The sky above the academy was clear as Leonhardt casually made his way toward the dormitory.
After an exhausting basic training session, his thoughts were more focused on how to strengthen himself and further understand the System Window, rather than on the mockery or negative comments from other students.
Leonhardt didn't care about the whispers or the scornful looks directed his way. To Leonhardt, they were insignificant.
"These people can say whatever they want," he thought, unconcerned about what was happening around him.
"I'll keep doing what needs to be done."
As he crossed the academy courtyard, some students who recognized him began whispering and laughing about his reputation. Leonhardt could hear them, but he chose to ignore it.
The disdainful looks and taunts had become routine for him. But as always, none of it mattered to Leonhardt.
"Ainsworth, still causing trouble?" a student shouted from a distance, a mocking grin on his face.
Leonhardt shrugged, unfazed.
"Say whatever you want," he muttered, continuing to walk without breaking stride. "I've got more important things to do."
Although slightly irritated, Leonhardt knew it was pointless to respond. Nothing he said would change their opinion. Besides, Leonhardt didn't care. They had no impact on his goals at the academy.
As he neared the dorm, a group of noble students approached him. Leading them was a blond-haired student who walked with a sense of entitlement. Their uniforms were luxurious, clearly indicating their high social status.
"Ainsworth!" The blond student's voice boomed, trying to get Leonhardt's attention.
Leonhardt merely glanced over, showing little interest.
"You think just because you're a marquis's son, you can do whatever you want here?" the blond student asked, his face twisted in a sneer.
Leonhardt sighed, feeling no need to waste time responding. He continued walking, trying to pass them without a word.
"Hey! I'm talking to you!" the blond student's voice rose, annoyed at being ignored.
"Are you deaf, or just a coward?"
Leonhardt paused briefly, then turned to the student with a calm, indifferent expression.
"I don't have time for this," he said quietly but firmly. "If you want to show off, find someone else."
The blond student hesitated for a moment, then let out a small, derisive laugh.
"You're still the same, Ainsworth. A bastard who relies on his family's status."
Leonhardt offered no further response and tried to continue walking, but the group blocked his path.
"You may not care now," the blond student continued, "but remember, here, no one cares about your status. Everyone is judged by their strength, and from what I've seen... you're nothing."
Leonhardt merely shrugged again.
"Maybe," he replied, his tone indifferent.
"But I don't have time to think about your words. It's a waste of time."
The blond student grew angrier, his face reddening from being dismissed.
"How dare you talk to me like that!"
Before the situation could escalate, a familiar voice broke the tension.
"Is there a problem here?" Reinhard Arkwright's calm yet firm voice made the atmosphere ease slightly.
Leonhardt turned and saw Reinhard approaching with a small smile on his face.
"You should all know," Reinhard said to the noble students, "at this academy, what's important is how you train and prove your strength, not by bothering others."
The blond student hissed, clearly annoyed by Reinhard's intervention, but he didn't want to push the issue further.
"You're lucky, Ainsworth. But this isn't over." With a tone full of menace, the blond student turned and walked away with his group.
Leonhardt sighed, not giving much thought to their threats.
"They take themselves too seriously," he muttered with a small smile, a little annoyed that his time had been wasted.
Reinhard patted him on the shoulder.
"You never change, do you? No matter what they say, you always stay indifferent."
Leonhardt nodded casually.
"There's nothing I can do about it. If they want to talk, let them.
Reinhard chuckled.
"I like your attitude, Leonhardt. They'll stop once you prove yourself. People like them won't care as long as you show you have what it takes."
Leonhardt didn't say much in return, only nodding slightly. He knew Reinhard was right, but proving himself wouldn't be easy. He needed more strength, and right now, the System Window was the only tool that could help him.
After Reinhard left, Leonhardt opened the System Window again, checking if there were any new quests he could complete.
[QUEST AVAILABLE]
Quest: Advanced Magic Training
Description: Participate in advanced magic training and learn basic defensive techniques using the Mana Shield
Reward: 100 XP, 20 Gold Coins
"Advanced magic training," Leonhardt muttered. "This is a chance to deepen my understanding of using the Mana Shield."
He closed the System Window and headed toward the training grounds. He didn't care about what others said.
What mattered was using the System Window to its fullest to grow stronger. Strength was the only thing that mattered in this academy, and Leonhardt knew he had to focus on what truly counted surviving and becoming more powerful.
"I don't have time for nonsense," he thought. "I'm here to learn and become stronger."