The next few weeks at Dorothrel Academy passed in a blur of new faces, whispered conversations, and ever-present tension. Var-Nyx spent most of his time walking the fine line between keeping a low profile and not appearing weak. He had made a deliberate choice to appear average, to not overachieve in his classes, and to stay out of the spotlight. But that didn't mean he could avoid the whispers and the stares.
One evening, as he walked back to his dorm after a particularly grueling magical theory class, he felt a shift in the air around him. He wasn't alone. The subtle, almost imperceptible pressure of someone's presence lingered behind him. He didn't need to look back to know who it was.
"Kael," Var-Nyx said without turning around. "You always seem to find me at the most inconvenient moments."
Kael's laughter echoed softly, a sound that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I don't find you, Var-Nyx. I just... watch. And I'm good at it."
Var-Nyx stopped and turned to face him. Kael's sharp features were lit by the dim glow of lanterns hanging from the nearby trees, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. He was taller than Var-Nyx, and his posture exuded a quiet confidence—something Var-Nyx couldn't help but admire, despite the hidden danger that lay in Kael's gaze.
"I've been watching you, too," Kael continued, his voice low. "You've been keeping a low profile. Not a bad idea, I suppose, but it won't last forever. Soon enough, they'll come for you. They always do."
Var-Nyx narrowed his eyes, not liking where this conversation was going. "Who's 'they'?"
Kael's smile was thin, calculating. "The powerful students. Those who don't take kindly to... mediocrity. The ones who think that anyone who doesn't make their mark is a liability. And then there's Jehnic. He's watching you."
Var-Nyx didn't flinch, but inside, something cold stirred. Jehnic's words from the senior hall echoed in his mind: Prove your worth, or be forgotten. It wasn't just a warning. It was a challenge.
"I'm not looking for trouble," Var-Nyx said, his tone casual but firm. "And I don't need your advice on how to stay out of it."
Kael raised an eyebrow, as if testing Var-Nyx's resolve. "I'm not giving you advice. I'm giving you a warning. The politics here aren't the same as the rest of the world. Here, you either make allies or you end up under someone's boot."
Var-Nyx paused. "You want to make an alliance with me, then?"
Kael's smile didn't falter. "Not necessarily. But I can tell you this: people like you, with power hidden beneath the surface, are valuable. You're a wildcard. You're dangerous. And the smart people know how to either use that or neutralize it."
Var-Nyx said nothing for a long moment. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he turned away and continued walking. "I'll figure it out."
Kael watched him for a moment before falling in step beside him. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Things will get interesting soon enough."
Over the next few days, Var-Nyx felt the subtle shift in the atmosphere around him. It wasn't obvious at first, but it became more apparent as time went on. Students began to form small groups. Whispers of alliances, rivalries, and petty conflicts filled the air, especially as the first-year students began to settle into their routines.
At the same time, a series of events were being planned by the academy's Student Council. The council, made up of second-year students, was a mix of noble heirs and ambitious commoners vying for power. They were the ones who controlled much of the academy's extracurricular activities and resources, and they played a central role in the power dynamics that had already begun to develop.
The first major event was a magical duel competition. It was open to all students, but only the strongest would be able to rise to the top. Var-Nyx knew that participating wasn't a necessity, but there was no doubt in his mind that it would become a point of contention. Students who participated would be marked, their strengths and weaknesses laid bare. And the students who weren't seen as strong enough to compete would become targets.
Despite his decision to stay low-profile, Var-Nyx couldn't shake the feeling that he would be dragged into the competition, whether he wanted to be or not. The rumblings were getting louder. A challenge was coming, and soon enough, he would have to decide whether to face it head-on or find another way to maneuver through the academy's maze of politics.
That evening, as the students gathered for the announcement of the duel competition, Var-Nyx found himself once again standing at the edge of a crowd. The air was thick with anticipation as Lord Jehnic stood before them, his commanding presence drawing all eyes to him.
"The first-year duel competition will begin next week," Jehnic announced, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. "I expect everyone to participate. If you wish to survive here, you must show what you are capable of. There will be no exceptions."
Var-Nyx's heart skipped a beat. This was it. The moment when everyone would have to reveal a part of themselves. The students around him shifted uneasily, glancing at each other as the reality of the competition sank in.
A few students, mostly the higher-ranking ones, looked confident, their eyes gleaming with the anticipation of a chance to display their skills. Others, like Var-Nyx, were more guarded, knowing that participation could come with its own risks.
As the crowd began to disperse, Kael approached Var-Nyx again, his expression unreadable.
"Well," Kael said, his voice almost amused. "Looks like the real game has begun."
Var-Nyx didn't respond. He already knew what Kael meant. This duel wasn't just about magic—it was a display of status. And to win, he'd have to show the academy what he was made of.
The question was: How much was he willing to reveal?