Three days after the start of the semester, the toll of the bell echoed across the academy grounds, signaling the beginning of another class.
Aurelios Academy—the sole imperial magic institution of the kingdom—stood tall in the heart of the capital. Towering glass domes shimmered under the sunlight, surrounded by spellcasting towers and floating bridges that elegantly connected the various lecture halls suspended in the air.
Inside Classroom 1 of Year 1, the homeroom teacher stepped in. He was Professor Tharis, a middle-aged man with a wealth of experience, assigned specifically to train and supervise this elite class.
Without wasting time, he began outlining the academy's system in a calm but commanding tone.
"This is the kingdom's only official academy. Everyone standing here has been selected from among tens of thousands of applicants through the strictest criteria. That means you all have potential."
"So show it. Throughout the year, we will assess each class and every individual. These scores will determine your qualifications in the future—not your lineage, not your social rank."
"Don't count on others to carry your score. Strive to grow constantly. Your points will come from academics, combat training, exams, and other essential activities."
"That's all I'll say for now. Prepare yourselves for the next class."
With that, he left the room, and the quiet murmuring of students began to rise once more.
"Hey, Kairos, do you know what the next class is?" Fiona turned to him with a bright expression.
"History. With Professor Caroline... But you already knew that, didn't you?"
Kairos raised a brow, puzzled. Fiona's intelligence was well known—she had topped the written exams and hailed from House Elvareth, a ducal family renowned for their mastery in Mind Cores.
"Come on, sometimes I just don't feel like thinking. Can't I ask a simple question?" she said with an exaggerated pout.
Kairos blinked. That was... odd. The noble and elegant Fiona he'd expected suddenly looked more like a playful, spoiled girl.
And strangely, it was kind of... cute.
"Fioooona~!"
Two girls appeared behind her. Melina Fuse and Irene Ravel, Fiona's close friends, approached with mischievous grins.
"Were you just flirting with him!?" Melina teased loudly, making Fiona freeze and slap a hand over her friend's mouth in panic.
She had completely forgotten how keen Kairos' senses were.
"Enough, Melina. Read the room, will you?" Irene sighed and dragged her friend away before she could say more.
Kairos, naturally, heard everything. But he chose to say nothing.
Soon after, a bulky student called out to him.
"Hey, you're Kairos, right?"
Kairos turned toward the voice and recognized him instantly. "Rens Louver, isn't it?"
Rens grinned. "Whoa! You remembered my name. Great to meet you!"
"Likewise," Kairos replied.
They struck up a smooth conversation.
"I saw you during the exam. Your skills were unreal!"
"Not really. You were impressive too—your use of a Spirit Core to boost your physical capabilities was well refined."
Their chat continued effortlessly, and Fiona, listening nearby, couldn't help but smile to herself—happy that Kairos was finally starting to make friends.
The next class began. Professor Caroline entered the room with a calm presence.
"Open your journals and be ready to take notes. History may not seem thrilling, but it's vital—especially for those of you who will one day serve the kingdom or inherit noble titles."
"We begin with the origins of humanity. Humans were created by the Divine Human God. In the earliest times, we were weak—lacking magic or any real power—so the god gifted us three Mana Cores."
"When one's spirit matures, they can awaken a weapon—a manifestation of their thoughts, will, and core alignment."
"A thousand years ago, the Demonic God created demons to oppose humanity. War followed. Eventually, both gods vanished from this world."
"Today, humans and demons remain locked in subtle conflict. And this academy exists to raise the capable ones among you to protect our realm."
After a long day of classes, Professor Tharis returned in the evening to make an important announcement.
"In ten days, there will be a real monster hunting activity to gain field experience. Those who perform well will earn extra points."
"To prepare, three days from now we will begin preliminary training—physical and mental conditioning to ensure everyone's safety. Prepare well."
The moment he left, excitement erupted in the classroom.
But just as chatter filled the air—
"Heh..."
A condescending voice cut through the room. Kaian West, son of Marquis West, stepped in with his group and fixed his gaze on Kairos.
"So, the genius of House Arclis... Looks like your first real test is coming soon, huh?"
His tone was mocking, but laced with a smile.
"I've heard you're amazing—but thinking about it, doesn't it all seem a little... off? Defeating all ten test dummies quickly, the director personally challenging you... it all feels staged."
Murmurs rippled across the room. Before things escalated, Fiona stood up.
"If you have no evidence, don't make baseless accusations, Kaian."
But Kaian didn't stop.
"House Arclis, huh? Slayers of the Black Dragon, conquerors of the Crimson Thunder Wyvern... And now this guy? The most gifted descendant in their history?"
Fiona raised her voice.
"If you're so sure, why don't we settle this the proper way? Let's duel. I'll take you on."
Kaian shook his head smugly.
"No, no. I was talking about him. I don't fight girls. But wow... you're defending him this fiercely. Did what I say strike a nerve?"
Then he looked at Kairos.
"Well, Kairos? You gonna let a girl speak for you? Or are you too scared to be exposed?"
Kairos sighed and stood up, voice flat.
"Name the day."
"Three days from now—first day of training. Sound good?"
"Fine."
And with that, Kairos walked out—leaving behind a silent classroom filled with tension, and anticipation for the battle that was sure to come.