Duke came out and blended into the crowd as if nothing had ever happened. Just then, Marius and his friends surrounded him.
Marius: "What's up, Duke… You've got a stunning wife, man! From what we heard, she's way more than expected.""Sister-in-law looks no less than an angel… You hit the jackpot, bro!"
Duke: "Shut up, idiot! Jackpot, my foot. Did you see her eyes? The way she glared at me during the engagement… it felt like she was about to stab a dagger right into my heart."
Jerry: "Oho! She already stabbed you, bro… a love dagger! That's gonna stay in your heart for life. Am I right, boys?"
Everyone: "Hahahaha!!"
They didn't miss a single chance to pull Duke's leg. That's when James called out.
Meeting the Cleark Family
Luke: "Hey Duke, come here. Meet them – this is David Cleark, head of the Cleark Family (Silver 1st Grade). This is his elder son Rayan (3rd Grade Silver, left the academy two years ago, now handling family affairs). And this is his younger brother Ivan (1st Grade Alpha, been in the academy for 4 years). You'll meet him there soon."
Duke (surprised): "Hello… Wait, what? Academy?"
Luke: "Yeah! Didn't Arther tell you? The academy letter came just yesterday… I informed him."
Duke: "Arther bhai! What?… Forget all that, I'm still stuck at noob level… how can they even take me?"
Arther: "They've already accepted you… You're going at the end of next month, to learn."
Duke: "I'm not going, bhai… I don't want to learn anything… I'm still a kid, and you know I get scared of all this stuff!"
Arther: "All your bhai will be there… so what's there to fear? I even spoke to Veronica… she'll be there too. No need to worry."
Duke: "But bhai, I really don't want to go. I'll just stay home and learn everything."
Arther (with a light laugh): "At home? You've learned plenty at home already… Now what you need is discipline… and you'll get that only at the academy."
Danial's Entry – Old Wounds Return
Just then, Danial walked in and said,
Danial: "So, what are the brothers talking about?"
Duke (grumpily): "Planning your murder."
Danial was a bit shocked for a second, then remembered Duke had no filter and could say anything to anyone.
Danial: "Really? But killing me won't be that easy… though I'll admit, that was a good joke."
Arther (cutting in): "I don't think so… And who said it was a joke? Maybe… it's true."
Danial looked at Arther… and as soon as their eyes met, memories of the academy from five years ago came flooding back.
All that Arther had done… he still remembered… and even though his level was higher than Arther's, he was still afraid to confront him.
There was something in Arther's eyes… like staring into the eyes of a devil.
Duke (thinking):"Danial… the most powerful wizard in A and B zones… on the verge of breaking into Level 4… and still scared of Arther bhai?Blake bhai's stories are coming back… how Arther bhai and Joiner Russal shook the entire academy when all the families were against them."
Danial (with a fake laugh): "Come on, Arther… are you still holding on to old grudges? We're family now."
Veronica (walking in): "Some things can't be forgotten… they stay with you till the grave. Isn't that right, Jaanu?"
Arther: "True… Some deeds are beyond forgiveness… Right, Great Wizard Danial?"
James: "Hey! You all are still here? I'll take Duke with me… Luke, come too. The Headmaster has arrived."
He took Duke by the hand and led him to a room where an old man sat on a sofa. Hannry was serving him a glass of gold blood.
Queen and Laila were already there.
Luke and James bowed respectfully.Duke walked straight over to Queen and Laila.
They both gestured to him to bow to the man sitting there… but Duke being Duke, just winked instead.
Laila couldn't help but chuckle, but Queen looked at him like she was thinking,"What kind of madman did I just get engaged to?"
Then Duke stood beside them.
The Headmaster finished his drink, looked at Luke, and said calmly:
Headmaster: "Luke, congratulations on reaching Half-Gold. And you, James… just one step away… Looks like you'll be Gold by next month."
Luke: "Thank you, Headmaster… Your presence here is a great honor for us."
James: "Thank you, sir."
Then James called Queen and Duke forward to introduce them to the Headmaster.
Headmaster (to Queen): "I know Queen… you joined the academy last year. And at such a young age, already reached Alpha level… your talent surpasses even mine. Keep going."
Queen bowed in respect.
Then his eyes shifted to Duke… and for a moment, a strange silence fell in the room…
"If you're enjoying and want to explore more of Duke's chaotic journey, don't forget to vote with a Power Stone!"