The Pulse of Power

Priyam’s breath came in sharp gasps as he stared at the mark on his hand. The glow was fading, but the warmth it left behind was undeniable—like embers smoldering beneath the surface.

That dream… that voice…

It was more than just a hallucination. He felt something awaken deep within him, something unfamiliar yet terrifyingly natural.

He clenched his fist.

If there was power inside him, then he wouldn’t stay helpless forever.

A Summon’s Worth

Morning came too soon. A sharp knock on the door jolted Priyam from his restless thoughts.

“Wake up, commoner,” a muffled voice sneered.

The door swung open, revealing a young man dressed in an ornate military-style uniform. His hair was jet-black, his sharp blue eyes filled with disdain. Behind him stood two more students, both wearing the same academy robes.

“I am Leonhardt von Riegan,” the young man declared, stepping forward. “Second-year, heir to the Riegan Dukedom, and ranked among the top three duelists of the academy.” His lips curled into a smirk. “And you, my dear ‘familiar,’ are an insult to our noble traditions.”

Priyam sighed. Another arrogant noble? Great.

Leonhardt continued. “A familiar is a reflection of its master’s strength. And Evelyne, the princess of our empire, has summoned… you? A powerless, magicless peasant?”

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Priyam raised an eyebrow. “And? What, you here to lecture me on noble supremacy?”

One of Leonhardt’s companions snickered. “Bold words for someone who’s only alive because of Lady Evelyne’s mercy.”

Leonhardt nodded. “Indeed. So, let’s make something clear.” He reached for his sword, a gleaming silver blade with a gem-encrusted hilt. “You will kneel and acknowledge your place, or I will make an example out of you.”

Priyam scoffed. “That’s cute. You threaten people because your ego can’t handle the fact that I exist?”

Leonhardt’s smirk vanished. His eyes burned with irritation. “So be it.”

He swung his sword—fast, too fast for a normal person to react. The blade whistled through the air—

Clang!

A powerful gust of wind exploded through the room.

Leonhardt staggered back, his eyes wide. His sword, which should have easily struck its target, had been stopped.

By Priyam.

Not with a weapon. Not with magic.

With his bare hand.

The room fell silent.

Priyam himself was frozen in shock. His body had moved on its own, his fingers gripping the edge of the sword.

The warmth from his mark pulsed again.

Leonhardt’s eyes narrowed. “You…”

Priyam released the blade, his mind racing. What just happened?

But before anyone could process it further—

BANG!

The door burst open, and Evelyne stormed in, her violet eyes blazing.

The Princess’s Fury

“What in the blazes is going on here?!” Evelyne’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Leonhardt quickly composed himself, bowing slightly. “Princess Evelyne, I was merely testing the worth of your… familiar.”

Evelyne’s gaze snapped to Priyam, then to the dented sword. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she masked it with cold indifference.

“You tested him?” she asked, voice sharp.

Leonhardt smirked. “He was disrespectful. I thought he needed to be reminded of his place.”

Evelyne’s grip tightened around her staff. “And I suppose if you had killed him, you would have explained it as discipline?”

Leonhardt chuckled. “I only teach those who refuse to learn.”

Evelyne’s eyes gleamed dangerously. “Get out.”

Leonhardt hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “As you wish, my princess.” He turned back to Priyam, a small, knowing smirk on his lips. “This isn’t over.”

As he and his lackeys exited, Evelyne exhaled sharply before glaring at Priyam.

“You… are going to be a problem, aren’t you?”

Priyam, still trying to comprehend what had just happened, looked up. “Define ‘problem.’”

Evelyne pinched the bridge of her nose. “You have no magic, no training, no noble blood, and yet you just stopped a duelist-ranked noble’s sword with your bare hand.”

Priyam’s mind reeled. She’s right. That should have been impossible.

Evelyne studied him for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. You’re coming with me.”

“Where?” Priyam asked.

“To the Grand Mage’s chamber,” she said. “Because either you’re hiding something…” She glanced at the mark on his hand, her eyes narrowing.

“…or something in this world is changing.”

To Be Continued…