Training, Secrets, New Alliances And The Ice Queen’s Proposal

The days following their Night Market adventure were anything but relaxing.

With the First-Year Tournament approaching, the entire Academy was consumed by intense training sessions.

For most, this was simply a chance to prove themselves.

For Ethan, it was an opportunity to test his limits.

Each morning, Ethan dedicated time to refining his abilities.

🔹 Shadowstep Ghost Technique – A footwork skill that allowed him to phase between shadows, moving unpredictably.

🔹 Demon King's Fist – Evolved Form – His unique martial art, now incorporating explosive dark mana-infused strikes.

🔹 Lightning Phantom Blade – A combination of Arcane Lightning and Phantom Blade Technique, giving his sword attacks electrified afterimages.

🔹 Wind Step + Shadow Concealment = Phantom Stride – A synthesized movement skill that allowed him to vanish mid-dash.

"The system's Synthesis Function truly is limitless."

By merging magic and martial arts, he was creating techniques unheard of in this world.

But training was only one part of his plan.

There was unfinished business he needed to handle.

The Academy was quiet at this hour.

The only light in the Headmistress's office came from a single floating lantern.

Headmistress Seo Hwayeon, of the Eastern Warlord Nation, looked up as Ethan entered.

"I was wondering when you'd come," she said, setting down her tea.

Ethan nodded, taking a seat across from her.

"I assume you know why I'm here?" he asked.

Hwayeon's sharp gaze didn't waver. "You want information."

"I want an information network of my own. And I need your help to establish it."

The Headmistress sighed. "You are your mother's son, alright."

"That's why I also wanted to ask… how is the Seo Clan doing?"

Hwayeon's expression softened for the first time. "Your grandfather has been waiting for you to reach out. He… suspects you may wish to speak to him soon."

"Then, can I?"

Hwayeon leaned forward. "I can arrange it. But tell me, Ethan… why the sudden interest in an information network?"

Ethan's eyes turned cold.

"Because six months ago, someone tried to have me killed."

A brief silence filled the room.

Then Hwayeon's grip tightened around her teacup. "An assassination attempt? And you're only telling me this now?"

"I needed to confirm a few things first," Ethan admitted.

Hwayeon closed her eyes for a moment before sighing. "I see. I'll have my people look into it, but you're making the right choice in seeking your own network. Never rely too much on another's information."

Ethan smirked. "Then, I'll be in your care, Headmistress."

"Hah. Don't expect me to go easy on you. I'll arrange for you to meet the Seo Clan's intelligence division soon."

As Ethan left, he felt the first piece of his larger plan falling into place.

"This is only the beginning."The early morning mist still clung to the Academy grounds as Ethan followed a discreet path to a secluded chamber within the Headmistress's building.Inside, a group of black-clad figures knelt before a holographic transmission orb. Then, the image of a stern old man appeared—his crimson eyes and steel-gray hair revealing his identity.Seo Jinyoung. Ethan's maternal grandfather and the current patriarch of the Seo Clan."Ethan," the old man greeted, his voice rough with age but powerful nonetheless. "You've grown."

"Grandfather." Ethan nodded, respectful but firm.

"I hear you wish to build an intelligence network. Ambitious."

"Necessary," Ethan corrected. "I need reliable information. I want to know what happens in this kingdom… before anyone else does."

Jinyoung chuckled. "Hah! You truly take after your mother."

Then, his expression turned serious. "Very well. I will grant you access to the Seo Clan's Shadow Division. However, in return, I expect you to uphold the honor of our bloodline."

"That was already my intention," Ethan replied coolly.

"Then, consider this your first test." The old man's gaze turned sharp. "There is a growing power struggle in the student council. Watch them closely and position yourself accordingly."

"Understood."

"Good. Then we shall speak again soon."

With that, the transmission ended.

Ethan now had a true intelligence network.

The first step toward absolute control.

But for now…

He had other pressing matters to attend to.

Later that day, as Ethan walked across the training field, he suddenly heard a cold, elegant voice call out to him.

"Ethan Baron."

Turning, he found himself face-to-face with Celeste Everhart—the Ice Queen of the Academy.

With her snow-white hair, frost-blue eyes, and a composed expression, she was considered the most elegant noble lady in the Academy.

She stood before him, her posture straight, her hand resting lightly on her sword.

"I challenge you to a duel."

Murmurs broke out across the field.

But before Ethan could respond, Celeste's next words made the entire place freeze.

"If you defeat me… I shall allow you to marry me."

"What?!"

The entire training field erupted into chaos.

Ethan's mind went blank. What was this girl even saying?!

Before he could react, another voice interrupted.

"Wait just a minute!"

Ethan turned—only to see Iris Gale, the noble girl who had been stalking him recently.

She stepped forward, cheeks slightly red.

"If anyone is going to marry Ethan… it should be me!"

Now, absolute silence filled the air.

Ethan, who had been preparing for a simple spar, now found himself in a situation beyond his understanding.

"What are these kids even talking about?" he muttered.

"It's not time to think about the birds and the bees!"

But Celeste merely narrowed her eyes.

"Are you accepting my challenge or not?"

Ethan sighed. "Fine. But don't regret it."

The training grounds were cleared, and a barrier was set up to prevent damage.

Celeste Everhart wielded Everfrost, a rapier imbued with pure ice mana.

Ethan unsheathed his own weapon—Shadowfang, a blade that pulsed with dark lightning.

"Begin!"

Immediately, the temperature dropped.

Celeste attacked first—her movements sharp and elegant, creating ice mirages to mislead him.

Ethan smirked. "You're fast, but…"

With a step, he vanished into shadows.

The crowd gasped.

Phantom Stride made him impossible to track.

Celeste's eyes narrowed. "I see."

Then she froze the entire battlefield.

A layer of crystal-clear ice spread over the ground, eliminating the shadows Ethan needed to move.

"Smart," Ethan admitted.

But he had other tricks.

With a flicker of dark lightning, he activated Shadowstep Ghost Technique—phasing through the ice itself.

Then, he reappeared behind her.

But before he could strike—

Celeste smiled.

"I knew you'd do that."

An ice spike shot up, barely missing Ethan as he dodged.

The battle turned into a fast-paced exchange, with Celeste using precision strikes and freezing magic, while Ethan phased through attacks and countered with shadow-infused swordplay.

Finally—

With a single burst of mana, Ethan vanished and reappeared behind her, his sword resting against her shoulder.

"Checkmate."

The barrier dropped.

Silence.

Then—

Cheers erupted.

Celeste, breathing heavily, looked at Ethan and… smiled?

"I see… you truly are strong."

Then, she turned and walked away, leaving the crowd stunned.

But not before adding—

"I'll keep my word. Expect a formal engagement proposal soon."

Ethan felt a headache forming.

"Not this again…"

Then he turned to Iris, who was still blushing.

"And you—what was that about marrying me?"

Iris turned bright red and ran away.

"Tch. What's with these girls?"

He sighed.

"I just wanted a normal sparring match."

Little did he know, this event would shake the Academy for weeks.