The corridor was hushed, lanterns casting long, amber shadows across polished stone. Feng Jian's footsteps echoed softly, his academy night clothes brushing against his skin in a way that still felt unnatural after the chaos of the trials. He paused at the final door of the wing. Lisa's door.
He rapped twice.
"Come in," her voice called—smooth, cool, unhurried.
The chamber was elegant but understated, awash in the soft glow of a crystal lamp. Lisa sat on a two-seater couch, clad in silk nightwear the color of stormlight, her posture impeccable even in repose. She gestured faintly toward the opposite chair.
Feng bowed, then sat.
Her gaze lingered on him, cool at first, tinged with disappointment, before softening into something else—something almost… private. "You've mastered the Tempest Art. And those daggers," she began, her voice carrying the measured cadence of a teacher. "But the academy will pit you against opponents far more dangerous than anything you've faced before. Are you ready for that?"
Feng leaned back in his seat, folding his arms, his eyes steady on her. For a moment, he said nothing. He hadn't seen her like this in years, yet the weight of her stare felt the same as it had in childhood.
"…One reason I came," he finally said, "was to grow stronger—just like you wrote in your letter. If you're asking whether I'm ready… I'll do what I always do. Feel my way forward."
Lisa's lips curved faintly, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was small, almost unguarded—something few would ever witness. "I've used my Year-ADP Ticket on you and Maria," she said. "Maria makes sense—her family serves mine. But you…" Her fingers intertwined in her lap, tightening ever so slightly. "Sponsoring you will draw eyes. In two months, any student may challenge you to claim that sponsorship. If they succeed, you lose it. Are you prepared for that fight?"
Feng leaned forward now, mirroring her posture, his eyes narrowing just enough to signal resolve. "If I understand correctly," he said, tone even, "I just have to win. That's all."
Lisa studied him, her gaze searching his face as though weighing not just his words but the certainty behind them. Then she gave the smallest nod. "I'll hold you to that." Her tone softened unexpectedly as she added, "By the way… your class is Arcane, isn't it?"
Feng blinked. Surprise flickered. "…How did you know?"
Her smile was faint, almost mischievous. "A wild guess. But remember—status windows are for instructors only. Not even me."
"I understand."
For a while, the silence between them was not silence at all. It was memory. Lisa leaned forward slightly, her chin resting on her hand, her expression losing its noble frost as she spoke of Central Terra—summer evenings by the old canals, stolen hours of laughter away from tutors and obligations. She laughed once, softly, the sound startling in its gentleness.
Feng found himself telling stories too, memories of street skirmishes, close calls, reckless victories. He didn't embellish much, but when Lisa's eyes sparked with amusement, he allowed himself a rare grin. For that brief hour, there were no politics, no academy rules, no noble expectations—just two people remembering when the world had been simpler.
The crystal clock chimed softly, reminding them that night had claimed the sky outside. Lisa rose, her silk robe brushing against marble like a whisper. "Enough for tonight," she said, tone returning to its calm authority. "Rest well, Feng. Tomorrow begins your real trial."
He stood, bowing his head. "Goodnight, Lisa."
Her eyes lingered on him one last moment, unreadable. Then she turned, and the moment was gone.
Dawn in the Courtyard
Morning light spilled through stained-glass windows, painting the east wing in colors of gold and jade. In the grand foyer below, Ava and Rena waited with Maria, who stood already dressed in her academy uniform, posture neat, hair tied back with fresh ribbon.
Feng descended the staircase beside Lisa. Their steps echoed in rhythm down the stone flight. At the bottom, he nodded to Rena and Ava, who returned the gesture.
Ava clapped her hands with cheerful energy. "Lisa, Rena—leave these two to me. I'll escort them to South Hall. First-day gathering. Don't be late!"
Maria adjusted her skirt nervously, glancing back once at Lisa.
Lisa's voice, calm but carrying warmth beneath its polished noble tone, followed them as they turned toward the doors. "Maria. Feng. Have a good first day."
The great doors opened, spilling sunlight across the marble floors. Together, Ava and Rena guided Feng and Maria down the columned walkway, toward the heart of the Academy. The air smelled of dew and oak, the hum of hundreds of students stirring in the distance.
Behind them, the mansion stood tall and silent, its secrets sealed once more. Ahead of them, the Seven Star Academy awaited—each step forward another thread weaving into the tapestry of their futures.
End of Chapter 23