The cultivation grounds were far from quiet.
Despite being a place meant for focus and growth, the entrance buzzed with movement—students entering, others leaving, a few lingering to exchange words or compare progress.
At the center of it all stood a large stone gate, its surface etched with faintly glowing inscriptions. The air around it was dense, heavy with Youm, even at the entrance.
Before it stood the warden at the counter.
He was an older man with a rigid posture and a permanent frown carved into his face, like the world itself had disappointed him one too many times.
And before him, looking calmly, was a handsome young boy with slightly effemiate features. Dark hair flowed down behind him, nad his delicate face was calm. A handsome one like this would cause hearts to sway if he smiled, and though he remained calm and cold. That distant aura he gave caused a few girls' hearts to skip a beat. His skin was extremely pale, almost transpartent under the sun, and looking at his form, he looked so frail no one could think him to be dangerous.
Behind himm, stood a girl with outstanding looks as well. The sheen in her flowing hair would cause one to take a second look if she were to pass. Blue eyes sparkled, but held a cold, unapproachable look. There were abundant beauties in the academy, but very few could compare to her. She'd already captured the hearts of a few males who were passing by, and they wanted to approach her, but stopped in their tracks. It wasn't because they were shy, but because of their identities.
The duo who seemed to have stepped out of a painting were none other than Aramith, whose name had sparked a huge bonfire recently, and Mozrael, who was seen to be with him the first time he appeared.
Mozrael stood slightly behind him, silent as always, calm as well.
A few students slowed their steps.
Then more.
Whispers began.
"…That's him."
"The one from the rumors?"
"He actually came here?"
"For what? He has no business here."
The warden looked Aramith up and down, his gaze sharp, unimpressed.
"What do you want?" He asked in a tone that already suggested they leave.
Aramith didn't react to the tone.
"I need access to the inner cultivation grounds," he repeated the words Lynnor told him to say.
The warden stared at him, eyes wide, then scoffed.
His lips curled slightly. "Inner grounds?"
More students stopped walking.
Someone chuckled behind the crowd.
"Did he just say inner grounds?"
"He just got here, right?"
"Is he insane?"
"Does he even know how this place works?"
"Tch, just a pretty face with no skills or brain."
The warden folded his arms.
"Do you have points?"
"Points?"
That answer caused a ripple.
"I said it, he's just an idiot. He thinks everything works for him."
"How arrogant! He doesn't even know anything about points but he's coming here."
The voices grew louder, and with Aramith's hearing, he heard everything clearly.
The warden's frown deepened. "Don't waste my time here, scram. I respect my position as a warden, and as a new student, show some respect by going to a teacher to explain things to you. And make sure it's someone responsible..."
He sounded like he was offering help, but the underlying meaning was obvious, clearly tagging Aramith's teacher as someone irresponsible, and without respect.
Aramith's 'exploits' had reached his ears as well, and he already despised Lynnor. Now that this cocky student of hers had appeared, he wasn't going to be polite.
The warden's expression hardened, seeing that Aramith had no intention to leave.
"You waste my time," he said coldly. "Outer grounds are available for those who earn their place. Leave."
Aramith didn't move.
"I need the inner grounds."
That only made it worse.
"Are you deaf?" the warden snapped. "Or just arrogant?"
Mozrael's gaze shifted slightly, but she said nothing.
The crowd leaned in, eager.
"Is this where he calls his teacher again?"
"Yeah, maybe she'll come beat the warden too."
Snickers spread.
The warden's patience snapped.
"Get out before I remove you myself."
"Is there a problem?"
The voice was soft and gentle, and all eyes turned to see.
Gliding like a swan, Liora made her way towards the entrance.
The murmurs shifted instantly.
"It's her..." one male said, melting with admiration.
"Liora..."
"Why's she here?"
Her presence drew eyes effortlessly, like gravity itself bent toward her.
She stopped a short distance away, her gaze first landing on the warden, then drifting slowly toward Aramith.
She smiled warmly at him, scrutinizing his looks up close. Her heart fluttered. He was more appealing than she expected.
"Forgive me," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I couldn't help but overhear."
The warden straightened slightly. "This does not concern you." But his tone was gentle and with respect.
Liora tilted her head, amused.
"But it does, doesn't it?"
She stepped closer toward Aramith.
The crowd watched, holding their breath.
Her eyes lingered on his face, but he wasn't reacting.
Her smile deepened just a fraction. He's trying to remain composed...how cute, she smirked inwardly, still maintaining an inviting smile on the outside.
"You need to cultivate inside?" she asked gently.
"Yes," he replied without hesitating.
Something flickered in her eyes, but she didn't let it show.
"That's quite expensive," she said lightly. "Especially for a new student."
He frowned a little.
The crowd exchanged looks.
What is he doing?
Liora let out a soft laugh.
"It's alright," she said, almost reassuring. "If it's just points, I can help you."
Gasps spread out in ripples.
"Help him?!"
"Is she serious?"
"Why him?"
The warden frowned. "Lady Liora, there is no need—"
She raised a hand slightly, stopping him. Her gaze returned to Aramith.
"I have more than enough points," she continued, her tone gentle, almost caring. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill to my junior."
All eyes were on him now.
Liora remained calm. She'd set the bait, and now all she needed was to reel in her catch.
Aramith looked at her calmly, his piercing gaze causing a slight pink to appear on her cheeks, but she quickly hid it.
"I don't need your help."
The words landed softly, but they hit like a hammer.
The crowd froze.
Liora blinked once, then twice, and a third time, confused and surprised.
No one refused her.
Aramith didn't care in the slightest. He didn't know Liora from any place, and he could tell she'd want him to owe him a favor.
He wasn't sure what she wanted from him, but...Aramith wasn't keen on owing any favors.
Liora's smile didn't fade as she observed him, still thinking he might be shy.
"...Is that so?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
"Yes."
He turned to the warden, but Liora cut in before he spoke.
"I doubt you have the required points?"
Aramith, who was about to ask the warden to explain the points stopped and turned to Liora.
Liora smirked. Of course he doesn't know.
"Seems my junior here doesn't know how things work here."
