I created my own system

"We've heard rumors," Apollo said casually. "About how things were handled last year. I'm curious—what happened that was so disruptive?"

The seniors exchanged uneasy glances.

"It's not something we talk about openly," one of them said. "But let's just say the lower classes overstepped their bounds. The hierarchy exists for a reason."

Another senior, a girl with cold green eyes, added, "There's a reason the student council keeps such a tight grip on things now. Some students don't understand their place."

Apollo's gaze darkened. He leaned back, a polite smile masking his thoughts. "Interesting. Thanks for the insight."

After that, Apollo merely ordered Jeremiah to record everything that was being talked about inside the ballroom and, at the same time, gather any info records or documents that made the emperor order him to investigate.

"No matter how careful they are, I should be able to find something; the second years are here, right?"

[Yes Creator they are here however they are very careful not to get too close to us, they are specifically avoiding Blair and Mckenzie]

"Strange they shouldn't be able to know their ability"

[Perhaps not how exactly it is but they could be aware that they can't lie to him that is why they are trying to evade them as much as possible]

Apollo took note of those second years until he saw himself on the clear glass windows. Wearing a white suit and accessories that matched his eyes and hair, Apollo looked stunning, yet somehow he could not see his face, as something was blurring his face.

Despite this, the boy didn't seem bothered not being able to recognize himself. He just went on and fixed his clothes before walking away.

As the night wore on, Alicia found herself speaking with a group of seniors about the party's atmosphere. McKenzie and Blair continued to probe for information, though most of the seniors would run away at the sight of them.

Apollo, however, couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. It was something he couldn't pinpoint.

"Jeremiah"

[I am sensing a power similar to a god Creator]

"Could it be Blair's power instead?"

[I don't think so...it feels weaker but a bit different in some way]

Those words created a thread of hypothesis that immediately made Apollo realize why he was the one who was sent here.

"I think the emperor intended to use my classmate's authority through me....wait let's not jump into that we are not sure yet if I am up to meet those people"

[I will keep that energy in check Creator]

"Yes please do that"

He turned, his gaze locking onto a figure standing by the balcony. It was the student council vice president, the one who had organized the open arena. The vice president raised a glass in silent acknowledgment before stepping outside.

Alicia noticed Apollo's shift in focus. "What is it?"

"Nothing," Apollo said, though his expression suggested otherwise. "Stay with the others. I'll be back." Explore stories on empire

He followed the vice president to the balcony, the cool night air brushing against his face. The vice president stood by the railing, looking out at the stars.

"Enjoying the party?" the vice president asked without turning around.

"It's... enlightening," Apollo replied cautiously.

The vice president finally turned, their eyes met, and for some reason, Apollo couldn't read him. "You're not just here to mingle, are you? Be careful where you dig, Lionheart. Some truths are best left buried."

Apollo met their gaze evenly. "I'll keep that in mind."

Something was different. Though he wanted to probe more, he decided it was not the time yet.

After that brief exchange, Apollo made a mental note that he couldn't approach that man recklessly. Though he had confirmed something, the power of god Jeremiah had said seemed to be looming around the vice president; it was him all along.

As he returned to the ballroom, his thoughts were racing. Whatever secrets the seniors were hiding, they were determined to keep them that way. But Apollo knew he was getting closer to the truth, whether it was the truth about the previous Lower class or even the current secret they were hiding.

Meanwhile, as the party reaches its ending, a certain young man has his mind crossed with something. Staring at the building where the acquaintance party was being held, Eros sat in silence. Then his gaze shifted towards the staring faint marks left on his arm from his recent duel with Apollo. The duel was actually to show everyone that despite the lack of interaction between the siblings, they aren't and that their relationship can't be salvaged. Somehow, Eros knew Apollo would try to humiliate or injure him severely. That simple exchange of blows was enough for everyone to realize the power they have and also to show that although they don't get along, they aren't each other's enemy. Some might even perceive it as natural since siblings aren't always on good terms.

"That punk has grown." Unknowingly, he smiled. Somehow, he couldn't deny that the fight had stirred something familiar, not just the sense of excitement, but something more. However, for some reason, something is stopping him from remembering.

His lips quirked upward, a faint smile forming as he leaned back in his chair. "That brat's improved," he muttered. "Maybe I should—"

"Should what?" a deep voice interrupted, cutting through the room like a blade.

Eros turned to see his teacher stepping into the room. The man was tall, with piercing eyes and an aura that demanded authority, though these days his mighty teacher has been suffering from something.

"Apologize to your brother?" the teacher sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "I certainly hope not."

Eros frowned. "What are you getting at, teacher? Shouldn't I do something after all it was me who had done something unforgivable"

The teacher approached, his voice low and firm. "Apollo is a threat, Eros. A dangerous one. You saw how he fought you. Do you really think he's content being in your shadow? That boy is the reason your position as heir was nearly taken from you. Do you think he's forgotten that?"

Eros stiffened. "Teacher, it was Edgar who caused me to almost lose my seat,, not Apollo. And also he's no threat to me."

"And yet, he nearly defeated you." The teacher leaned closer, his eyes narrowing. "Don't be naive, Eros. Apollo has been biding his time, perfecting his craft, and earning allies. If you let your guard down, he'll take everything from you. Your position, your pride, your legacy."

Eros clenched his fists, the teacher's words stoking the embers of doubt in his mind.

"You're wrong," Eros growled. "Apollo doesn't have the ambition for that, he has the seat of the tower already"

The teacher chuckled darkly. "Perhaps. But can you afford to take that risk? He's already gained the attention of powerful figures. Even your own mother favors him. Do you think she worries about you the way she does about him?"

At this, Eros flinched, his jaw tightening.

Suddenly, Isabella's warm smile while watching Apollo crossed his mind. He hadn't seen that kind of smile for him, but for Apollo, it seemed unlimited.

The teacher's voice softened, almost coaxing. "If you truly want to secure your place, you must see Apollo for what he is: a rival. Not a brother. And rivals don't deserve mercy."

Eros stared at the floor, the fire of anger and insecurity blazing in his chest. After a moment, he nodded.

The warmth he had regained for his brother shattered at Edmund's words causing Eros to return to how he was.

Returning to the acquaintance party it reaches its peak with the parents and guardians joining in with their children. Strangely, it didn't damper the atmosphere, but it made the party even better. However, at this time, Apollo and his friends had already left, they had already lost interest, and as for their aim, they already got it. So they already left after achieving what they want.

Apollo walked through the festival grounds with Isabella by his side, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was a heaviness in his mother's expression.

"I heard about your duel with Eros," Isabella said quietly, her voice tinged with worry.

Apollo sighed. "It wasn't much of a fight, really."

"That's not the point." She stopped walking, turning to face him. "Have the two of you reach the concession of fighting this way?"

Apollo looked at her mother before his gaze shifted to the ground. "You know how it's always been, Mother. I am certain you are aware of what transpired in that manner and the reason I stopped trying to change his mind a long time ago. Mother, I am no longer the boy who follows him around nor the boy who can be swayed easily"

His eyes then change as he gazes back at her. It suddenly loses its warmth, and for some reason, Isabella feels she has seen that look before.

"Tell me Mother what were you thinking having the headmaster change the first periodic exam just so you could change my mind"

Apollo finally asks the long-forgotten question he should have asked before.