A dim glow filled the spacious observation room, where multiple screens hovered in the air, each displaying different perspectives of the ongoing VR simulation.
The air was thick with the scent of coffee and the faint hum of machinery, a reminder of how much technology had evolved to support real-time battle simulations.
At the center of the largest screen, two figures stood near a riverbank, locked in a handshake—Lyrium Blackwood and Silas Kingslay.
Alicia De Margus, one of the academy’s elite instructors, narrowed her piercing golden eyes.
She had seen many things in her years of training students, but this?
This was unexpected.
A deep frown settled on her lips as she crossed her arms.
"So... they’re forming a temporary alliance? Huh,"
She muttered, her voice carrying a mix of intrigue and skepticism.
To her right, Eugene Darcyroix let out a soft chuckle, leaning back against the console.
Unlike Alicia, his expression held no hint of surprise—only mild amusement.
He had been watching Lyrium Blackwood with great interest ever since the Physical assessments.
"I guess that kid has already caught on to what we were up to,"
Eugene remarked, shifting his gaze between the two students on the screen.
There was something about Lyrium that reminded him of someone.
That cold, calculating expression, the way he carried himself with an air of authority that didn’t fit a mere first-year.
Eugene wasn’t sure if it was talent or something more.
"He’s quick,"
Eugene added.
"But what’s more interesting is that Silas Kingslay reached the same conclusion. Those two were bound to clash, but instead, they’ve chosen to work together. That says a lot."
Professor Ed, seated at a nearby desk with a stack of notes beside him, adjusted his glasses.
"Silas has always had strong tactical instincts,"
Ed noted, his voice calm yet thoughtful.
"He doesn’t just fight—he observes. He strategizes. He isn’t reckless, even when he acts impulsively."
He gestured toward the other screens, showing the rest of the scattered students.
"It’s only natural that he’d pick up on our little game,"
Ed continued.
"These two aren’t just strong—they’re aware. That puts them ahead of the others already."
Alicia’s frown deepened as she studied the scene.
"So, they realized something the others haven’t,"
She murmured, tapping her fingers against her forearm.
"That this simulation isn’t just about Team 1 versus Team 2. If they fought each other now, they’d only be wasting their strength before the real challenge appears."
Her gaze flicked to another screen—a hidden counter tracking the simulation’s third-party threats.
The students believed this was a simple battle between two teams, but soon enough, they’d learn the truth.
Eugene smirked.
"Exactly,"
He said, watching as Silas and Lyrium continued their discussion.
"And instead of walking into that trap, they’ve chosen to adapt. The question is… how long will that last?"
Professor Ed remained silent for a moment, his fingers idly tapping against his desk.
His expression was neutral, but his thoughts were spinning rapidly.
"They suspect something is off,"
He said finally,
"But do they suspect everything?"
Alicia exhaled.
"Even if they don’t, they’re at least aware enough to act accordingly,"
She replied.
"That puts them leagues ahead of their peers."
She gestured toward the other students—some still searching for their teams, others preparing for battle without knowing that an external threat loomed just beyond their line of sight.
"Think the others will catch on?"
She asked.
Eugene scoffed.
"Doubt it. Those two are ahead of the curve. By the time the rest of them realize what’s going on, it’ll already be too late."
He turned toward Alicia with a lazy smirk.
"But I have to admit, this just made things a lot more interesting."
Alicia remained quiet for a moment, her golden eyes still locked onto the screen.
"Interesting, huh?"
She watched as Lyrium and Silas finished their handshake, sealing their temporary alliance.
"Let’s see how far they can take this before everything falls apart."
[Temporary Alliance Formed – Team 1 and Team 2 Partial Cooperation Activated.]
*****
Silas POV ->
I let out a quiet breath, rolling my shoulders as I studied Lyrium carefully.
This was an unusual development.
We were supposed to be enemies in this simulation.
Team 1 versus Team 2.
That was what everyone had been led to believe.
But I knew better.
Lyrium knew better.
This wasn’t a two-team battle.
Something else was coming.
Something worse.
Lily shifted beside me, her fingers tightening around her staff.
She was still tense, still uncertain about this alliance.
I couldn’t blame her—trusting someone like
Lyrium Blackwood even though it hasn’t been long we met.
We already know some of his mindset and and that trusting him wasn’t easy.
I glanced at him.
The guy was calm.
Too calm.
Even as we stood here discussing strategy, his eyes were constantly scanning the environment, processing, calculating.
I could almost see the gears turning in his head.
He wasn’t just thinking ahead.
He was thinking five steps ahead.
Just like me.
I exhaled through my nose, adjusting my grip on my sword.
"Alright,"
I said.
"We’ve agreed to work together for now, but let’s get one thing straight—I still don’t trust you."
Lyrium raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into an unreadable smile.
"Good,"
He said simply.
"I don’t trust you either."
Ren, who had been watching this exchange with an amused expression, clapped his hands together.
"Well, isn’t this heartwarming?"
He drawled.
"Two geniuses, forming an alliance while glaring at each other. Makes me feel all warm inside."
I ignored him, turning back to Lyrium.
"Our main priority should be information. We need to confirm what we’re dealing with."
Lyrium nodded.
"I agree. There’s no point wasting energy on pointless fights. We need to regroup, gather supplies, and locate the real threat."
Lily finally spoke up, her voice hesitant but firm.
"But what if the others don’t see it? What if they refuse to believe that this simulation isn’t what it seems?"
I sighed.
"Then we adapt."
Lyrium met my gaze.
"Then we survive."
A slow smirk crept onto my face.
"Exactly."
Ren let out a low whistle.
"Damn, you two are scary when you start thinking alike."
I ignored him again.
"First things first,"
I continued.
"We need a base of operations. Somewhere defensible. We can’t afford to be caught off guard when it begins."
Lyrium hummed in agreement.
"I know just the place."
His eyes flickered toward the trees, where a faint structure could be seen in the distance.
A ruin.
A fortress.
A stronghold.
Lily’s breath caught.
"That’s… the abandoned temple."
I grinned.
"Perfect."
Lyrium’s smirk mirrored mine.
"Then let’s get moving."
And with that, our temporary alliance began.
Unaware of the storm that was about to descend upon us all.
*****
"They’re making their move."
Eugene chuckled.
"And they still have no idea what’s waiting for them."
Professor Ed merely watched, his expression unreadable.
"Let’s see if they’re truly ready for what comes next."
Because in less than an hour—
Everything would change.
*****
The hideout was dimly lit, the air thick with smoke and tension.
A wooden table sat at the center of the room, covered with maps, scattered documents, and a few empty glasses from the drinks that had already been downed.
The oil lamp hanging overhead flickered slightly, casting long shadows across the rough stone walls.
The Boss sat at the head of the table, his cigar burning slowly between his fingers.
His eyes, sharp and calculating, moved from one man to the next as they discussed the situation.
Marcus, standing closest to him, finally spoke.
"Boss, the leader of the 5th Seat sent word. The meeting with Valco is set for tomorrow at the Black Market—just as we requested."
Silence followed.
The Boss inhaled deeply, the embers of his cigar glowing before he let out a slow breath of smoke.
"Okay,"
He muttered.
Marcus hesitated, glancing at the others before continuing.
"Boss… something about this doesn’t sit right. Valco’s not the type to be summoned like this. We forced this meeting, and he knows it."
A scoff came from across the table. Reese, a rugged fighter with scars lining his arms, leaned forward, resting his forearms on the wood.
"You think I care about Valco’s pride? Our men are missing. Ten of them. That bastard better have some answers."
Jonas, the youngest in the group but one of the fastest scouts, frowned.
"That’s exactly the problem, though. This isn’t about pride. If Valco’s involved, why would he agree to the meeting? And if he’s not involved, why the hell is he even entertaining the idea?"
A heavy pause settled over the group.
The Boss, still leaning back in his chair, finally spoke.
"Because Valco never lets an opportunity slip past him."
Marcus nodded grimly.
"That’s what worries me."
Across from him, Edric, a quiet but deadly strategist, tapped his fingers against the table.
"There’s a chance he’s just gathering information. He wants to see how much we know before he makes his move."
Reese scoffed.
"Then let’s make sure we don’t leave him with anything. If this turns into a power play, we remind him who he’s dealing with."
The Boss flicked the ash from his cigar, his expression unreadable.
"He already knows,"
He said simply.
That was the issue. Valco was no fool.
He wouldn’t have agreed to the meeting unless he had something to gain.
Jonas shifted uncomfortably.
"We should assume he’s expecting us to come armed."
"We will be armed,"
Marcus stated firmly.
"But we can’t roll in looking like we’re about to start a war."
"Five men,"
The Boss said suddenly.
Everyone turned toward him.
"We take five. Any more, and it looks like we’re moving against him. Any less, and we look weak."
His voice was low but absolute.
"Reese, you’ll be with me. Jonas, you take the rooftops—if anything happens, you move first. Edric, you’re on the exit plan."
"What about me?"
Marcus asked.
The Boss smirked slightly.
"You’ll be standing next to me when we shake his hand."
A slow exhale from Marcus.
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"I don’t like this."
"None of us do,"
Jonas muttered.
Reese cracked his knuckles.
"Then let’s make sure Valco likes it even less."
Silence followed.
Then, the Boss stubbed out his cigar, standing up.
"We, The Chivalry. Tomorrow, we get answers,"
He said.
"One way or another.
*****