Chapter 132: Chapter 132 : Resolve

Inside Classroom 1-A, the gentle rays of morning sunlight spilled through tall windows, dancing across polished marble floors and casting long shadows from the rows of ornate desks.

Charlotte stood beside Seraphina near the front of the room, arms crossed and brows furrowed, her gaze locked on Ethan Williams. He stood near the classroom exit, holding a sealed envelope in his hand—the very one he planned to submit to the Student Council to officially challenge Alex Dragonheart for the Apex Title.

The room was silent. Ethan’s mad laughter still echoed faintly in their ears.

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed.

’He’s not bluffing. He’s actually going to challenge Alex…’

Without a word, Ethan turned and strode out of the room, his presence still lingering like a storm cloud.

A voice spoke from beside Charlotte, low and amused.

With a smirk tugging at his lips, Alden crossed his arms and said,

“Looks like he’s serious about taking the title of Apex from Alex. And that part about burying him? I honestly can’t tell if he was joking or dead serious.”

Seraphina, still staring toward the door, added calmly,

“His eyes… they looked serious. Not just about winning. About beating him to a pulp.”

Alden chuckled, though there was tension behind it.

“And it’s going to be so interesting to watch.”

He leaned slightly forward.

“Ever since Ethan awakened, the whole world’s been in turmoil.”

Charlotte nodded solemnly.

“True. My father’s called me dozens of times just to confirm the news.”

Alden continued,

“Even his dad—Duke Arthur—seems genuinely worried. Told him to come home with his sister, but Ethan refused. Apparently, even the Church has gone into a frenzy.”

Seraphina’s brow arched.

“The Church?”

Alden gave a half-shrug.

“Yeah. They said they’re sending officials to the academy personally to confirm his condition and ensure the well-being of ’the Chosen One’ and blah blah blah.”

He glanced to the side.

“Even all the Saint Candidates were summoned. Maria left for the Church yesterday.”

Before anyone else could speak, Draven leaned in from behind them, his voice unexpectedly grave.

“I feel like even their friendship is on the line now. Alex isn’t the kind to back down from a fight… especially when provoked seriously. You guys know that.”

He clenched a fist.

“To him, only winning matters. No matter the cost.”

Charlotte nodded slowly.

“He didn’t even care about his own body when he fought the Student Council President.”

A collective sigh passed through the group, all their memories echoing the same truth.

That’s when Rein, the newest among them, spoke up quietly.

“From the aura Ethan is releasing now… it’s undeniable. He’s already at Expert (Low) rank.”

Alden’s jaw tightened. His expression darkened as he looked toward the hallway Ethan had disappeared into.

His voice came low, almost bitter.

“You’re right about that.”

His fists clenched at his sides.

“Just when I felt like I was catching up… he breaks ahead again. So far ahead it’s almost laughable.”

Suddenly, Ava chimed in from behind, her sweet voice laced with sarcasm and a teasing tone.

“Seriously, you’re worried about being surpassed… when it looks like Ethan is ready to turn Alex into a punching bag?”

Alden let out a long, dramatic sigh.

“What do you want me to do, pipsqueak? Go beg him not to challenge Alex just because Big Sis Eve happened to grace Alex with her lips?”

Ava just pouted hearing that.

Alden continued with mock frustration,

“If I told him he’s being childish, he’d probably challenge me to a duel. And with the power he’s radiating now… he’d flatten me without breaking a sweat.”

He groaned.

“That bastard loses all reasoning when it comes to his sister.”

Charlotte smirked.

“Yeah, you’re right about that.”

Then her eyes widened slightly.

“But still… I’m shocked to the core. Big Sis Eve kissed Alex. I mean—what?! Even in a billion years, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Seraphina and Alden both nodded silently, their expressions unreadable.

Then Ava tilted her head curiously.

“Then what about Alex…?”

Alden raised an eyebrow at her, his tone dry and teasing.

“Don’t tell me you’re worried about him, pipsqueak?”

Ava puffed her cheeks in irritation and—smack!

She slapped the back of Alden’s head.

“It’s not like that!” she huffed. “He’s like a big brother to me. He treats me well!”

Alden winced, rubbing his head.

“Okay, okay! I understand! No need for violence!”

He sighed in relief when Ava stepped back.

Then, Seraphina spoke up, her voice soft but firm.

“We should follow Ethan to the Student Council Office. I’m worried… about all of this.”

Everyone shared a glance. Without a word, they all nodded in agreement.

—

A few minutes later…

They slipped out of the classroom, skipping their next period—Alchemy—without hesitation. As the group made their way down the marble-floored hallway, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

“Hey! Where are all of you going together?”

Turning around, they saw Lilia Scott approaching, dressed in her immaculate Zenith uniform, her curious eyes scanning the group.

Draven replied without missing a beat,

“We’re heading to the Student Council Office. Ethan’s going to challenge Alex for the Apex title.”

Lilia blinked. For a brief moment, something gleamed behind her eyes—excitement? Intrigue? But it vanished almost instantly, her expression returning to casual neutrality.

“Can I come too?” she asked sweetly.

Rein shrugged.

“Of course you can. But are you sure you want to miss your next class?”

Lilia smiled faintly.

“This seems much more interesting.”

The rest of the group mostly ignored her, already too focused on the storm brewing ahead. Rein gave her a small nod, and they continued walking down the corridor.

Just as they neared the ornate archway leading toward the Council Wing, Charlotte’s EtherPad buzzed.

She pulled it out, eyes scanning the message—and her face immediately tensed.

“You guys go on ahead. I’ve got something important to do,” she said, sliding the pad back into her pocket.

The others paused only briefly.

Alden gave her a nod.

“We’ll fill you in later.”

—

As soon as the group disappeared down the corridor, Charlotte turned on her heel and broke into a run.

The long hallways of Zenith Academy blurred past her, boots tapping sharply against the floor. She reached the nearest warp gate and slammed her palm onto the panel.

A soft hum followed.

In the blink of an eye, her figure vanished from the academy grounds and reappeared at the Phoenix Spire.

Charlotte strode into the glittering lobby, barely acknowledging anything. Her footsteps were swift and measured as she entered the elevator, fingers jabbing the panel for Floor 5.

Moments later, she stepped into a lavish apartment suite—sleek, minimalist, yet glowing with embers of noble taste. She kicked off her shoes and tossed her academy cloak onto the sofa.

Without wasting a second, she moved toward the changing room.

The doors slid shut behind her with a soft hiss.

Inside, she peeled off her academy uniform and changed into something more comfortable: a black leather jacket cropped just above the waist, zipped halfway to show a sliver of her toned stomach; a deep crimson tank top clung to her form underneath.

She slipped into a pair of snug dark shorts, laced up at the sides with silver strings, and finished the look with thigh-high combat boots and silver bangles.

Her snowy white hair fell loosely over her shoulders.

She glanced once in the mirror.

’Bold, sharp, and ready.’

With a breath, she tapped her EtherPad and selected a contact.

The screen lit up.

A second later, a holographic figure materialized before her—an imposing man with white hair like hers, regal posture, and violet eyes that shone with unnerving clarity.

Even though it was just a hologram, his presence pressed down on the room like gravity.

A silent judgment.

“Char,” the man said in a calm, low voice.

Just that one word.

Charlotte stiffened slightly.

’Every time I talk to him… it feels like being scanned by a machine.’

Edward Evans Avaloria, Emperor of the Human Empire and Monarch-rank powerhouse. The King. Her father.

“How are you doing, Father?”

His voice cut through her politeness like a blade.

“Spare me the pleasantries.”

He folded his arms, expression unreadable.

“When a child of the royal family turns sixteen, they’re gifted one vial of Awakening Nectar to unlock their dormant bloodline. It’s up to them when they use it.”

His eyes pierced through the light.

“So tell me, Char—”

“You recently reported that you’ve lost yours. Is that the truth?”

Charlotte hesitated, eyes flicking away as a sad expression crossed her face.

“Yes, Father.”

Edward’s tone sharpened.

“Did you give it to Ethan?”

“No, Father,” she replied, fingers reaching for the pendant hanging from her neck.

“The storage ring where I kept it… it got lost. I can’t find it anymore.”

Edward stared at her.

And smirked.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

He leaned forward ever so slightly.

“Just like your mother. At least try to come up with a believable excuse if you’re going to lie. I thought you were as sharp as her.”

Charlotte’s breath caught.

’Damn you…’

“Wha—what are you saying?” she stammered.

“How could I lie to you?”

Edward’s voice dropped lower, every word a knife.

“Stop bullshitting me, daughter.”

“You’re not the kind to use something like the Awakening Nectar on yourself unless you’ve calculated every angle of your safety.”

He paused, gaze like a spear.

“And you’re definitely not the type to just lose something so valuable. You’re planning something.”

Charlotte looked down, lips pressed into a line.

’How is he always able to see through me…? Stupid white-haired old man.’

“I heard that. And I’m not that old yet you brat.”

Charlotte’s breath hitched again. Her head snapped up.

“H-How could you tell what I was thinking?”

Edward chuckled. A rare sound. One he rarely allowed himself to express as king.

“I’m your father, that’s why.”

Charlotte pouted, cheeks puffed in frustration.

But then… his tone changed. Like steel wrapped in silk.

“Char… let me warn you.”

“Whoever you’re planning to give that potion to—he could die if he doesn’t have any lineage.”

Her eyes widened.

“And if he awakens and causes chaos rather than aiding the empire…”

He looked her straight in the eyes.

“Then you could be executed. You know that, right?”

Charlotte’s face became grave.

She nodded.

“Of course, Father. I’m fully aware. And if something like that happens… I’ll take responsibility.”

There was silence.

Then, the impossible happened—Edward smiled. A warm, proud smile.

“I wish I could leave the throne to you, Char.

You’re the sharpest of my children… the one who truly understands the weight of the crown.”

“But I’m too afraid to lose you.”

His smile faded.

“After what became of your mother…”

Rage exploded across Charlotte’s face.

Her fists clenched at her sides.

“Then WHY didn’t you help her?!”

“You knew what was happening! And still, you stood by and did nothing! I’ll NEVER forgive you for that!”

Her eyes welled with tears.

“You don’t even deserve to speak her name.”

Edward looked down, his voice now quieter than before.

“I’m sorry.”

“But at that time, I had to choose between the empire—billions of lives—and your mother.”

“And I chose the empire.”

He looked straight at her, eyes heavy with guilt.

“I’ll never forgive myself. Nor do I expect you to.”

A pause.

“Now, I just want your well-being. So make your decisions carefully, Char.”

“Goodbye.”

The call ended.

The hologram vanished.

Charlotte stood frozen for a moment. Then, like a dam breaking, she dropped to her knees and sobbed.

“I’m sorry, Father… for saying all that… You’re still the only family I have left after what became of Mother.”

She cried into her hands, grief and guilt tangled in her throat.

But after a few minutes, she took a deep breath and stood.

She wiped her tears and whispered to herself,

“Alright… I’m sorry, Father. But I will take the throne. Even if I have to walk through a sea of blood to reach it.”

She stepped out of her room, heart hardened, and walked toward the elevator.

With a quiet ding, the doors opened.

She stepped inside and pressed the button for Floor 10.

The light climbed steadily.

And so did her resolve.

—

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