The second year at Academia Arcanum began beneath a sky burning bright with autumn light. Yet the atmosphere within the academy had changed entirely. Everywhere one turned, whispers carried the name of a single girl.
Irena Valkyrie.
The commoner who had achieved the impossible—forming a contract with a High Spirit of Fire.
Morning – The Central Courtyard
As Irena walked across the courtyard, the crowd stirred. Her flowing black hair gleamed beneath the sun, her smile gentle, almost humble. Yet her eyes burned with confidence, brighter than the flame spirit hovering faintly at her side.
"That's her… Irena Valkyrie.""A commoner chosen by a High Spirit. Incredible.""Some nobles aren't even as worthy as she is…"
Amidst the admiring whispers, Serena Alveir passed by, her chin lifted proudly. Every word was a dagger in her chest, yet her face betrayed no weakness.
The First Confrontation
A silken, mocking voice drifted behind her.
"Lady Alveir… or should I say—the crown prince's fiancée?"
Serena turned. Irena stood before her, lips curved in a smile, the faint shimmer of flame surrounding her like a crown.
"Yes," Serena answered evenly, her golden eyes steady. "And you are Irena Valkyrie—the one chosen by the High Spirit of Fire."
"That's correct," Irena replied sweetly, brushing a strand of black hair behind her ear. "How fortunate you are… to remain the prince's fiancée, even without a spirit."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as students turned to watch.
Serena did not flinch. "A spirit or no spirit—it does not diminish my worth."
Irena's smile widened, not cruel, but sharp—a smile of someone who had just found an intriguing game piece.
Afternoon – The Academy Gardens
Prince Lucius strolled through the garden when he happened upon Irena sitting gracefully beneath a tree, reading. She rose at once and curtsied deeply.
"Your Highness. What an honor to meet you here unexpectedly."
Lucius chuckled warmly. "There's no need for formality. You are a student here, the same as the rest."
Her lashes lowered, her expression soft, tinged with sorrow."Even so, I am but a commoner. If not for the High Spirit's mercy, I would not even belong in this place."
Her words, modest yet laced with charm, stirred compassion in Lucius's heart."You underestimate yourself, Lady Valkyrie. To be chosen by a High Spirit is no mere mercy—it is proof of your own worth."
Her eyes glimmered faintly, though her lips only curved into a gentle smile.
Not far away, Serena passed through the garden, her steps faltering as she caught sight of them—her fiancé gazing at another with warmth in his eyes.
Her chest constricted painfully.
That Night – The Empty Training Hall
Clang!Clang!
Serena's blade struck against the wall of the hall, her hands trembling as she swung again and again, sweat and tears mingling.
"Why… must it always be this way…"
Memories surged—the day of the spirit ceremony, standing alone while every child was chosen except her. The whispers, the pity, the cruel laughter. Now, Irena's radiant form overlapped with that painful memory.
Her grip tightened until her knuckles turned white.
"Worthless… they all think I am worthless."
A calm voice interrupted the storm within her.
"You should not fight against shadows until you bleed."
Serena froze, turning. At the doorway stood Kyren Adelric, his pale-blue eyes deep and steady.
"This is none of your concern," she snapped, her voice raw.
"Sometimes," Kyren said softly, stepping closer, "the strongest are those who dare admit their pain. Serena… you are worth far more than you believe—and far more than this world sees."
Her heart quivered violently. She turned her face away, raising her sword once more as though to hold herself together.
The Silent Smile
Later that night, Serena sat exhausted against the cold stone wall, her golden hair plastered to her damp skin. Her chest rose and fell heavily, yet her eyes still blazed with defiance.
"No matter if it is Irena, or the scorn of others… I will not let anyone steal my pride again."
Outside the tall windows, unseen, a shadow lingered.
Irena Valkyrie.
Her lips curved into a small, amused smile, her crimson eyes glinting in the moonlight.
"How fascinating," she whispered. "This game… I will make it last as long as I can."
Beside her, a flicker of flame coiled in the air before vanishing into the darkness.