Early that morning...
Inside the Valden Manor...
Elara quietly reviewed the household's monthly financial records while servants prepared breakfast.
One entry suddenly caught her attention.
"...Hmm?" She looked at it again
"A withdrawal?".
Her eyes narrowed slightly."Ten thousand gold...from Aarav's personal account?"
She frowned. "That was all the money in his account..."
For a moment, she wondered if the bank had made a mistake. "Perhaps it's a clerical error."
She looked toward the doorway. "Cassian."
The knight immediately stepped forward.
"Yes, Madam?"
Elara explains the situation "Before we contact the bank, try reaching out to Aarav. I'd like to make sure this isn't some misunderstanding."
Cassian bowed respectfully."As you wish Madam ."
_____________________________________
The day of the practical examination finally arrived. Hundreds of students gathered before the academy's eastern forest.
Excitement filled the air.
Standing atop a wooden platform, Principal Aldron Vale looked over the students before speaking.
"Good Morning Students.The rules of this examination are simple.The forest before you will serve as your battlefield.You and your chosen partner must survive until sunset.Magical beasts have been released throughout the forest.Defeat them to earn additional points."
He paused.
"However...The forest has clearly marked boundaries.Do not leave the designated area under any circumstances.
"If you encounter danger beyond your abilities. Activate the emergency flare issued to you. Our instructors will arrive immediately."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Lastly...Do your best and return safely."
The students erupted into cheers.Everyone looked excited.
Everyone...Except Selena.
Aarav who was paired with Gary ,stood in the crowd occationally staring at Selena who was panicing . He could not see her that way.
"Selena , I am sorry but this is for us" .
His communication crystal keeps ringing , but he doesnot pick it up.
She glanced around repeatedly."...Where's Lucian?"
He was never late.Not for training or classes .
She turned toward Luca."Luca. Can you check the dormitory? I've got a bad feeling."
Luca nodded immediately. "I'll be back."
Without another word, he sprinted toward the academy.
______________________________________
Several minutes later...Luca reached Lucian's room.
"...Lucian?";No response.
He slowly pushed the door open. The door was not locked. He pushed it open completely
Creak...
His entire body froze. Furniture had been smashed apart.Broken wood covered the floor. The room looked like someone had a huge fight here .
"LUCIAN LUCIAN!!!!!" Luca's breathing became uneven."W-What..."He stumbled backward.Then turned and ran.
________________________________________
Back at the examination grounds
Selena continued waiting anxiously.Then "LUCIAN'S GONE!"
Luca's scream echoed throughout the academy. He stumbled to a stop before everyone.
His face had turned completely pale.
"His room..."
"It..."
"I... tatters ."
He couldn't finish the sentence. The excitement surrounding the examination disappeared instantly.
Students began whispering among themselves.
"What happened? Tattered ??. Was he attacked?"
Selena felt her heart sink.
Just then Buzz...
Her communication crystal vibrated. She answered immediately. "Hello?"
Cassian's tense voice came from the other side."Miss Selena. I apologize for disturbing you.I wanted to ask...Have you seen Young Master Aarav today?"
Selena frowned. "...No."
Cassian continued "We've been trying to contact him.He isn't answering.
"There is also something strange."
Selena suspecious "What?"
Cassian continues "Yesterday...Young Master Aarav withdrew ten thousand gold from his personal account.It was the entire amount.We're trying to find out why."
Selena's expression slowly changed.
"Ten thousand gold.....
Aarav's strange behavior.....
The fight between me and aarav...
His recent meetings with Hugh....
The rumours surrounding Hugh.....
Lucian...Missing."
Her heart skipped a beat. Slowly...She turned toward Aarav.
He stood among the crowd, completely unaware.
Step.
Step.
Step.
She walked straight toward him."Aarav."
He turned around "Selena?"
Smack!
The slap echoed across the entire courtyard.
Every student fell silent. A bright red mark appeared across Aarav's cheek.
He stared at her in disbelief."...Selena?"
Her eyes trembled with rage."Where is Lucian?"
Aarav froze."...What?"
"I asked..."Her voice cracked."WHERE IS LUCIAN?!"
______________________________________
One week earlier...
Aarav sat beside Hugh Rockwell. For a long time...Neither of them spoke.Finally...Aarav broke the silence. "...You were right."
Hugh looked toward him. "About what?"
"Those commoners...They pretend to become close to us.But little by little..."
"They take everything."
Hugh nodded slowly."I told you. Lucian has been manipulating Miss Brightmore."
Aarav lowered his head."I just...I need him to stay away from Selena."
Silence.Then... A thought crossed his mind."What if...He couldn't attend the practical examination?"
"He'd fail.He'd have to repeat the year."
and Selena...She'd have to choose another partner. Maybe then...She'll realize he was never that special."
Hugh remained silent. Finally.. He spoke."It's not a bad idea."
"But why are you telling me?"
Aarav lowered his eyes."...Because I can't do it.I'm weaker than him.I thought..Maybe you could help. Will you ??."
A slow smile spread across Hugh's face.
"I can't."
Aarav looks down sad .
Hugh puts a arm over Aarav's shoulder "But.. I really want to put that slum rat in his place ."
Aarav looked at him hopefully
"So i will tell about someone who can help you with it "
________________________________________
Back to the present...
Aarav's face slowly lost all color.His lips trembled. "...Selena..."
She grabbed him by the collar. "TELL ME THE TRUTH , WHAT DID YOU DO??!!!"
Aarav remained silent. That silence answered everything.
"ANSWER ME!"
Tears gathered in his eyes.
"I..."
"I..."
Selena's voice turned ice cold. "If you know where Lucian is...Take me there. Now.!!!"
With trembling hands...Aarav activated his communication crystal. Selena sat beside him as he made the call.
"...Senior Hugh.I need the address of the place they took Lucian to ."
Hugh's voice answered after a brief pause.
"...Aarav? I told you not to contact me."
Aarav answered with deep evil tone ,
"Before the examination . I want to see Lucian suffer.So tell me where they're keeping him."
Another silence followed. ".Wow , young master Aarav . You hate him to guts ,don't you " a laugh is heard from the crystal" "Fine I will tell you, But don't stay there for long."
He gave Aarav the location on the crystal .
A map appeared on the crystal . A red mark pointed to a abandoned warehouse in the slums . "Their hideout is at the red mark" .
"Thanks senior , Aarav cuts the call"
Selena sat beside patiently listening .
The moment the call ended. Selena slaps aarav once more . "Why did you do that . Don't show you fucking face to me ever again"
Selena turned and sprinted toward the academy gates.
Aarav stood frozen for only a moment.
Then..He ran after her.