"No." The response to their question was firm, unwavering, and emphatic. "No. No. No. I will not sponsor your entry into the Acadethalon. Orus Guild Academy will not be represented in such prestigious games as those by a trouble-maker, a playboy, and a social outcast."

  The words stung each of them in kind.

  Headmaster Byron was furious.

  Furious at the situation that put these three together. When he was informed by the board of directors that Bart and Lowell would be assigned club duty, he had expected something that would have kept them apart and out of trouble.

  He never would have placed them together, let alone assigned them to a student-run guild. If you could even call it that. Up until the other day it had only a single member: its founder, Rina Cross.

  This had to have been a cruel joke.

  Ouch. Lowell thought to himself. He'd been called worse, but he wasn't certain Bart or Rina were prepared for it. He glanced at them, standing next to him in the front of the classroom. As far as he could tell, they at least seemed to be taking it in stride.

  The three stood across the classroom from the headmaster and instructors who had proven to be their allies recently, Baerghard Grimm and Jehta Seif. In order to compete, they'd need approval from the headmaster and support from at least two academy instructors. Their pitch for Cross Company being officially recognized and joining the Acadethalon had barely been completed when the headmaster enthusiastically rejected their proposal.

  Jehta's voice was measured as she spoke. "Headmaster, despite Lowell and Bart's recent transgressions, they showed skill, quick thinking, and aptitude in combat the other day. These are all qualities necessary in the Acadethalon."

  "Besides—" Baerghard added, his wolfish grin appearing as he interrupted Jehta. "Besides, Orus Guild Academy hasn't competed in a long time, it is about time we field some teams and begin reclaiming the academy's place."

  As Baerghard finished speaking, Headmaster Byron shook his head vigorously. "I will not be swayed by sentiment or nostalgia," he declared. "Teams that compete in the Acadethalon are to be held to the highest standards; they require discipline, strategy, and focus. Of all our students at Orus these three do not possess the requisite qualities necessary. It would bring ridicule and shame to Orus, the exact opposite outcome from what you suggest Baerghard." Byron's declaration was firm and his expression unyielding. His face flushed red as he countered the assault by the two instructors.

  Lowell felt a surge of frustration. Byron had clearly made up his mind when the written proposal was presented, a necessary formality, before Rina even made her case.

  "Your request jeopardizes this very institution," Byron stated in a clipped tone, his eyes cold as he fixed his gaze on Rina. "I've heard enough. Not only is it ludicrous to make this request, but it is clear to me that 'Cross Company' and its members are actively acting against the interests of the academy. Per our academy's policy I must suspend your club and the board will meet to review its dissolution."

  His words were vindictive. Even Baerghard and Jehta seemed to have been taken aback by them.

  Jehta raised her hand in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. "Headmaster, I—"

  "Headmaster Byron," Rina's hands trembled slightly as she spoke up, interrupting Jehta. "I'm not here to compromise our standards." Her voice emerged steady and determined as she continued. "Cross Company represents more than a club. It's a vehicle for change. Every strategy, every idea in my guild is fueled by a desire to redefine what excellence truly means." Her words were defiant, carrying the weight of unspoken memories: late nights studying her father's blueprints and the promise of adventure that had once set her heart ablaze.

  Jehta shifted back in her seat, silently lauding Rina for finding her voice and watching to see where this would go. Baerghard grinned his signature wolfish smile.

  Without anyone stopping her, Rina continued. "I understand your worries about the Acadethalon damaging our image, but suppressing our ambitions only keeps us stagnant. Cross Company is about harnessing our collective potential, about forging new opportunities. We can't keep clinging to past prestige when the world is changing around us."

  Bart stepped forward unexpectedly, his usual sarcastic retorts replaced by earnest conviction. "Rina isn't just fighting for a club," he said firmly. "She's fighting for every student who believes that talent and determination can overcome any legacy. We may come from different backgrounds, but that doesn't make us any less committed to succeeding at the Acadethalon and here at Orus."

  Lowell's steady presence reinforced Bart's words, his gaze unwavering. "We're not asking for permission to be reckless. We want to prove to you that we can elevate this academy's reputation, not diminish it."

  Byron's jaw tightened, frustration mounting. He had never seen students so disrespectful before. "Irving Orus built this academy and we attend to his traditions—"

  Rina leaned forward, interrupting the headmaster this time, her eyes bright with resolve. "Traditions should not be an excuse to stifle the ideals of Guild Society," she countered. "If we perform well at the Acadethalon, then we're not tarnishing our image. We're redefining it. I stand for a future where merit, skill, and determination are the cornerstones of our legacy."

  A heavy silence followed, punctuated only by the measured breathing of those in the room. Jehta and Baerghard exchanged glances. The headmaster was furious, searching for a response. In that charged moment, Rina met Bart's eyes with a mixture of gratitude and fierce determination. The room was no longer just a stage for Byron's contempt. It had become the first battle that Cross Company fought together, as a team.

  The headmaster sputtered a few times and just as it seemed like he was about to dismiss them entirely, a voice spoke up from the doorway. "Headmaster."

  Lowell turned to see a striking figure framed in the open doorway. At first, he mistook the woman for Alesandra, Byron's executive assistant. He quickly realized that this was a different woman.

  The woman who had addressed the headmaster stood poised and commanding, her attire a testament to both elegance and professionalism. She wore a crisp, tailored blouse where the stark white fabric was punctuated by the bold contrast of black buttons, each one meticulously placed to enhance the blouse's sharp lines. Her skirt was a sleek, black, pinstriped sheath of fabric that clung to her form with a sophisticated grace, falling just below her knees.

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  Beneath the skirt, her leggings seamlessly blended comfort with the contemporary style of the city, creating a fluid transition to her heeled boots. The polished finish of the boots and the medium heel were both fashionable and functional, offering a hint of elevation while ensuring ease of movement.

  As she stood looking into the room, she adjusted her glasses. Their frame was simple and refined. Under one arm, she carried a collection of papers in a folder that lent her an intellectual charm as approachable as it was authoritative.

  Her unexpected appearance sliced through the tension in the room like a finely sharpened blade. At first the change was subtle, then unmistakable. Everyone in the room, including the headmaster, clearly recognized this woman's authority. She was poised, but not cold; commanding, yet strangely inviting. She didn't just walk into the room, she entered it.

  "Director Freya." Headmaster Byron said, taken aback by the woman's presence. "My staff didn't inform me that you would be on the campus today, let me..."

  Freya held up her hand, and the words died in Byron's throat.

  Lowell had never seen anyone shut down the headmaster so quickly, so effortlessly. It wasn't just a gesture. It was a command, and Byron, for a moment, seemed nothing more than a cowed student before her. A shiver ran down Lowell's spine at the sight of it. This woman, whoever she was, held undeniable power over the headmaster. Freya's piercing green eyes remained fixed on the headmaster with an intensity that caused him to shrink back and slowly retake his seat.

  Freya's thin, almost playful smile appeared. "I instructed them not to bother you. I could find the files I needed without any assistance." Her green eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked toward Lowell and the others. A smile danced across her eyes before they returned to settle on Byron. "I was merely passing through the hallways and heard your spirited discussion."

  The moment she spoke, the director's voice carried with it the weight of someone who was used to being listened to, someone who was used to being obeyed.

  Lowell felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck. It was clear now that Freya wasn't just someone who happened to wander in. She'd known exactly what was going on and had likely been eavesdropping on their entire exchange. When Freya's attention turned to Rina, Lowell could see the slight widening of Rina's eyes, as if this woman's reputation alone had earned her an instant measure of respect.

  Lowell glanced at Bart, who was standing rigidly beside him, his expression unreadable. I'm definitely not the only one in the dark here.

  Freya stepped into the room, placing the papers on the desk next to Rina. "I agree with Master Baerghard. It is high time that Orus Guild Academy return to participating in the yearly Acadethalon."

  Lowell's eyes widened as he stared at the command the woman was demonstrating over the room.

  Rina leaned in toward Lowell, whispering under her breath. "That's Director Freya Ardith. She's directly related to Irving Orus, the founder of the academy, and is also connected to the headmaster of Arclan Guild Academy." Rina's eyes sparkled with reverence. "She hired Byron to his position."

  Byron had been silent for several long moments before he finally spoke, his voice low and cautious. "What is it that you propose, Freya?" His eyes narrowed as if searching for hidden motives beneath her smile.

  Freya's smile broadened, her eyes alight with an inner brilliance that defied the austere atmosphere of the room. With a deliberate step forward, she let her persuasive tone carry across the hushed assembly. "Why don't we allow Cross Company to enter the Acadethalon via the late-entry qualifiers?" She paused, letting the weight of her suggestion settle over the room.

  Rina's heart sank. It was the same proposal she and the others had made. As director of the school, Freya could of course make the decision unilaterally, but that had its own consequences. As Byron was about to speak up, Freya continued.

  "And let's have them joined by a second team from our academy, one led by Helena Oxford. Should Miss Cross' team qualify, Orus Guild Academy will, for the first time in years, officially sanction a student guild." Freya turned to Rina, Bart, and Lowell. "This would mean, with a few exceptions, Cross Company would be a fully recognized guild in the eyes of the Guild Marches. One that, until an officer of the guild graduates, is operating under the jurisdiction of the academy. Ultimately, I would be your guild's director."

  Baerghard and Jehta exchanged a brief, knowing look. It was clear that they recognized Freya's influence. They didn't hesitate, but instead nodded in unison, as though her mere presence had already tipped the scales in favor of the course they'd been advocating for.

  "That's not a bad idea, Freya," Baerghard remarked, his tone firm yet respectful. "It directly addresses the headmaster's concerns." He shot Byron a look that spoke of quiet triumph, as if by agreeing, Byron's resistance was rendered futile. Almost as if the decision were sealed, Baerghard settled back in his seat and declared, "It will be good for the academy to have representation in the Acadethalon." His statement brooked no debate.

  Jehta added with quiet conviction, "And consider this: it's been nearly five years since Orus last competed. A team that qualifies and performs well could restore prestige not only to our school, but also rekindle the spirit that once defined us."

  Lowell felt a surge of excitement in his chest. He caught Rina's eyes, and the fire in them mirrored his own. They both knew that this was about more than a competition now; it was their chance to prove to Headmaster Byron, to the entire academy, and to themselves that they were not merely troublemakers or outcasts.

  Yet he was not so easily swayed. Headmaster Byron's face betrayed his inner conflict. The flush of frustration deepened as he struggled with his own reluctance. "I... I suppose it's not entirely impossible," he muttered, his tone wavering between concession and protest, a man cornered into compromise.

  Freya, however, wasn't finished. Turning to face Byron directly, a playful yet challenging glint danced in her eyes. "Then let us make it official," she said smoothly. "The team that performs best in the qualifiers will earn the right to represent Orus Guild Academy in the Acadethalon this year." Her words, laced with subtle defiance, seemed to invite both challenge and change.

  A heavy silence descended over the room, a collective breath held in anticipation. Then Headmaster Byron's voice cut through the stillness, cold and uncompromising. "And if that winning team turns out to be Helena Oxford's, any provisional recognition or status granted to Cross Company will be revoked. The board will vote to dissolve Cross Company. And you, Miss Cross, will have to find another activity to occupy yourself."

  Freya looked to Rina. "Well?"

  Rina didn't flinch. Instead, she leaned forward, meeting Byron's challenge with unyielding resolve. Her voice rang out, clear and commanding, slicing through the tension.

  "Deal."

  This wasn't merely about competing in the Acadethalon. It was about laying the foundation for Cross Company. Every victory, every small triumph, was a step toward creating a guild strong enough to open new doors, to build a legacy before she could even begin to uncover the secrets of her father's fate.

  Lowell could feel the gravity of the decision, the weight of something greater being placed on the line. When today began, it was about securing academy sponsorship for the Acadethalon. Now? It wasn't just about winning enough games at a city-wide sporting event. It was personal. The stakes had been raised for Rina, for them all.

  Lowell couldn't help but smile, his respect growing for Rina.

  They were more than just troublemakers, as Byron had labeled them. This was their chance to prove themselves to the headmaster, to the academy, and perhaps even to themselves.

  As Freya's eyes swept over the room, her lips curled into an enigmatic smile. She seemed pleased, amused even, as if she'd set something in motion that she would now watch unfold. And Lowell had no doubt she was already anticipating the chaos, the drama, and the very real consequences of what she'd just orchestrated.

  For better or worse, their fate had just been tied to the Acadethalon.