"The royal family definitely doesn't endorse the Pureblooded Society's ideology," Marie said. "King Darius has made multiple public statements about merit-based advancement regardless of birth."

"But actions speak louder than words," Lucas said. "The academy still segregates students by class. They say it's based on skill and talent but anyone can see it's based largely on family background. The nobility still holds most positions of power. How much of those royal statements are just political theater?"

"Fair point," Zacard said. "Though I can say with certainty that my engagement to the princess has nothing to do with blood purity concerns. It's purely about political alliances between House Tosin and the Crown."

"Still doesn't answer whether Rayon is acting independently or with tacit approval," Damion said.

"He's definitely acting independently," Zacard said. "Rayon does everything independently. He'd see taking orders from anyone, even the royal family, as beneath him. In his mind, he's doing them a favor by 'protecting' noble interests."

So Rayon is operating on his own initiative, but possibly with the quiet support of conservative noble factions. And the princess...

He thought back to his conversation with Leyla. She'd been friendly, almost suspiciously so. At the time, he'd attributed it to her trying to maintain positive relations with all the noble houses, including the disgraced Estellans.

But what if there was more to it?

What if she'd deliberately engaged him in conversation knowing it would provoke exactly this kind of reaction from the blood purists? What if she was using him as a way to draw them out, to force them to reveal themselves?

That would be a very dangerous game to play. And it would mean I'm just a pawn in whatever political maneuvering she's doing.

"Lucas?" Celeste's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You okay? You looked like you were a million miles away."

"Just thinking," Lucas said. "About how complicated everything is when politics gets involved."

"Tell me about it," Raymond said. "I'm just a merchant's son. All this noble intrigue makes my head hurt."

"Welcome to our world," Marie said with a wry smile.

"Which is why I appreciate having friends who are just... friends. Just people I can trust." Zacard said.

He looked around the table, his gaze lingering on each of them in turn.

"So back to the practical matter at hand," Lydia said. "What's Lucas actually going to do about Rayon and his society?"

"For now? Nothing," Lucas said. "I focus on the exam. I do well enough to stay at the academy. Then I deal with whatever comes next."

"That's very... pragmatic," Marie said.

"I prefer to think of it as being strategic," Lucas replied. "Rayon wants me to react emotionally, to do something stupid that gives him justification to escalate. I'm not going to give him that satisfaction."

"But you can't just ignore them forever," Celeste said.

"I'm not ignoring them. I'm choosing my battles." Lucas took a drink of water. "Right now, I have a duel against Victor Stannard in less than two hours. That's what I need to focus on. Everything else can wait."

"Victor's tough," Raymond said. "He's got a reputation for being methodical in his fighting style. No wasted movements, no unnecessary risks. He'll study you during the fight and exploit any weakness he finds."

"Good to know," Lucas said. "Any other intel on him?"

"He uses earth magic primarily," Marie said. "Defensive style, heavy armor spells, then counters with devastating strikes when his opponent overextends. Lydia mentioned he's already formed his core too, which puts him solidly in Copper rank."

"He'll be a tough opponent." Damion said.

"I've beaten people tough opponents before." Lucas said.

"What's your plan?" Damion asked.

"Honestly? Survive long enough to figure out his patterns, then exploit them. I just need to last long enough to create an opening."

"That's actually not a bad strategy," Zacard said.

The group fell silent for a moment, each of them contemplating their own upcoming duels.

Lucas glanced at the clock on the wall. An hour and fifteen minutes until the duels began.

"I should probably go prepare," Lucas said, standing up. "Thanks for the meal and the conversation."

"Good luck out there," Damion said. "Give Victor hell."

"Try not to get too beat up," Raymond added. "We still need you for the survival portion."

"I'll be fine," Lucas said. "I always am."

Lucas made his way back toward the arena.

The arena was already starting to fill up with spectators. Students who'd been eliminated in the battle royale had apparently decided to stick around and watch the duels.

Lucas spotted a familiar face in the crowd and groaned internally.

Carl Wayland was sitting in the stands, his arm in a sling from their earlier fight. The blonde noble was glaring at him with pure hatred.

Great. More people who want to see me fail.

He pushed the thought aside and focused on finding a quiet place to center himself before the duel.

He found an empty training room near the arena and began going through his pre-fight routine.

Stretches to loosen his muscles. Breathing exercises to calm his mind. Mental visualization of the upcoming fight.

Victor Stannard. Earth mage. Defensive fighter. Already at Copper rank with a formed core.

All significant advantages.

But I've got advantages too. My Title. My danger sense. The Flowing River Style mana circulation that lets me recover faster. And most importantly, I've got nothing to lose.

A knock on the door interrupted his meditation.

"Fifteen minutes until your duel begins," a voice called from outside.

Lucas stood up, rolling his shoulders one last time.

Time to show them what I can do.

He walked out of the training room and headed toward the arena proper. As he entered, the noise of the crowd washed over him.

The arena had been reconfigured since the battle royale. Now there was a single raised platform in the center, about thirty feet across, surrounded by protective barriers. Two entrances on opposite sides.

Professor Hendricks stood at the edge of the platform, consulting a clipboard.

"Lucas Estellan!" he called out. "Approach the platform!"

Lucas climbed the stairs to the raised platform, feeling hundreds of eyes on him.

From the opposite entrance, Victor Stannard emerged.

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