The Academy of Crowns stood like a fortress of marble and obsidian on the northern edge of the imperial capital. Its towers speared the sky, each crowned with a different banner — not of kingdoms, but of disciplines. The golden sun of Martial Mastery, the silver crescent of Arcane Studies, the crimson phoenix of War Strategy, and the jade lotus of Cultivation Arts.
Every noble heir worth mentioning had walked these halls at least once in their lives. Some came to sharpen their swords; others came to sharpen their tongues. Many left with both.
For Edran Valerius, the academy was less a school and more a battlefield with different rules. Here, a single misstep in conversation could be more fatal than losing a duel.
The Courtyard
Morning training began in the central courtyard, a wide expanse of polished stone where rivalries were forged and reputations were destroyed.
As Edran crossed the courtyard, students in lacquered training armor were already sparring. He noticed the ones who stood out — and the ones to keep an eye on.
Kaelen, his eldest brother, dominated the martial arena with the precision of a seasoned general. His sword was an extension of himself — smooth, efficient, and merciless.
Darius was nearby, surrounded by a small circle of followers. Unlike Kaelen, Darius fought to humiliate, not just to win. He enjoyed breaking people apart piece by piece.
Among the non-royal rivals, two figures caught Edran's attention.
Lira Veyran — tall, silver-haired, with the refined posture of an aristocrat. She specialized in spear combat and was ranked second in the martial class. Her calm demeanor masked a ruthless streak.
Taren Holt — a broad-shouldered commoner prodigy from the border provinces, wielding twin axes like they weighed nothing. Rumor said he'd defeated two noble scions at once during a training exam.
These two weren't just opponents — they were measuring sticks for the competition ahead.
Edran's Profile(as listed in the Academy archives)
Name: Edran Caelus Valerius
Title: Third Prince of the Valerius Empire
Age: 17
Height: 178 cm (5'10")
Known Attributes: Calm under pressure, unorthodox fighting style
Cultivation Stage:Dual Path Initiate – Tier 3(uncommon)
Paths:
Astral Qi Cultivation – Enhances perception, reaction speed, and control over spatial awareness.
Bloodforged Body Tempering – Reinforces bone density, muscle resilience, and physical power at the cost of high stamina drain.
Notable Technique:Veil Step — a movement art that blends Astral Qi with subtle shifts in body alignment, making him appear to "blink" short distances in combat.
Edran's cultivation was… unconventional. The Academy generally advised against splitting focus between two paths so early. Most students chose either a Qi-based path or a body-tempering path, perfecting one before moving on.
Edran had ignored that advice.
It made his progress slower, yes — but it also gave him a layered foundation. While others poured all their energy into one tree, he was growing two, their roots intertwining into something rare.
Classroom Politics
Inside the marble lecture halls, cultivation was only half the battle. The other half was surviving the constant social maneuvering.
Students were seated by both rank and prestige. The first rows were for high-ranking nobles; the back rows were for those with less influence — or those who preferred to listen without being watched.
Edran sat in the middle. Not so far forward as to seem arrogant, but not so far back as to appear weak.
Professor Halwin, a sharp-eyed man with a beard like steel wool, swept into the room."Today," he began, "we study the principles of battlefield momentum — when to press, and when to withdraw."
As Halwin spoke, Edran noticed Darius leaning toward Lira, whispering something that made her smirk. Whatever it was, it was about him.
He let it slide. For now.
Training Arena – Afternoon Session
The Academy's training grounds were divided into four sectors — each dedicated to a different discipline. Today, Edran headed to the jade-lotus sector for Cultivation Arts.
Here, meditation platforms floated above shallow pools, each radiating faint Qi ripples. Students sat cross-legged, refining their energy under the guidance of Instructor Mirei, a slender woman whose voice could soothe even the most restless mind.
"Control," she reminded them, "is more important than power. A flood can destroy, but a stream can sustain."
Edran closed his eyes and sank into meditation.
Astral Qi flowed like threads of starlight through his meridians, sharpening the edges of his awareness. Every flicker of movement, every whisper of energy in the arena became clear to him. Beneath that, the Bloodforged Body technique simmered like molten metal in his veins, reinforcing bone and sinew.
Holding the two together was like balancing fire and water in the same bowl. It drained him faster than pure Qi work — but the results, when timed right, were devastating.
An Unwelcome Invitation
After training, Edran returned to the courtyard, only to find Darius waiting.
"Brother," Darius said smoothly, "some of us are gathering tonight. A private… strategy session for the competition. You should come."
Edran studied him. This was no invitation; it was bait. He smiled faintly."I'll think about it."
Darius's smirk was slow and deliberate. "Do. We wouldn't want you to feel… excluded."
As the sun dipped behind the Academy's towers, Edran knew the competition wasn't just about strength. It was about alliances, grudges, and the ability to survive both blade and tongue.
Three days left. And in the Academy of Crowns, the real war had already begun.