefit if he told king about our true identities. He was also the only person aware of the Blessing Ceremony, a secret Dune needed to keep. As long as that remained hidden, there was nothing to—
"Is that you, young man?"
Dune froze.
A well-dressed figure stood ahead of him, illuminated by the soft glow of lantern light. A tall man, wearing a sharp suit and holding a finely crafted hat in one hand. His voice was smooth, yet something about it made Dune's stomach turn.
Richard Amellia.
Instantly, the name Leonard Amellia flashed in Dune's mind, fifth place in the test. This was his father.
Dune forced himself to stay calm. "…Mr. Richard?"
Richard tipped his hat slightly. "Ah, so it is you. I couldn't believe it when I first heard, but the rumors are true, aren't they? Commoners… destroying nobles." He let out a low chuckle, his tone filled with amusement. "Amazing. Truly amazing."
Dune nodded stiffly. "It's all thanks to you, Mr. Richard. If not for your warning, I would've died back in Fein."
Richard smiled, but Dune wasn't fooled.
He knew the truth.
Richard could have warned others. He could have saved more people. But he didn't. Instead, he let an entire town fall into ruin, choosing only to help Dune.
Why? He got lucky.
Richard reached into his pocket, pulling out a finely folded letter. "My daughter, Ana, will be turning seven soon. As someone who made the Bloodrose Academy, I would be honoured if you attended her birthday ceremony."
Dune blinked in surprise. "Your daughter?"
"She hasn't stopped talking about you, you know," Richard chuckled. "Completely ignores her father now. Maybe if you come, it'll help both of us."
Dune was silent. A noble gathering, filled with students, sponsors, and influential figures.
A chance to gather information.
A chance to learn more about the noble families.
It wasn't a bad idea.
"…Do I need to know anything before I come?"
Richard coughed into his hand, looking almost too amused. "Well, the ceremony will be in two weeks, so before that… I'd suggest taking some ballroom dance lessons."
Dune's face fell instantly.
"Are you serious?"
Richard smiled knowingly. "And perhaps brush up on noble etiquette, just in case."
"There will be many beautiful ladies attending, you should know how to dance Dune."
Dune crossed his arms. "Yeah, never mind. I'm not coming."
Richard chuckled. "Just dance lessons, then?"
Dune was about to protest again, but before he could, Richard extended a hand, shaking his firmly.
"Well then, young man, good luck with your second test tomorrow. And third too, I'll be watching third one."
And with that, Richard turned and walked away, leaving Dune standing there with a sigh.
Dancing lessons? Unbelievable.
But as ridiculous as it sounded, Dune couldn't shake the feeling that this invitation was more important than it seemed.
Two weeks.
He had two weeks to prepare.