CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113 : GRAND ENTERANCE (1)

A voice, laced with teasing amusement, echoed from an intercom above.

"You’re 8 minutes late. Looks like we’ll have to deduct the promised money."

A vein visibly bulged on Alex’s forehead.

"...Tch." He turned around, throwing up a hand in mock annoyance. "You know what? You guys can find someone else to go with. I’m leaving."

He spun on his heel with exaggerated drama.

Just then, another voice, more hurried and panicked, chimed in.

"Wait! Wait! We were joking!"

A sigh followed, then a half-serious scolding.

"Eve, don’t push this idiot too far."

The gate let out a soft mechanical hiss and parted smoothly down the middle. Alex arched an eyebrow and stepped forward, entering a space that screamed wealth and technology intertwined.

As soon as he did, a smooth, feminine voice greeted him.

{"Mr. Alex, please wait a few moments. Miss Evelyn and Miss Alicia will be out shortly."}

Alex blinked, then muttered, ’An AI assistant? Just like my Zara.’

The voice replied with an immediate, almost smug tone.

{"My name is Miya. And I am far superior to Zara.

Miss Alicia was right—you are quite worthy of accompanying Miss Eve and Miss Alicia... well, appearance-wise, I must add."}

Alex’s mouth twitched.

"In your dreams, Ms. Miya. My Zara is leagues above you."

He folded his arms but smirked. "But I must say, your mistresses are definitely not wor—"

Before he could finish, the door to another room hissed open.

Two figures stepped out, heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor.

Alex turned—

And his breath hitched seeing both of them.

Evelyn stood confidently, dressed in a shimmering off-shoulder gown of white and gold. The golden accents of her dress danced with her equally golden hair and sparkling amber-gold eyes. The slit down her thigh gave her a goddess-like presence—refined yet boldly seductive.

Beside her was Alicia von Crestvale, in an ice-blue dress that clung to her curves like it had been crafted by magic. Her snow-white hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her eyes sparkled beneath icy lashes. The backless gown shimmered like frost under moonlight, with a diamond choker adding an extra touch of regality.

They both looked like divine beings walking among mortals.

Alex tried to compose himself—but his eyes lingered just a second too long.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Alicia were no better. The moment they laid eyes on Alex—wearing a stunning dark navy tuxedo laced with silver runes, tailored to perfection to hug his tall, athletic frame—

A crystal-lined silver cravat lay neatly against his chest, and matching silver cuffs glinted with ethereal blue gems.

His long silver hair was tied loosely at the back, a few strands flowing freely, perfectly matching his piercing blue eyes. A sapphire earring dangled from his left ear—subtle, yet captivating.

Evelyn gulped softly.

Alicia’s eyes briefly dilated, and she licked her lips without realizing.

A full ten seconds passed in complete silence as all three of them just stared at each other.

Then, at once, they looked away awkwardly.

---

In the heart of Zenith Academy, the Grand Hall had been transformed into a scene of luxurious wonder.

Golden chandeliers floated mid-air, glowing with enchanted lights. Velvet curtains in royal blue and crimson lined the towering crystal walls. A massive enchanted fountain of stardust flowed in the center of the hall, sparkling under the arched ceilings.

Despite being a ball, it wasn’t just dancing. Lively music played as couples enjoyed a variety of games set up at the edges of the hall—magical puzzles, agility trials for duos, even a "couples’ trivia challenge" that drew many embarrassed laughs.

Those who came alone weren’t left out—various solo games and refreshment zones had been set up to make sure everyone had a good time.

It was a balance of elegance and fun—a celebration of the new era of cadets.

Standing on the elevated stage, the event host grinned widely, hair bouncing as she raised a magically-enhanced microphone.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Zenith Academy Freshman Ball! Whether you’ve come with your heartthrob, your best friend, or even solo—tonight, you’re all stars!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"This isn’t just a night for dancing—it’s a celebration of you—the dreamers, the challengers, the future heroes of Etheron! So grab a drink, take your partner’s hand, and let’s make this night legendary!"

Mira beamed as the applause thundered across the hall.

In the crowd, Carl Dimitri was practically jumping up and down, yelling, "THAT’S MY GIRL!! WOOHOO, MIRA HART!!!"

Several students chuckled, while Mira gave him a wink from the stage.

One by one, all the famed second-year cadets entered.

At the front of the pack was Lucas Evans Avaloria, dressed in a white and navy formal suit, his presence commanding. Beside him was his elegant partner with cascading dark blue hair in a backless, slit gown that sparkled like midnight sapphire.

Then came the others—each entrance louder than the last as the top cadets made their appearance with grace and charisma.

---

As the second years began mingling, a new wave of murmurs rose.

Alden von Crestvale entered, wearing a perfectly tailored royal-blue suit with silver embroidery and a high-collared white shirt. His slicked-back silver hair and sharp eyes made him look like nobility out of a fantasy tale.

Beside him, Ava Green’s earthy golden gown shimmered under the chandeliers. The leaf-like embroidery across her neckline and shoulders complimented her chestnut hair, making her look like a forest spirit in regal form.

They walked in perfect sync, their combined aura practically radiant.

Not long after, Draven strolled in with his partner, Islode, her hand confidently hooked around Draven’s arm.

Rein came next, cool and composed in a gray suit accented with green, followed by Lilia Scott.

All eyes turned. Whispers began to fill the hall.

Then the entire hall fell into a hush.

Descending the staircase like a vision, Princess Charlotte Evans Avaloria appeared, dressed in a blue gown with crystalline patterns that sparkled like ice under moonlight. Her tiara shimmered above her head, and her poise demanded respect.

But it was her partner that drew real surprise.

Lorenzo D’Vaire.

Wearing a deep burgundy suit and clearly trying to appear confident, Lorenzo held his head up—but the crowd couldn’t ignore the irony. A former bully turned victim of bullying... now escorting the Princess?

The whispers became louder.

High above, from a balcony seat, Lucas Evans Avaloria watched with narrowed eyes.

"Interesting... but why did she pick that clown Lorenzo?" he mused aloud. "According to my intel, his reputation is in the trash."

Then he smirked, raising a glass of wine.

"Guess I’ll keep watching. This ball just got a lot more entertaining."

Carl Dimitri narrowed his eyes, his gaze locked on Lorenzo D’Vaire as the boy trailed behind Princess Charlotte Evans Avaloria like a shadow afraid of the light.

The once-arrogant bully now walked with slouched shoulders, trying to hide behind the elegant and dignified princess, whose golden tiara and calm poise captured all eyes in the room.

Carl’s lips curled into a bitter sneer.

’So, you think you can get away with it? Just because you’re with the princess?’ he thought, his jaw tightening. ’You ruined my impression in front of her, in front of high nobles like Ethan, Alden, and Seraphina... and now you think hiding behind her dress will protect you?’

The crowd had already begun whispering, their eyes flicking between Charlotte’s radiant figure and the infamous Count’s son behind her.

"He’s really with the princess?"

"But wasn’t his reputation... awful?"

"Maybe she’s just using him... right?"

"I heard Carl Dimitri wanted revenge..."

Their whispers swirled like a storm—but it all died the moment the next figure walked in.

A hush swept over the ballroom.

Ethan Williams had arrived.

He strode into the grand hall like a monarch returning to his kingdom, effortlessly commanding the attention of every pair of eyes.

He wore a sleek black suit with regal gold accents, his crimson-red shirt adding a sharp, bold contrast beneath the open-front jacket. A glowing crest—pulsing faintly with magical energy—was pinned near his heart, subtly declaring his divine connection.

His golden hair was meticulously styled, his face calm but confident. He didn’t walk—he glided, like someone untouched by gravity or doubt.

But it wasn’t just him that stunned the crowd.

Three breathtaking beauties flanked him, each one more radiant than the last.

To his right was Seraphina Starlight. Her long blue hair flowed like silk down her back, catching the ballroom lights with every step. She wore a shimmering silver and indigo gown, its fabric hugging her curves like flowing water. Every move she made was elegant, composed, and icy—like a goddess of the winter sea.

To his left walked Ophelia, a second-year top cadet, her violet gown sparkling with tiny, stardust-like crystals.

The daring slit running up one leg and the open back of her dress added a bold, sensual allure. A silver choker hugged her neck like a moonlit ribbon, and her violet heels clicked with graceful purpose.

She walked closer to Ethan than necessary, her arm barely brushing his as if unwilling to let him drift even a step away.

Behind them trailed the third girl, Maria Lunehart, a beauty with an air of mystique, her soft amber eyes glowing faintly in the ballroom light. But by then, most of the crowd had already been left speechless.

The room practically vibrated with gasps, whispers, and even a few cries of jealousy.

"He’s with three?!"

"No way. Is he a protagonist from a romance drama or what?"

"I wish it was me..."

Some of the lonelier male students literally cried, clutching their chests like they’d been stabbed. One girl smacked her dazed boyfriend on the head, pulling him out of his trance with a furious glare.

Alden burst into laughter, elbowing Rein lightly. "This guy... he sure knows how to make an entrance."

Soon, Ethan and his group settled around a massive, elevated table reserved for the top cadets. Alden, Ava, Draven, Isolde, Seraphina, Ophelia, Charlotte, Rein, and Lilia were all seated in a loose circle, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and conversation.

As the waiters began serving sparkling beverages and appetizers, Ethan leaned toward Seraphina. "Hey... where’s Alex? Didn’t he call you a few minutes ago?"

Seraphina sipped from her glass and smiled mischievously. "He did. He asked me to gather five girls for him for the ball. I still don’t know if they were for his friends... or his slaves." She took a pause, dramatically arching a brow. "I cannot confirm."

The table burst into laughter.

Even Rein, who had only recently gotten to know them, chuckled in amusement.

Alden smirked. "If it’s that guy, I’ll bet ten million credits that he shows up alone. There’s no way he found someone who could match his divine-level narcissism."

Ethan shook his head, smiling. "I’ll bet the same. He’s not the type to show up with backup."

Draven raised his glass. "Count me in. Guy probably scared off every girl with his ’charm’."

Rein leaned forward, curious. "You all seem obsessed with him. Is he really that interesting?"

Charlotte turned to him, laughing. "Oh, you’ll see soon enough. You can’t forget someone like him... even if you try."

The table buzzed with laughter and energy, unaware of the storm—and spectacle—that was about to walk through the grand entrance.

---

A/N:

So how was the Chapter? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for the golden tickets:

@Goncalo0110, @Nelson_2141 ,

@DangerCroc, @rhopalic, @Unknown_6

@Jureea, @lilgbengs , @Daoist7l2pvw,

@uze , @Agent_Black

I really appreciate the support 😊.