The gates of Royal Star Academy loomed like the entrance to another world — a floating city built atop layers of spirit-forged stone, sky bridges, and towering obelisks that crackled with elemental runes. It hung above the capital's tallest peaks, surrounded by a permanent barrier of golden clouds. Beneath it, the Human Continent held its breath.
Dozens of spirit rails from across the continent arrived in waves, carrying nobles, warriors, elementalists, beast tamers, and spirit scholars — all seeking glory, power, or something darker.
But only a select few were not just arriving — they were being expected.
Lucas Black stepped off his private rail carriage, his boots touching the sun-etched tiles of the outer arrival platform. Fenrir's spirit flickered beside him in misty silence, while Amaterasu's flame burned like a second sun beneath his collar.
Waiting for him was a young woman in dark robes, holding a spirit sigil etched with a floating crown.
"You're Lucas Black," she said, bowing slightly. "Follow me. You are to report to the Crown Class Hall."
He didn't speak. He simply followed.
---
The main plaza of Royal Star Academy was more a fortress than a courtyard — ancient statues of past 10-star heroes lined the walkways, and floating spirit orbs displayed live feeds of duels, lectures, and announcements. Students of all levels watched the arrivals.
"There — that's the Julius girl. Seren."
"Campbell's prodigies are coming in formation. Is that Elayne with the twin blades?"
"Who's that? Ember-marked armor — Lamberg's heir?"
The names passed like electricity through the crowd.
But they all stilled when Lucas passed.
That's him.
The Black Flame.
The Divine Fang.
The one who crushed Adrian Campbell.
---
High above the main towers, beyond student reach, stood a separate structure — simple in design but brimming with layered barriers and ancient soul wards. At its peak, a black and gold door opened silently.
"This is Crown Hall," the attendant said. "Home of the Crown Class — a special division created for this Golden Generation. Admission is limited to the most elite: confirmed 9-stars, divine awakeners, and select 8-stars who have proven capable of defeating a 9-star in battle."
Lucas stepped inside.
It was nothing like the rest of the academy.
The training floor was a vast spirit dome that shifted terrain based on the elements summoned.
Dormitories were separate soul chambers — self-repairing and tailored to each student's affinity.
And at the center, a floating orb of layered stars spun slowly, pulsing with ranking light.
"Welcome to the Crown List," said a calm voice.
Lucas turned.
An older student leaned casually against the wall. Tall, composed, dressed in silver and red. His spirit floated behind him — a massive winged blade with two serpent eyes.
Kael Valen, formerly ranked #1 among all academy students.
"You're the new storm everyone's whispering about," Kael said with a wry smile. "Lucas Black. Don't get too comfortable."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Neither should you."
Their auras crackled silently.
The spirit dome flickered in response — as if the academy itself could sense the clash of stars.
---
Later that night, as Lucas sat alone in his chamber, a new message blinked across his spiritnet crystal.
> Crown Challenge Activated. Challenger: Elayne Campbell. Condition: 3 days. Live duel.
Lucas smiled faintly.
"They're wasting no time."
Outside his chamber, the stars above Royal Star Academy pulsed brighter than ever.