After his descent into the Devil's Library, Priyanshu didn't immediately return to the palace. Instead, he set his sights on the Royal Academy of Pritampur, a prestigious institution where the empire's elite trained in magic, cultivation, politics, and war.
[New Quest: Infiltrate the Royal Academy and plant the seeds of your hidden influence.][Optional Objective: Create a secret organization inside the Academy.]
"Time to blend in with the best," Priyanshu murmured.
The Academy was a sprawling city of towers, pavilions, arenas, and libraries. From outside, it looked like a paradise for scholars. Inside, it was a battlefield of wits, bloodlines, and hidden factions.
Using his noble identity, Priyanshu enrolled easily. But he wore a calm mask—just another talented noble's son with a tragic past. None suspected the monster within.
On the first day, he was assigned to the House of Azure Flames, the second-most powerful division. The top one, House of Golden Phoenix, was led by a prince—the emperor's eldest son.
Perfect.
He met his roommates:
Varun – a joker with average talent but a photographic memory.
Raiya – a cold and sharp-eyed girl rumored to be the illegitimate child of a general.
Takas – quiet, kind, and always reading forbidden battle manuals.
Each one was hiding something. Priyanshu could smell it.
But none of them could read him.
In his first sparring match, Priyanshu faced the House's strongest disciple. He didn't use power—just technique, precision, and presence.
The crowd was silent as Priyanshu walked away without a scratch, while the challenger lay unconscious.
From that moment, whispers began.
"Who is this guy?"
"Wasn't he the weakest brother of the royal line?"
"Why does he feel... terrifying?"
That night, the System spoke.
[Minor Villain Reputation +3][You have gained 200 Karma Points.]
[New Secret Unlocked: Foundation for Sub-Faction—Name your organization.]
Priyanshu thought for a moment.
"Black Whisper Pavilion."
[Name accepted.][Abilities Unlocked: Shadow Messaging, Illusion Veil, Inner Circle Creation.]
He smirked.
While others trained for grades and glory, he was building an empire inside an empire. A web of informants, shadow techniques, and disguised disciples. Soon, even teachers wouldn't know who truly ruled the Academy.
And while others sought recognition, he operated in the dark—pulling strings behind every duel, every election, every scandal.
At the Royal Academy, legends were born.
But Priyanshu… he would become the nightmare behind them.