Chapter 103 : The Calm Before the Storm

Alden's eyes flickered open as the first light of dawn filtered through his window. His body felt sore from last night's training, but that was nothing new.

He exhaled, running a hand through his long black hair before standing up. His reflection in the mirror stared back at him—midnight-black hair, sharp black eyes that seemed to swallow the light, and an expression devoid of drowsiness despite just waking up.

The Academy's midterm exams would begin next week.

It wasn't just some written test. No, the midterms here were grueling trials of skill, combat, and knowledge.

Alden smirked. Things are about to get interesting.

---

Morning Routine & Classroom Arrival

After freshening up and donning his uniform, Alden made his way to class. The hallways of the academy were bustling with students, some still half-asleep, others discussing recent duels or dungeon expeditions.

The moment he stepped into the classroom, he could already hear the conversations swirling around.

"I heard Reinhardt's test last year put three students in the infirmary."

"We'll need at least a B-rank evaluation to pass the practicals. Damn it."

"Alden, you're late."

A familiar voice greeted him.

Alicia von Rosenheim.

She was seated at her desk, arms crossed, her piercing golden eyes studying him.

Alden ignored her remark, sliding into his seat.

Across from him, Ethan leaned forward, grinning. "You hear? Midterms are next week. Hope you're ready."

Alden gave him a blank look. "Obviously."

"Tch, cocky as always."

Before the conversation could continue, their instructor, Professor Reinhardt, entered the room.

Reinhardt was a towering figure, his presence alone commanding attention. He scanned the class, his sharp eyes settling on them before speaking.

"Listen up." His voice was firm, cutting through the murmurs. "Starting next week, midterm exams will begin. You should already know what that means."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Reinhardt smirked. "For those who don't, allow me to explain. The midterms will test your combat skills, mana control, and tactical thinking. It will also include survival training. If you can't handle the pressure, you might as well quit now."

A few students gulped.

Alden, however, remained expressionless. He had been expecting this.

"Furthermore," Reinhardt continued, "your ranking will be based on your performance. The top students will be granted access to higher-tier resources, while the bottom-ranked will have to make do with the bare minimum. This is your chance to prove yourselves."

A competitive fire ignited in the eyes of many students.

"One last thing," Reinhardt's voice dropped slightly. "This year's test will be… different. Special."

Murmurs erupted across the room.

Alden narrowed his eyes. Different?

That could mean anything.

Reinhardt's smirk widened as he saw their reactions. "Prepare yourselves."

And just like that, the countdown to the midterms had begun.

The tension in the classroom remained thick even after Reinhardt left. Conversations sparked instantly—speculations, fears, and strategies buzzing among the students.

Alden, however, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. A special test, huh?

That meant there were hidden elements at play. Something beyond the usual assessments of combat, mana control, and tactics.

But that didn't matter. He was already preparing for midterms in his own way.

---

Cafeteria Discussion

During the break, Alden made his way to the cafeteria. It was crowded as always, students gathered in their usual groups, some talking strategy, others simply eating.

As he picked up his tray, he noticed a familiar figure—Anneliese—sitting with the main cast.

She wasn't exactly open, but she looked… stable. Considering how things were supposed to go for her in the original timeline, that was already a victory.

Alden smirked slightly. Good. No need for any last-minute adjustments.

He turned his attention back to his own matters, finding a quiet corner to eat.

Just as he sat down, someone approached him.

Alicia von Rosenheim.

Golden eyes sharp, she sat across from him without a word.

"…Something you need?" Alden asked, taking a bite of his food.

Alicia crossed her arms. "Midterms."

He raised an eyebrow.

"You're aiming for the top rank, aren't you?" she asked.

Alden took a moment before answering. "Of course."

She studied him before scoffing. "Then don't get in my way."

Alden chuckled. "You should be saying that to yourself."

A spark of competitive fire lit in her golden eyes.

Before she could retort, another voice interrupted.

"You two are always like this."

Seraphina Astraea slid into the seat next to Alicia, her silver hair catching the light.

"Not everything has to be a competition, you know." She gave Alden a pointed look.

He simply shrugged. "Competitions are useful. They make you stronger."

Alicia smirked. "Exactly."

Seraphina sighed. "Whatever. Just don't break anything during midterms."

---

Training Facility – A Personal Plan

Later that evening, Alden made his way to the Training Facility.

His goals were clear:

Increase mana capacity and control

Sharpen physical combat

Refine aura manipulation

He already had an edge in swordsmanship and aura control. But his mana arts were still limited compared to the main cast, who had access to 5-star techniques.

That's going to change soon.

The academy treasury held a certain 5-star raw mana art. A technique that didn't rely on elemental affinities but pure, unfiltered mana.

And he was planning another robbery session soon.

For now, he focused on training. His sword, Kurenai, hummed slightly as he moved through his stances.

Within his mind, his companions stirred.

Kurenai: You're planning something again, aren't you?

Shiranui (the fox spirit): He always is.

Alden smirked. Of course. No sense in waiting when I can take what I need.

The midterms were coming. And he planned to use them as a stepping stone for something much bigger.