Chapter 14: Beautiful

Smith was visibly startled upon hearing the question.

He asked with a frown, "How did you know?"

Aiden had already prepared an answer, so he said, "Our family has records of this."

Smith asked, "Why didn't you ask your father then?"

Aiden replied, "I didn't ask my father because I don't have permission until I turn eighteen. I secretly read the family records. So, sir, are you going to answer?"

Smith sighed. "Okay, since you've already asked, I'll answer as your instructor."

He paused, then continued, "Yes, this kind of race did exist in the past, though I don't know if they still do. Chances are, they might. Nearly two to three thousand years ago, a powerful mage cursed a nation—specifically, only the Catmen of that nation. The effect of the curse was that they all turned into cats. Most importantly, that mage didn't curse all Catmen—just those of that particular nation. As you know, there are still Catmen living in other nations, and you might even meet a few of them at the academy."

"So, where was I? Right—the curse. After being cursed, they all turned into cats and fled their homeland, fearing that surrounding forces would exploit their weakness and attack. They were forced to migrate into secluded areas. Their magic was severely damaged by the curse, but they managed to adapt to their new lives. This curse became known as the Curse of Mutation."

"It's said they tried many methods and explored many hidden, dangerous places in search of a cure, but the curse was so powerful that it remains unbroken. They now live in secret places—places no one knows the name or location of."

Aiden, after hearing that, fell into deep thought:

'Then why did I dream of them? And in my dream, they were still out there—living happily. I saw them sing and dance. But if what Professor Smith said is true, then they've lost hope. According to my dream, I won't have the power to help them break the curse. And if my deductions are correct, then only the one who cast the curse can lift it. If Mythic Knights or Mythic Mages existed, maybe they could help too.'

Smith interrupted his thoughts. "Go to your class now, it's about time. I'll inform your professor about your advancement."

"Thank you, sir," Aiden said, "for answering my question and checking my magic affinities."

Smith chuckled. "Alright, alright—go now. I have many important tasks to handle. Study well and don't waste your potential."

Aiden went to class and met Alaric and Elric. After telling them about his advancement, they congratulated him.

After attending Professor Evander's class, Aiden planned to go to the training hall to test his new magic.

Once the class ended, he returned to the dormitory and changed into his training uniform.

The training hall was in a separate building—it took him about five minutes to walk there. He recalled that the training hall was much closer to the girls' dormitory than the boys'.

It was a large open space with no roof. There were many wooden weapons—swords, spears, shields, and more. A closer look revealed strange markings on them: magical patterns designed specifically for training. They were durable enough to withstand magic. The stone walls of the hall radiated an ancient, dignified aura.

As Aiden entered, he saw a beautiful figure in a white knight training dress. Her hair fluttered in the wind like falling snow, and she was surrounded by blue flames. She looked ethereal, like an angel descended from the heavens.

It was none other than Calista de Wetherstone Clearwater.

Aiden was completely mesmerized by her sword dance and the blue flames swirling around her. They looked like manifestations of hope—something deeply yearned for. He had no idea how long he stood there, staring. The world around him faded as he focused on her.

A soft breeze passed by, making her silver hair flutter again. He thought he caught her scent carried by the wind.

Time seemed to stop.

Finally, when Calista paused her training due to mana exhaustion, Aiden snapped back to reality.

Then he saw her walking toward him.

His heart skipped a beat.

'She's going to report me to the professors because I was staring at her like a creep,' he thought in panic.