Even in a world of magic and martial prowess, nothing stirred drama quite like the rumor mill.
By morning, Riku's duel with Eiji had become legend.
Half the campus claimed he copied a third-year's technique mid-fight. The other half insisted he had stolen it before the match even started. Either way, he had captured the attention of everyone who mattered—and more than a few who didn't.
And that was the problem.
Because now?
They started watching.
---
Second-Year Classroom, Early Morning
"I heard the Principal herself requested a performance report on Aoyama."
"Seriously? That's only reserved for nobles!"
A girl nearby giggled. "He is noble. Noble in power."
Riku sat silently in the middle of the room, sipping herbal tea while reading through a thick combat-theory book.
[System Passive: "Focus Bubble" activated. You are immune to gossip for 3 minutes.]
Bless this feature, he thought.
Across the room, Ayumi was trying her best to look like she wasn't stealing glances.
Ever since last night on the rooftop, something in her had shifted. Not in a dramatic, magical sort of way—but something quiet. Soft. Nervous.
Her heartbeat did strange things now whenever she saw him.
And when he looked up—and their eyes met?
She panicked and stared back down at her notes.
---
Third Period – Strategy Simulation Lab
The instructor, Professor Callahan, stood in front of a massive board etched with glowing lines. On it, miniature avatars represented war units, territories, and shifting battle conditions.
"Today, we'll run team simulations. Groupings have already been assigned. One commander, three specialists, one support."
Riku's group was announced.
"Aoyama, Yukishiro, Sakuragi, Hoshino, and… Akira."
His team.
Ayumi blinked, surprised. She wasn't expecting to be placed with him again.
Akira, the last student mentioned, was less pleased. He was tall, dark-haired, and known for his perfect grades—and quietly for his seething jealousy of Riku's recent meteoric rise.
"Command role?" the professor asked.
Everyone looked to Riku.
Riku didn't flinch. "I'll take command."
Akira's jaw clenched.
Callahan nodded. "Scenario start in 30 seconds. Prepare."
As soon as the simulation began, enemy units surged in from the eastern valley of the projection. Magical units spawned at key points, and wild card threats—like terrain shifts and aerial monsters—randomized conditions.
Riku's voice was calm. Crisp.
"Yukishiro, barrier lines A1 through C3—choke points only."
"On it."
"Sakuragi, set a mana field for long-range suppression. Save your fire blooms for wave three."
"Understood," Ayumi responded quickly.
"Hoshino, deploy shadow runes behind enemy units. Don't engage. Observe patterns."
"Yes, sir."
"Akira," Riku said without pausing, "hold the north wall. Use defensive enchantments only. No expansions."
Akira's eyes narrowed. "You're sidelining me."
"I'm securing the team's weakest flank. You're still recovering from that mana drain test yesterday. Or did you forget?"
That shut him up.
Minutes passed.
Enemies surged. The team held. Adjusted. Flanked. Responded. All under Riku's instructions, which sounded more like a conductor's commands than a commander's.
By the time the test ended, the scoreboard glowed green.
[Result: 99.2% Simulation Efficiency – NEW RECORD]
The class erupted.
Even Professor Callahan raised an impressed eyebrow. "That… was the cleanest execution I've seen in four years."
Riku nodded politely.
Akira stormed off.
Ayumi, flushed and breathless from the simulation's intensity, glanced his way.
"You're scary when you're focused."
"Scary?" he asked, amused.
"In a… handsome dictator sort of way."
"…That's oddly specific."
She blushed.
---
System Log:
[Attraction Score: Ayumi Sakuragi +5 | Yukishiro Nami +1]
[New Perk Unlocked: Commander's Voice – Your instructions during group missions or simulations are 25% more likely to be followed without question.]
---
After Class – Teacher's Hallway
Unbeknownst to Riku, two instructors stood by a magical scrying orb.
Inside it? The footage of his simulation.
"That's the third record he's broken this month."
"We can't keep ignoring this."
One of them, Professor Gendo—the illusionist Riku humiliated weeks ago—scowled. "I want him tested. Properly. Strip away these flashy setups. No advantage. No prep."
The other teacher, Professor Kiriya, spoke cautiously. "You mean send him into the upcoming underground bracket?"
"…Exactly."
"But that tournament is off-books."
Gendo sneered. "Let's see how much of a genius he really is."
---
Later That Evening – Training Hall
Riku was alone, sparring with a conjured dummy.
Each move calculated. Each swing infused with just enough mana to simulate real combat.
"Mana Echo Blade."
"Counter Fade."
"Step Through Reflection."
The hall echoed with the beauty of motion—each technique stitched together with the precision of someone who no longer trained to learn, but to perfect.
Behind him, Ayumi stood in silence.
She had followed him on impulse.
She didn't announce herself.
She just watched.
He's always evolving. Always pushing. Is it because of some secret? Or… is this just who he is?
She felt the question clawing at her. A desire not just to admire him—but to understand him.
When he finally noticed her, he paused mid-combo.
"Ayumi?"
She stepped forward. "Teach me."
"…Huh?"
She didn't flinch. "That counter move. The reflection step. I want to learn it."
He studied her for a moment. Then smiled faintly.
"Only if you're ready to sweat."
---
System Notification:
[New Bond Progress: "Close Combat Partners" - Ayumi Sakuragi (Tier I Affection)]
[Effect: When training together, skill learning speed increases by +10% for both parties.]
---
Late Night – Ayumi's Dormitory Room
Alone in her room, Ayumi sat on her bed, hair damp from training, her heart still fluttering.
She stared at her reflection.
What am I doing? Why do I keep chasing him like this?
But her reflection didn't answer.
It just smiled slightly.
Like it knew.
---
Meanwhile – Gendo's Private Quarters
The illusionist poured himself a drink.
On his desk sat a list.
Riku Aoyama's class schedule.
A list of known associates.
And at the very bottom—
"Underground Testing Bracket: Enroll Target – No Pre-Warning."
He stared at it coldly.
"Let's see if the golden boy shines in the dark."