Midnight had long since passed, and the academy grounds outside were silent under a blanket of darkness. Within the dorm, a quiet glow radiated from Lucas as he sat cross-legged, bathed in the gentle silver spill of moonlight coming in through the window. His breathing was steady now—slower, more controlled—but sweat clung to his forehead, his chest rising and falling with the kind of weariness that didn't come from physical exertion alone.
He had done it. After hours of rigorous focus, he'd finally brought the chaotic storm within him to heel. The flood of raw energy he had taken in from Nana was now moving in rhythm with his own core, flowing along the refined pathways of his newly advanced meridians.
Still, even as he exhaled a breath of hard-earned relief, he knew he wasn't done.
The advancement to the Expert Rank wasn't just a celebratory milestone—it was a warning. The pace at which he was growing… it was exhilarating, yes, but also dangerous. Too fast, and his own body wouldn't be able to keep up. His Dantian and meridian were starting to show signs of stress. Slight tension in his abdomen. A subtle, cold ache around his core whenever the energy spiked too suddenly.
It wasn't something he could ignore.
Lucas slowly opened his eyes, the soft shimmer of Qi still dancing in the air around him before it gently faded. He flexed his fingers, then clenched them into fists. "Damn," he murmured. "I'm moving too fast."
He didn't regret it. Not for a second. His recent encounters—the cultivation with Nana, the battle with Princess Nyx, and the unexpected clash with Rodeo—had all opened doors he couldn't have foreseen. Each experience had given him more strength. More insight. More need to ascend.
But strength without a stable foundation was like fire on paper—beautiful for a second, then gone in smoke.
Lucas stood, stretching slightly as he walked toward the small shelf near his desk. He lit a small oil lamp, bathing the room in warm amber light, then reached for a thin notebook tucked between a set of scrolls. Flipping through its worn pages, he found the section he'd been compiling quietly since the day he'd arrived: potion formulas.
Not just any formulas—these were for Dantian reinforcement. Elixirs to temper meridians, tonics to stabilize the inner core, and rare herb combinations to ease the body's adjustment after breakthroughs.
He read one aloud softly to himself. "Moonshade Root… Emerald Myrrh… Phoenix Plum Extract…"
These weren't items a regular student could just pick up at the market. Not without permission or a fat purse. But he had an advantage: Lira. His ever-dutiful companion—clever, discreet, and loyal to a fault. She'd follow his orders without question, and tomorrow, she'd be his eyes and hands beyond the walls of the academy.
He closed the book and placed it back carefully.
"I'll have to send Lira first thing tomorrow," he muttered, already forming the plan in his mind. "She'll need a sealed list… I'll mark the priority items, give her the guild tokens for purchase, and if she asks questions—" he paused, then smiled faintly—"I'll just tell her it's a preparation for alchemy class."
It was a half-lie at best. But it would keep things simple.
Moving to his bedside, Lucas finally allowed himself to sit. The mattress dipped beneath his weight, creaking faintly. He leaned back against the cool wall behind him, closing his eyes for just a moment.
He was progressing faster than he should. But he was also prepared.
The first golden rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains, slicing the dim room into streaks of warmth and shadow. Morning had come faster than Lucas anticipated. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and pushed himself upright on the bed, groaning softly as his body reminded him of the toll the previous day had taken. But there was no room for laziness. He had things to do—plans already forming in his mind that couldn't wait.
As he stretched, a series of grating snores filled the room—deep, unfiltered, and loud enough to shake the floorboards. Lucas turned to glance at the other side of the room. Cassian lay sprawled out, one leg hanging off his bed, his mouth wide open like he was catching flies. Garrett, on the other hand, was bundled up like a cocoon, snoring into his pillow with a soft, muffled wheeze.
Lucas narrowed his eyes at them with a slight smirk. The faint scent of perfume and cheap wine still lingered in the air, mixing with the masculine musk of a long night. "They've definitely been with some chick—or chicks," he muttered to himself.
He shook his head and got up, moving quietly as not to wake them. After a quick wash and change into a fresh robe, he stood by the window, arms folded, watching the soft bustle of early academy life unfold in the distance. Birds chirped lazily outside. The occasional clatter of footsteps echoed in the corridor. It was peaceful, for now.
Soon enough, a soft knock tapped against the door.
He turned instantly. He didn't need to ask—he already knew who it was.
"Come in," he said.
The door creaked open, and Lira stepped inside, dressed neatly in her uniform robes, her long hair braided in a way that complimented her delicate features. Her eyes sparkled when they found him, and her lips curled into a shy smile. There was something refreshing about her presence, like the gentle breeze of dawn after a long night.
Before she could say a word, Lucas walked over, reached out, and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
She froze for a moment, eyes wide with surprise, before lowering her gaze quickly, flustered but visibly pleased.
"Good morning," Lucas said warmly, his voice lower and softer than usual. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes… yes, Master," Lira replied, fumbling slightly over her words as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were painted with a rosy hue.
Lucas chuckled lightly. "How's your cultivation progressing? Any breakthroughs?"
"I—I've been working on stabilizing my core," she answered, still blushing. "It's not easy, but I'm doing my best to advance. I'll need a few more days before I attempt it again."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Don't rush it. It's better to climb slow and steady than to fall because you jumped too soon."
"Yes, Master," she said again, bowing her head slightly. "I appreciate your concern."
Lucas studied her for a moment. She was always so respectful. So… devoted. Yet there was a quiet strength beneath her reserved demeanor, a kind of inner fire that few noticed. He admired that. It made her more than just a servant or follower—Lira was someone he could trust.
He smiled again, the morning sun catching his eyes just right. "Come, I have something important for you today."
Lira perked up immediately, attentive and ready.
Lucas reached into the inner pocket of his robe and pulled out a narrow scroll—fresh parchment that had been rolled neatly the night before. His brushwork was clean and swift, listing out the rare herbs, powdered minerals, and essence ingredients he would need to brew the Dantian-fortifying potion. Each item wasn't just expensive—they were restricted. The kind of materials only cultivators of noble bloodlines or high-standing sects could procure without trouble.
He turned and walked over to his desk, where a small emblem case lay waiting. From it, he took out a small silver stamp—a signet that bore the distinguished insignia of the House of Alden: a soaring phoenix cloaked in a halo of flame, wings outstretched and eternal.
With a faint pulse of Qi, he pressed the seal onto the parchment, branding the scroll with the house's crest. The phoenix glowed faintly before settling into the paper like it had always been there.
He turned and handed the scroll to Lira.
"These herbs and materials aren't for just anyone," he said calmly. "You'll need to leave the academy grounds and visit the apothecaries. This seal will give you access… but be cautious. Don't speak more than necessary, and don't linger."
Lira took the scroll carefully, eyes scanning the list for a moment before she nodded. "Yes, Young Master. I will get everything you need."
"I'm counting on you."
She clutched the list close to her chest. "I won't disappoint you."
Lucas walked her to the door, his steps calm, composed, but his thoughts were moving like wildfire. Every moment counted. Every ounce of progress he made needed to be built on a solid foundation, and this potion would be critical. Without it, the rapid progress he'd made could crumble beneath its own weight, crippling him.
As Lira turned to leave, she offered one final glance over her shoulder—soft and loyal. "I'll return swiftly."
"Be safe," Lucas said, watching her disappear down the corridor, her silhouette soon swallowed by the morning crowd.
As the door closed behind her, Lucas exhaled slowly.