BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 55: Welcome to Apex Hall—A Den of Monsters

Apex Hall—The Seat of Power

Apex Hall wasn't just a dormitory; it was a battleground of the elite.

Its black obsidian walls, inscribed with glowing runes, pulsed faintly with mana. Unlike other student halls, which emphasized study and discipline, Apex Hall thrived on rivalry and ambition.

Two staircases led to the residential floors:

Top floor (Rooms 1-10): Reserved for the strongest, offering enchanted training spaces and superior mana circulation.

Lower floor (Rooms 11-20): Still luxurious but lacked enhancements—unless the resident earned them through battle.

The sole rule of Apex Hall: You could challenge another student to take their rank and privileges. If you weren't strong enough to defend your place, you didn't deserve it.

Tonight, the new Apex Hall residents gathered in the common room, and the tension was almost suffocating.

Scene 1: The Common Room Chaos

Kael leaned against the wall, taking in the scene.

Darius was sprawled on an armchair, idly flipping a dagger, while Cassian sat lazily with his feet propped on the table, swirling a glass of wine.

Near the fireplace, Selene Duskbane and Evelyne Grimthorne stood together:

Selene was tapping her fingers against the fabric of the couch, her usual unreadable expression giving way to mild amusement.

Evelyne, arms crossed, looked thoroughly unimpressed.

"I'm just saying," Darius mused, biting into an apple, "this place has too much space for twenty people. Should we rent out the extra rooms?"

Cassian smirked. "Oh, we'll need them. Once the challenges start, some of these rookies won't last a month."

Selene sighed. "It's so predictable. Someone's already plotting a duel."

Evelyne scoffed. "If they can't hold their rank, they shouldn't be here."

Before anyone could respond, the doors swung open.

Mira Valcroft entered.

A commoner ranked third.

Conversations halted.

Cassian was the first to speak. "Well, if it isn't the legend herself." He smirked. "Tell me, Mira, did the weight of your unexpected ranking slow you down?"

Mira crossed her arms. "I didn't expect a warm welcome."

Darius grinned. "Oh, you'll get warmth. Mostly from people wanting to burn you down."

Evelyne raised an eyebrow. "I still don't buy it. You beat Damien?"

Mira shrugged. "Seemed easy enough."

Before anyone could respond, the doors slammed open again—revealing Damien Nocturne.

His finely tailored black coat remained immaculate, but the irritation in his posture was impossible to miss.

"You don't belong here," he said coldly.

Cassian grinned. "Oh, here we go."

Darius sighed. "Should we start placing bets?"

Selene chuckled, eyes flickering toward Kael. "I give him two minutes before he storms off."

Kael said nothing, but he caught the glance.

Mira didn't look impressed. "I don't care what you think."

Damien's jaw tightened. "Your rank is a joke. You got lucky."

"Feel free to challenge me anytime," Mira replied smoothly. "But you and I both know how that would go."

Cassian chuckled. "She has a point."

Damien's fists clenched, but before he could respond, the doors swung open one last time—and Prince Lucian Eldoria stepped in.

The entire room tensed instantly.

Lucian's presence alone was suffocating. Dressed in royal academy robes embroidered with golden dragon sigils, he exuded effortless authority. His gaze swept the room, lingering briefly on Mira before settling on Kael.

Lucian ranked first. The undisputed strongest of the new batch.

He took a seat, his posture relaxed but presence commanding.

"Since we're all here," he said smoothly, "let's establish something." His gaze swept the room. "If anyone has a problem with the rankings, you know the rules." His smirk deepened. "Take what you can handle."

Damien's expression darkened, but he said nothing as he turned and left the room without another word.

Darius exhaled. "Called it."

Selene smirked. "That was generous. He lasted a full three minutes."

Evelyne rolled her eyes. "Pathetic."

Lucian turned fully to Kael.

"This hall is going to be interesting."

Kael met his gaze. "No doubt."

Scene 2: Mira Confronts Cassian

Later that night, Mira found Cassian on the balcony, overlooking the academy grounds.

She crossed her arms. "You let me win."

Cassian didn't look at her. "And?"

"You could've beaten me. Why didn't you?"

Cassian sighed. "Because if I did, I'd have had to fight Lucian next." He turned to face her, smirking. "And fighting the prince is a pain in the ass."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Cassian shrugged. "I don't waste effort when I don't have to." He leaned against the railing, looking at her more seriously. "But don't take it personally—I wouldn't have let just anyone win. You're strong."

Mira studied him for a moment. "Next time, fight me properly."

Cassian smirked. "Oh, I will. Just make sure you don't regret asking."