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As I regained consciousness, the faint sting of battle still lingered in my muscles. The duel with Luna had pushed me to my limits, and though the academy nurse had warned me against overexerting myself, I wasted no time heading back to the dorm. Rest could wait—understanding my abilities couldn't.

The fight had revealed both the potential and the cost of using Surya's Blessing.

The more I wielded its power, the more the flames bent to my will, flowing as if they were an extension of my very soul. Yet, the strain was unbearable—like being cooked alive from the inside out. Thankfully, the heat dissipated the moment I deactivated the ability, but it was clear that my body wasn't ready to handle prolonged use. If I wanted to wield this power effectively, I needed to grow stronger.

Two paths lay before me: hunting monsters or studying books.

Hunting would refine my combat instincts, forcing me to adapt under pressure. But books—especially those hidden within the academy's archives—held the promise of knowledge that could elevate my abilities without the physical toll. My Mimic Eye, my unique ability, was my top priority. Strengthening it would enhance my adaptability, and in this academy, power was intrinsically tied to one's level. Breaking past level 25 and reaching the cap at level 45 was no easy feat, but it was a necessary step.

Fortunately, the academy's flexible schedule allowed students to choose how they spent their free days. With only three mandatory classes per week, the rest of the time was ours to train, explore, or recover. Today was one of those days, and I had already made my decision.

I was heading to the library.

As I walked through the academy halls, the usual morning chatter filled the air. Groups of students clustered together, their conversations ranging from casual gossip to heated debates over combat techniques. Some wore yellow bands around their biceps—the mark of the Student Council. They moved with an air of authority, their presence a constant reminder of the power structure within the academy.

Just as I reached the central corridor, my gaze locked onto Luna.

She stood among a group of students, her very presence drawing attention even in a crowd of elites. For a brief moment, our eyes met. I quickly averted my gaze and picked up my pace. The last thing I wanted was an interaction with her—especially after a mere Class E student like myself had managed to push her to exhaustion.

I could already imagine the questions. The scrutiny. The rumors.

No, it was best to stay out of her way.

For now.

"Hey… Hey!"

Luna's voice rang out, cutting through the chatter of the hallway.

Irritated, I kept walking, pretending not to hear her. But she was persistent. Within seconds, she closed the distance between us, grabbing my arm with a firm grip.

I tensed. The sudden touch sent a ripple of whispers through the students around us. Conversations paused, heads turned, and curious eyes bore into us.

I pulled my arm away, keeping my tone indifferent. "What does the goddess of this academy want from me?"

She smiled, but it was the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes—calculating, testing. "I invite you to our vacation house this coming break."

I frowned. "Break is still two months away."

"It's for advancement, "she said cryptically.

A vague, meaningless answer. Typical.

"I'm in a hurry. Can I go now?" I asked, growing more conscious of the onlookers.

Luna released my arm, but as I turned toward the library, I noticed she was still following me.

"Where are you going?" she asked, absentmindedly adjusting the buttons on her blouse.

"The library," I replied curtly.

She tilted her head. "It's Class E's free schedule. Why would you spend it in the library?"

I shrugged. "I'm bored in my dorm, so I decided to kill time."

Her skeptical gaze lingered on me, but she let the subject drop as we arrived at the library's grand double doors.

The towering oak doors were masterpieces of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings of ancient battles and mythical creatures. The air carried the faint scent of parchment and ink, a quiet contrast to the bustling academy halls outside.

Pushing the doors open, I stepped inside, the golden glow of chandeliers casting long shadows across the vast rows of towering bookshelves. The library was a cathedral of knowledge, its silent corridors whispering secrets of the past and paths to power.

I headed straight for the mana utilization section, intent on refining my control over Surya's Blessing and strengthening my Mimic Eye. But Luna, much to my irritation, trailed behind me, her presence as unshakable as ever.

"You're really serious about this, huh?" she mused, running her fingers along the spines of books, her nails tracing over their worn bindings.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I replied, pulling out a tome titled Principles of Advanced Elemental Manipulation.

She watched me with mild amusement. "Most students in Class E wouldn't dare touch advanced-level material. But here you are. No wonder Professor Alaric has taken an interest in you."

I arched an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I was a topic of conversation among the elites."

She let out a soft laugh. "Don't flatter yourself. You caught my attention during our duel, and I'm not one to ignore potential."

I closed the book halfway and glanced at her. "Potential for what?"

"Greatness," she said simply, her voice stripped of its usual arrogance. "But raw power alone won't be enough. You'll need allies."

I considered her words for a moment before setting the book aside. "I've managed fine on my own."

Her expression hardened slightly. "And how long do you think that will last?" She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "This academy is full of people more ruthless than I am. You'll need someone watching your back."

A warning? Or a veiled offer? Either way, trusting her wasn't an option. Not yet.

"I'll take my chances," I said, turning back to the shelves.

Luna exhaled, clearly expecting that answer. Leaning against the table I eventually chose, she fixed me with an unwavering gaze.

"You're an anomaly in this academy," she murmured. "It's not every day someone from Class E pushes me to my limit."

Her words stirred something deep within me—memories of our duel. Her relentless attacks. My desperate counterstrikes. The flames bending to my will in ways I hadn't imagined before.

That battle had been a turning point. Not just for me, but for how the academy saw me.

"That duel wasn't just a fluke," I said, meeting her gaze. "I've had to fight for everything I have. I don't have the luxury of privilege like the elites here."

Luna's expression softened slightly, a rare crack in her usual composed demeanor. "You're right. I don't know what it's like to start at the bottom. But I respect the fight it takes to climb up."

For a moment, her honesty caught me off guard. Then she added, "Whether you like it or not, you're on everyone's radar now. That duel put a target on your back. If you ever need an ally, consider my offer. Raw talent can only take you so far."

Before I could respond, she straightened up and walked away, leaving me to my thoughts. As I flipped through another book, a prickling sensation crept up my spine. I was being watched.

Across the room, a figure cloaked in dark robes lingered near the history section, their hood obscuring their face, but their gaze was locked onto me. I pretended not to notice, forcing my attention back to the tome before me, but the weight of their stare was impossible to ignore.

Luna was right about one thing: this academy moved fast, and hesitation could be costly. The duel might have been my first step into the spotlight, but it was far from the last challenge I would face.

If I was going to survive, I needed to prepare.

Originally, I never intended to stand out, but now that I had, there were ways to turn this to my advantage.

Building a reputation could grant me access to better resources—perhaps even private training or special privileges. The best way to ensure that was through sheer improvement. I ran my fingers along the spines of the advanced magic tomes before selecting several volumes on mana utilization and arcane theory. The Mimic Eye thrived on knowledge—the more I learned, the more I could push past my current limits.

But knowledge alone wasn't enough. Skills bonded with weapons improved through battle, and Erythrotenebrae granted permanent stat increases whenever I eliminated an enemy. Hunting would be the most efficient way to accelerate my growth. I resolved to venture beyond the academy grounds tomorrow, after my second class.

Back at the female dormitory, I entered my extravagant suite—the well-earned privilege of being the academy's top student. Shedding my uniform for a comfortable sweater and shorts, I stretched my limbs and sighed as I collapsed onto the plush mattress.

"Finally, some rest."

Yet, as I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts drifted back to him.

Ezekiel Rhea.

He was different from the rest.

I had seen countless students try and fail to rise through the ranks, but Ezekiel didn't just fight against expectations—he outright defied them. Even now, I could picture him, eyes scanning through book after book without stopping, tirelessly absorbing knowledge. He wasn't just gifted. He was determined.

That's why I had extended my invitation.

Taking him to my vacation house wasn't just about observing him—it was about understanding what drove him. How did someone from the bottom refuse to bow under the weight of the academy's hierarchy? How did he remain unfazed by the whispers and judgment of others?

I needed to know.

Rising from my bed, I crossed the room to my desk, picking up a sleek, silver device: the Segas, a royal-crafted communication tool linked directly to my faction—the Celestial Tribunal. Our order operated independently, sworn to serve the people beyond the constraints of politics and nobility. As an affiliated member, I had access to their resources, including intelligence gathering.

Pouring my mana into the Segas, its crystal core pulsed with a faint glow before a static voice crackled to life.

The Segas hummed to life in my hands, its smooth surface glowing faintly as it established a secure connection. A static-laced voice echoed from within the device.

"Celestial Tribunal communication system activated. What is your request?"

I exhaled slowly, my fingers tapping against the desk. "I want a background check on a student from Aetherfall Academy."

A brief pause. Then, the voice responded.

"Request accepted. Identify the target."

I hesitated. Not because I was unsure—but because I found myself questioning why I was so drawn to this mystery in the first place.

"Ezekiel Rhea."

The name felt strange leaving my lips.

A commoner. A nobody. Someone who shouldn't have stood out. And yet, there he was—defying the unspoken hierarchy of the academy with nothing but sheer ability. I had expected arrogance, or at the very least, fear. Instead, he met my gaze with quiet defiance, as if he had already been through worse battles.

The Segas flickered.

"Target confirmed. Information will be delivered in person in three days."

Three days.

I leaned back, my fingers brushing over the now-dormant device.

"Why do you interest me so much, Ezekiel?"

I had seen plenty of talented students, prodigies molded by lineage and wealth. But raw talent? That was rare. And rarer still was the kind of presence he had. Not desperate, not reckless—just… unwavering.

I recalled how he skimmed through books with single-minded focus, his movements efficient, almost practiced. Was it diligence? Or was it something else?

A slow smirk tugged at my lips.

"You're hiding something."

The duel proved that much. His growth was unnatural—too rapid, too controlled. He adapted mid-fight as if he had already faced death before.

"What have you been through, Ezekiel Rhea?"

Three days would bring me the answers. But waiting idly wasn't my style.

I stood, stretching my limbs before making my way to the window. The academy grounds were still, bathed in the silver glow of the moon. My mind was already forming a plan.

"What was the best way to test someone's resolve?"

Not through another duel. Not through status games.

No, I needed to push him into a situation where he couldn't rely on careful planning or structured combat—where only instinct and willpower would see him through.

I turned back to my desk, eyes glinting with curiosity.

"You caught my attention, Ezekiel. Now let's see if you can hold it."