First Lessons and Unexpected Observers

The first lesson in Elemental Magic Studies quickly moved from theory to practice.

Professor Sylvara Moonveil led the students to an open training ground, a large circular field surrounded by mana-infused stones that absorbed stray magical energy.

"Magic is more than just raw power," she reminded them. "Control, creativity, and adaptability—these determine a true mage."

She gestured to a row of wooden targets.

"You will each demonstrate your ability to manipulate an element. Choose wisely."

Ethan stood among his peers, watching as one by one, students stepped forward.

Some were skilled, channeling flames or creating waves of water. Others struggled, barely producing a flicker of light.

Then came the turn of Cedric Valefor.

With a calm expression, Cedric lifted his hand. A crimson glow surrounded his palm before he unleashed a whip of blood-red fire, cutting straight through his target.

The class murmured in awe.

"Crimson Eclipse magic… no wonder he's a Valefor."

Ethan smirked.

"Impressive. But not enough."

When his turn arrived, Ethan stepped forward and raised his hand.

A dark aura surrounded him—then, without a chant, he summoned three elements at once.

A blade of black lightning crackled in his left hand.

A ball of ghostly blue fire hovered in his right.

And beneath his feet, the ground froze, sending a chilling mist into the air.

Silence.

Even Professor Sylvara arched an eyebrow.

"…Interesting."

Ethan let the magic dissipate, returning to his seat without a word.

, Ethan walked through the Academy grounds with his friend, Leon Ascar.

"I still can't believe you controlled three elements," Leon said.

"I was just testing something," Ethan replied.

As they passed the Beast Training Field, Ethan's gaze lingered on the magical creatures inside.

Gryphons, shadow wolves, and even a young thunder drake were kept in reinforced cages, awaiting their handlers.

"Magical beast taming, huh?"

In his past life, the Heavenly Demon King never tamed beasts—he simply dominated them.

But this world followed a different system.

Taming could be useful. He wonder if the system had any taming function or if he still had to wait before he unlocks it he would research that later on. Perhaps… he should consider it.

Lunch at the Academy Cafeteria was a grand affair.

Multiple food stalls lined the dining hall, serving meals from all four continents.

Ethan scanned the options, looking for something… interesting.

Then—he saw it.

A deep-fried, golden-brown piece of heaven.

"What is that?"

"Oh, that's Crispy fried chicken," Leon said. "It's popular in the eastern regions."

Ethan took a bite—and everything changed.

Crispy. Juicy. Savory.

A wave of nostalgia hit him.

"Where has this been all my life?"

In his previous life he ate fried chicken but none were like this

He ordered four more plates.

For the first time since arriving at the Academy, Ethan felt truly at peace.

As Ethan enjoyed his meal, he felt a faint presence nearby.

Someone was watching him.

He pretended not to notice, but his keen senses picked up on a figure hiding behind a column.

It was her.

The commoner girl from his class.

"Why is she spying on me?"

She scribbled in a notebook, taking notes.

Ethan suppressed a smirk.

"She's trying to find my weaknesses."

How amusing. He found it cute then he thought what do I know about cute.. he laughed