The elevator hummed softly as it descended, faint streams of bluish mana running along its glass walls like veins of light. I leaned against the rail, hands tucked in my pockets, half-awake and half-bored, a dangerous combination for someone like me.

The mirror in front of me reflected my face back: sharp eyes, neat uniform, cape draped lazily over one shoulder, the brooch of the roaring lion gleaming faintly under the mana-lights. Apex. The title still felt strangely powerful, sure, but strange.

The descent was smooth until it wasn't.

With a soft chime, the elevator slowed and stopped. Fifth floor.

I frowned. "Didn't press that—"

The doors slid open with a hiss, and two familiar faces greeted me.

Annalise Astraeus, brown hair slightly curled at the ends, blue eyes alert even this early in the morning, looking annoyingly awake.

Beside her stood Kent Takeahint, gray-haired, gray-eyed, and already sipping what smelled like strong coffee. His expression said I hate mornings, and I immediately decided I liked him more today than usual.

"Morning, Apex," Annalise said with a teasing smile as she stepped in.

Kent gave a lazy nod. "Morning, number one."

"Morning, number two and number five," I replied, offering a mock salute as the doors slid shut again.

Annalise rolled her eyes, and Kent snorted softly into his cup.

The elevator resumed its descent, the hum filling the quiet. For a few seconds, no one spoke. Just the faint buzz of mana conduits and the soft sound of Annalise's coat shifting when she crossed her arms.

"So," she said finally, "you're actually awake early. I thought you'd be late and dramatic about it."

"I considered it," I said. "But then I remembered the look on Instructor Vale's face yesterday, and I didn't feel like getting yelled at before breakfast."

Kent chuckled. "Wise decision. Man looked like he was about to pop a vein when you started your speech."

"That was part of the plan," I said smoothly.

Annalise groaned. "You planned to cause chaos?"

"Annalise," I said seriously, "chaos is an art form. I merely practice it at an elite level."

She gave me a deadpan stare. Kent nearly choked on his coffee trying not to laugh.

"Sometimes," she muttered, "I wonder how you haven't been expelled yet."

"Talent," I said. "And charm, also the fact that today is the first day."

She snorted, "Sure, let's go with that."

The elevator pinged as we reached the ground floor. The doors slid open, and the faint morning light from the academy's white-and-gray halls spilled in.

I stepped out first, stretching slightly, the black cape rippling behind me. The Aetherium's grand corridor stretched ahead sleek, metallic, and alive with quiet energy. The air was cool, faintly humming with mana.

Kent and Annalise followed, falling into step beside me as we crossed the polished marble floor. Students passed by, whispering to one another, their eyes flicking toward us or, more specifically, me.

I could hear it already the murmurs, the quickened breaths, the faint awe that came with the Apex title.

"Guess the day's starting early," Kent muttered, sipping again.

"Early for them," I said. "For me, this is just another morning in paradise."

Annalise rolled her eyes. "You sound like you're about to start another speech."

I smirked. "Don't tempt me."

Together, we stepped out into the wide, sunlit expanse of the academy wing white stone, silver trim, mana-lamps gleaming like stars, and the faint scent of rain in the air.

Day one of classes had begun.

"Actually," I said, slowing my pace as we crossed into the main courtyard, "you two go ahead. I've got something to take care of."

Annalise and Kent both stopped.

Annalise arched an eyebrow. "Something to take care of?"

Kent gave me that skeptical look that said he didn't buy a word of it. "You're not planning another one of your dramatic entrances, are you?"

I gave them both my best innocent smile. "Would I ever?"

"Yes," they said in unison.

I laughed, waving them off. "Relax. Just go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Annalise sighed but turned toward the western hall. "Fine, but if you're late on day one, don't expect me to vouch for you."

Kent followed, shaking his head. "Don't do anything stupid, Apex."

"Me? Never."

They both shot me another skeptical look before disappearing into the flow of students heading toward the classrooms.

Once they were gone, the silence hit, not the uncomfortable kind, but the heavy, thoughtful sort that filled the academy courtyard like lingering fog. I exhaled, shoving my hands in my pockets as I started walking again.

The academy wing was massive all clean white arches, silver trims, and mana conduits that pulsed faintly like veins of light through the marble. Students rushed past in small groups, chatting about their class placements, teachers, and dorm gossip.

And me? I wandered aimlessly.

The fountain in the center sprayed arcs of glowing water, runes spinning lazily in the air above it. The training fields beyond shimmered faintly with barrier wards, the faint buzz of mana echoing through the air.

I glanced around, tilting my head. "What am I even doing?" I muttered under my breath.

Then, I answered myself with a small smirk. "Oh right… the protagonist always comes in late."

It was almost funny after everything I'd seen, all the hell and bloodshed, I still remembered those stupid clichés. And somehow, they still made sense to me.

I looked at the nearest clock tower - 6:55 a.m. Classes started at seven.

Perfect.

Five minutes till showtime.

"Let them settle in first," I murmured, watching a group of nervous first-years scurry across the courtyard. "Then I'll make my entrance."

I leaned against one of the marble pillars, staring up at the sky a pale, glass-blue canvas streaked with white clouds drifting lazily. For a moment, I just stood there, breathing in the faint electric scent of the Aetherium's wards.

A soft chuckle escaped me. "Some things never change, huh?"

And so I waited not out of laziness, but out of a strange, quiet amusement. Because deep down, I already knew:

The protagonist always comes late.

And this time… that was me.

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