Cruzer barely managed to get to the academy, his combat uniform torn and unkempt from the battle with the wolves and goblins, and scavenging for the Ice Phoenix hatchlings. As he walked through the hallways, the other students noticed him.
Some students glanced at him with understanding, recognizing the toll of his efforts. However, those from various clans looked at him with disdain, their expressions full of contempt.
Among them were those who knew of his spat with Ichinose Rin and couldn't help but mock him.
"Look at him, thinking he's some kind of hero coming from battle with that dirty combat suit," one student muttered.
"He probably wants to get pity points from Lady Rin," another sneered.
"Hmph, this dirty dog wants to be near Lady Rin; he must be dreaming," a third added with a mocking laugh.
"It's a good thing Lady Rin broke her connection with him. He was probably taking advantage of her kindness," a girl said with a disdainful tone.
"Yeah, you're probably right. People like him latch onto richer and stronger people for their benefits only," someone else chimed in.
Cruzer clenched his fists, his exhaustion mixing with frustration. He wanted nothing more than to go over and shut these people's mouths, but he was clear about his situation. No matter what he said, these people wouldn't believe him.
The only thing he could do was not let their words get to him. He was a person with a system now, a system that would enable him to reach peaks that most people in this academy could never imagine.
He then sat down and focused on the system panel.
"System," he whispered under his breath, "what's the deal with the skill points? I got them at level 5 instead of level 10, and they were doubled."
The system's voice responded in his mind, calm and precise. "This is a bonus from awakening your hidden talent. Your achievements during the mission and the activation of your hidden talent have provided you with additional benefits, including early and doubled skill points."
As soon as he heard this, he suddenly felt refreshed and clenched his fist. All the frustration from the students gossiping about him melted away as he now knew that he would have stronger skills in the same tier, receiving double the skill points with half the level.
Cruzer felt a surge of determination. This hidden talent he had awakened, along with the system, was already proving to be invaluable. He needed to use these advantages wisely.
He decided to allocate the skill points and attribute points. He first decided to level up his Fireball skill.
"System, I want to level up the Fireball skill," he commanded.
The system acknowledged his request and replied, "Do you want to spend 4 skill points to level Fireball to level 5?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Fireball skill upgraded to level 5. Current skill effect: Creates a medium-sized explosive flame, dealing increased damage."
"Add the remaining points to Sparkle," he said. Sparkle was upgraded to level 6.
Next, he focused on his attribute points. He needed a balanced approach to enhance his overall capabilities.
"System, allocate attributes as well.
The system complied, and he felt a rush of energy as his attributes increased.
Attribute Panel:
Level: 5
HP: 260 (+40)
MP: 160 (+20)
STR: 27 (+3)
AGT: 21 (+2)
INT: 17 (+1)
WIL: 21 (+2)
END: 23 (+2)
Skills:
Fury Cutter: A powerful sword technique that enhances attack damage.
Sword Barrage: A rapid series of sword strikes that overwhelm opponents.
Sparkle Level 6: A basic lightning spell that creates a streak of light capable of paralyzing low-level enemies.
Fireball Level 5: A medium-sized explosive flame that deals increased damage.Heal Level 3: A minor healing spell to recover small amounts of HP.
Feeling empowered by his new gains, Cruzer made his way to the training center, where almost all the students were gathered. He noticed Rin and Alisha there as well, but they didn't even take a glance at him. Their indifference hurt his feelings, making him wonder if power was so precious that even the bonds people shared didn't matter in front of it.
As students began to gather, two instructors made their way to the training room.
The first was a tall, well-built man with short blond hair and piercing blue eyes, with a scar running down his eye. His skin was tanned, and his features were chiseled, giving him a statuesque appearance. He had the bearing of a seasoned warrior, with broad shoulders and a strong, commanding presence. His movements were precise and confident, each step resonating with a quiet authority. The faint scars on his forearms hinted at countless battles fought and won, and his stance exuded a readiness for combat at any moment.
His name was Adrian Vanek, once a member of the adventurer guild and was quite a famous one as well. He had to retire from his line of work beacuse he received an arrow on his knee.
The second instructor was a young woman in her twenties with a delicate and beautiful appearance. Her long black hair was tied into a neat ponytail that swayed gracefully as she moved. Her skin was a smooth, light olive tone, and her sharp, angular features gave her a regal look.
High cheekbones framed her intense, almond-shaped eyes, which seemed to scan the room with keen interest and a hint of scrutiny. Her slender yet athletic build suggested both agility and strength, and she carried herself with an air of authority that commanded immediate respect.
Her expression was calm and composed, but her gaze held a fierce intensity, suggesting she was not one to be trifled with.
Together, they cut an imposing figure at the front of the room, their presence alone enough to quiet the murmurs of the gathered students.
The female instructor, named Tachibana Mei, stepped forward. "From now on, you will be segregated according to your talent levels. This will allow us to provide tailored training programs to achieve maximum efficiency. But first, we need to recheck your talents."
She gestured to a white mystic ball connected to a white pedestal at the center of the room. "Each of you will place your hand on this mystic ball. It is believed to be connected to the leylines of the world and will accurately gauge your talent level."
One by one, the students lined up according to their perceived talent levels. Cruzer took his place in line, his mind focused on the task at hand.