The Imperial Arcane Academy had many unwritten rules.
One of them was simple:
Never provoke a dragon-blood unless you're ready to burn.
Unfortunately, some people believed their lineage made them untouchable.
TRAINING YARD — MIDDAY
Kael Dravaryn stood alone near the edge of the practice grounds, practicing controlled breathing. His movements were slow, precise—each breath calming the restless heat in his blood.
He ignored the stares.
He was used to that.
What he wasn't used to—
Was hearing laughter behind him.
"Well, well," a lazy voice drawled. "Look at this."
Kael didn't turn.
Three students approached.
All wore academy cloaks embroidered with golden draconic crests—high dragon nobility.
At their center was Rhazek Flamereign, a tall boy with crimson eyes and a smirk carved from arrogance.
"A half-blood practicing like a monk," Rhazek sneered.
"How adorable."
Kael's jaw tightened.
DRAGON NOBLE BULLYING
Rhazek circled Kael slowly.
"You know," he continued, "it's embarrassing."
"Your bloodline awakened," one of his companions added mockingly,
"yet you stand with humans."
The third laughed.
"Maybe he's afraid of his own kind."
Kael finally turned.
His eyes burned.
"…Move."
Rhazek laughed louder.
"Or what?"
He stepped closer.
"You'll breathe fire?"
Kael's fists clenched.
The ground beneath his feet trembled—just slightly.
Students nearby stopped talking.
Tension coiled tight.
ELARION — POV
Elarion felt it instantly.
Killing intent.
Not unleashed—but restrained.
If Kael snaps here…
The academy won't forgive him.
ENTER LUCIEN — UNINVITED
"Wow," Lucien's voice cut in brightly.
"This place really does have side quests everywhere."
Everyone turned.
Lucien walked in casually, hands in pockets, smiling.
Rhazek blinked.
"…Who are you?"
Lucien tilted his head.
"Friend of the guy you're bothering."
Rhazek scoffed.
"A human?"
Lucien nodded proudly.
"Premium edition."
DRAGON NOBLE VS EXTROVERT
Rhazek sneered.
"Step aside."
Lucien didn't move.
Instead, he leaned closer and whispered—
"Hey."
Rhazek frowned.
"What?"
Lucien pointed at Rhazek's crest.
"Isn't that the Flamereign insignia?"
Rhazek puffed up.
"It is."
Lucien nodded thoughtfully.
"Huh. That's weird."
"What's weird?"
Lucien smiled.
"In the novel—I mean, history—Flamereigns were famous for burning others."
He glanced around loudly.
"Not… picking on half-bloods in public."
Silence.
Students nearby began whispering.
Rhazek's face darkened.
"You—"
Lucien cut him off cheerfully.
"Also, bullying someone weaker?"
He shrugged.
"Doesn't that mean you're insecure about your own bloodline?"
Dead silence.
Brom snorted from the sidelines.
KAEL — POV
Kael stared at Lucien.
He's provoking them…
But—
He's not afraid.
And somehow—
The heat in Kael's chest cooled.
Just a little.
RHAZEK LOSES FACE
Rhazek's companions shifted uncomfortably.
"Rhazek… people are watching."
Rhazek clenched his jaw.
"You think words can protect you?"
Lucien smiled.
"No."
Then he stepped aside.
"They protect him."
Rhazek hesitated.
If he attacked now—
Instructors would intervene.
And worse—
Rumors would spread.
Rhazek scoffed.
"Tch."
He turned sharply.
"This isn't over, Kael."
Lucien waved.
"Have a nice day!"
The dragon nobles left.
AFTERMATH
Kael stood frozen.
Lucien stretched.
"Man," he said, "dragon politics are exhausting."
Kael finally spoke.
"…You didn't need to interfere."
Lucien looked at him.
"Sure I did."
"Why?"
Lucien shrugged.
"Because bullies are annoying."
Kael stared.
No judgment.
No fear.
Just… normal.
"…Thank you," Kael muttered.
Lucien grinned.
"Anytime."
KAEL — INTERNAL SHIFT
For the first time since arriving at the academy—
Kael felt something unfamiliar.
Not pride.
Not rage.
But…
Belonging.
SYSTEM — QUIET UPDATE
Bond Progress Increased
Kael Dravaryn — Trust Stabilizing
Status: Dormant Bond Deepening
Lucien blinked.
"Oh? Nice."
GODDESS OF SIGHT — POV
She observed silently.
"He defends without domination."
"That is dangerous."
Her gaze lingered on Kael.
"And loyalty is harder to break than fear."