Silence took over the vip lounge again.

The kind of quiet that wasn't awkward, just… thoughtful.

I leaned back into the velvet cushions, my eyes drifting around the room.

The soft hum of mana still lingered in the air, but it wasn't overwhelming. It felt like the calm before a storm, a pause before something big.

The glass walls in front of us gave the perfect view of the grand auction stage below, still empty and waiting.

Only 5 minutes or so we left before the people started filling in.

Everyone from across the world were slowly filing in. Nobles in glittering robes, warriors wearing weapons like jewelry, magicians dressed in long enchanted coats that shimmered slightly when they moved.

If there was one major difference between then and now, it was that everyone seemed to be carrying more riches around them.

Everyone was getting ready, as if the world was watching.

Inside our lounge, it felt like a bubble separated from the chaos. Safe, but not for long.

King Philip was sitting with one leg crossed over the other, on another sofa with Grandpa Venus, his jade robes glowing faintly in the warm light.

There was something graceful about him—like every movement he made was planned, practiced, perfect. Even the way he drank his tea looked royal.

Sia, on the other hand, sat curled up at the edge of the couch beside him.

She wore a black silk dress that flowed like ink around her, tight at the waist, loose everywhere else.

Her long black hair was tied high behind her head, some strands falling over her cheek. Her lips were glossy, her eyes half-lidded, as if bored…but I noticed how her fingers were tapping against the armrest.

And the fact that her dress was practically backless did not make it any easy for me—

Aurelia sat beside me. "So. About that whole 'New Age' talk," she said casually, pulling her jeans up a bit from the ankles as she eyes Sia. "What does that mean for us?"

Philip's eyes twinkled slightly. "It means everything is about to change."

Dario leaned forward, his teleportation wristband giving off a soft buzz. "You mean like…war?"

"War is only one part of it," Venus cut in smoothly.

He was seated beside King Philip in another Sofa, arms crossed, looking both regal and relaxed. "But what's coming is bigger. A new age doesn't begin with just blood. It begins with education. With order. With a shift in power."

Seraphina tilted her head. "You're talking about the Academy, aren't you?"

"Yes," Venus said. "A New Age Academy. A place that will not belong to one kingdom, but to all.

A center of knowledge, strategy, and diplomacy. Where the strongest and smartest of each empire will train—not just to fight, but to lead."

My eyes widened. "Wait… like a place where all countries send their best? Together?"

"Exactly," King Philip said, sipping his tea. "The old ways have served their time. The world is fractured. Everyone is preparing for the Ascension Games, for the return of the Hollows…but this Academy could be the one thing that brings unity before it's too late."

I let that settle in.

We were living through the beginning of something massive. Something history books would write about.

Erza scoffed. "Let me guess. They'll expect us to all play nice in this Academy? No killing, no fighting?"

"Oh, there'll be fighting," Venus smirked. "But under rules. Structured. Controlled. A testbed for alliances. And for betrayals."

Aurelia's eyes gleamed. "Sounds fun."

Sia finally spoke, her voice soft but sharp. "And what if someone doesn't want to play along?"

All eyes turned to her.

Philip raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"

She shrugged. "I just wonder what happens when people stop following the 'rules.' That's when the real game begins, doesn't it?"

Dario chuckled. "She's not wrong."

But I noticed it again—her tapping fingers, her gaze not meeting anyone's for too long. She was smiling, but something in her eyes was distant. Like her body was here, but her mind was stuck in a memory she didn't like.

I wanted to ask her what it was.

But I didn't.

Venus leaned forward now, his voice calm. "This Academy is a gamble. It's not just about teaching the next generation.

It's about choosing who survives the storm. Some of you will rise through its ranks. Others…" He glanced around, locking eyes with each of us. "Others may not make it out."

A heavy silence took over the room, after all, just hearing about it, we all understand that things were no longer going to be as they were soon enough.

Venus gave a light cough, interrupting our thoughts as he continued–

"But before that, in two months time...there is something bigger than all this. Something more important than even getting ready for war."

"...It's the Champions Trophy, isn't it?" King Philip asked, knowing full well the seriousness of it.

Grandpa Venus nodded, looking at us as he explained to us how important this Champions Trophy is.

Apparently, the whole world order depended on the results of this championship. Only when they are announced, would we be able to strengthen the alliance with other kingdoms and maintain the world.

There is also the World Government that has slowly been gaining power.

It consists of a party of the rulers of the 7 nations who stand on an equal level.

The real hierarchy would only be decided in two months then...

Everyone easily realised that the standing of our country and influence stood on the results of how we perform in the championship.

Even Dario seemed to be realising what a mess this was.

A knock interrupted us.

A sharp, deliberate sound.

The golden double doors to the VIP lounge creaked open. A tall man in a navy coat stepped inside, bowing deeply.

"The final preparations are complete," he said. "The auction is about to begin."

My chest tightened.

The room suddenly felt smaller, heavier.

Philip rose from his seat like a king walking into battle.

Sia watching him closely with a cold look in her eyes, her expression calm, but her fingers clenched the folds of her robe for a second too long.

Team A shifted, Aurelia smirking, Dario bouncing on his heels, Erza cracking her knuckles, Seraphina fixing her choker.

Venus stayed seated, his eyes glowing faintly.

He looked at us all.

"Remember this moment," he said. "This is the last time things will ever be simple again."

The lights outside dimmed.

The auction had begun.

And so had the real war.

***