First Rift Exploration

Morning mist clung gently to the expansive fields behind Luminis Academy. Today marked a significant step forward for Kaelan and his classmates, finally transitioning from months of classroom theory into their first supervised exploration of an actual dimensional rift. Kaelan stood calmly, prepared to demonstrate just enough skill to align with what his peers and instructors realistically expected from an exceptional S-grade talent.

Marcus, brimming with excitement, nudged Liam lightly. "Finally! Real mana beasts. I wonder how much stronger we'll get."

Liam smiled nervously. "Hopefully enough to catch up to everyone. I'm still Level 7."

Selene gently reassured him. "That's not far behind. Most of us are around Level 9 or 10."

Marcus nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, though Lucien is already Level 12. That guy's growth speed is crazy."

Kaelan listened quietly, carefully noting their expectations. To everyone else, he estimated that his abilities would seem roughly at Lucien's level—around Level 12 or 13. Anything beyond that would attract unnecessary suspicion.

Instructor Darius, stern yet reassuring, stepped forward. "Listen carefully. The rift you enter today is only a minor threat. Focus on teamwork, and put your training into practice. Stay vigilant."

"First group: Kaelan, Liam, Marcus, Selene, and Lucien," Instructor Althea called gently, opening the shimmering portal with practiced ease.

Lucien confidently joined Kaelan's side, offering a polite but competitive nod. "Ready to show me what you've got?"

Kaelan met his gaze calmly, smiling lightly. "Let's work well together."

The group stepped forward, feeling the familiar ripple of spatial mana as they crossed into the rift.

Inside, they emerged within a lush, vibrant forest dense with ambient mana. Kaelan immediately sensed multiple weak mana signatures scattered nearby.

Lucien naturally took the lead. "Marcus, Liam, guard our flanks. Selene, you handle support. Kaelan, you're with me up front."

The group quickly assumed formation. Lucien's mana flared visibly, invoking his signature skill Flame Spear (B). He swiftly dispatched the first wolf-like mana beast that emerged from the trees.

Marcus stepped forward, confidently using Wind Slice (C). Liam hesitated briefly before reinforcing himself with a cautious Mana Shield (C), holding position defensively. Selene carefully activated Aqua Sphere (C+), providing defensive pressure from behind.

Kaelan restrained himself deliberately, casting Mana Needles (B)—a believable skill for his public level. His attack was precise, efficiently dispatching another beast without overshadowing Lucien.

Lucien offered a brief, approving glance. "Sharp as expected, Kaelan."

Further in, they encountered a Mana Lynx, clearly stronger than earlier foes. Lucien immediately conjured Flame Barrier (B-), signaling caution.

Marcus summoned Basic Mana Shield (C), clearly determined. Liam stood bravely, reinforcing Marcus's shield. Selene subtly provided support, enhancing their stability with gentle healing mana.

Kaelan subtly wove Woven Mana Barrier (A-), making sure its strength appeared believable at his perceived level. It smoothly shielded the entire group, allowing Lucien to deliver a final powerful Flame Spear, finishing the Lynx neatly.

As the beast dissolved into ambient mana, Kaelan felt a familiar surge within himself, signifying a subtle yet profound increase:

[Experience Threshold Met.] [Level Up: 16 → 17] [Overall strength increased significantly.]

Externally calm, he quietly absorbed this newfound strength.

Lucien relaxed slightly, clearly pleased. "Excellent coordination, everyone."

Marcus celebrated openly. "I actually leveled up! Level 9 feels great."

Liam chuckled, clearly relieved. "I didn't level up yet, but I feel close."

Selene smiled gently. "Level 10 now. Finally, double digits."

Kaelan smiled warmly, carefully hiding his actual progress. "Great job, everyone."

Outside, Instructor Darius nodded approvingly. "Strong teamwork, decisive action. Good work."

Instructor Althea's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Kaelan. "Your mana control remains impressive, Kaelan. Continue to cultivate it carefully."

"Thank you, Instructor," Kaelan responded modestly.

As they dispersed, Lucien approached again, his demeanor politely competitive. "I enjoyed fighting alongside you today. It's rare someone matches my pace."

Kaelan acknowledged respectfully, maintaining their subtle rivalry. "Likewise, Lucien."

Marcus joined Kaelan afterward, clearly impressed. "You really held back there, didn't you? Lucien's great, but I get the feeling you're still stronger."

Kaelan laughed lightly, maintaining his public facade. "Lucien is genuinely strong. I just did my part."

Marcus accepted the response cheerfully. "If you say so."

Later that evening, alone in his room, Kaelan quietly assessed his growth. Now at Level 17, his internal mana pathways felt clearer and more powerful. He calmly visualized his existing skills, already planning further improvements and subtle fusions to increase efficiency.

He reflected carefully. Keeping his real strength hidden while publicly presenting a believable growth rate would be crucial in the coming months.

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

Name: Kaelan Elysian

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

Physique: Mana's Chosen (SSS)

Trait: Arcane Prodigy (SSS)

Level: 17 [▲1]

Full Skills List:

- Mana Threading (B) - Silent Burst (B) - Shadow Veil (B-) - Aqua Sphere (C) - Elemental Cloak (C+) - Healing Threads (C) - Illusory Mirage (D+) - Arcane Echo (C) - Mana Infusion (D+) - Mana Orb (C+) - Rune Augmentation (B-) - Lesser Rune Enhancement (B) - Mana Needles (B) - Flame Dash (B+) [Fusion] - Mana Armor (A-) [Fusion] - Mana Awareness (A-) [Fusion] - Woven Mana Barrier (A-) [Fusion] - Froststone Barrier (B+) [Fusion]

Trait Skills [Arcane Prodigy]:

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