Chapter 226: Chapter 226 – Unexpected Companions!

The evening glow draped the academy grounds in warmth, painting the stone walls with streaks of gold and violet. A gentle breeze rustled through the tall oaks by the courtyard, carrying with it the faint fragrance of night-blooming jasmine. Students were still scattered across the lawns, laughing, waving, hurrying back to their dorms—but here, in the open courtyard, it felt like the air had grown still.

Luca froze in his steps.

Ahead, just beyond the arch of the courtyard gate, stood Aiden, Kyle, Selena, Lilliane, and Eric. They weren’t in their uniforms—just simple, casual clothes that seemed to fit the soft twilight. Aiden’s coat swayed lightly with the breeze, Kyle had his hands shoved carelessly into his pockets, Selena’s silver hair gleamed like frost under the dying sun, Lilliane clutched her hands together as if steeling herself, and Eric grinned lazily, arms crossed.

“You… what are you doing here?” Luca’s voice cracked with surprise. His crimson eyes darted from one familiar face to the next.

They answered with quiet smiles, some subtle, some teasing, all enough to twist Luca’s chest.

“Are you all… here to see me off?” he asked again, softer this time. A warmth pressed at his ribs, sudden and unguarded. Ahh… I really have earned some good friends. Who would have thought I’d find this kind of bond here…?

Aiden was the first to answer. He stepped forward, his usual calm composure never faltering, but there was something warm beneath the surface of his voice. “At least I’m here to see you all off.”

“Huh?” Luca tilted his head, caught off guard. All off? His brows knitted in confusion.

Before he could dwell on it, Selena’s boots clicked against the stone as she stepped closer. Her face was as unreadable as ever, pale eyes steady and unflinching. “Does your offer from before still stand?”

Luca blinked. His throat bobbed. “W-what offer?”

Before Selena could answer, the air suddenly dipped in temperature.

“What. Offer. Is. She. Talking. About?”

The words weren’t spoken aloud but hissed close to his ear, dripping with icy venom. Luca stiffened, every hair on his body rising as he risked a glance at his side. Aurelia stood there, her amethyst eyes narrowed into razors, her lips curved in a smile that was anything but gentle. The crimson strands of her hair swayed with the breeze, but the oppressive aura rolling off her made the evening chill sharper.

Luca swallowed hard, dragging his gaze back to Selena.

Selena, oblivious to Aurelia’s killing intent, continued in her flat, measured tone. “The one where you said I could travel with you during the holidays. To get stronger. To search for opportunities.”

“Oh, that—” Luca started, relief loosening his shoulders.

But before he could exhale fully, another voice piped up, fragile and trembling.

“I-I want to as well.”

Every eye turned toward Lilliane.

Her head was bowed, long lashes shadowing her eyes. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her knuckles white, but even through her hesitance, her words carried a thread of resolve. “With you… I mean, to get stronger.”

Luca’s eyes softened in surprise. Lilliane too? Why the sudden change of heart? His gaze flicked instinctively toward Aiden, wondering if this was his influence.

But Aiden raised his hands immediately, shaking his head with a rueful smile. “Don’t look at me, I already said I am just here to see you all off. I won’t be coming. I think it’s better if I train alone. Besides… my grandfather already has plans laid out for me.”

Then why— Luca’s thought broke as another voice chimed in.

“I also agree with Aiden’s words.”

Kyle’s smirk widened as he clapped a hand onto Aiden’s shoulder, squeezing it like an old friend mocking another. Then he turned, his gaze deliberately sliding toward Aurelia, lips curling with mischief. “But… I’ll be coming with you. Let’s see what you’ve got planned for us.”

Aurelia’s entire body tensed, her jaw tightening as fire lit in her eyes. She stepped forward, her boots striking the ground sharply. “Why are you looking at me, you brat?”

Kyle’s smirk faltered just a touch before he looked away, whistling as though nothing had happened. “Who’s looking at you?”

The tension cracked, drawing muffled chuckles—even Luca couldn’t help but pinch the bridge of his nose.

Turning to Eric, Luca asked, “What about you? Why don’t you come as well?”

Eric barked out a laugh, throwing his arms behind his head in his usual carefree manner. “Keep me out of this madness. I want to live a good, relaxed two-month life. If I follow you, I’ll never find my way back to the academy!”

The group burst into laughter, the sound carrying lightly on the evening wind.

Lisa, who had been staring wide-eyed, suddenly bounced on her toes, her braids bobbing. “Woah! So many of Luca’s friends are coming home with us! How exciting!” Her childish voice rang clear, full of unfiltered joy.

Luca stood still for a moment, letting the laughter and chatter wash over him. He looked at them—Selena’s composed stare, Lilliane’s quiet determination, Kyle’s mischievous smirk, Aiden’s calm smile, Eric’s carefree grin.

Well… this was unexpected.

He sighed inwardly, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite himself. I still think they have their own motives. But still… It’s better than being alone. Better for the road ahead.

His crimson eyes glinted faintly under the twilight. Not bad at all.

The sound of clicking heels cut through the lighthearted chatter like a blade. The group turned as a familiar, commanding presence approached—Seraphina. Her sky-blue hair swayed softly with each step, parting in the middle and catching the dying sunlight, yet her sharp gaze carried no warmth.

Her voice was crisp, leaving no room for excuses.

“It’s good you haven’t left yet.”

Luca straightened slightly, his chest tightening. She was looking directly at him.

“Can you come with me for a minute? I have something to discuss with you.”

For a heartbeat, Luca hesitated. His friends shifted uncomfortably behind him, their smiles fading at the sudden seriousness. Finally, he exhaled slowly and nodded.

“Just wait for some time,” he said to them with a reassuring smile.

They nodded one by one, none of them daring to interrupt.

Luca followed her as they walked across the quiet path leading away from the academy gates. The evening air carried the faint scent of flowers from the garden and the coolness of approaching night. For two, three minutes, only the rhythmic click of her heels against the stone echoed between them.

At last, unable to bear the silence, Luca spoke.

“What do you want to say, Professor?”

Seraphina’s steps slowed. A soft sigh escaped her lips before she finally answered, her tone unusually heavy.

“About what happened yesterday at the vice-dean’s office…”

Luca froze mid-stride, eyes narrowing. She stopped as well, meeting his gaze.

“Don’t misunderstand what the dean said.”

His brows furrowed.

“What do you mean?”

Seraphina folded her arms, her blue hair catching the light breeze as she continued.

“After what happened with the Saintess, the academy is in serious trouble. The dean took full responsibility… but it’s uncertain whether he’ll remain dean next semester.”

Luca’s eyes widened, a wave of unease running through him. Dean might step down…?

But her words pressed on, unrelenting.

“After what you said happened, people might believe the Saintess broke her beliefs to save you, Luca. And why would she do that?”

A chill rushed down his spine. He shook his head sharply.

“What nonsense?”

Her gaze softened for a fleeting moment, though her tone stayed measured.

“We know the truth. But rumors don’t care about truth. If you go to save her now, there’s a high chance you’ll end up making the Holy Kingdom your enemy. They might even try to kill you.”

The words struck heavy. Luca clenched his fists at his sides, throat tightening.

“Dean saw potential in you,” Seraphina finished quietly. “That’s why he said what he said—to protect you.”

For a long moment, Luca simply stood there, silent, his thoughts tangled. The faint rustle of leaves in the evening wind filled the pause between them.

Finally, Seraphina turned, her heels clicking again as she walked away.

“That’s all I wanted to say. Have a safe journey.”

Luca watched her departing figure until she disappeared around the corner, then slowly turned back toward his waiting friends.

As he approached, Aurelia stepped forward, worry flickering in her golden eyes.

“What happened?”

Luca forced a small smile, shaking his head.

“Nothing important. Let’s go.”

With a sweep of his arm, he summoned his Kunpeng. The massive creature—half bird, half fish—unfolded its wings with a low, rumbling cry. Its feathers glimmered faintly like scales beneath the setting sun.

Lisa clapped her hands together, eyes shining in excitement, while the others exchanged subtle glances but said nothing.

They climbed aboard, the Kunpeng’s back firm and vast beneath them. Luca patted its side.

“Let’s go, Aira.”

With a powerful beat of its wings, the Kunpeng surged into the sky. The academy grounds fell away beneath them, replaced by a vast horizon painted in orange and purple hues.

The wind whipped at their hair and clothes, laughter and chatter faintly carrying across the beast’s back. Luca sat among them, gaze drifting between each of his companions. His lips curved faintly, though his eyes lingered on the horizon.

It seems this holiday is going to be a lot more interesting than I expected.

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