The young man stood tall and straight, a gleaming sword in his hand. Though his face was still fair and youthful, with a trace of innocence that hadn't yet faded, his presence radiated power and determination.
He was young—yet terrifying.
This very youth, Luciel Lanster, had stunned the entire Orland Knight Academy by surpassing all the prodigies of the fifth grade. He conquered the ninth floor of the Knight Tower, setting a record so astounding that it left spectators speechless.
He had leapt from the third grade to the sixth in one stride. In the long history of the Orland Knight Academy, no one had ever achieved such a feat.
Luciel's rise was like that of a blazing comet—brilliant, swift, and impossible to ignore. In just a few months, he had ascended to a height that others could only dream of reaching.
When Luciel glanced at the magical light curtain, he saw his name shining brightly at the very top. He couldn't help but smile. In that moment, his radiance outshone even the sun above.
Everyone stared in awe. This moment—this scene—would be etched into their memories forever.
They had witnessed the birth of a legend.
---
Luciel Lanster's name once again shook the foundations of Orland Knight Academy.
If his previous victory over the famed student Flower had merely introduced his name to the senior students, then this time... he had carved it into the very walls of history.
During the grade-skipping examination, Luciel had not only cleared all nine levels of the Knight Tower, but also defeated the fifth-year geniuses Ferranstu and Byrne. His name now echoed through every corridor and classroom.
There were no more doubts. It was clear to everyone: Luciel had reached the third stage of swordsmanship. Without it, such achievements would have been impossible.
A sixteen-year-old third-grade student, wielding the power of a ninth-level apprentice knight, and mastering the third stage of swordsmanship—Luciel was a prodigy among prodigies.
In a century of the Academy's history, there had been only a handful of talents who could compare. And none had ever shone so brightly.
Luciel was now known as the greatest genius Orland had ever seen.
Someone even bestowed upon him a title—the Dawn of the Sword.
His sword gleamed like the first light of day, his spirit was as vigorous as the morning sun. The name fit him perfectly.
For days afterward, the entire Academy was abuzz with Luciel's name.
Stories of his tower ascent were told with vivid detail, spreading like wildfire. Even students at the Orlando School of Magic couldn't help but be drawn into the legend.
And among the dreamy, whispering halls of the Magic Academy, Luciel began to appear in the fantasies of many young girls.
---
He was young, strong, handsome, and noble.
Luciel embodied every dream a noble girl had of a prince.
It was said that many students in the Magic Academy had already written love letters to give him during the upcoming exchange competition between the two academies.
"Luciel is so handsome! And only sixteen years old—can you believe it?"
"Belle, can you sell me this magic crystal image of Luciel? I'll pay fifty gold coins!"
"No way! I spent a fortune to have someone duplicate it—it's not for sale!"
"When does the exchange match begin? I have to see him in person!"
In a bright, high-ceilinged magic classroom, several noble girls gushed endlessly around a shimmering magic crystal.
The crystal displayed a tall, striking boy with short chestnut hair and a calm, captivating expression.
Their eyes sparkled, hearts practically floating.
But in the corner, Bellis sat with furrowed brows. She silently picked up her books and left the classroom.
Her ears had nearly been worn out by the constant repetition of one name: Luciel Lanster.
Yes, her half-brother.
She grudgingly admitted he was good-looking, but that wasn't enough to make her understand how people could be so... obsessed.
Titles surrounded him now—The Genius of Orland, The Dawn of the Sword, Vice-President of the Swordsmanship Association...
And if Helen's rumor was true, there was another title to add: Genius of Magical Pharmacy Without a Master.
Even the renowned Master Giles, vice president of the Magic Academy and a legend in potion-making, reportedly held Luciel in high regard.
Bellis sighed and rubbed her temples in frustration.
How had things changed so drastically?
Once, he had been a "failure"—without magical talent, with weak knightly potential. Now, he was dazzling, radiant, beyond reach.
She dared not admit their relation. To do so would mean dealing with endless questions and jealous peers.
"Oh, I shouldn't have been so cold to him..."
Bellis now found herself uncertain about how to face Luciel again.
---
In truth, she never truly hated her brother.
As a child, she had followed him around, inseparable and proud.
But as they grew older and Luciel was declared talentless, her admiration had turned into disappointment and even resentment.
He was meant to carry the honor of the Lanster name. He was the one they all believed would bring glory.
So how could he have become... nothing?
But now, he had returned. Stronger than ever.
And all the while, Luciel had no idea of the burden Bellis had carried for his sake.
Her tuition fees were several times higher than his, yet she received less than half the gold from Baron Rufu. A small baron's household couldn't support two students in elite academies—not without sacrifice.
She had refused to give up her path in magic. But she didn't want Luciel to drop out either. So she shouldered the weight herself, silently.
---
"Bellis!"
A voice called behind her. She turned to see Helen jogging toward her.
"I told you before, your brother is really amazing."
Helen grinned, eyes twinkling. "You've heard the new title, right? Dawn of the Sword!"
Bellis's expression hardened. "What he becomes has nothing to do with me."
"Hey!" Helen pouted. "Why are you like this? He's your brother. Shouldn't you be proud he's turned his life around?"
Bellis was silent for a moment. Then, softly, she muttered, "I won't believe it until I see him myself... The exchange competition is soon. I'll talk to him then."
"And another thing!"
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "That idiot went off with Father behind my back... Ugh! So irritating!"
Helen blinked in surprise—then burst out laughing.
---
To be continued...