The three days before the university opened passed in a blur of sweat and focus for Lucas. He threw himself into every lesson Dante gave him with the same hungry intensity he had once used to survive on the streets. Mornings began with sword forms until his arms burned and his greatsword felt like an extension of his bones.
Afternoons shifted to hand-to-hand drills, where Dante taught him how to read an opponent's weight shift, how to turn a block into a counter, how to use the environment itself as a weapon.
Evenings were spent in the guild library, poring over thick tomes that mapped the academy's power structures: the unspoken hierarchy between Apex, Proven, and Nameless; the rivalries between the top guilds that funneled resources into the university; the political games played behind closed doors where a single Mythic awakening could tilt alliances for decades.
Lucas absorbed it all — politics, power struggles, the quiet ways legacies crushed newcomers. He asked questions until Dante's voice grew hoarse, then stayed up late reviewing notes until his eyes stung. He wanted every edge he could steal before the real arena opened.
Meanwhile, across the city in the Vanderbilt mansion's private training hall, Alex trained without pause under Evelyn's unrelenting gaze. She oversaw every detail of his life — the exact balance of mana-infused proteins in his meals, the precise timing of his rest cycles, the weight of every spear thrust.
Alex was no bulky warrior; his body was lean and structured for nimble, agile movement, built for speed and precision rather than raw power. The spear felt natural in his hands, an extension of the grace his mother had drilled into him since childhood.
Evelyn watched from the edge of the hall, spotless and composed even after hours of demonstration, her black training outfit clinging perfectly to every curve while Alex's own clothes were soaked through with sweat.
Tomorrow was the first opening day at Seoul Awakener University.
Evelyn finally raised a hand in the late afternoon. "Let's stop here."
Alex dropped to his knees on the rune-etched floor, chest heaving, spear clattering beside him. His body felt drained in the best and worst ways — every muscle pushed harder than usual, driven by a new, quiet competitiveness he refused to name aloud. Evelyn studied him for a moment, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. He started to feel it, she thought. That kid might actually push Alex's limits.
Grace entered the hall carrying a polished wooden box, her voluptuous figure moving with familiar grace in her fitted maid uniform. "Young master, this is your present from Madam."
Alex's exhaustion vanished in an instant. He stood like an eager child, eyes bright as he accepted the box with careful hands. The lid opened to reveal a golden spear resting on a velvet lining. The weapon gleamed with a warm, radiant light, its shaft etched with intricate runes that pulsed softly.
Grace explained in her warm, maternal voice that Evelyn had commissioned it personally — a rare-grade artifact infused with light attributes. It could channel purifying beams to burn through darkness, extend its reach with luminous energy, and heal minor wounds on its wielder mid-battle. The spear was perfectly balanced for Alex's agile style, its weight light yet unbreakable.
Evelyn watched her son's eyes twinkle with pure delight, then turned and left the hall without a word, her silhouette disappearing into the corridor.
The moment she was gone, Alex threw his arms around Grace in unrestrained excitement, burying his face against her shoulder. The maid's heavy breasts pressed warmly against his chest through the thin fabric of her uniform.
Grace chuckled mischievously, her purple hair brushing his cheek. "My my, young master… are you trying to mark my body with your sweat?"
Alex flinched hard. The soft, heavy weight of her curves against him registered all at once. Heat flooded his face in a deep blush. He pulled back quickly, stammering an apology as he grabbed the golden spear and practically fled the room, heart racing.
Grace remained behind, chuckling to herself with that same playful glint in her eyes. Just before Alex disappeared down the corridor, she called after him, "Your father asked you to meet him at the guild building."
Alex stopped mid-step, nodded once, and continued.
The guild treasury was a vast, climate-controlled vault beneath Apex Vanguard headquarters, its walls lined with reinforced glass cases glowing with protective runes. Marcus escorted Alex inside, Sophia and a pair of guards trailing silently behind. Lucas and James were already waiting near the center of the room.
Lucas turned at the sound of footsteps. He offered Alex a warm, caring brother smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Alex sighed inwardly. What happened has already happened. He forced a polite nod. "Father."
James smiled, the expression genuine if a little tired. "How did training go?"
They moved deeper into the treasury together. Sophia's gaze flicked toward Lucas's back, her eyes cold and guarded. Lucas felt the stare immediately. He turned, his smile widening as he gave her a slow, deliberate wink.
James handed Lucas a special spatial ring — identical to the one Alex already wore. "The academy won't allow much inside. Only basics. The best you can take is up to rare grade, and quantity is strictly limited. Pick what you need."
Lucas browsed the cases with calm interest. He selected a rare-grade armor set that featured perfect invisibility — once equipped, it could be worn beneath any clothing and would remain completely unseen until activated.
Next, he chose a rare-grade greatsword, its blade forged from void-tempered alloy that absorbed ambient mana to increase weight and cutting power on command, with a secondary enchantment that allowed brief bursts of shadow-step movement during swings.
Alex watched from the side and scoffed quietly to himself. Just picking whatever looks good.
Both brothers gathered a modest selection of talismans and potions — healing vials, mana restoratives, basic barrier charms — then left the treasury.
As they walked out, James began explaining the academy's economy. "Merits function as internal currency there. You can't bring too many, or you'll disrupt the balance. You'll have to kill monsters, complete quests, and earn merits to rank up properly. Right now, both of you are registered at F-rank until the official sorting."
At the exit, James paused and handed Lucas a slim list. "The academy allows each student a single personal servant to cater to daily needs. Alex already has Sophia. Lucas, you should select one from this roster."
Lucas scanned the names and photos, then shook his head. "Father, I don't think anyone here will be trustworthy. As you know… not many like me. I'm the bastard and all that."
James's fists clenched at his sides, a flash of pain crossing his face.
Lucas smiled gently. "So if you don't mind, I have a better idea."
Alex suddenly felt a bad premonition crawl up his spine.
James nodded. "Say whatever you need."
Lucas's grin widened, sharp and satisfied. "Since Sophia has already been trained since she was a child, how about she helps both of us? I don't think I'll need much, and it will also help Alex and me bond."
Alex's skin prickled. His teeth gritted hard enough to ache.
Sophia stood frozen behind them, her voluptuous frame tense beneath the crisp maid uniform. Her purple hair shifted as she lifted her head, eyes narrowing with clear discomfort and quiet defiance.
James considered for a moment, then hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… that's not a bad idea." He agreed without hesitation.
The decision hung in the air like a blade.
***
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