The Grand Hall of Eclipse Academy glittered with golden light.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
Long banquet tables filled the room.
Noble families sat together in small groups, discussing politics and alliances.
Servants moved quietly between tables carrying wine and food.
The atmosphere looked elegant.
But beneath the surface…
Everyone was observing everyone else.
Taro stared at the table in front of him.
"This is insane."
He pointed at a roasted dish.
"Is that phoenix meat?"
Elara sighed softly.
"It's probably just a rare bird."
Taro was already eating it.
"Still amazing."
Lysander sat quietly beside them.
Watching the room.
The banquet wasn't just a celebration.
It was an evaluation.
Noble houses were studying the students.
Future allies.
Future rivals.
Future political assets.
Across the hall, several noble heirs gathered near one of the central tables.
Among them stood a tall young man with crimson hair and sharp golden eyes.
Cassian Dreadmoor.
His posture alone radiated confidence.
Several nobles spoke with him respectfully.
After all, House Dreadmoor was known for producing powerful warriors.
Cassian's gaze slowly moved across the hall.
Then stopped.
On Lysander.
He frowned slightly.
Then began walking toward their table.
Several students noticed.
Whispers followed him.
"Dreadmoor…"
"Why is he coming here?"
Taro looked up.
"Oh great."
"Here comes trouble."
Cassian stopped in front of their table.
His golden eyes examined Lysander calmly.
For a moment he said nothing.
Then he spoke.
"So you're the one."
Taro blinked.
"The one what?"
Cassian ignored him.
His attention remained on Lysander.
"The blessingless student."
Several nearby nobles listened quietly.
Cassian continued.
"A commoner with no divine favor."
"And yet the academy allowed you inside."
His tone was not loud.
But it carried clear disdain.
Taro frowned immediately.
"Hey—"
Lysander raised a hand slightly.
Stopping him.
Then looked at Cassian.
His voice remained calm.
"…Is there a problem?"
Cassian tilted his head slightly.
"Just curiosity."
"Eclipse Academy trains future elites."
"Noble heirs."
"Blessed prodigies."
He glanced briefly toward the other tables.
Then back at Lysander.
"So I wondered…"
"Why a blessingless commoner sits among us."
The surrounding students went silent.
Waiting.
Watching.
Lysander looked at him for a moment.
Then shrugged slightly.
"If it bothers you."
"…don't look."
The answer was simple.
Completely calm.
Which somehow made the insult worse.
Several students tried not to laugh.
Cassian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Not angry.
Just intrigued.
"…Interesting."
He turned away slightly.
But before leaving, he added:
"Strength determines worth."
"If you remain here long enough…"
"You'll eventually have to prove yours."
Then Cassian walked away.
His cloak swaying behind him.
Taro immediately leaned closer to Lysander.
"…You just made a noble enemy."
Lysander picked up his drink.
"That wasn't my intention."
Elara smiled faintly.
"But it was entertaining."
High above the hall—
On a quiet balcony—
A cloaked figure watched the interaction silently.
Their eyes focused on Lysander.
"…So that's the anomaly."
Then the figure disappeared into the shadows.