Raze stood in the Grand Hall processing the implications of his decision, mind working through strategic possibilities for what came next. The interface on his bracelet had closed after his confirmation, leaving him with a simple message that further instructions would come at the appropriate time.

Around him, chaos continued as delegates discussed the system Headmaster Sariah had just explained, speculation about which roles suited different capabilities, whether being selected as a Piece or remaining in the general population offered better opportunities for growth.

Then the atmosphere shifted.

It was subtle at first, barely noticeable change in the ambient energy that made Raze's instincts prickle with warning. His hand unconsciously moved toward his katana before he caught himself, recognizing the sensation wasn't an immediate threat but something else entirely.

Divine presence.

The realization hit him like cold water. He'd felt this before, back in Thornwick when Alex Dawnsblade had arrived early and evaluated the Four Stars during their dock battle. That overwhelming sense of providence, destiny made manifest, the universe itself bending slightly to accommodate chosen existence.

The protagonist was here.

The Grand Hall's massive doors opened, golden light spilling through the entrance with intensity that seemed excessive for simple evening illumination. Conversations died as delegates turned toward the disturbance, attention drawn by instinct they probably couldn't explain.

Alex Dawnsblade walked through those doors like he owned the space, white and gold armor gleaming, blessed sword strapped across his back, divine aura radiating from him with casual inevitability. His features were exactly as Raze remembered: impossibly handsome in way that seemed designed by committee, blonde hair catching light perfectly, blue eyes that sparkled with heroic determination.

And everyone except Raze naturally parted for him, making way without conscious decision. The divine blessing worked its subtle influence, encouraging cooperation and admiration from those exposed to it. Delegates who'd been deep in conversation simply stopped and moved aside, watching the hero pass with expressions ranging from awe to curiosity.

Raze remained exactly where he was, poker face firmly in place as he observed the protagonist's entrance. His resistance to the divine influence came from Asura's presence, demonic power insulating him from blessings designed to manipulate mortal perception and emotion.

Alex approached the Deans who'd been observing from the side of the hall. They greeted him with deference that suggested either prior introduction or immediate recognition of his blessed status. Brief conversation followed, too quiet for Raze to overhear from his position, before one of the Deans gestured toward the exit leading to administrative sections.

The hero and all five Deans departed together, heading toward what Raze assumed was the Headmaster's office. The divine presence faded as Alex left the Grand Hall, taking with it the subtle pressure that had been affecting everyone's behavior.

Conversations resumed immediately, speculation exploding about who that had been and why the Deans had shown such respect. Those who recognized divine cultivation discussed it in hushed tones, clearly impressed by the power level they'd sensed.

Raze's bracelet pulsed.

He glanced down to find notifications glowing on the display:

[fedora westia has joined your kingdom]

[darius crawford has joined your kingdom]

[all delegates from westia have joined your kingdom]

[kingdom status: 0/8 pieces selected]

[note: you must formally assign roles during selection phase]

Raze processed the information quickly. Every Westia delegate who'd come to the Academy had apparently committed to his kingdom immediately. That included Fedora, Darius, and the twenty-seven others who'd represented their nation. They'd followed his leadership during the Culling Games and were continuing that pattern here.

But his Piece count remained at zero. The system distinguished between people joining his kingdom and formal role assignments. He'd need to select eight specific individuals for the Piece positions during whatever selection phase came next.

More notifications appeared as other kingdoms formed:

[all delegates from duskhaven have joined gareth valorian's kingdom]

[all delegates from cindral have joined blossom karnstein's kingdom]

[all delegates from silverpeak have joined aurora weiss's kingdom]

[all delegates from aeloria have joined kira steelheart's kingdom]

Kingdom delegations were committing en masse to their highest-performing members, natural tribalism creating instant power bases for the top rankers from each nation.

Then notifications that showed different patterns:

[delegates from multiple kingdoms have joined seraphine lumis's kingdom]

[delegates from multiple kingdoms have joined lyra astoria's kingdom]

Some provisional Kings were attracting cross-kingdom commitments, people choosing leadership they respected over national loyalty. Seraphine and Lyra had apparently made strong enough impressions that delegates from other nations wanted to serve under them.

His bracelet displayed updated rankings:

[provisional kings - current status]

1. gareth valorian - 30 committed

2. raze dragonheart - 30 committed

3. seraphine lumis - 38 committed

4. blossom karnstein - 30 committed

5. aurora weiss - 30 committed

6. kira steelheart - 30 committed

7. lyra astoria - 34 committed

8. jonathan berkshire - 12 committed

9. caleb alvarian - 29 committed

10. ellen nightingale - 17 committed

Jonathan Berkshire had moved into the eighth position after Fedora joined Raze's kingdom, but he'd only attracted twelve commitments so far. Most delegates were gravitating toward the stronger performers or their national representatives.

Then the divine presence returned, stronger than before.

The administrative entrance opened, Headmaster Sariah emerging with the five Deans following respectfully behind her. And walking beside her, radiating blessed authority like a personal sun, was Alex Dawnsblade.

The hero's presence commanded attention even more effectively than before. Every conversation died immediately, four hundred fifty delegates turning toward the entrance with focus that seemed beyond simple politeness. The divine blessing was working overtime, encouraging admiration and cooperation from everyone exposed to it.

Everyone except Raze, who maintained his neutral expression while watching the protagonist with calculating assessment.

Sariah moved to the center of the hall, her ancient presence somehow matching the hero's divine aura through sheer accumulated power and authority. When she spoke, her voice carried effortlessly across the space.

"Delegates, your attention please."

The hall was already silent, but formality demanded the announcement.

"I have been monitoring kingdom formation progress. I notice many of you remain uncommitted, either by choice or uncertainty about which structure best serves your goals."

She gestured, and the display behind her updated to show current provisional King rankings with commitment counts visible.

"As you observe, substantial commitments have already occurred. However, circumstances require accommodation under special authority."

She turned slightly toward Alex beside her, acknowledgment of the divine complication standing at her side.

"This is Alex Dawnsblade, Chosen of the Goddess of Light. He was selected for Elmbridge Academy through divine mandate, his admission guaranteed before any kingdom nominations occurred. However, his arrival was delayed by duties that could not be postponed."

Alex stepped forward, expression carrying apologetic humility that somehow enhanced rather than diminished his heroic bearing. The divine blessing at work, turning weakness into strength.

"I apologize for my late arrival," the hero said, voice warm and genuine in a way that made people instinctively trust him. "The Goddess required my presence elsewhere, challenges that took priority even over the honor of attending this Academy. But She has granted me leave now, and provided permission for my enrollment despite missing the entrance examination."

Murmurs rippled through the hall, though they carried more awe than criticism. The divine influence was working its magic.

Sariah's ancient eyes swept across the assembled delegates. "A privilege has been invoked under divine authority. Alex Dawnsblade will be designated as the tenth provisional King, joining the rankings despite his absence from the Culling Games. His performance of divine duties supersedes standard evaluation criteria."

The display updated immediately:

[provisional kings - final rankings]

1. gareth valorian - 30 committed

2. raze dragonheart - 30 committed

3. seraphine lumis - 38 committed

4. blossom karnstein - 30 committed

5. aurora weiss - 30 committed

6. kira steelheart - 30 committed

7. lyra astoria - 34 committed

8. jonathan berkshire - 12 committed

9. caleb alvarian - 29 committed

10. alex dawnsblade - 0 committed

Ellen Nightingale had been bumped from the rankings entirely, replaced by the blessed hero.

The effect was immediate.

Delegates' bracelets began glowing across the hall as people committed to Alex's kingdom in a wave of enthusiasm that the divine presence encouraged and amplified. The rush was visible—dozens making their decisions in moments, drawn to the hero's blessed authority like moths to flame.

Raze watched as notifications streamed past on his peripheral vision:

[delegates have joined alex dawnsblade's kingdom]

[delegates have joined alex dawnsblade's kingdom]

[delegates have joined alex dawnsblade's kingdom]

The count climbed rapidly. Ten. Twenty. Thirty. Forty. Within two minutes, Alex had more committed followers than anyone except Seraphine, and he was still climbing.

[alex dawnsblade - 52 committed]

The number finally stabilized there, the hero having attracted over fifty people through pure charisma and divine influence in the time it took most Kings to gain a handful.

Sariah observed the rapid commitment with expression that revealed nothing about her thoughts.

"Kingdom commitments will remain open through tonight," she announced. "However, the structure is now established. Ten Kings, each with their committed followers. At dawn, formal Piece selection begins. Kings will choose eight individuals from their committed pools to fill specific roles, and training schedules will be distributed accordingly."

She paused, ancient eyes sweeping across the assembled youth.

"For now, familiarize yourselves with your kingdoms. Each King will be transported to their designated territory within the Board. You will have tonight to understand the landscape, resources, and structures you'll be managing. Your committed followers will join you at dawn for formal role assignment and strategic planning."

Golden light began spreading from Sariah's position, washing across the hall in wave that touched each of the ten provisional Kings simultaneously.

Raze felt the teleportation magic engage, reality bending around him as the Academy's power prepared to relocate him. He had just enough time to meet Fedora's eyes across the hall—she was watching him with determination and slight anxiety—before the world dissolved into golden brilliance.

The sensation was controlled, like being carried on current rather than yanked through space. His consciousness remained aware throughout, processing the transfer even as his location shifted.

Then solidity returned.

Raze materialized on a stone platform overlooking a vast landscape that stretched to distant horizons. His kingdom. The Board's simulation of territory he would govern, defend, and develop throughout his time at Elmbridge Academy.

The view was breathtaking in its scale and detail.

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