Diva Conquest

The three of them made their way through the long, marble hallway that gleamed faintly under the sunlight streaming through the arched windows. Students in robes of different colors moved about, carrying scrolls and crystal slates, each radiating a sense of purpose and pride. Ian walked between Piper and Chloe, his eyes darting about with quiet curiosity.

"Are all these people mages?" he asked, watching a boy conjure a small spark above his palm before it fizzled out.

Chloe nodded. "Every single one. Some stronger than others, but all bound by the same goal..to learn and grow their mana."

Piper smiled faintly. "You'll get used to it soon enough, my lord. Just remember, most of them trained since childhood, so keep your power to yourself for now. No need to attract unnecessary attention."

Ian gave her a short nod. "I understand. I'll keep my head down."

The corridor ended at a tall, double-door made of crystal oak, engraved with intricate runes that shimmered as they approached. Piper pushed one side open and gestured for him to enter. Inside was a quiet, circular room lined with floating books and glowing parchments. Behind a polished stone desk sat Registrar Aelina...a dignified woman with streaks of silver in her hair and eyes that sparkled like quicksilver.

When she looked up and saw Piper and Chloe, a warm smile immediately spread across her face. "Piper, Chloe...what a pleasant sight. I wasn't expecting either of you today. What brings you here?"

Piper returned the smile and bowed respectfully. "Good day, Lady Aelina. We've come under Queen Cassie's orders to register a new student into the academy."

Aelina's gaze shifted toward Ian, who bowed slightly. "This is Ian Grey," Piper added softly.

For a moment, Aelina studied him...his posture, his calm eyes, and the quiet strength he seemed to carry without trying. She leaned forward slightly, curiosity lighting her features. "He doesn't look like the usual initiates I see here. Most come in trembling or too eager to impress."

Ian smiled lightly. "I'm trying not to stand out too much."

Aelina chuckled. "A wise approach. Though I doubt you'll manage that for long."

She reached for a crystal tablet, brushing her fingers across its glowing surface. "Very well, then. I'll need to conduct the standard element assessment and mana verification before...."

Before she could finish, Chloe stepped forward quickly. "Lady Aelina, if you please, the Queen gave specific instructions. No public or formal testing for this one. His case is to remain confidential until further notice."

Aelina paused, her brow arching slightly. "No testing? That's unusual. Even Queen Cassie's protégés undergo at least a preliminary check."

Piper's tone was gentle but firm. "We understand, my lady. But these are direct instructions from Her Majesty. For now, Ian is to be listed as a Low Initiate with fire affinity. No demonstrations, no assessments."

The registrar studied the two girls, her fingers hovering over the crystal tablet. After a brief silence, she sighed softly and gave a knowing smile. "If Queen Cassie says so, I won't argue. It isn't the first time she's sent me someone… unconventional."

She began inscribing Ian's details with her mana. "Ian Grey, Low Initiate, Fire Affinity, under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Cassie." The tablet pulsed with light, confirming the record before the glow faded away.

Aelina looked up, her expression softening as she handed Ian a silver medallion. "Here you go, young man. This marks you as a student of the Royal Mage Academy. Keep it close...it's your identification and your key to the inner wards."

Ian accepted it with a small bow. "Thank you, Lady Aelina."

Her lips curved slightly. "You're welcome. And remember, many who enter these halls seek greatness. Some find it, some lose themselves in the process. Choose your path carefully."

Ian gave a small nod, his voice steady. "I'll do my best to remember that."

Once they stepped outside into the bright courtyard, Ian exhaled softly. "That was easier than I expected."

Chloe chuckled. "You can thank us for that. If she'd tested you, word would spread by evening that you could control more than one element. And that's the last thing the Queen wants right now."

Ian turned the medallion in his hand thoughtfully. "So, I'm officially a student now."

Piper nodded. "Yes, my lord. A student...though not an ordinary one. Keep your true abilities hidden until you're told otherwise. The academy is a good place to learn, but it's also filled with curious minds. And curious minds can be dangerous."

Ian's eyes drifted toward the academy's towering spires that pierced the clouds. His voice was calm but resolute. "Then I'll keep my head down and learn all I can. Quietly, if that's what's needed."

Chloe smiled faintly at that. "Quietly, my lord? Somehow I doubt you'll manage that for long."

Piper and Chloe led Ian down another long corridor that branched from the main academy hall. The path was lined with glowing runes that shimmered faintly beneath their feet, guiding them toward the student quarters. Voices echoed faintly from nearby rooms, laughter and conversation mixing with the faint hum of magical energy that filled the air.

"This part of the academy houses the initiates," Chloe explained softly as they walked. "You'll find mages from all over the Empire here, all hoping to climb the ranks."

Ian nodded quietly, his eyes darting from door to door as they passed. "Seems lively enough. Almost feels like a college dorm back home."

Piper gave him a curious look. "College dorm?"

He smiled faintly. "A place where students live."

Chloe chuckled, shaking her head. "Then you'll feel right at home here, my lord."

They stopped at a large door near the end of the hallway. A small golden sigil hovered above it...different from the others. Piper turned toward him and said, "This one's reserved for you. It's a private chamber, larger than the rest, with its own bath and library section. The Queen instructed that you be given a special dorm apart from the others for your comfort and safety."

Ian raised an eyebrow and glanced at the door, then back at the two women. "A private dorm? With a library and a bath?"

Chloe smiled proudly. "Yes. You'll have privacy and peace. Most initiates would give anything for a space like this."

But Ian crossed his arms and shook his head lightly. "No. I don't want that."

Both women blinked, surprised. "You… don't?" Piper asked, uncertain she heard him right.

He leaned against the wall casually. "If I'm here to learn and understand how this world works, then I can't start by separating myself from everyone else. I want to stay where the other initiates are. No private rooms. No special treatment."

Chloe frowned gently. "My lord, that isn't wise. It's not only about comfort...it's about your safety. If anyone finds out who you truly are, it could cause trouble."

Ian sighed softly, but his tone was firm. "If I wanted safety and comfort, I would've stayed in that mansion. But if I'm supposed to become stronger and understand this place, I can't keep hiding. I want to live like everyone else here. Eat with them. Train with them. Learn what they learn."

Piper studied him quietly for a long moment before finally nodding. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

He nodded once. "Completely."

The two women exchanged glances, then Piper sighed and motioned for him to follow. "Very well, my lord. But we'll at least make sure the room you get is near the edge of the dormitory wing. Less crowd, fewer eyes watching you."

Chloe smiled softly. "You really are different, you know. Most nobles would demand the grandest suite before even stepping foot in the academy."

Ian shrugged lightly. "Maybe that's why I'm not one of them."

They continued down the hall until Piper stopped before a door halfway along the corridor. She turned the handle and pushed it open, revealing a modest but neat room with two beds, a single desk, and a small circular window that let in the morning light.

Ian stepped inside, taking in the simple space with a slow nod. "Perfect," he said with a small smile. "Just what I needed."

Piper sighed but couldn't help a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You truly are a strange one, my lord. Very well. We'll have your belongings sent here shortly."

Chloe lingered by the doorway, watching him curiously. "Your roommate will probably arrive later in the day. Try not to scare him with your… presence."

Ian laughed quietly. "I'll try to act normal, I promise."

Piper gave him one last look before turning to leave. "Remember to rest, my lord. Classes begin at dawn tomorrow. And whatever happens, don't draw too much attention to yourself."

Ian smirked slightly. "No promises."

The two women exchanged weary but amused glances before stepping out, leaving Ian alone in the small, quiet room. He looked around once more, then sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers along the rough fabric of the blanket.