Chapter 367: A trip to the palace Morning sun casts majestic glow beneath it, showering the academy with bright sunlight, and emblazoning the towering spires and ancient stone walls that had stood for centuries with golden lights.
A fresh breeze passed across the courtyards, causing the countless banners bearing the academy’s crest to flutter slightly.
Such fine weather perfectly contradicts the institution’s current state.
The war between the Red Tyrant Clan and the Blue Serpent Clan continued without end.
What had started as a dispute between two powerful student organizations had evolved into a conflict that engulfed nearly the entire academy. One after another, lower ranked clans abandoned their neutrality and pledged allegiance to one side. Those who refused to choose often found themselves caught in the crossfire.
The academy had become a battlefield divided into territories.
Training grounds were converted into battlefields. Workshops no longer produced projects for class assessments but instead forged enchanted weapons and defensive artifacts to support each of their clans.
The academy’s once vibrant atmosphere had long since vanished.
In its place remained only fear, suspicion, and the constant expectation that another battle could erupt at any moment.
Yet everyone understood one thing.
This was never merely a war between students.
It was a proxy war between colossal families whose influence extended far beyond the academy’s walls.
In this case, the academy was merely the stage.
The true players were the top families standing behind the curtains.
Even the academy’s administration dared not interfere.
Although the academy possessed elders whose strength rivaled national heroes, provoking either of these two clans backers could ignite political turmoil throughout the kingdom. Any careless action might shatter the fragile balance maintained among the great noble families.
Thus, the administration chose the only option available.
They remained neutral.
As long as no civilians were involved and no sacred academy laws were violated, they would not intervene.
Meanwhile, deep beneath the academy, inside the headquarters of the Blue Serpent Clan, a tense meeting was underway.
The chamber resembled the lair of a colossal serpent.
Massive pillars carved from black obsidian supported the vaulted ceiling. Azure crystals embedded throughout the walls emitted a cold, ghostly glow that painted every face in pale blue light. Countless serpent statues lined both sides of the hall, their gemstone eyes seemingly following every movement.
The air itself felt unnaturally cold.
At the center of the chamber rested an enormous throne carved from a single block of sapphire crystal.
Upon it sat a woman whose mere presence caused even veteran warriors to unconsciously hold their breath.
She was known not throughout the academy but by people in power inside the academic, as the woman with the coldest gaze.
There were unpopular whispers that anyone unfortunate enough to meet her eyes would feel as though their blood had frozen inside their veins. Whether the sensation came from fear or the overwhelming magical energy constantly radiating from her body, no one could say.
That alone earned her the title...
The Serpent Lady.
Her true name was Seccaria Serphie.
Leader of the Blue Serpent Clan.
Heir to House Serphie, one of the top great families.
A prodigy whose talent in magic had surpassed nearly every student in the academy’s recorded history.
Kneeling before her were the clan’s three deputies.
Despite each possessing enough strength to lead an ordinary clan, none dared raise their heads. Their dark blue robes touched the polished floor, while elaborate tattoos of silver serpent scales ran through their skin.
Silence filled the chamber.
No one wished to be the first to speak.
Finally, Seccaria rested one arm against the throne and broke the silence.
"What is the current status of the war?"
Her calm voice echoed throughout the hall.
There was neither anger nor impatience.
That made it all the more terrifying.
One of the deputies slowly lowered his head even further before replying.
"Please do not concern yourself, Your Lady. Our supply routes remain secure, while the Red Tyrant Clan, I’m sure by now they are experiencing shortages. Their healing potions, mana crystals, and combat provisions are probably continuing to diminish. At this rate, they will collapse sooner or later."
Another deputy immediately added, "Our sponsors have already secured most of the available resources within and outside the academy. Even if they possess the funds, there is little left for them to purchase."
"We have also already spread the rumors, so most of their allies have begun showing signs of hesitation," the deputy elder said. "Several smaller clans have secretly contacted us. They are prepared to ally with us. Sooner or later, the Red Tyrants will be left with nothing."
A faint smile appeared on Seccaria’s lips.
"I look forward to seeing that day."
Although she acknowledged the strength of the Red Tyrant Clan, Seccaria had never believed that power alone determined the outcome of war.
History has proven otherwise countless times.