Chapter 192: Agree to disagree

The Rave existed in a pocket dimension of the academy's official reality. Located in an abandoned corner of the east wing, where administrative offices had stood vacant for nearly a decade, it was simultaneously the school's worst-kept secret and most fiercely protected tradition. Students spoke of it in hushed tones around faculty, while staff pretended not to notice the periodic disappearance of their charges on certain evenings. As long as nothing dangerous occurred and no one returned to dormitories incapacitated, the academy maintained its willful blindness. Lucas Grey had inherited stewardship of the Rave from the previous third-year number 1, who had received it from his predecessor, stretching back through generations of Eastern Academy students. Tonight, he had transformed the space for the qualification celebration. Black lights made the crafted wall graffiti—the accumulated artwork of years—glow with otherworldly intensity. Speakers salvaged from the abandoned music department pumped out bass-heavy tracks that vibrated through the floorboards. The makeshift bar, staffed by trusted second-years, served non-alcoholic concoctions that mimicked their stronger counterparts in appearance and taste. Lucas was meticulous about keeping the Rave just within the bounds of what the administration would tolerate—a space for students to release tension, not create new problems. Noah arrived with Sophie on his arm, her deep blue dress catching the ultraviolet light in a way that made her appear to shimmer with each movement. He'd dressed simply in dark jeans and a button-up shirt, uncomfortable with drawing more attention than he already had from the tournament. "Relax," Sophie whispered, sensing his tension. "Tonight isn't about fighting. It's about celebrating." Within minutes of their arrival, Sophie had seamlessly integrated herself into the heart of the celebration. Though not a qualifier, her social magnetism drew students from all years. She laughed at the right moments, touched arms briefly—just enough to establish connection without crossing lines—and somehow managed to make everyone feel like they were the most interesting person in the room. It was part of the reason she was liked by everyone in the school. Even the girls that hated her did so out of envy and nothing more but couldn't stop admiring her beauty and personality. Noah watched her work, both impressed and slightly bewildered by her ability to command attention without seeming to try. It was like a switch she turned on and off. She mingled with her clique of girls like she belonged just there. "Your girlfriend's something else," said a voice beside him. Lucas Grey had appeared with two drinks, offering one to Noah. "Perfect social control, if that were a thing." Noah accepted the offered drink. "She's always been like that, from what I can tell." "I'm not surprised she's with you," Lucas said, watching Sophie charm a circle of third-years. "She's always had a talent for spotting potential before anyone else." He turned back to Noah. "Like your perfect scores. Not bad for a first-year who's supposed to have "no combat ability", " "Thanks," Noah said, "You did the same." "Yeah, but I'm a third-year with two years plus of fighting experience," Lucas grinned, his easy confidence somehow never crossing into arrogance. "You're making the rest of us look bad, coming out of nowhere like this." Noah sipped his drink—some kind of fruit concoction that fizzed pleasantly—and changed the subject. "So this is really happening? We're representing the school?" "Almost," Lucas nodded. "The challenge matches tomorrow will finalize things, but barring any major upsets, you're in." His expression grew more serious. "Which means you need to be ready for what comes next. The cardinal tournament is different—schools sending their best to compete for ranking and resources. The prestigious academies don't take kindly to upstarts." "We are twelfth, right?" Noah asked. "Out of twelve in the Eastern District," Lucas confirmed. "But that's about to change. With you, Adrian, Kai, and a few others..." he trailed off, then grinned. "Let's just say I like our chances to crack it against other cardinals this year, my final year" Their conversation was interrupted as Bailey approached, her eyes assessing Noah with unconcealed interest. Unlike many of the girls at the Rave who had opted for dresses, Bailey wore fitted black pants and a red top that allowed for movement—always ready for action, even at a party. "Would you look at that. The zombie boy everyone's talking about," she said without preamble. "Lucas says you fight like someone with years more experience and if anything, your score have proven it," Noah suppressed a grimace at the nickname. "Just doing what works." "Nobody gets perfect scores by accident," Bailey replied, her gaze uncomfortably perceptive. She sipped her drink, studying him over the rim of her glass. "You've got something special—keep it close." She tapped her temple. "The wrong people find out what makes you tick, they'll try to take it from you." The comment hit closer to home than she could know. "Speaking from experience?" he asked. Bailey's smile turned slightly bitter. "Let's just say I've seen talented first-years come and go. The ones who last aren't always the strongest—they're the ones who know when to show their hand and when to keep cards hidden." She glanced toward where Oba stood chatting with other third-years, his massive frame dwarfing those around him. "Take Oba. Everyone thinks they know his capabilities because he's so physically imposing. They have no idea what he's really capable of when pushed." "Bailey, stop scaring the kid," Lucas chided good-naturedly. "He just qualified and you're already giving him the 'trust no one' speech." Bailey shrugged unapologetically. "Better he hears it now than learns it the hard way." Across the room, Adrian stood alone near a wall, nursing a drink while watching the proceedings with cold interest. Unlike the celebration happening around him, he remained isolated in a bubble of tension. Occasionally his eyes found Noah, calculating something behind their icy blue surface. "What's his deal?" Noah asked, nodding subtly toward Adrian. Lucas followed his gaze and sighed. "He's been different since his father started showing up. Commander Albright isn't exactly the nurturing type—more like 'second place is first loser' mentality. There are rumors..." "What kind of rumors?" Noah pressed when Lucas trailed off. Lucas hesitated. "My homeroom teacher told me. But don't tell anyone" Lucas said, lowering his voice as if the music wasn't loud enough, " I was told that his younger sister is showing more promise, and the Commander isn't one to hide his favourites if anything. Adrian's basically fighting for his place in his own family." Noah watched Adrian with new understanding. The cold look on his face, the ruthlessness in his final match—suddenly it made more sense. Normally he'd be surrounded by a sea of girls but that didn't seem to be the case tonight. Adrian wasn't just fighting for rankings; he was fighting for his father's approval, perhaps even his future. "That doesn't excuse what he did to that 1C student," Noah said, remembering the unnecessary brutality. "No," Lucas agreed, "it doesn't. But it explains it. Just be careful around him. When people feel cornered, they get dangerous." As the night progressed, the celebration grew more energetic. Sophie danced, laughed, and held court like she owned the place. She periodically returned to Noah's side, marking her territory with casual touches and not-so-casual kisses—often, Noah realized, when Lila Valentine was in view. Lila herself was a vision in a striking red dress. Where Sophie commanded attention through sheer force of personality, Lila drew eyes through her somewhat uncanny friendliness and well, most boys for the most part, were drawn to what she had in front of her. She moved through the crowd with purpose rather than Sophie's fluid adaptability. When Sophie was momentarily pulled away by a group of third-years wanting her opinion on something, Lila made her approach. "Congratulations on qualifying," she said, standing closer than strictly necessary. The scent of her perfume—something floral with deeper notes Noah couldn't identify—briefly disrupted his focus. "I knew you would." "You too," Noah replied, maintaining a respectful distance. "Your final match was impressive. That submission hold looked impossible until you executed it." A pleased smile touched Lila's lips. "Dance with me," she said—not a question, not quite a demand, but something in between. Noah hesitated, eyes automatically scanning for Sophie. "I don't think—" "—Sophie's busy charming half the school," Lila finished for him, following his gaze to where Sophie stood surrounded by admirers. "One dance won't kill either of you. Besides," she added, something knowingly amused in her expression, "she won't mind as much as you think." Before Noah could decide how to respond, Sophie appeared beside him as if summoned by the mention of her name. She slid her arm through his with casual possessiveness, her smile radiant but her eyes sharp as they met Lila's. "Lila," she acknowledged, her tone pleasant but cooler than the warmth she showed others. "Congratulations on making the team." "Thanks," Lila replied, matching Sophie's tone exactly. "I was just asking Noah for a dance. You don't mind, do you?" The tension between the two girls was evident, hidden beneath layers of social nicety. Noah had the distinct impression of watching a complex game where he didn't know all the rules. Sophie's laugh was light and unconcerned. "Of course not. Noah can dance with whoever he wants." She pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek, her eyes never leaving Lila's. "I need to use the bathroom anyway. Don't have too much fun without me." As Sophie glided away through the crowd, Lila raised an eyebrow in silent challenge. "Shall we?" On the dance floor, Noah kept appropriate distance between them as they moved to the music. Despite his caution, he couldn't help noticing that Lila was an exceptional dancer, her movements were impeccable—but she did the most trying to close the gap between them to press her chest against his. However, Noah knew how this would look and tactically kept the distance. He didn't want any trouble from Sophie. She'd been nice to let him dance with a girl, something he wasn't sure if roles were reversed, he'd allow. He decided it was best to keep things simple. But it didn't change the fact that he wanted to know something. "You and Sophie seem to have some history I don't know about," he observed, curiosity getting the better of him. Lila's smile turned cryptic. "Sophie and I understand each other better than most people realize. We've come to an... arrangement." "What kind of arrangement?" Noah asked, suddenly wary. "The kind that doesn't concern you yet," she replied, her eyes meeting his with calm assurance. "After the tournament, though? That's a different story." "I don't like being kept in the dark," Noah said, frowning slightly. "Nobody does," Lila acknowledged. "But some things need to wait for the right time." She studied his face for a moment. "You're not what I expected, Noah Eclipse." "What did you expect?" "Someone more... aware of the game being played around him," she said candidly. "But you're focused on the tournament, on proving yourself. It's refreshing, actually." Before Noah could press further, the song ended. Lila stepped back with a satisfied smile. "Thanks for the dance. You should get back to your girlfriend before she gets the wrong idea. Or maybe," she added with a hint of mischief, "the right one." She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Noah with more questions than answers. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Sophie was touching up her makeup when the door opened and Lila walked in. Their eyes met in the mirror, neither showing surprise at the encounter. "Enjoyed your dance?" Sophie asked, applying another coat of lipstick with practiced precision. Lila leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "I did. He's good. Better than I expected for someone with his background." "Noah's full of surprises," Sophie capped her lipstick and turned to face Lila directly. "Our agreement stands?" "Until the end of the tournament," Lila confirmed with a nod. "After that, all bets are off." Sophie's smile was sharp enough to cut. "You really think you have a chance?" "I think Noah deserves to know all his options," Lila replied evenly. "And I think there's a lot about you he doesn't know yet." "There's a lot about him you don't know either," Sophie countered, her confidence unwavering. "That's what makes this interesting." Lila checked her own appearance in the mirror, adjusting a strand of her hair. "May the best woman win." "Oh, I intend to," Sophie said, absolute certainty in her voice. "Just remember our deal. Until the tournament ends, we both play nice." Lila nodded. "No sabotage, no forcing his hand. After that..." she shrugged, the gesture elegant even in its casualness. "We'll see what happens." "I suppose we will." Sophie's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lila." They exited separately, each returning to the party with perfectly composed expressions, their temporary truce invisible to everyone else.