A Noble’s Fury
The echoes of the duel still lingered in the academy. Priyam’s overwhelming victory over Roderic von Hohenstein had sent shockwaves through the noble hierarchy.
A commoner, a powerless familiar, had humiliated one of their own.
It was unacceptable.
Within the grand halls of the House of Hohenstein, the defeated noble knelt before a towering figure—his father, Duke Albrecht von Hohenstein.
The air was heavy with tension.
"Explain."
Albrecht’s voice was cold, his steely gaze fixed upon his son.
Roderic swallowed hard. "He… he’s not normal, Father. He has no magic, and yet he—"
"Enough."
The Duke stood, his long crimson cloak billowing behind him.
"A mere commoner has tarnished our family’s honor. That cannot go unpunished."
He turned to a hooded figure in the shadows.
"Find out everything about this Priyam. I want to know who—or what—he truly is."
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The figure bowed and disappeared into the darkness.
---
A Storm Brewing
At the academy, Priyam sat atop a stone ledge in the courtyard, lazily watching the sunset.
The duel had changed everything.
Nobles no longer dismissed him. Some eyed him with fear. Others with curiosity. And a few, like Isabelle d’Este, with interest.
Louisa stood below him, arms crossed.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" she hissed. "You’ve made an enemy of the Hohenstein family!"
Priyam smirked. "Did I? Or did I simply expose their weakness?"
"This isn't a game!" Louisa snapped. "They will come after you!"
Priyam leaned back, gazing at the sky.
"Let them."
Louisa clenched her fists.
"Why are you like this?"
Priyam glanced down at her, his golden eyes unreadable.
"Because I refuse to bow."
Louisa’s breath caught in her throat.
There it was again—that certainty.
Not arrogance. Not recklessness.
Just pure, unshakable belief in himself.
For a moment, she didn’t know whether to be furious or… impressed.
Before she could speak, another voice cut in.
"Interesting philosophy."
Isabelle d’Este approached, her emerald eyes locked onto Priyam.
"A man who defies nobles so openly… I can’t decide if you’re a fool or a visionary."
Priyam smirked. "Why not both?"
Isabelle chuckled.
"I’ve been watching you, Priyam. And I must say, you are… fascinating."
Louisa scowled. "What do you want, Isabelle?"
"To know more about our intriguing familiar." Isabelle tilted her head. "Would you care for a walk, Priyam?"
Louisa stiffened.
She hated how Isabelle spoke to him as if he were an equal.
But Priyam merely stretched. "Why not?"
As he hopped down and walked beside Isabelle, Louisa felt an unfamiliar sensation in her chest.
Annoyance.
No—jealousy.
---
The First Signs of Power
As they strolled through the academy gardens, Isabelle observed Priyam closely.
"You’re unlike any commoner I’ve ever met."
"Perhaps because I’m not from your world."
Isabelle raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Priyam smirked but said nothing more.
Isabelle studied him, then sighed. "You hide many things, Priyam. But tell me… do you truly intend to remain powerless in a world ruled by magic?"
Priyam’s smirk faded slightly.
That was the real question, wasn’t it?
As much as he enjoyed challenging the nobles, he knew one truth:
If he wanted to truly win, he needed power.
Real power.
And it seemed fate was ready to answer.
A sudden pulse of energy rippled through the air.
The torches flickered. The wind shifted.
And deep within Priyam’s chest, something stirred.
A forgotten memory. A calling.
His body tensed. His breath hitched.
And for the first time since arriving in this world—
He felt something awaken.
---
End of Chapter 5