The Extra Wants Control

Ilyana sighed as she watched her niece sprawling across the plush bedding.

Lara, ever the picture of nonchalance, was busy picking seeds from a bright fruit, its juice staining her fingers a vibrant purple. "Aren't you going to… prepare yourself?" Ilyana ventured, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

Lara, without even looking up, flicked a seed across the room with a flick of her wrist. It landed with a satisfying plop in a nearby wastebasket. "That's like cramming for an exam that's in thirty minutes," she said lazily,

"So no, Aunt Ilyana, I'm good."

Ilyana raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Is that so, Lara? There are many kinds of people in this world, you know. Those who work hard and may or may not succeed, those who meticulously prepare, the… gifted few who don't need preparation, those who rely on divine intervention, and finally, those who simply accept their fate."

Lara finally turned her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, Aunty," she said, stretching languidly, "I wouldn't put myself in any of those But if I were to then I'm the smart one. The one who prepares thoroughly, believes in her own abilities, and controls her own fate."

Ilyana threw her hands up in mock defeat. "You are so incredibly humble, Lara," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. But despite the playful jab, a wave of warmth washed over her.

This young woman, with her unshakeable confidence and unwavering self-belief, was a force to be reckoned with.

Lara grinned, the playful glint in her eyes morphing into a steely determination. "Just stating facts, Aunt Ilyana," she said, her voice firm.

"Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm ready to face whatever challenges it throws my way. And I'm not losing this time."

Though she said it nonchalantly, Ilyana could tell Lara was still frustrated from losing to Azrael to get to 7 star first amd ahe didn't like it one bit.

Ilyana couldn't help but smile back. Lara's nonchalance might have been a facade, but the strength and determination beneath it were undeniable.

This wasn't just any competition Lara was facing tomorrow; it was a test that could change everything.

And Ilyana, watching her niece, knew one thing for certain: Lara wouldn't go down without a fight.

**************

In their apartment Vera was scrolling through short skits. She raised her head and looked at Azrael and asked.

"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Azrael, clad in a his pajamas that felt three sizes too small and twice as itchy, looked down at her with wide, worried eyes.

"I hope so," he mumbled, scratching his head. As he grumbled at his discomfort amd started looking for a new pair.

Vera reached out and squeezed his hand, her touch a warm. "I know you will do well," she said, her voice firm but full of encouragement.

"You've practiced for years, you've done well till now. So you will do well. I just know it."

Azrael wasn't so convinced not to mention he was still anxious about somethingm..

He let out a long sigh. "I just... I don't know, Vera. What if I mess up?"

Vera squeezed his hand again, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. "Azrael, you're an Trust yourself, trust your instincts, and most importantly you forget that I'll be by your side all the way so just have faith in us. You are not alone in this."

Azrael stared at her, his expression softening. A small smile, hesitant at first, began to spread across his face. Maybe, just maybe, Vera was right.

" Alright then, I'll count on you then.'

Vera grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Now that's the Azrael I know! Just trust me!"

Her phone vibrated and Vera rose, her are rushed to it and saw a meme that made her laugh." Hahaha, Azrae look at this" she she said wiping a tear from the side of her eyes.

*************

The Academy hummed with excited whispers and mummurs, a vibrant atmosphere of laughter and anticipation.

In this academy, the spotlight shone brightest on the Blessed Five, each a prodigy backed by a powerful patron deity of their race.

Yet, amidst their shimmering brilliance, there were other who were exceptional but two figures defied the established hierarchy and stood out: Zehn and Draven.

Zehn, a mid-7-star mage, had established himself as a prodigy in fire and wind magic.

While some of the academy's most promising students had been lured away by the Blessed Five's factions, Zehn remained undeterred.

His independent faction, though smaller, fostered a collaborative environment, attracting students seeking a style of magic that was free from the blessed's influence. Though some of his people were poached but the man was still growing strong.

Draven's story was even more remarkable. A lone wolf, he'd climbed the ladder of power purely through his own talent and sheer force of will.

His recent sudden promotion to Prince of Dragons had shaken the very foundation of the Academy's and Dragon Continent hierarchy.

Here was a tangible example of a non-blessed individual reaching and contending with the blessed he was an upper 7 star like the rest of the blessed.

The question hung heavy in the air: what did this mean? The Blessed held undeniable power, but Draven's meteoric rise proved that raw talent and determination could rewrite the script.

Whispers grew louder amongst students, a seed of doubt taking root. Could they, too, carve out their own path to greatness, independent of the Blessed's influence?

Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Other 7-star students who dared go independent met with resistance. The Blessed's factions, accustomed to dominating the student body, employed sneaky tactics. Boycotts crippled fledgling factions, carefully crafted rumors tarnished reputations, and subtle sabotage sowed distrust.

Many a hopeful independent group crumbled under the relentless pressure and joined faction.

Yet, Zehn and Draven stood tall, testaments to the possibility of success outside the Blessed's reach. In their defiance, they offered a flicker of hope for those yearning for a different path.

The Academy, once a playground for the privileged few, began to feel a shift in the air.

But that didn't matter as tomorrow they would find out who is best.

*******""

The second day of graduation festivities dawned with a thrumming excitement that vibrated through the Academy walls. Today was a day etched into history, a day of revelation, entertainment and a declaration.

The morning buzzed with anticipation. Today, the world would finally meet the Five Blessed, the prodigies who had only been mentioned in rumours and small hints and drunken talks made in taverns.

The Blessed weren't entirely unknown – their Kurrent accounts boasted impressive followings, their battles already the stuff of awe-inspiring stories.

But their identities still emained shrouded, their faces unseen by the wider world. Today, the veil would be lifted.

Excitement wasn't limited to only the Blessed's reveal. The day would also see a clash of titans, a final bout between the Academy's prestigious factions. Each faction, led by their respective Blessed One, would vie for ultimate glory in a dazzling display of magic and prowess.

This wasn't just a friendly competition; it was a chance to showcase their strength, their unique approaches to magic, and solidify their dominance in the coming years as they stepped into the real world.

The air crackled with nervous anticipation and friendly rivalry as students donned their faction colors, their chants and war cries echoing through the halls.

Tensions, always present between the Blessed, ran high, each determined to outshine the others in the upcoming tournament.

As the sun reached its dawned, the grand arena erupted in cheers. The Blessed, resplendent in their specially commissioned gear, were introduced to a roaring crowd.

Each face, once a whispered rumor, became a reality, etched in the minds of the spectators. Their eyes shone with determination, their postures radiating the power they wielded.

That day there would also be a statement and a declaration from the Race Leaders and a joint statement from the Council of Allied races.

It was bound to be an exciting day with all these planned.

Now this event was to be streamed world wide everyone was going to see it.

And that they did. They saw students gathering, those of the graduating year wearing different clothes from their fellow faction members who were not going to graduate. A total of 28000 students. Over the years many dropped out as they couldn't keep up with the very competitive environment of the academy. There were also the vampires who left.

Some who died due to the Academy's rigorous training regiment that were dangerous. But to be fair they were warned about these activities. But that didn'take it any better for their families who mourned them.

Anyway for this event their would be a few statements from the sponsors amd organizers of the events. That meant the Vice chancellor of the academy and The owner of Babel Ray Alistair who many didn't know but his reveal made everyone almost as excited as about the reveal of the blessed.

And with that Day 2 was about to begin.