[Pinnacle Academy, Main Building - Hallways]
The bell clanged, a harsh end to another day.
Alice's thoughts, as always, drifted to Rel.
The Academy's biggest mystery.
He's smart, always turning in perfect work. But his practical grades? Abysmal.
He was a low-ranked, yet a genius in the arena.
He'd even made it to the semifinals, defying all expectations.
But that was only one thing that made him so unique and special...
It was the way he handed in flawless assignments early, the way he vanished during lectures... was he just naturally brilliant?
Or was there something more to it?
...
...
...
[Flashback: 3rd and 4th Period]
A flicker of mischief danced in Ms. Silvene's eyes.
"Practical time," she announced, "Mana technique demonstrations!"
A hand shot up. "Is there actual combat involved, Ms. Silvene?"
