The man blinked a few times, his round glasses sliding across his nose before he spoke.

  “Pardon me…could you repeat that?”

  Despite the bewilderment in Professor Taliesin’s voice, there was no refusal in his tone. Which meant I could still convince him.

  “I want to apply for the Strategical Flight Challenge—from what I’ve heard, you are the one responsible for it.”

  Taliesin Morr blinked again, a few seconds passing. His glasses slid a bit more, the man pulling them back right before they fell to the ground. “…you…you are aware this is a sophomore class, yes?”

  My mouth tingled before I replied, the disbelief in the professor’s eyes making me more nervous than I should be.

  “Yes, I know. Which is why I thought of asking for your permission first.”

  Professor Taliesin let out a sigh, his eyes still flooding with disbelief as he put a book pile down on the table.

  “Pray tell, boy, what made you reach this decision?

  The fact I’m still lagging behind.

  The fact I can’t keep relying on ‘luck’ to get me where I want to go.

  First, I was fortunate enough to pass the waitlist because someone had vouched for me to Director Heimdal. Then I managed to do "good enough" on the final practical race to graduate from the reinforcement class. Yet I didn’t want to keep being “good enough” to pass.

  I had to be greater.

  Greater than her.

  And what better opportunity to go beyond my limits than Ergos’ Interclass Event?

  “I’ve been an admirer of your work for years, and it would be great if I could test my knowledge.”

  There was a weak chuckle as the older man crossed his arms.

  “Though I do admire the enthusiasm, you would do best by…” Then the professor frowned, his eyes locking on me as he leaned closer. “Wait, I know this face… you. You are in my aerodynamics elective.”

  After the first two weeks, more than half the students dropped from Morr’s elective. And as the months passed, the class got even smaller. At times I wondered if Elowen would have stayed if he had passed the final race, considering how much he slept through the lessons. And with less than eight students actively participating in the elective, it wasn’t as difficult to remember a face.

  “You might not know, but I’m actually the one who ranked first on the written section, for the entrance exam.” That is, if Belenus Kairon didn’t lie to me. “Most of the knowledge I applied there came from your books, Professor. So if you allow me, I want to apply for your Challenge in Strategical Flight.”

  There it was. A pause. A reluctance.

  A chance.

  Reflected in the man’s pale eyes, the sparkle of possibility. Eyes that possessed a light color standing between green and blue—eyes that, although tired, also had a sharpness to them as the professor gazed at me. Thinking. Considering.

  I had waited after Taliesin Morr’s last class, until there wasn’t a single student in sight, all to ask that question. To somehow gain an advantage over my peers.

  “What are you actually expecting to gain from this, boy?” And true to my expectations, Morr’s senses were as keen as his insights. Yet rather than suspicion or caution, there was a genuine curiosity echoing in his voice. “While I value myself in the academic world, it is a rare sight to see such a dedicated youth in this field.”

  It was not a surprise to me.

  From what I had seen and heard, most first years enrolled in the Racing program would focus on subjects about practical flight. Which was one of the reasons why Taliesin’s electives were so poorly sought after, even considering their worth.

  But I’m not like these dandy uppercity folks.

  I hadn’t lied. As Jackal, I frequently applied Morr’s theories and teachings to my races, and during the exam, most of my responses were based on his published works. The man was a genius, someone who could be making fortunes as a private instructor or coach, yet for some reason was teaching at Ergos.

  Sure, being a professor at Ergos was no small feat, by any means. Yet even with Ergos' resources, I doubt he was getting paid as much as he would as a private instructor for professional riders. Which is why I wanted to take advantage of every single treasure shared by this man’s brain.

  He’s clearly interested…now I just have to lay out my cards right.

  I licked my lips, my throat getting drier. “I’m actually hoping to gain some extra points, to help me classify for the other races.”

  Taliesin tilted his head, some confusion crossing his gaze. “I’m almost certain you won’t be allowed to officially qualify for the Challenge.”

  “Nothing of the sort, Professor.” A smile touched my lips as my heart started racing. “Since a portion of our points is decided by vote, given how I’m not as…socially inclined as some of my colleagues, I fear I may end up falling behind, unable to participate in the races.”

  Because of course that damned Ergos had a popularity vote in place for the event.

  Though the exact number was not disclosed to the students, according to Liber a “considerable amount of points” would be credited by our classmates during a collective vote a couple of days before the event. That, combined with our exams’ scores in the past semester and how well we did during the preliminary tests, would determine our final scores for the Interclass Event.

  There could only be three class representatives for each Challenge—the three highest scores.

  And our class had thirty-eight students.

  Taliesin’s eyes lit up as he spoke. “Ah! Yes, yes, of course, I forgot about this—indeed, I can see how more points would benefit you in this case, yes. Hm…” As he fell into silence, my heart started to falter, sweat accumulating in my hands. “While not completely unprecedented, I’m uncertain rather this appeal would be approved by the Board, since it involves adding more points to the final score.”

  I held my breath, my heart stuck between ceasing its beating and running rampant.

  He’s right.

  I knew I had to make Taliesin Morr agree to that, yet more than having the professor concede, there were the others. Ergos’ Board, Ergos’ Director…above everyone else, I had to convince them to give me this chance. A student with no family name, raised in the underground, who had to crawl all the way from the reinforcement class to stand on the same level as their other students.

  Clenching my fists, I opened my mouth, still uncertain of which words I would say. What sound arguments I would use to move Professor Morr enough to at least try. Then—

  That scent.

  The fragrance that made my stomach churn and my cells revolt. Before that voice reached us, before I turned my head, I already knew who was there.

  “Pardon my intrusion, the door was open—I had no intention to eavesdrop.”

  Alantra Harris stood by the door, her face as impassive as always. Yet even though she wore Ergos’ proud uniform, I could see the shadow of the authorities' cape. The white and gold burning into my eyes, trying to force my mind to recall that day all over again.

  “Miss Harris! What a delight to see you! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  It did not surprise me the slightest to see how glad Taliesin seemed to be by Alantra’s presence alone. She was Ergos’ greatest treasure, its ultimate pride and joy. Let alone the fact she was a Harris—the prospects of her becoming one of the greatest Diamond Wing of this generation were more than enough to make most people want to lick her boots and walk behind her shadow.

  “I wanted to discuss the schedule for our classes for the next month.” Alantra met my gaze for a second, some hesitance flashing in her eyes before she continued. “There might be a way to convince Director von Tosell, Professor.”

  Both Morr and I blinked, my mind doubting the words I had heard.

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  “Pray tell, Miss Harris.”

  Yes, “pray tell”.

  “While I cannot say how many points would be granted, if he gets first place on your Challenge the Director may give his permission.”

  Professor Taliesin let out a soft exclamation, his eyes lighting up for a moment before he frowned. “But for a first year to get first place…and it’s quite a complex subject too… Wouldn’t be too much to ask of him?”

  ”I’ll do it.”

  They both turned to me, the man almost surprised as if he had forgotten the topic of their conversation had been standing there the whole time.

  “Young man, are you sure? Knowing von Tosell, he might place some…consequences were you to fail this endeavor.”

  Oh, I was quite aware of that.

  For the man who ran a place like Ergos, mere effort and dedication were not enough.

  And it didn’t matter.

  “I don’t care. Because if getting first place is all I need, then consider it done.”

  “Cornelius Romerio the Third, if you don’t get down right this instant, I swear…!”

  The wingless four-legged did not even flinch, using his tail to keep swinging up and down the thick tree branch.

  A warm, joyful laugh echoed behind me. “So energetic, this one! He knows how to enjoy his youth.”

  Ceres let out a cry, turning to Jaya. “But I need him to know how to behave….look! Blue and Styx haven’t made a peep! They are actual good boys!” The girl twisted her head toward her dragon, the reprimanding tone filling her every word.

  Ceres had invited all of us to her estate to train for the interclass event. While I had come many times already, it was Jaya and Liber’s first. I recalled how Elowen, a few months back, had been impressed and in awe at the place—and within reason, the place was really impressive. Not only was it bigger than my benefactor’s, it had a small breeding center, with a dedicated space for a hatchery and nurturing.

  I had been trying for some time to narrow down Ceres’ family—especially considering how Angus knew of them, and how some of her relatives were Ergos’ alumni. While I was not a hundred percent sure, from the girl’s physical traits to her breeding “Connie”, all things indicated Ceres being a Lanikas.

  The House Lanikas not only had history and influence, they were a brand. From the first dragon to be domesticated to the first successful artificial insemination of a dragon egg, the Lanikas had become a synonym with breeding and training. They had centers all over the kingdom, with bookings for their tamers and coaches worth riches—especially after the royal family announced the Lanikas would be the official tamer of the Crown.

  They were an old, traditional noble house, with many branches deriving from the main family. Because of that, I had no idea of knowing which branch Ceres belonged to, nor how strong her connection was with the main family. From my knowledge, the most distant branches could be treated as lowly as a third-rate house, even when carrying the Lanikas’ name.

  Yet regardless of how close she was to the main family, the fact Ceres had talent did not change.

  When it came to breeding, at least.

  “Connie…please! Just—come down. Don’t you want to play with the others? You like Styx, right?”

  Had I not seen the creature obeying Belenus Kairon and Pan Petras, I would think he couldn’t understand a single word in human speech.

  “I thought he was listening to you more.” There was no malice or ill intentions in my words, only a curious remark.

  One that made the girl’s eyes tear up as frustration welled up in her voice.

  “Some days he does…”

  I glanced to the side, meeting Styx’s purple gaze as the dragon stood still beside me.

  “I’m getting you a new treat once we get back…” I mumbled, patting the ebony dragon on the back. Styx’s ears perked back, the animal starting swinging his tail at a slow, steady pace. A laugh got stuck in my throat as I suppressed a smile. At times like these, Styx was just like a small hatchling.

  “Dragons are certainly amazing creatures, are they not?”

  Jaya was suddenly right by my side, a gleeful smile on his face. With his arms crossed, the man’s muscles seemed even bigger, his figure towering over mine with ease.

  Jaya must be the same height as Angus, if not taller.

  Judging him by his appearance alone, Jaya had all it took to become a great rider. Strength, stamina, build. And considering his personality and tastes, I didn’t think dragon racing would be something that man would hate.

  Which sure makes me wonder…

  “Why are you in the Crafts program?”

  Ergos Academy had four programs.

  Stellar Dragon Racing & Tactical Analysis, for those who wanted to become dragon riders or coaches.

  Stellar Breeding & Mentoring, for people who wanted to become breeders and tamers.

  Quintessential Alchemy & Herbology, mainly for those interested in alchemy and potion brewing.

  And Quintessential Craftwork & Foundry, whose students would grow to become engineers and crafters.

  Sure enough, most students came for its dragon racing course. To become the next legends, the new Diamond Wings who would soar through the skies. Yet even if Ergos was most notorious for its Racing program, it didn’t make the others any less exceptional.

  I had an inkling that first day, when Jaya took us to his workshop—how he was probably in the Craftwork program. Yet I only became certain when I caught a glance of the band in his uniform, the program’s emblem sewn proudly on the fabric, making me wonder why ever since.

  Jaya’s vivid blue eyes met mine, bemusement filling them as he raised a brow—the smile never gone from his lips. “Why wouldn’t I be? To be able to touch and mold nature with my own hands, creating things others can use and love…is there anything better than this?”

  In those blue eyes, I saw a spark. A flame. One that made my own heart race, the air in my lungs cease their movement. For there was so much love, so much passion in that flame…

  Did I ever feel something like this, as Jackal?

  …as Vex?

  It made me envious. To not see anything tainting that gaze—that spark glistening in those rich blue eyes—either something foul and selfish, or something rotten and malicious. No. It was pure, untainted, untouched.

  A true devotion, beautiful enough to reach me.

  My eyes shifted, locking in the distance. Pretending to focus on Ceres’ pitiful attempts to get Connie down.

  “If you say so.” Those were the only words I managed to mutter, a bitter taste spreading in my mouth as my heart beat in an odd rhythm.

  Before Jaya could turn away, his eyes widened for a brief second. “Oh, that’s right! You mentioned you had some business with Professor Tal, didn’t you? How did it go?”

  And I was not sure whether I was glad for the change in subject or not.

  “…I got what I wanted from him.”

  “Wow, really?! He agreed to give you the points? That’s great, Vex!” Ceres turned our way, as if she had been listening the whole time, both her hands trying to pull the wingless four-legged dragon down by his tail.

  “What’s the catch?”

  All eyes turned to Liber, the only one who was not naive enough to think things at Ergos would go as smoothly as that.

  The faintest smile touched my lips.

  “I need to get first place. That’s all.”

  Liber chuckled as he averted his gaze. “You are lucky it’s a theoretical exam, then.”

  …I wanted to get mad. Yet I couldn’t, because he was right.

  Kid could still act a little less cocky, huh?

  “Is that all?”

  Jaya’s question caught me by surprise for a second, some confusion clouding my voice as I spoke. “What do you mean?”

  I should have known better. After the past interactions I had with that man, I should’ve realized that Jaya, for all his cheerful and boastful self—

  “You seem to be in a poorer mood today. I thought something else had happened.”

  —had a lot more in common with Angus than his height.

  That as much as he seemed to be innocent and oblivious, his gaze was far too sharp and knowing to be underestimated. For me to let my guard down.

  Before Ceres could fully voice the concern in her eyes, I opened my mouth. The blood in my veins running cold.

  “Why?”

  That was the question I asked as I chased down Alantra Harris, after speaking with Taliesin Morr. The word that scraped my lips as I stood in the middle of the empty hallway.

  Waiting for an answer like a fool.

  Alantra’s eyes met mine, a hint of confusion in her gaze before I asked again. “Why are you helping me? Even if I see you as my enemy, there’s nothing to benefit you. So you either have some sick pleasure in watching those below give their sweat, blood, and tears, or you are far too naive.”

  A silence—one that stretched for a couple of seconds. One that was as uncomfortable as it was gelid.

  Then, a soft, faint smile.

  “Are those my only options?”

  ”….if there is another one, feel free to share.”

  If the woman felt the poison in my voice, if my words burned her as much as they burned my tongue…she did not show.

  “You may see these little things I do as benevolent, altruistic acts. Yet I assure you they are quite selfish, in nature.” Alantra stepped closer to me, that scent following her—catching up to me. And while my body desired to move, to get away, my feet could not move. “Good things always follow when I trust my instincts—right now, they are telling me to bet on you. To watch you fly higher and higher, until you can reach the stars.”

  For three seconds, I did not know what to say.

  ”Are you shitting me right now?”

  “I am not.”

  Yet as a dry laughter crawled out of my throat, escaping through my lips…

  All I felt was exasperation.

  “Then what? Are your 'selfish reasons' based on that alone?”

  Her eyes wandered off, gazing at nowhere as her voice echoed in the short distance between us.

  “‘To reveal the truth within one’s heart, a thousand keys may be forged to no avail. For the only key to fit shall be one molded with trust—one that is not stolen or shared, but given with open hands.’” Then her eyes met mine again, the woman’s impassive gaze glistening for a second. An emotion I could not distinguish. “If all you ever want from me is a foe to be surpassed, then that is who I shall be. Yet when the moment comes when a foe is not enough…then, I will listen to your new request. Perhaps, with luck, our goals will align again.”

  Then, as I stood there not knowing what to say or think, Alantra Harris left.

  And hours later, I still couldn’t stop hearing those stupid words in my head. Seeing that placid gaze burning through my mind.

  “Of course I’m in a poor mood—with Ergos working us to the bone, how couldn’t I be?” I finally replied Jaya, doing my best to bury those memories in a place my mind could never reach. “This whole ‘class voting’ system is pissing me off.”

  “Hm…yes, I guess you’re right. It’s quite unfair, this system,” the man replied, his voice calm and contemplative.

  Yet Jaya’s gaze, I could feel it in my skin.

  And that was a feeling I didn’t like at all.

  “If you didn’t suck at riding, you wouldn’t have anything to worry about.” Liber’s voice reached me, and though there was no animosity in his tone, the boy’s eyes were dead cold—as if Liber was two seconds away from drawing blood.

  A shiver passed through my spine, forcing me to relive days I thought were long gone.

  “Y-you don’t need to remind me. I know where I stand—it’s why I’m here.”

  “Oh? Is that so?” Liber walked closer. Almost too close. Close enough to make me feel small, even with the boy barely reaching my shoulders. “Then how come this much time passed and all I’ve seen you doing is chatting away?”

  Those eyes…

  They are not human. No matter what anyone says, they are a demon’s.

  “I-I’m getting to it now, right now. Stand up, Styx, get ready.”

  As I averted my gaze, turning to Styx with a shaking heart, a voice reached out again.

  “Why don’t we make a match between our dragons?”

  Whether Ceres had successfully dragged her mount off the tree or the creature climbed down on his own, I couldn’t be sure.

  Yet her idea was not bad at all.

  I narrowed my eyes, a faint smile stretching my lips. “You mean like a Royale Rush?”

  “Yes! This way, I can test my new commands with Connie, and you can train your maneuvers.”

  While Liber crossed his arms, back to his stoic and expressionless self, Styx and I locked gazes.

  And the dragon’s smile, it matched my own.

  “What a delightful idea.”

  Because if I wanted to qualify in the interclass’ Royale Rush, I had to see how powerful Styx truly was.

  And just how far he could take me.