Chapter 62: The Soul Board
The Soul Board convened in the grand spire chamber, a high-ceilinged hall carved from obsidian Soulstone and veined with pale violet light. Massive windows overlooked the entire eastern wing of Soul Academy, and hovering in the center of the chamber was the Soul Board Crest—a ten-pointed glyph representing each of the academy's top-ranking students.
At the head of the circular table stood Evelyn Ashborne, Rank 1 this week, tall and composed, her black robes threaded with gold. Beside her were Aleksei Ivanova and Silas Cain, Rank 2 and 3, flanking her like shadows. Their presence radiated calm authority—the weight of Master Class cultivation in young bodies.
The meeting room was quiet, but tense. All ten top-ranked students were present. Except one.
The door opened.
Cassandra Ikemba entered, clad in her usual black and purple, her expression unreadable. She didn't bow. She didn't hesitate. She simply walked forward until she stood a few steps into the chamber, arms folded.
"You're late," Evelyn said, her voice calm but pointed.
"I wasn't planning to come at all," Cassandra replied, her tone dry. "But I was told this would be short."
A few glances were exchanged.
Mira Hawthorne, Rank 7, daughter of the powerful American Grand Council member Michelle Hawthorne, rose from her seat slowly. Her sharp blue eyes scanned Cassandra with practiced disdain. "You've been climbing fast, Cassandra Ikemba. That puts you under our jurisdiction."
"Jurisdiction?" Cassandra echoed, almost amused.
"You've already crossed Rank 30," Evelyn interjected smoothly. "It is customary for the Top 30 to begin coordinating with the Board on academy decisions. Especially now."
Cassandra's gaze swept across the table. "I'm not interested in academy politics. I'm not trying to lead anyone."
Silas Cain raised an eyebrow. "Then why climb the rankings?"
She looked him dead in the eye. "That's personal."
Mira stepped forward now, unable to hide the edge in her voice. "You're an Ikemba. Your grandmother is Jane Ikemba, the Progenitor. You think people won't talk when you ignore the Soul Board's summons? We operate this academy as students for students. That requires unity."
"I have unity," Cassandra said coldly. "With my team. With my goals. I don't need the Soul Board to achieve them."
"You're throwing away a political advantage," Aleksei muttered. "You could be one of us."
"I have all the resources I need," Cassandra replied flatly. "And I don't need permission to get stronger."
A pause.
Then Evelyn nodded once. "Very well. Declined."
Cassandra turned on her heel.
As she walked to the exit, Mira's voice rang out. "Your pride is loud, Cassandra. Let's hope your skill can keep up with it."
Cassandra didn't even turn back. "I'll see you on the Rankings."
The doors closed behind her.
Inside the chamber, Mira sat back down, face tight.
"She's dangerous," she muttered. "And arrogant."
"She's an Ikemba," Aleksei said quietly. "What did you expect?"
Evelyn's gaze lingered on the closed doors. "Let her rise. Either she burns out… or she breaks through the ceiling. Either way, we'll be watching."
---
Outside the Soul Board tower, Cassandra walked through the courtyard alone, the early evening breeze catching her hair.
She didn't care for their politics.
She didn't care for their games.
She had her reason.
And the Ikemba name wouldn't carry her.
She would earn every step.