Chapter 16 - Chapter 15: Another Returner

Sophie bustled in, a whirlwind of determination, and unceremoniously ushered Abraham out. Jack, still shaky from his ordeal, needed rest and a proper meal. Sophie declared, her voice firm, that Jack's routine wouldn't be further disrupted. Their duty, to inform him of the crucial matters, was complete.Alone in his room, Jack settled onto his bed and reexamined the cryptic notification that had appeared before his world went dark.System Notification:You have earned experience that the system cannot process. The experience will be reserved. It will be used once the initialization is complete. Initialization time: 76 days 13 hours 40 minutes 21 seconds.Experience before a system reset? Jack furrowed his brow. Could this be a way to gain an edge? By stockpiling this "reserved experience," perhaps he could level up and surpass his peers. Further fueling his hope, the initialization date coincided with his tenth birthday – the day of the awakening ceremony. He clung to the belief that the experience would benefit him then.But how to acquire more? Jack's weak body was ill-suited for combat. The Four-Horned Boar had nearly been his undoing, and the near-death encounter with the Cavernwraith solidified his limitations.Cavernwraiths were Crusader-ranked monsters, albeit lower-tier than Principal Meinhard's. Even so, it took five Warriors of similar rank to subdue one. Such beings, both human and monstrous, exuded an aura, a crushing pressure that could rupture internal organs. Abraham had explained that a Herald wouldn't be significantly affected, but Jack was a mere boy. Luckily, the teachers intervened before the Cavernwraith could get too close.Jack yearned for practice, acutely aware of his weakness. Crafting items – the path of an Artificer – presented a potential avenue for gaining experience. He spent the rest of the day poring over the system's item list, realizing that most Herald-rank items lacked complex crafting requirements. Forging seemed the most common method.With a rudimentary plan to scout the school forges, Jack drifted to sleep as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange.The next day, Jack's journey to class was abruptly halted at the school gate. Principal Meinhard, his expression unreadable, awaited him. Jack was ushered to the principal's office, his appearance mirroring Abraham's exhaustion – eyes heavy with fatigue. He slumped into a chair, awaiting the principal's words.As always, Meinhard offered him a steaming cup of mana tea, a welcome respite from the lingering aftereffects of the medicine and therapy. Jack felt sluggish ever since his awakening."There are stirrings within the Corvus," Meinhard began, his voice low. "Moving forward, I will intensify your training. We will delve into the arts of the Nightblade and the Arcanist. You, Jack, will become the ace in the storm brewing beneath Oxdale."Jack eyed Principal Meinhard with a growing suspicion. The principal's cryptic words about the Corvus and the Nightblade during their previous meetings had already planted a seed of doubt. Today's conversation only solidified it."The real problem," Jack said, his voice tight, "is whether I'll even be alive to enjoy that education."Meinhard's normally jovial expression turned grim. "The Corvus's servitude powers are potent, but it wouldn't be wise to underestimate the enemy. I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe.""But why me? Why am I the chosen one?" Jack demanded, frustration lacing his voice.Meinhard stroked his chin, a faint stubble betraying his earlier clean-shaven appearance. "Think of yourself as a graduate of Rolerra Academy. Your performance against the Four-Horned Boar was a testament to your potential. It's my duty to ensure you reach your full potential."Jack scoffed. "Graduated? Because of that Four-horned Boar?"Meinhard chuckled humorlessly. "For an unawakened student like most of Rolerra's students, a three-minute stand against the boar is a standard test. You had to think strategically, exploit weaknesses, anything to survive. Complete the test and you are considered to be well-trained enough for further curriculum. Remember, your true potential will only be revealed after the awakening ceremony. Ah yes, your outstanding performance reminds me of our deal."A flicker of hope sparked in Jack's eyes. "There's another Returner?""Ah, Charlotte Allison," Meinhard confirmed. "She transferred from the intermediate class to the prodigious class at the Imperial Academy of Ovetin within two weeks of awakening. Even the Emperor himself took notice of this meteoric rise. Based on our initial discussion, Charlotte might be another returner like you."A pang of disappointment stabbed at Jack. He'd hoped the other returner might be someone he knew. Still, this was a valuable lead, a stepping stone towards his true purpose."And you want me to infiltrate the Imperial Academy?" Jack asked, suspicion replacing his earlier hope."If anyone can do it, it's you," Meinhard said. "However, your path won't be straightforward. Charlotte already established herself at the Academy, proving her abilities from a young age. Unlike her, you'll need to fight for recognition, for your very chance to reach Ovetin."Jack clenched his fists, a familiar bitterness rising in his throat. He knew the principal was right. Success was a cruel equation: raw talent, powerful backing, and a dollop of luck. A commoner like him had a mountain to climb. A spark of talent could be snuffed out without the right fuel, and even the most determined spirit could break under the weight of misfortune. Jack, despite his low magic index, had a spark of talent, but the window of opportunity was closing fast. He had no choice but to take it one step at a time. His immediate challenge: the National Academy of Kosine in Omnivell."After the awakening ceremony," Meinhard continued, "if your abilities impress them, Kosine will offer you a special entrance exam. They'll take you under their wing if you pass.""Special entrance exam?" Jack repeated. "Is there more to this than meets the eye?"Meinhard's smile returned, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "There are always assessments, Jack. You'll need to excel at everything if you want to secure a place at Ovetin."Jack forced a grimace. "Great. Talk about a confidence booster."Meinhard chuckled. "Don't worry, I see the determination flickering in your eyes."Jack fought back a grin. He couldn't deny a thrill coursed through him. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but the prospect of uncovering the truth about himself and the other returner fueled his resolve. It was time to take the first step on a journey that could change everything.Jack rose from his chair, the principal's polished mahogany desk gleaming beneath the ornately carved ceiling of the office. "So," he began, his voice laced with a hint of anticipation, "the top performers in the assessment get placed in the esteemed Prodigies' Class, is that right?"Meinhard leaned back in his cushioned chair. "Indeed, Jack," he affirmed, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "And there are also introductory letters, paperwork to do. But you don't need to worry about that."Jack nodded. "Excellent. Now, about that upcoming study schedule..."The two delved into crafting a rigorous training plan, their voices a low murmur punctuated by the rhythmic scratching of quill on parchment. As Jack reached for the doorknob, a thought struck him."By the way," he inquired, leaning against the doorframe, "is there a decent forge in Oxdale?"A hint of amusement danced in Meinhard's eyes. "Sword in the Forge," he replied with a chuckle.Jack couldn't suppress a grin at the name's blatant simplicity. "Do they take apprentices?""Aye, but the owner, Bastian, is a gruff old codger. Even I have trouble stomaching him at times."Jack appreciated the principal's honesty and lack of interference. Perhaps Meinhard understood that Jack's path was his own to forge.Stepping out of the office, Jack collided with a broad figure striding towards him. It was Patrick Hensley, a smirk plastered across his face, flanked by his imposing father, Arnold."Father," Patrick drawled, pointing a finger at Jack, "that's the Harper kid."Arnold, a man whose imposing physique mirrored his booming voice, took a menacing step forward. His neatly combed gray hair and upturned mustache formed a facade of friendliness. He extended a hand towards Jack.Jack met it with a cool nod."Jack," Arnold boomed, his voice laced with a saccharine sweetness, "what a pleasant surprise! I vividly recall the day your family adopted you. Why, I even held you in my arms."Jack fought back a grimace. The memory remained stubbornly blank. "Honestly, sir," he said, a tight smile plastered on his face, "I don't remember that.""No worries at all, my boy!" Arnold boomed, his laughter echoing in the hallway. "Today, I'm taking Patrick here to apologize for the unfortunate incident between you two. My sincerest apologies for my son's behavior."Jack offered a curt nod. "It's no big deal, Mr. Hensley. Just a childish scuffle, nothing more."Arnold's features softened further, his arms spreading wide in a display of forced joviality. "Quite mature for your age, aren't you?""Just hoping you won't lecture me the next time we meet, Mr. Hensley," Jack countered, his voice dripping with veiled sarcasm.Arnold's hand, resting on Jack's shoulder, tightened momentarily. "Of course not," he chuckled heartily, a touch too loudly. "In fact, perhaps I could trouble you to look after Patrick for me sometime?"A surge of foreign energy coursed through Jack's body, sending him reeling. The world tilted, and he crashed to the floor, his vision blurring. A wave of nausea washed over him as his body convulsed, his struggles muffled by the echoing laughter of Arnold and Patrick fading down the hallway.Sweat soaked his clothes, his body trembling uncontrollably. It took an agonizingly long time for the pain to subside, leaving him drained and humiliated."Damn the Hensleys," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "The son wouldn't be enough, it seems."He hauled himself upright, gathered his scattered belongings, and forced himself back