Black Panther Academy

chapter 1 continues

The Red Vipers.

Their leader, Darius Kane, watched the classroom.

Beside him was Vera, one of the most intelligent students in the academy.

Darius smiled.

"Find out everything about Axeril Vale."

Vera looked at him.

"Everything?"

"Family."

"Friends?"

"Yes."

"Past?"

"Especially her past."

Vera nodded.

"I'll have it by lunch."

Darius smiled.

"Good."

Meanwhile, in another building, the Golden Hawks were discussing the new student.

Their leader, Adrian Gold, sat comfortably in a luxurious student lounge.

His phone was on the table.

A message appeared.

NEW STUDENT: AXERIL VALE.

Adrian looked at the photograph attached to the message.

His expression changed.

"Interesting."

One of his friends asked, "Do you know her?"

"No."

"Then why are you interested?"

Adrian smiled.

"Because someone paid a lot of money to keep her identity hidden."

The room became silent.

"What?"

Adrian turned the phone around.

"Look."

The students stared at the screen.

Axeril's official school record contained almost nothing.

No previous school history.

No public achievements.

No family information.

No social media.

Almost as if she had appeared from nowhere.

Adrian leaned back.

"Nobody hides an ordinary student."

Back in class, Axeril sat quietly.

She listened to the lesson.

But she could feel eyes watching her.

Everywhere.

The academy was studying her.

And she was studying the academy.

At lunchtime, Axeril walked into the cafeteria.

The moment she entered, conversations stopped.

Then—

A tray slammed onto the table beside her.

Axeril looked over.

Three boys stood there.

Red ties.

Red Vipers.

The tallest one smiled.

"You're Axeril."

"Yes."

"I'm Marco."

Axeril continued eating.

Marco frowned.

"You're supposed to answer when someone talks to you."

"I did."

His friends laughed.

Marco leaned closer.

"You're new, so I'll explain the rules."

Axeril looked up.

"Which rules?"

"Stay away from the territories."

"What territories?"

"The Black Panthers' hall."

"The Shadow Roses' garden."

"The Silver Wolves' gym."

"The Golden Hawks' lounge."

"The Blue Dragons' basement."

"And the Vipers' library."

Axeril nodded.

"Okay."

Marco smiled.

"Good."

Then Axeril stood.

She picked up her tray.

"And where can I eat?"

Marco pointed toward an empty corner.

"Over there."

Axeril looked at the corner.

Then at the crowded cafeteria.

"No."

Marco's smile disappeared.

"No?"

"I'm eating here."

She sat at the largest empty table in the middle of the cafeteria.

Everyone stared.

Marco's face turned red.

"You think you're funny?"

"No."

"Then why are you doing this?"

Axeril calmly took another bite.

"Because I'm hungry."

A few students tried not to laugh.

Marco stepped forward.

But before he could do anything, a voice came from behind him.

"Enough."

Everyone turned.

Riven Cross stood at the cafeteria entrance.

The Black Panthers had arrived.

Riven walked toward them.

Marco immediately stepped back.

"Riven."

Riven looked at him.

"Leave."

Marco hesitated.

"But—"

"Now."

Marco left.

Axeril watched Riven approach.

He stopped in front of her.

"You caused trouble."

Axeril shrugged.

"He started it."

"I know."

"Then why are you talking to me?"

Riven stared at her.

"Because you're different."

Axeril smiled slightly.

"I hear that a lot."

Riven's expression remained serious.

"Stay out of the gang conflict."

Axeril looked at him.

"That's what everyone keeps telling me."

"Because it's dangerous."

"I can handle dangerous."

Riven paused.

Mika stepped forward.

"We'll see."

Axeril looked at her.

Mika smiled.

"You have confidence."

"So do you."

"Confidence isn't enough."

"I agree."

Mika raised an eyebrow.

"Then what is?"

Axeril stood.

"Skill."

The cafeteria became silent again.

Mika smiled.

"Maybe I like her."

Riven sighed.

"Of course you do."

Suddenly, the cafeteria doors opened.

A student rushed inside.

"Riven!"

Everyone turned.

"What?"