Chapter 98– Reflection

Alden Blackwood's POV

Alden awoke to the faint glow of morning light filtering through the dorm window. His body ached slightly from yesterday's training, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he sat up and ran a hand through his long black hair, which had become a tangled mess overnight. His black eyes met his own reflection in the mirror across the room.

A young man stared back at him.

Sharp, calculating eyes. A face that seemed composed yet distant. There was no hesitation in those eyes, no uncertainty. Just someone who had already made up his mind about the path he was walking.

Shiranui's voice echoed in his mind, lazy as always. "Admiring yourself first thing in the morning? I didn't take you for a narcissist."

Kurenai chimed in with amusement. "Not a bad face, though. Could use a little more expression."

Alden ignored them, standing up and heading toward the bathroom.

After a quick shower, he dressed in the academy uniform—a black coat with silver embroidery, a crimson undershirt, and dark pants. The crest of the academy rested on his left shoulder, a mark of his status as an S-Class student.

He fastened his belt, adjusting the sheath of Kurenai at his waist. The sword hummed in approval.

"Alright," he muttered. "Time for another day of pretending to be a normal student."

Shiranui snickered. "Right. Because normal students spend their nights running dungeons and plotting robberies."

Stepping out of his dorm, he made his way toward the classroom. The halls were already filled with students, some chatting, others yawning from lack of sleep.

His pace was steady, purposeful but unhurried.

A few students glanced his way—some in curiosity, others in wariness.

The infamous S-Class first-year, someone who had already started making a name for himself despite barely interacting with others.

Alden ignored the stares.

His thoughts were already on today's lessons, his upcoming plans, and the half-vampire girl whose fate he had decided to change.

Time to see what the day had in store.

---

As Alden stepped into the classroom, the usual lively chatter among students filled the air. He took his seat near the back, leaning slightly in his chair as he observed his surroundings. The main cast was already here—Leonhardt, Alicia, Seraphina, and the others. They were discussing something with casual ease.

Before he could settle in, Instructor Reinhardt walked in.

A towering figure with graying hair, a jagged scar over his left eye, and an aura that exuded raw dominance. His cold, steel-like gaze swept across the room, instantly silencing the students.

"Stand up." His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.

Everyone rose to their feet immediately.

"Follow me," he ordered, turning on his heel and walking out of the classroom.

Alden sighed internally. Here we go again.

---

Training Ground

The training ground was packed. All first-year students were gathered together, split into different class sections. Reinhardt's voice boomed across the field.

"Ones again As you are all aware, the academy will no longer tolerate mediocrity. The recent attacks have made one thing clear—you are all weak."

A heavy silence followed. No one could argue with that.

" today, physical endurance will be drilled into your bones," Reinhardt continued. "Your mana is useless if your body fails you first. If you don't like it, you can leave."

No one moved.

"Good. Now, 200 laps around the field. No mana reinforcement. No complaints. Move."

Groans and mutters filled the air, but everyone started running.

Alden matched his pace to the crowd, making sure to blend in. His endurance wasn't an issue, but running without mana reinforcement was still exhausting.

Next to him, Luca Ashenpaw, the beastkin, was already grinning despite the challenge.

"Oi, Alden," Luca said, barely sounding out of breath. "Didn't think you'd be struggling."

Alden glanced at him, deadpan. "Didn't think you'd still be talking."

Luca laughed. "Gotta make this fun somehow!"

Behind them, Reynard Faulkner smirked. "You should worry about yourself, Luca. You may be fast, but endurance training is another thing entirely."

Luca clicked his tongue. "Tch. Says the guy who looks like he's about to collapse."

Reynard didn't deny it.

Alden focused on his breathing, keeping a steady rhythm. He wasn't tired yet.

---

After the Run

Reinhardt wasn't done.

"Push-ups. 200. Start."

Alden dropped to the ground along with the others.

It was brutal. By the time they moved on to sit-ups, planks, and squats, even some of the strongest students were struggling.

Seraphina's face was pale, but she refused to stop, sweat dripping down her forehead.

Leonhardt gritted his teeth, pushing through with sheer determination.

Alicia was trembling from exhaustion but still kept going.

Even Reynard, usually smug and composed, looked like he might actually pass out.

By the time Reinhardt finally let them stop, everyone collapsed onto the ground, panting.

Reinhardt looked unimpressed. "Weaklings."

No one had the energy to argue.

"Tomorrow, we increase the count."

Groans filled the air.

Alden sat up, his body aching but still functional. He could hear Kurenai laughing in his head.

"Ah, I missed this. The suffering. The pure, unfiltered pain."

Alden rolled his eyes. "Shut up, sadist."

Shiranui hummed. "At least you didn't collapse like some of the others."

Alden glanced around. Several students were flat on their backs, barely moving.

"That was hell…" Reynard muttered, lying face-up on the dirt.

Luca groaned. "I can't feel my legs."

Seraphina just gave a tired nod, still catching her breath.

Leonhardt was quiet, his determination burning even through exhaustion.

Alicia sat up slowly, wiping sweat from her forehead. "This is… ridiculous."

Alden smirked. "And this is only the first day."

More groans followed.

---

Cafeteria – A Small Break

After dragging themselves to their dorms to change and clean up, Alden headed to the cafeteria.

The place was packed, students either stuffing themselves with food or barely staying awake from exhaustion.

Alden took a tray and found a seat near the back.

He had barely taken a bite when he spotted Anneliese Nocturne.

She was sitting with Elena, Alicia, and Seraphina.

Not so much talking… but also not looking as withdrawn as before.

It was a noticeable change.

Her long black hair, tinged with silver strands, was messily tied back, and her scarlet eyes flickered with exhaustion. She still looked wary, as if expecting someone to call her out.

But she wasn't alone.

Elena was speaking gently, probably trying to make her feel at ease.

Alicia looked slightly awkward, but she wasn't ignoring her.

Seraphina wasn't talking much, but she wasn't being cold either.

Alden observed them for a moment. Progress.

Shiranui spoke in his mind, "You really do enjoy meddling, huh?"

Alden took a bite of his food. "Just ensuring things go the way I want them to."

Kurenai snickered. "Right. Because you're such a selfless person."

His plans were moving forward.

And Anneliese… she was slowly finding her place.

"Now let's see how much further I can push things."