Lucius sat in his dorm room, the faint hum of the Irisnext Linkpad filling the otherwise quiet space. The sleek, high-tech device hovered slightly above the desk, its holographic screen casting a soft blue glow across his face. On the screen was a neatly organized list of classes he had painstakingly selected as priorities. Each one held significant weight in his mind, either for their narrative importance in the novel or their utility in his new life at Valtherion Academy.
The six classes were as follows:
Advance Mana Theory and Applications– A foundational course focusing on the manipulation and theoretical study of mana, often the bedrock of any mage's skillset.
Tactical Combat Strategies– A class designed for warriors and strategists, offering insight into both large-scale battle tactics and close-quarters dueling techniques.
Arcane Engineering– Blending technology and magic, this class delved into creating devices like the Aetheris and Linkpads using mana as a power source.
Beastology and Summoning Arts– Focused on studying and taming magic beasts, a skill crucial for survival outside safe zones and for summoners.
Alchemy and Potion Synthesis– A meticulous study of brewing potions and crafting magical items, a practical skill for any adventurer.
Heroic Ethics and World Affairs– A unique course examining the responsibilities of heroes in society and the political landscape of various nations.
Lucius leaned back in his chair, his eyes closing as he allowed himself a moment of contemplation. Each of these is vital for my growth, he thought, but how much of this should I take advantage of?
His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the chair. Using his foreknowledge from the novel seemed like an obvious advantage, but he knew better than to flaunt it too perfectly. The professors at Valtherion were sharp, almost unnervingly so. If he excelled too much or seemed too prepared, it might raise questions—questions he didn't want to answer. And then there was the added danger of future events. If he stood out too much, he risked becoming a prime suspect or even a scapegoat when things inevitably went wrong.
Letting out a low sigh, Lucius stood up from the chair, pacing across the room toward the nightstand beside his bed. His gaze fell on the floating white lily flower resting in a glass container, its petals shimmering faintly with a soft, otherworldly light. He stared at it for a long moment, memories of the second phase of the admission tournament resurfacing.
"That was such a hassle," he muttered under his breath. Securing the flower had been far from easy, especially given Elandrialith's wariness. She had been cautious, guarded, and he'd had to tread carefully to gain her trust. He was lucky to have snagged the flower before the simulation ended, and even luckier that Elandrialith hadn't fought him for it.
But her words still echoed in his mind: "The real me… would've really been interested with you."
The guilt that he had buried deep clawed at his chest. Watching her dissolve into simulated mana particles had been harder than he'd expected. He didn't have the luxury of getting too attached to anyone in this world, but moments like that made it difficult to stick to his resolve. He shook his head and spoke aloud, as if to convince himself, "I can't let this get to me. I like the characters in this story, sure. But when it comes down to it, I have to make sure the story plays out the way it's supposed to. Even if it means…"
His voice trailed off, the unspoken words heavy in the air.
After a moment of hesitation, Lucius reached out and picked up the white lily flower. Its weight was surprisingly light in his hand, its glow steady yet calming. Before he could get lost in thought again, the system materialized in front of him, its familiar blue interface shining brightly.
System Altert
Item Detected: [White Lily of Elandrialith] This unique item contains condensed mana and latent traits of the Guardian Of The Lake. Consuming this item will provide the following effects:
• Stat Boost: Increased mana reserves, enhanced perception, and boosted vitality.
• Skill Growth: Minor improvement to mana control and proficiency in water-based magic.
• New Trait: [Serenity's Embrace] – Grants temporary immunity to emotional interference and minor resistance to mental attacks.
Do you wish to consume [White Lily of Elandrialith]?
[Confirm] [Cancel]
Lucius's eyes lingered on the screen. He glanced back at the Irisnext Linkpad on his desk, its display still glowing faintly, before looking down at the flower in his hand. With a deep breath, he selected [Confirm].
The flower began to glow brighter, its form dissolving into particles of pure white light. The particles swirled around him, their warmth seeping into his body as they slowly fused with his being. A strange, tingling sensation spread through him, and he felt his mana reserves expand, his senses sharpening as if a fog had lifted from his mind.
When the last particle had vanished, the system screen appeared again.
System Update
Boosts Applied Successfully!
Current Stats:
• Mana: +20%
• Perception: +10%
• Vitality: +15%
Skill Levels Improved:
• Mana Control: Intermediate → Advanced
• Water Magic Proficiency: Basic → Intermediate
New Trait Unlocked:
• [Serenity's Embrace]: In moments of intense stress or emotion, your mind will remain clear and focused. Resistance to mental and emotional manipulation increased.
Lucius couldn't help but grin as he read through the updates. The feeling of power coursing through his veins was undeniable, and for the first time in a while, he felt a small measure of control over his situation. He glanced down at his Aetheris, which now displayed the countdown to the third phase of the admission tournament: one day.
"Well," he muttered, leaning back against his desk, "if nothing else, I feel more or less ready for whatever's coming."