However, Olivia would never show these thoughts, as they concerned his public image, and he couldn’t afford to be careless.
Once outside, Ostinero led the way, taking Olivia to a secluded grove.
Ostinero had little regard for his younger brother, Olivia. While Olivia’s ice magic talent was decent, it paled in comparison to Ostinero’s top-tier, genius-level abilities.
Not only did Olivia lack any particularly rare or precious cultivation talents, but he also had no outstanding skills in other areas—be it forging, enchantments, alchemy, or potion-making. At best, Olivia was mediocre in all these fields.
To Ostinero, Olivia had no exploitable value, which naturally meant he held little affection for his younger brother.
Thus, whenever facing Olivia, Ostinero never bothered to hide his disdain. In his eyes, as the self-proclaimed ruler of the new era and master of the world, everyone around him—whether in his harem or among his subordinates—had to possess exceptional abilities. Someone as unremarkable as Olivia? Hmph.
After giving Olivia a once-over, Ostinero sneered, “Ol, be obedient. Don’t make me displeased. Otherwise… even if you’re my brother, I won’t go easy on you.”
He raised his head arrogantly, embodying the pride and distinction between the family heir and an ordinary member.
Olivia humbly expressed his obedience and deference, exchanging a few words with Ostinero before seeing him off. Once alone, he punched a nearby tree. “Ostinero! If it weren’t for your age and talent, do you think you could still strut around in front of me?”
*No skills yet so full of arrogance. You and Father’s fools are being propped up higher and higher, but in reality, it’s just the prelude to your downfall.*
*The higher you’re lifted now, the harder you’ll crash later. And when that time comes, it’ll be my turn to rise and reign supreme!*
Suppressing his fury, Olivia resumed his usual cold yet gentle demeanor and returned to his dorm to socialize with his roommates.
They were all children of influential families, and for his plans, he needed to cultivate these connections. After all, such carefully nurtured relationships were invaluable assets.
Meanwhile, Davist and the other three agreed to have dinner together to strengthen their bonds.
The place they chose might have looked like a shabby little shop, but the food’s taste, quality, and presentation were outstanding—especially the owner’s homemade liquor, which was first-rate and highly sought after.
As a result, the shop was incredibly popular, with countless people eager to dine there daily. However, it was an internal establishment within Lumian Academy, exclusively serving students and faculty, much to the despair of outsiders. This exclusivity was one of the academy’s greatest perks.
Now that they had finally enrolled in Lumian Academy, visiting this renowned restaurant was a must. As indulgent second-generation heirs, both Kurl and Yaronara had long marked it as a target, arranging reservations well in advance.
With everything set, all that remained was to enjoy the experience!
Kurl, who was also scheming to win over Davist and draw the half-elf into his circle, naturally wouldn’t pass up this chance to boost their rapport. Since they were heading to a specialty restaurant, of course, he’d bring Davist along!
Yaronara, unaware of Kurl’s intentions toward Davist—or even Kurl’s true nature—was surprised by the invitation. But as a straight-as-an-arrow guy, he never overthought his friends’ relationships.
Glancing at Kurl and Davist, then at Sioser, Yaronara scratched his head and extended an invitation to Sioser as well.
*Hmm, we’re all roommates, and we seem to get along well. If Kurl’s inviting Davist, I’ll invite Sioser. One each—perfect!*
Kurl responded to this with a death glare. His carefully planned “date” with Davist had just turned into a group outing.
Though displeased, seeing how happy Davist was about the arrangement, Kurl sighed and let it go.
*…Fine. Davist’s happiness comes first.*
And so, two years passed at Lumian Academy—or rather, two chaotic, tumultuous years filled with drama and upheaval.
Ostinero’s name spread rapidly across the academy, though not for good reasons.
Arrogant, self-important, and disrespectful, Ostinero looked down on anyone from a modest background or lacking talent. Those with some skill but poor family circumstances? He treated them with condescension, pressuring them into serving him.
Worse, Ostinero lacked the charisma or competence to justify such behavior. He was lazy, cutting corners whenever possible. Despite the academy’s flexible schedule emphasizing self-study and training, Ostinero was infamous for skipping classes. Despite his prodigious talent, his progress lagged behind less gifted but hardworking peers.
And then there were Kurl and Yaronara—two years younger yet surpassing Ostinero in every aspect. While these top-tier figures remained unbothered, Ostinero, despite his mediocrity, carried himself with unbearable arrogance.
Unsurprisingly, Ostinero amassed a mountain of resentment.
Whenever Ostinero stirred trouble, Olivia was left cleaning up the mess. Unlike his brother, Olivia was gentle and kind—aloof on the surface but warm-hearted to those who knew him.
Despite being blood brothers, the difference in their reputations and relationships was night and day.
With these two around, the academy was never short of excitement.
But when it came to campus heartthrobs, Kurl and Yaronara took the crown—though Kurl’s popularity far outstripped Yaronara’s.
Having grown up together, Yaronara was used to it. Even as a sought-after figure himself, Kurl always stole the spotlight. A lesser person might have resented it, but their bond remained unshaken.
One day, on the path outside Lumian Academy’s library, Kurl—preparing to study with Davist—found himself blocked by Ostinero. He sighed, rubbing his temples.
Though Kurl had never taken Ostinero seriously, the latter viewed him as a sworn rival, convinced their feud was life-or-death.
Why? Because Kurl’s fame and influence dwarfed Ostinero’s, who saw him as a villain to crush. Ostinero’s constant provocations left Kurl exasperated.
Worse, Olivia kept finding excuses to approach Kurl under the guise of apologizing for his brother. But Kurl, sharp and perceptive, saw through it instantly—Olivia was trying to woo him!
In the past, Kurl might have played along for amusement, though never crossing any lines. But now? Now he had Davist to pursue.
Though inexperienced in romance, Kurl wasn’t stupid. Only a fool would flirt with someone else while chasing their crush—a surefire path to eternal singledom.
Naturally, Kurl kept his distance from Olivia, avoiding him whenever possible.
But avoiding Olivia was easier said than done, especially with Ostinero constantly stirring trouble.
If not for maintaining his image, Kurl would have long since beaten Ostinero to a pulp and tossed him aside.
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