CHAPTER 51: BATTLE LINE

Richard’s growl rumbled deep in his chest, his claws flexing against the stone floor.

"Archer?" he snarled, his voice thick with fury. "Yes indeed. I have an unsettled score with him. That brat humiliated me. He stood there like he was invincible, like I was nothing."

Elysia’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. That hatred, that fire... we can use it. Archer is a threat to me as well. You and I share the same goal—but I can’t bring him down alone. That’s why I need you, Richard. I need you to help me put him down."

Richard’s predator eyes narrowed. "I’ve felt a pinch of his power... that boy isn’t ordinary. When I attacked him, I could feel his barrier—it’s twice as strong as the city’s own defense. It nearly burned my skin."

Elysia nodded slowly. "I am well aware of his abilities. I’ve had my eyes on him for quite some time." She lowered her voice, leaning slightly closer. "Archer is not what he seems. He is a demon."

Richard recoiled, his body tensing. "A demon?"

Elysia’s expression turned grave. "He’s a demon cloaked in human flesh. That’s how he was able to walk past the city’s wards and manipulate the academy’s protections. His very presence corrupts the balance we strive to maintain."

"No wonder he’s so powerful. But how could a demon gain access to the city?" Richard asked.

"That is precisely why he is so dangerous," Elysia said smoothly. "He has deceived everyone—even the academy. I could not confront him directly. His power is too great."

Richard’s growl returned, deeper this time. "Then what are we waiting for? Let me at him. I’ll rip him limb from limb."

Elysia raised a hand. "Patience. He’s clever, and reckless only when provoked. We must first find his weakness. Only then can we destroy him properly."

She studied Richard closely, her gaze calculating. "Richard, you’ve been chosen. What you did today... it wasn’t a failure. It was a beginning. You’re not a monster—you’re a protector. A hero, even. Someone willing to sacrifice their humanity to fight true evil. You’re fighting for the greater good."

Richard’s chest swelled with pride at her words.

The idea of being more than just a mindless beast, of serving a greater purpose, stirred something in him.

"A hero...?" he muttered. Then louder, with a nod, "Yes... I’ll serve you, Chancellor Elysia. I’ll protect the academy. I’ll bring down Archer."

Elysia nodded in approval. "Good. You will return to your classes and act as though nothing happened. Lay low. No one must suspect a thing."

Richard hesitated, his eyes landing on his claws. "I’m afraid that’s not possible. I can’t shift back to my human form."

Elysia reached into the folds of her robe and withdrew a delicate silver necklace, its pendant pulsing with a faint, dark light.

"This will help." She stepped forward, unafraid, and fastened the necklace around his thick, furred neck.

As soon as the clasp clicked into place, she murmured an incantation under her breath.

The pendant flared with dark energy, tendrils of shadow wrapping around Richard’s monstrous body.

The magic coiled tight, compressing his form, forcing the beastly features to recede.

His claws retracted, his fur melted away, and his bones cracked as they reshaped themselves.

Within moments, Richard stood before her once more—human.

His uniform was shredded, barely clinging to his body like tattered rags. He gasped, touching his face as if to confirm the transformation.

The cage door creaked open on its own.

Elysia smiled as Richard stepped out, his bare feet touching the cold dungeon floor.

"Richard von Eldric," she said softly. "Your secret is safe with me. Together, we shall see Archer fall."

Richard clenched his fists, his eyes burning with newfound purpose. "For the academy," he vowed.

Elysia’s smile deepened. "For the academy."

* * * *

Raven and I moved swiftly through the quiet back corridors of the academy, keeping close to the shadows and away from the patrolling mages.

Every hallway we passed felt colder than the last, like the building itself was holding its breath.

Raven glanced at me, her brow furrowed. "How sure are you that Richard would still be at school? He must’ve escaped the city by now."

I shook my head. "It’s impossible for him to break through the barrier. Richard transformed inside the academy. That means he never left. He’s still here. Somewhere."

She let out a frustrated sigh. "But that makes no sense. If he was still on campus, the academy mages would’ve found him by now. They’re everywhere."

I stopped walking and turned to her, lowering my voice. "This academy holds secrets we don’t know about, Raven. More than we realize. Take the Blood Jest Cult, for example. Their entire operation was buried somewhere beneath this school. Who’s to say there aren’t more places hidden from the mages?"

Raven’s expression darkened, her playfulness gone. "You don’t think... they’re responsible for Richard’s transformation?"

"I don’t know," I admitted. "But it’s possible." I hesitated before adding, "And I don’t trust Chancellor Elysia. There’s something about her that doesn’t feel right."

Before Raven could respond, a voice cut through the silence behind us—smooth, familiar, and utterly unexpected.

"Looking for someone?"

We froze.

I felt the blood drain from my face as we both slowly turned around.

We both stiffened, spinning around.

Richard stood there, fully dressed in a neat uniform.

There were no trace of the beast remained—just the same arrogant smirk he always wore.

My fingers twitched at my sides. This wasn’t right. How is he back here so soon?

Raven was the first to speak, her voice tight with shock. "Richard?"

His lips curled into a cold smile. "That is not my name anymore. Call me... Predator."

I stepped forward, keeping my voice steady. "Richard, I don’t want to fight you."

He let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "I’m not looking for a fight with you... for now. But watch your back, Archer. Because any moment from now, I’ll strike where you won’t see it coming."

My hands clenched at my sides. "It doesn’t have to be this way. You’re consumed by rage. Let me help you. You’re going down a dark path, Richard. One that leads only to your destruction."

"Dark path?" His laughter turned bitter. "You’re the one on the dark path, you demon."

Raven and I exchanged a glance, confusion flashing between us.

"Demon?" we said in unison.

Richard’s eyes gleamed with conviction. "Oh, you think I wouldn’t know? You’re a demon disguised as a human. I knew there was something off about you. But after our last fight, I felt it. The energy you carry—it’s not human. Now I know."

That’s ridiculous!" Raven snapped, stepping forward. "Archer is not a demon. If there’s anyone who’s the demon here, it’s you, Richard! You turned into a man-beast and threw this entire academy into chaos over your stupid pride! You can’t let go of the past, and instead of seeking help, you’re digging your own grave."

Richard’s eyes shifted to her, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke in a disturbingly soft tone.

"Princess Eris... you’ve also been misled. Deceived by this demon. But no worries." He gave a slight bow. "I’ll save you."

I took another step forward, shielding her slightly. "I’m not a demon, Richard. It’s you who’s been deceived. Tell me—are you working with the Blood Jest Cult? Because if you are, you need to understand they won’t save you. They’ll ruin you. Let’s put our differences aside. Let’s help you."

His expression hardened. "The battle line has been drawn, Archer. From today henceforth, you and I are at war."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the empty hall.

Raven let out a shaky breath. "What the hell was that?"

"Someone had gotten to him. And now, he truly believed I’m the enemy."

Raven’s fingers tightened around my sleeve as she whispered, "This is bad. Something has to be done. He’ll attack you again."

I kept my voice steady. "I’m sure he will. But I’ll be ready for him."

She bit her lip, worry darkening her eyes. "I don’t want you to hurt him, Archer. I know Richard is an egotistical idiot, but deep down... I believe he’s a good person."

"I know," I said quietly. "That’s why I’m trying to help him."

Raven hesitated before suggesting, "Maybe we should report this to Chancellor Elysia."

My jaw clenched. "Didn’t you just hear what I said? I don’t trust Elysia. There are too many secrets in this academy—too many things happening behind these walls. I can’t trust just anyone."

Raven exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "Then how do we help Richard now?"

I met her gaze, my voice low but firm. "There’s only one way I can help him." A brief silence passed before I finished, "By taking away his magic."

Raven’s eyes widened. "What? You can’t be serious. That’s—"

"The only way to break whatever hold this has on him," I interrupted. "If he’s connected to the Blood Jest Cult or being manipulated by someone else, his magic is the key. Without it, he’s useless."

She stared at me, conflict warring in her expression. "But stripping a mage of their magic... it’s impossible. It can’t be done."

"I’ll find a way. Leaving him like this will destroy him faster," I countered, my eyes glinting with determination. "I won’t let him become a weapon for whoever’s pulling his strings."