Chapter 19: A Brewing Storm

Chapter 19: A Brewing Storm

Aetrial’s performance in the duel spread through the academy like wildfire. By the next morning, every corner of the campus buzzed with whispered rumors.

“Did you hear? Ranolf won his match effortlessly!”

“Effortlessly? He cast high-level dark magic like it was nothing.”

“I thought he was a failure.”

“Well, maybe we underestimated him.”

As Aetrial walked through the halls, she could feel the weight of their stares. Students parted to make way for her, their expressions a mix of curiosity, respect, and unease.

They’re acting like I’m a walking disaster, she thought, keeping her gaze fixed ahead. It’s like they expect me to curse them just by looking at them.

---

The Inescapable Attention

Aetrial’s attempts to avoid further attention proved futile when Arthur Lionheart approached her between classes. His imposing figure and golden hair made him impossible to ignore, and students immediately fell silent as he stopped in front of her.

“You’ve improved,” Arthur said, his piercing gaze fixed on her. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

Aetrial blinked, unsure how to respond. “Um… okay?”

He frowned slightly, as if expecting a more substantial answer, then turned and walked away.

The murmurs resumed.

“Arthur rarely talks to anyone. Why would he approach Ranolf?”

“Maybe he’s interested in his dark magic?”

“Or maybe he sees him as competition.”

Aetrial sighed. “Great. Just what I needed—more rumors.”

---

A Sudden Shift in Treatment

As Aetrial walked to her next class, she couldn’t help but notice how the male leads had begun treating her differently ever since the duel. In the original novel, their interactions with her had been sparse and dismissive, a reflection of Aetrial’s poor reputation. Yet now, there was an undeniable shift.

Arthur, the stoic knight known for his pride, had taken an almost protective stance. He never openly admitted it, but Aetrial could feel the intensity of his watchful gaze whenever they were in the same room.

Tyler, ever the cheerful enigma, seemed to have doubled his efforts to stay by her side, as though trying to uncover some hidden truth. His casual compliments and easy smiles felt oddly out of place, given that he’d largely ignored her in the original timeline.

Then there was William, whose sharp intellect and cunning rarely allowed him to waste time on those he deemed unworthy. Yet now, he was actively seeking her out, engaging her in conversations that felt more like veiled interrogations.

What’s changed? she wondered, her brow furrowed. Why are they suddenly paying attention to me? Is it just because of my magic?

But even that explanation didn’t sit right. Aetrial knew she was strong, but she wasn’t doing anything extraordinary compared to what the original Aetrial had been capable of.

---

A Visit from Tyler

During lunch, Aetrial found a secluded spot under a tree to eat in peace. She had barely taken a bite when Tyler Knightneurs plopped down next to her, his cheerful grin as bright as the sunlight filtering through the leaves.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, not waiting for an answer.

“You’re already here,” she replied dryly.

Tyler laughed. “Fair enough. So, about that duel yesterday—you were amazing! I mean, I knew you were good, but that was something else.”

Aetrial glanced at him, confused. “Why does everyone act like I’ve been hiding some grand secret? I’ve always been a Ranolf.”

Tyler shrugged. “Well, your family’s reputation is legendary, but you weren’t exactly living up to it until now. People notice these things.”

She frowned. “I never cared about what they thought before. Why should I start now?”

Tyler leaned back against the tree, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Because whether you like it or not, you’ve stepped into the spotlight. People are watching, and not all of them will have good intentions.”

---

Confrontation with William

After lunch, Aetrial made her way to her next class, only to be intercepted by William Middleton. The bespectacled student council president adjusted his glasses, his sharp eyes studying her intently.

“Ranolf,” he began, his tone formal. “I have a proposition for you.”

She tilted her head, wary. “What kind of proposition?”

“I’d like you to join the Magic Research Society. Your display of dark magic yesterday proved that you have untapped potential. With proper guidance, you could achieve even greater heights.”

Aetrial crossed her arms. “And what’s in it for you?”

William smirked. “Isn’t it obvious? Having a Ranolf in the society would bolster our reputation. But more importantly, I’m genuinely curious about your abilities.”

She hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before she could decide, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“I don’t think Ranolf needs your guidance, William.”

Arthur appeared, his expression cool and authoritative. “He’s perfectly capable of improving on his own.”

The two locked eyes, an unspoken challenge passing between them. Aetrial, caught in the middle, groaned inwardly. Why does this always happen to me?

---

Aetrial’s Perspective

By the end of the day, Aetrial was exhausted. She slumped into a chair in her dorm room, rubbing her temples.

“This is getting ridiculous,” she muttered. “Arthur’s watching me, Tyler won’t leave me alone, and now William’s trying to recruit me? Why are they so interested all of a sudden?”

She thought back to the original novel. In the story, the male leads had barely tolerated Aetrial. He was a minor antagonist, after all—arrogant, reckless, and ultimately doomed.

“But now…” She sighed, staring out the window. “It feels like they’re paying attention for all the wrong reasons.”

Her gaze drifted to her hands. The memory of casting that high-level barrier lingered in her mind. Is this really just the original Aetrial’s talent? Or is it something more?

---

Unwelcome Intrigue

That night, as Aetrial prepared for bed, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was spiraling out of control. The attention, the questions, the scrutiny—it was overwhelming.

“All I wanted was to survive,” she muttered, pulling the blankets over her head. “Why does it feel like things are only getting more complicated?”

End of Chapter 19