First Impressions

Early morning sunlight gently flooded Kaelan's dormitory room, drawing him from sleep. Rising slowly, Kaelan moved toward the large, polished mirror near the window, carefully studying his reflection.

At nine years old, Kaelan already carried an air of quiet maturity uncommon among children his age. He was slightly taller than his peers, with a lean yet clearly athletic build shaped by years of discreet training. His neatly combed hair was deep black, shimmering faintly in the morning sun like polished obsidian. Striking sapphire eyes gazed calmly back at him, thoughtful and sharp, hinting subtly at wisdom and experiences beyond his age.

His skin was fair, unblemished, and contrasted vividly against his dark hair. Dressed in the academy's uniform—a neatly tailored white tunic bearing the subtle emblem of Luminis and black trousers—he presented an image of composed dignity and quiet confidence. Adjusting the tunic's silver buttons, Kaelan felt satisfied with his neat, disciplined appearance.

Today marked the beginning of his formal education at Luminis Preparatory Junior Academy. First impressions mattered greatly, and Kaelan knew the importance of carefully controlling his public image.

Leaving his room, Kaelan found the dormitory corridors bustling with excited students chatting eagerly about their first day. From behind, a familiar voice called out cheerfully.

"Kaelan! Wait for me!"

Turning calmly, Kaelan saw Liam rushing toward him, bright blond hair tousled and eyes wide with excitement and nervousness.

"Relax, Liam," Kaelan said warmly. "You look like you ran all the way here."

Liam laughed sheepishly. "Well, I didn't want to miss anything! I can't believe classes are finally starting."

"You'll do fine," Kaelan reassured gently. "Remember, we're here to learn."

Together, they joined the steady stream of students heading toward the main classrooms, quickly finding their seats. At the front, Instructor Althea waited calmly, radiating quiet authority.

"Welcome to your first official day at Luminis," she began smoothly. "Each of you possesses great potential. Today, we start with fundamental mana control. Observe."

She lifted her hand gracefully, forming a flawless, stable orb of mana floating gently above her palm.

"Form your own orb now," she instructed calmly. "This exercise tests basic mana shaping."

Students eagerly attempted the exercise, most struggling to maintain stability. Kaelan carefully moderated his breathing, crafting a neat, stable orb with ease—precise yet believable for an S-grade student.

Instructor Althea's subtle glance toward Kaelan confirmed he had succeeded. Murmurs rippled gently among classmates, quiet admiration mixed subtly with envy.

As Kaelan maintained his orb effortlessly, he glanced discreetly at classmates. Most showed basic attempts, but a few, particularly a dark-haired noble boy across the room, demonstrated notable talent. Their eyes met briefly, a silent challenge passing between them. Kaelan acknowledged it calmly, already anticipating future competition.

The lesson continued into fundamental mana theory and runic basics. Kaelan appeared attentive, carefully taking notes to maintain appearances, despite finding the content simple and repetitive.

At midday, Instructor Althea approached Kaelan privately, speaking gently.

"You've shown impressive control, Kaelan," she said approvingly. "Even among S-grade students, your talent stands out. Be aware such ability will attract attention—both positive and negative."

Kaelan nodded calmly. "Thank you, Instructor. I'll remain cautious."

Instructor Althea smiled lightly, moving away satisfied.

Later, as students gathered in the dining hall, Liam excitedly approached Kaelan.

"You're already famous!" Liam laughed warmly. "Everyone noticed your mana orb. You really are amazing."

Kaelan shook his head modestly. "It's only the first day, Liam. We all have room to grow."

Liam smiled. "Always humble. Well, at least having you around makes me less nervous."

After dinner, Kaelan returned quietly to his dorm, relieved to finally have privacy. He sat cross-legged on the floor, eager to experiment with the remarkable affinity gained after awakening.

He began carefully, extending his awareness into the subtle ambient mana filling the room. Immediately sensing its responsive nature, he visualized the mana condensing into tiny needles—precise, sharp, and efficient. Effortlessly, small, barely visible needles formed around him, suspended neatly in midair.

Moments later, a soft notification clearly echoed in his mind:

[New Skill Created!] Skill: Mana Needles (B)

Kaelan allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Next, he carefully gathered mana around his body, compressing it gently into a thin, flexible layer that settled over his skin. Immediately, he felt mana reinforcing his body, subtly enhancing durability and responsiveness.

Another clear notification appeared promptly:

[New Skill Created!] Skill: Mana Reinforcement (B-)

Encouraged by these swift successes, Kaelan decided to test something more complex. Remembering his past life's knowledge, he carefully visualized mana pulsing rhythmically, radiating gently from his core in precise waves—each wave subtly mapping his surroundings.

After a moment of concentration, the skill activated perfectly, giving him a clear, intuitive perception of the room's layout and occupants in nearby dorms.

[New Skill Created!] Skill: Mana Pulse (B+)

Kaelan exhaled softly, pleased. The speed at which he was creating new, unique skills had far exceeded his expectations. His awakened affinity granted him effortless mastery far beyond ordinary standards, a secret advantage he would continue to carefully nurture.

Finished for the evening, Kaelan approached the mirror again, briefly reflecting upon the calm, determined expression in his eyes.

Each new skill is another step toward the strength I'll need in the future, he thought quietly. Today was only the start.

With quiet confidence, Kaelan moved toward his bed, preparing to rest, fully embracing the next steps of his extraordinary journey.

Status Window

====================[Status]=============== 

Name: Kaelan Elysian

Talent Grade: S (Public) | True Grade: SSS (Hidden)

Physique: Mana's Chosen (SSS)

Trait: Arcane Prodigy (SSS)

Level: 15

Skills:

- Mana Threading (B) - Mana Echo (C+) - Silent Burst (B) - Shadow Veil (B-) - Barrier Weave (B) - Frost Bind (C+) - Blazing Whip (C) - Stone Guard (C+) - Wind Step (B-) - Aqua Sphere (C) - Elemental Cloak (C+) - Healing Threads (C) - Illusory Mirage (D+) - Arcane Echo (C) - Mana Infusion (D+) - Mana Orb (C+) - Enhanced Mana Perception (B-) - Mana Shroud (B) - Rune Augmentation (B-) - Mana Needles (B) [NEW] - Mana Reinforcement (B-) [NEW] - Mana Pulse (B+) [NEW]

Trait Skills [Arcane Prodigy]:

- Arcane Mind (A) - Adaptive Affinity (A) - Spellweaver's Focus (A-) ===================================