Lucian's Encounter: A Fate He Never Saw Coming

Lucian's POV:

After a night of barely any sleep, I dragged myself out of bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion in every step. I couldn't shake the unease gnawing at me, but there was no time to dwell on it. The morning was already pushing me into action, whether I liked it or not.

As I was buttoning up my jacket, I heard a loud knock at the door. Zane's voice boomed from the other side, "Lucian! You alive in there? We're gonna miss breakfast if you don't hurry up!"

Before I could even respond, Ryker's deep voice joined in, "You better not be looking like a corpse when we get in there, man."

I shot a glare at the door, though they couldn't see it. The audacity. But I couldn't help but crack a smile at their teasing. Still, I was running behind, and they weren't wrong—breakfast was a crucial part of the day, and I needed to at least pretend to be human.

I straightened up, wiped the sleep from my eyes, and opened the door to find both of them standing there, their faces a mix of impatience and amusement.

Zane raised an eyebrow, looking me over. "You sure you're ready for today? I mean, you don't want to embarrass us at breakfast with your 'sleepy prince' look, do you?"

Ryker let out a short laugh, "Yeah, and you've got that combat match this afternoon. You gonna take on the whole academy, or just your usual brand of 'too-cool-for-school' attitude?"

I smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "I'm always ready. And as for the match, it's just another day at the ring. Besides," I said, flashing a grin, "Who's really going to challenge me? First-years? They'll be too busy worrying about their lunch."

Zane and Ryker exchanged looks, their eyes glinting with mischief. Zane let out a low chuckle. "You're probably right. They won't stand a chance. And you know, I bet the whole academy is just waiting for someone to take you down, Lucian. But we both know that's not happening."

"Exactly," Ryker agreed with a knowing grin. "Nobody's stupid enough to think they can take on the 'Royal Trio.' We've been ruling the ring for years, and that's not changing today."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "Well, if anyone tries, I'll be sure to give them a lesson in humility. But right now, I'm more interested in breakfast."

The three of us shared a look, and without another word, we made our way down the hall toward the mess. The usual banter flowed easily between us, but I couldn't shake the feeling that today's match would be... different. Something about the way the air was charged, the tension swirling beneath the surface. Maybe I was just imagining it. Maybe not.

As we stepped into the mess hall, the usual hum of chatter and clinking silverware filled the air. I was about to head for our usual table when my mind, as if on instinct, started scanning the room. My gaze drifted over the crowd of students, the sea of familiar faces. But then, there was something new.

A soft rustle of movement caught my attention, and I couldn't help but look over. That's when I saw her. The new girl. She was sitting at a table near the corner, casually talking to a group of students. But the moment I locked eyes with her, she turned toward me.

For a split second, everything seemed to freeze.

How did she know I was here?

There was something in the way she looked at me, as if she'd been waiting for this exact moment. Her gaze was steady, unwavering, almost as if she were sizing me up. And just like that, it felt like the room had shrunk to just the two of us.

I blinked, shaking myself from the daze, but the connection remained. There was a tension in the air, thick and undeniable. Neither of us looked away, our eyes holding each other's for just a moment longer than usual.

Then, out of nowhere, Ryker's voice broke the silence, his tone light and teasing. "Well, well, looks like you've got some competition for your staring contests now, Lucian," he said, his grin spreading from ear to ear. "She's got some serious confidence, doesn't she? Already started the staring match with you, huh?"

Zane snickered beside him, shaking his head. "Didn't think we'd have to fight over you this early in the day. But hey, she's got guts."

I quickly glanced away, my jaw tightening slightly, though I couldn't deny the unexpected spark of curiosity. "She's not... she's not looking for a fight," I muttered, more to myself than to them, though my eyes were still drawn to her. I couldn't explain it, but something about her presence, her boldness—it was different. And I didn't like it.

Ryker shot me a look, clearly amused. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Lucian. But that was a pretty intense staring match. Just don't forget—she's not the only one who can play that game."

I forced a laugh, but the strange pull in my chest didn't disappear. This new girl was... intriguing. And that was the last thing I needed right now.

As we sat down to breakfast, the usual chatter and laughter surrounded us, but my eyes couldn't seem to focus on anything other than her. The new girl. I noticed her stand up from the table, seemingly heading for the exit.

But just as she moved toward the door, chaos erupted across the room. My attention snapped to the disturbance—a fire elemental, I think his name was Reed, was face-to-face with an air elemental, their tension palpable.

Reed's fiery temper was already flaring, and the air around him crackled with heat as he raised his hand to strike. I could tell it wasn't just a verbal argument anymore. It was about to get physical.

I leaned forward instinctively, watching closely, but before Reed could launch his attack, something unexpected happened.

The new girl, I think—moved with the grace of someone who was used to handling situations like this. She raised her hand slightly, summoning a gust of wind with practiced ease. The air around her responded instantly, forming a barrier that intercepted the flames meant for the Air Elemental.

The force of the wind didn't just deflect the fire harmlessly to the side; it was strong enough to shove the Fire Elemental back a few steps, leaving him visibly rattled

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"Watch your aim," she said, her voice steady and calm, but carrying a weight that made every word hit like a punch.

The entire mess hall went silent, the tension crackling through the room. Everyone's eyes locked on her, surprised that a newcomer would dare step between Reed and his target, especially with the fiery energy radiating off him.

Zane leaned closer to me, his voice low and impressed. "I gotta hand it to her—talk about confidence. Taking on a fire elemental on her first day?"

Ryker, always quick to find the humor, smirked. "She's either crazy or has a death wish. Maybe both."

I didn't speak. My gaze was fixed on her, a strange mix of curiosity and admiration twisting in my chest. The way she held herself, the calm in her eyes—she wasn't afraid.

Reed's voice broke the silence, dripping with disdain. "What do you think you're doing?" he sneered at her.

Her response was quick and sharp, her posture unyielding. "I think you should learn to control your temper before it burns you."

The fire elemental's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond immediately. The room buzzed with whispers, everyone unsure whether they should get involved or stay out of it. She stood her ground, never once flinching.

Reed's voice darkened, a hint of menace in his tone. "You don't know anything about how things work around here. Stay out of it, or you'll regret it."

Aria didn't budge. "If you think I'm afraid of you, you've got another thing coming."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. The whole mess hall seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next move.

My hand clenched into a fist under the table. I was about to stand, to step in and make sure this didn't escalate further, when I heard her friend's voice.

"Aria, don't—let's go," her friend called out from the door, stepping forward and grabbing her by the arm, pulling her gently but firmly away from the confrontation.

The name Aria struck something inside me. I didn't know why, but it felt out of place, like it didn't quite fit the fire I had just witnessed.

As her friend tried to pull her away, Aria gave Reed one last, defiant look, her voice cold and cutting. "Next time, I won't be so nice."

The mess hall was dead silent as she turned to leave, but just before stepping out, her gaze flickered back to me. For a second, her eyes held mine. I realized my fists were clenched tight, barely holding back the urge to step in myself.

But something about the way she handled Reed... it left me wondering who exactly this girl was—and why I couldn't look away.

As we left the mess hall, Zane, Ryker, and I walked together down the winding stone path toward our first class of the day—math. The academy grounds were alive with students, each moving in small clusters, their laughter and conversations mixing with the early morning breeze. Despite the lively chatter, people seemed to instinctively part for us, creating a path as we approached.

Zane glanced around, smirking as he noticed a group of students from the Fire Elemental classes whispering and casting curious glances our way. "Seems we've already got an audience this morning," he said, nudging me with an amused grin.

I rolled my eyes, unfazed. "Let them talk."

Ryker chuckled beside me, shrugging as he took in the familiar glances and whispers. "It's not every day they get to see the academy's 'untouchables' up close," he teased, using the nickname some of the others had for us.

Zane leaned in, lowering his voice so only we could hear. "They wouldn't be so curious if they knew what a snooze fest math is about to be." He smirked, flashing a grin my way. "Then again, you're probably looking forward to it."

I shrugged, not giving much away. "Better to start the day with something that makes sense," I replied, my tone casual.

As we approached the math class, Zane suddenly stopped short, his eyes narrowing as he noticed a group of students from the Earth Elemental classes—Charles included.

Charles, lounging with his usual group, noticed us and straightened, his gaze locking with mine for just a second before he looked away, feigning indifference.

Ryker nudged me. "Guess he's still nursing his ego from last week's sparring session," he murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

I didn't respond, though I could feel a faint smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. Charles was always looking for an opportunity to prove himself, always trying to measure up.

And I knew from experience that he wouldn't stop until he felt he'd made his point.

"Let's get to class," I said, picking up my pace as we passed the Earth group. As we walked past, I caught the briefest flicker of irritation in Charles's expression, though he kept his gaze averted. He wouldn't be able to resist challenging me for long.

Ryker rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as we entered the math building. "Wonder what stunt he's planning for today."

"Whatever it is," I replied calmly, "he'll regret it."

With that, we headed down the quiet corridor to our math class, leaving the murmurs and stares behind.

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the classroom as I took my seat at the back, with Zane and Ryker on either side. I'd gotten used to the last row—partly because it let us observe the entire class and partly because, despite the attention we drew, we preferred our space. Math class wasn't something I took lightly; each equation sharpened my mind, the way combat training strengthened my body.

Professor Aldric entered, his usual sharp gaze scanning the room. "Today, we'll be tackling advanced calculus. I expect complete focus—these equations won't solve themselves." He wasted no time, scribbling an array of complex symbols across the board.

Zane and Ryker, equally focused, exchanged a knowing look, each silently challenging the other to be the first to solve the upcoming problem. The moment I saw the equation, I knew the solution. Math was predictable, logical—a realm I could control.

Professor Aldric called me. "Lucian, if you would, please explain the next step." I didn't hesitate. I moved to the board, laying out each part of the solution with precision.

I could feel the entire class watching, but it didn't faze me. I'd grown up under the weight of stares, expectations, and silence. This was routine.

When I returned to my seat, Zane chuckled quietly beside me. "Show-off," he teased, smirking.

I allowed myself a slight smile. "Just doing my part to keep class interesting."

Ryker leaned in, muttering under his breath, "Try not to make the rest of us look too bad, Your Highness."

Their humor was a small reprieve. I settled back into my seat, savoring the moment of calm as the lesson continued.

As we filed out of the classroom, I noticed Charles waiting in the hallway, his arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face. His friends—Owen, a Fire Elemental, and Mira, a Water Elemental—stood on either side, clearly waiting for something.

"Lucian," he sneered, stepping directly into my path. His expression was the same as always: smug, taunting. "You may have won the academic game in there, but we both know that knowledge isn't everything. Let's see how you handle yourself in combat, shall we?"

I kept my expression neutral, meeting his gaze steadily. "Always looking for a challenge, aren't you, Charles?"

Charles crossed his arms, and his gaze held a spark of arrogance. "Oh, it's not just me. My friends and I think it's only fair to see how you do without relying on all five of those elemental dragons of yours. So how about it, Lucian? Me, against you, in the arena."

Zane and Ryker tensed beside me, ready to back me up, but I held up a hand. They stopped, but I could feel their unease.

"You think I need all five to handle you?" My voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the edge.

Charles's friends stepped forward, Owen smirking with his usual fiery intensity. "What Charles is trying to say, Prince Lucian, is that maybe it's time someone leveled the playing field. The three of us against you, in today's combat session."

Ryker took a step forward, his tone sharp. "Three against one doesn't seem like much of a 'fair' fight, Charles."

Charles shrugged casually, playing the part of the amused prince. "If Prince Lucian truly thinks he's so powerful, then he shouldn't be concerned, should he?"

I held his gaze, feeling the weight of his challenge but not letting it rattle me. "Fine. I'll accept your challenge," I replied, my voice steady. "Just remember, Charles, you brought this upon yourself."

For a moment, his smirk faded, but he quickly recovered. "We'll see you in the arena, then. Don't be late."

He turned, with Owen and Mira following, their laughter ringing through the hall. I watched them go, feeling Zane's gaze on me, a flicker of concern crossing his face.

"Are you sure about this?" Zane asked quietly.

I nodded, my focus already shifting to the battle ahead. "It's about time Charles learns that power isn't just about numbers—it's about skill."

Ryker clapped a hand on my shoulder. "We'll be there to watch your back."

I nodded again, my mind calm but prepared. Today's combat session would be intense, but I was ready. Charles and his friends would see soon enough that underestimating me was a mistake.