A week had passed, and Aeren's café had not earned a single coin. It was a fact that held no weight for him. He had already acquired a vast sum from his "training" at the royal palace and could procure more at a moment's notice.
In a lavish office at the center of the competing café chain, a stunning woman sat at a mahogany desk, meticulously reviewing her financial reports. Her beauty was so profound it bordered on divine, and she moved with a grace that earned her the moniker "Goddess of the Academy."
She was about to give a new instruction when a knock came at her door.
"Come in," she said, her voice like chimes.
Another beautiful young woman entered, her arms filled with files.
"My lady, he is still working at his café," she said, referring to Aeren. "He hasn't closed, even though he hasn't had a single customer all week."
The goddess, named Adelind, looked up from her papers, a hint of steel in her eyes. "Wait a few more weeks," she commanded. "If he doesn't close, he'll be ruined. He is not our priority right now. What of the other matters?"
The subordinate, whose name was Fia, glanced at a different file.
"Yes, your fiancé has entered the academy and got 3rd place. I even heard his talent is almost on par with the youngest of the royal family."
Adelind's stern expression softened into a brilliant smile, her entire face illuminating the room. "That is surprising. I knew Arin was talented, but to have that much potential... He is my hero."
Her smile faded as she changed the subject.
"What about the Amara case? Have you found any new leads?"
"No," Fia replied, her voice cautious. "But I heard that a maid named Liora and Lady Isolde saw the culprit but are unable to speak a single word about it."
A cold, terrifying anger surged through Adelind's calm demeanor, a terrifying stillness that made Fia instinctively take a step back.
"Find the culprit immediately. Someone dared to kill my best friend. He or she does not deserve to live. I'll find them and grind them into dust, no matter the cost."
"My lady, there is one more thing," Fia continued, moving to a new file. "Amara's brother, Alaric, has also joined the Academy. He got second place and wants to find the culprit through Isolde or a man named Renn."
Adelind's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Who is Renn? Why have I not heard about him?"
Fia stuttered slightly.
"We recently received information. He is a mysterious and secretive genius, and some say he was Amara's boyfriend. We have not investigated him yet. Would you like me to schedule an appointment with him?"
Adelind considered this.
"Yes," she said, her mind already forming a strategy. "Ask him to come to my cafe. I will speak with him about Amara."
Fia moved on to a final report.
"My lady, we have information about the destruction of Callie City. The royal family has recently found out that the devastation was not natural. Something or someone did this behind their backs." The silent weight of the news filled the office.
Adelind was silent for a moment before speaking.
"Who did it? And why? Do you have any information?"
Fia shook her head. "No."
"Alright," Adelind said, her eyes fixed on the window. "You can leave."
Fia left the office, leaving Adelind to stare out at the bustling street below, a deep, weary sigh escaping her lips.
Meanwhile, Aeren had entered the Academy and found the main entrance ceremony hall. He went into the queue, his movements practiced and his face devoid of emotion. He found an empty seat in the vast hall, his eyes drifting toward the stage where all the top students were seated with the instructors. He saw familiar faces: Princess Elenya, and Lira, who was sitting with the professors, as well as Renn and other students he didn't know.
The first speech was given by a professor, who kept it short and sweet. After him, a third-year student named Gerald Zenc stood up.
"Hello, everyone," he said, his voice ringing with confidence. "I'm Gerald Zenc, from House Zenc. As a top student, I want to tell you that you will all be given the opportunity to grow in different fields. This Academy and the Systems you've been given will support you. Please don't lose a single opportunity. Work hard and remember that you are not weak, but a warrior." His speech was inspiring, and a motivated murmur ran through the crowd.
Half an hour later, Gerald finished. Then, Lira took the stage.
"Ahem," she said, her voice flat and bored. "Hello, everyone. I won't bore you with a long speech. You just need to remember one thing: if you think of bullying my little princess, I will personally kill you. Thank you."
Aeren watched the reactions of the crowd as he looked at the pitiable girl, Princess Elenya, who was sitting in the corner. Then, the princess herself came to the stage.
"Hello, everyone," Princess Elenya said shyly. "I am Lira's little princess, and... thank you."
The crowd was dumbfounded. These two girls didn't seem to take the Academy seriously. It was as if they were just wandering through a park and threatening anyone who dared to bully their friend. The announcer was quick to end the ceremony.
After hearing all the speeches, Aeren stood up and walked away. He left the hall. He found a stairwell and started to climb to the highest roof of the Academy. He found a couple at the top, but they quickly scattered, their romantic evening spoiled by his presence.
Aeren moved to the edge of the building and looked down. With a quiet step, he jumped.
The wind howled past his ears as he fell. His body felt light, suspended, before gravity took its merciless hold. He closed his eyes, his mind focused on nothing but the empty space rushing toward him. He hit the ground with a sickening
BOOOOM
the sound of a thousand cracking branches. Every bone in his body shattered, and he felt the raw, tearing pain of his flesh breaking open. He couldn't even stand. He lay on the ground, a grotesque mess of broken limbs and torn skin.
A crowd began to gather around him, their horrified whispers a cacophony of sound. A few people screamed, while others simply stared in petrified silence. Then, a boy stepped through the crowd, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and recognition. He was the young man from Star Guild. He has once saved Aeren, His name was Arin. He recognized the cold eyes and the impassive face, even when it was smeared with blood and contorted in a broken heap.
Arin quickly pushed past the onlookers, picked up Aeren's mangled body, and rushed toward the infirmary, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Aeren was bleeding profusely, his bones protruding from his skin, looking as if he would die at any moment.