" That will be it for today. From now on, various tests and combat sessions will be conducted weekly. I advise you to give it your all," Professor Rebecca continued, her tone carrying an edge of authority. "You've had a month to adjust, to understand the academy's expectations, and now the real evaluations begin."
The room grew silent, the weight of her words settling over the students. Some shifted nervously in their seats, while others, like Leon and Aria, remained composed, their confidence unwavering.
Professor Rebecca glanced at the clock before addressing the class again. " Your first major challenge will be —a dungeon dive."
The tension in the room instantly spiked. Whispers erupted among the students, some excited, others anxious.
"Dungeon dive?" one student near the back murmured to his friend. "Already? We're barely out of the introductory phase."
"Quiet," Professor Rebecca commanded, her violet eyes narrowing. "Yes, a dungeon dive. It will not be a simple test. It will evaluate your combat prowess, strategic thinking, and resourcefulness. Dungeons are unpredictable, and while this one has been designated for first-years, do not underestimate it."
She took a step forward, her presence commanding every student's attention. " Your task will be to navigate the dungeon, overcome its obstacles, and kill the boss monster. Also their's a hidden reward. Whoever finds it keeps it. It can be a artifact or a skil. Success and failure will impact your rankings.
Professor Rebecca's gaze swept over the room one final time. "You have three days to prepare. Use this time wisely."
She moved out of the class as she finished.As the students filed out, the air buzzed with excitement and trepidation. The first real challenge of their academy life awaited them—a test that would separate the strong from the weak, and perhaps, begin to unravel the destinies of those who dared to walk the path of power.
After all, the first incident is going to occur which will show that even the best academy is not impenetrable.
.....
One month has passed since I came to this world.
I have already settled into this new life, though it still feels surreal at times. A world I once read about in the pages of a novel is now my reality.
In this past month, two things have consumed my time and attention.
The first was training.
Most of my waking hours were spent honing my body and mind. I had no choice—this world was dangerous, and I was far from the strongest. If I wanted to survive, let alone thrive, I needed to push myself beyond my limits.
Each day began at dawn, with a grueling regimen of physical conditioning—strength, agility, and endurance. I ran through the academy training fields, practiced swordsmanship, and sometimes even sparred with Leon though I never won from him but the fight helped me in my growth so it was worth it. Sometimes my muscles ached, my body protested, but I ignored the pain. It was necessary. Pain meant that I was progressing.
However, if I had to say where I've made the most progress, it would be mana manipulation.
In the beginning, my control over mana was practically nonexistent or instinctual would be right word to say. Compared to the other students who trained from post academy in the art of channeling and controlling mana—I was a complete novice. I lacked the finesse, the precision, and the understanding of its flow.
But necessity is a powerful teacher.
I knew that without proper mana control, I would be nothing more than a target in this world of magic and power. So, I focused on it relentlessly. Every spare moment outside of physical training was spent refining my ability to manipulate mana.
Now, after a month, my mana manipulation is far from perfect, but it's no longer a weaknesses.
I can feel the difference in combat—my attacks are faster, my movements sharper, and my endurance higher. Each fight, each training session, brings me closer to mastery.
And I know this is only the beginning.
If I continue to grow at this pace, it won't be long before my spells becomes my greatest weapon.
The second thing I've made significant progress in is my bond with my sister and family.
Yes, if before I had any reservations about calling them my family, now there's no hesitation. No doubts. In fact, I've grown comfortable with it—something I never thought possible when I first woke up in this world.
Though, I have to say... the old Ray? He was a lucky and fucking idiotic bastard.
I mean, seriously—who in their right mind would neglect a family like this?
A big sister like Celestia... and a family that most could only dream of.
I've only had three or four conversations with my new parents so far, but even in those brief moments, one thing is clear—they love their child deeply.
They didn't bombard me with questions or skepticism when I suddenly awakened three elemental affinities, something unheard of. They didn't demand an explanation, nor did they show suspicion.
Their first concern? "Are you okay?"
Not power, not status—just me.
You can understand a lot from that, right?
Their love is genuine, and I didn't need years to feel it. It's in their words, their actions, and even in the quiet moments when they simply check on me, expecting nothing in return.
It's… different. A warmth I hadn't felt in a long time, maybe ever.
The old Ray may have been blind to it, but I can see it clearly now. And I won't take it for granted.
My resolve hardening for what I was going to do next as i remembered them. I am not alone...not anymore I had family here.
Two days ago, I broke through to E+ rank.
The moment it happened, the familiar chime of the system echoed in my mind—a cold, mechanical voice that I had grown accustomed to.
[Congratulations for rank enhancement. You are now eligible to access the second labyrinth.]
The message was clear. I was ready.
Since then, every hour, every moment, has been spent preparing to enter the chamber of the second labyrinth. Unlike the first, this one wouldn't be a simple walk.
The system had already warned me:
"You could die there if you are not careful."
A simple statement, but one that carried immense weight. Yet, it didn't matter.
The Labyrinths of the Apex were more than just trials—they were gateways to power. Power that I need. Power that could tip the scales in my favor in this world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
There was no hesitation, no second-guessing my decision to step into a place that could kill me. Actually why would there be?
This entire world is dangerous if you are weak.
And being weak...
That was a feeling I hated to my very core.
Weakness meant vulnerability. It meant being at the mercy of others, unable to protect myself or those I care about. I had been weak before—helpless in a life that offered no second chances.
Not this time.
This time, I'll walk into the Labyrinth, face whatever it throws at me, and come out stronger.
Because in this world, strength is the only language that matters. And I intend to speak it fluently.
"System, open the portal," I ordered, my voice tinged with determination.
*Whirrr Whirrr
A shimmering blue vortex materialized before me, swirling with raw energy, a gateway connecting to the unknown.
I took a deep breath, my hand tightening on the hilt of my sword tied to my waist. I mentally checked my supplies. Most of the essentials I'd need for the Labyrinth were already packed—
Potions for healing and mana recovery, food and water for sustainability, a dagger if something unexpected occurs with my weapon. Everything was of the very best quality, sometimes having a rich family helps.
Time flowed differently there. 1 day here is equivalent to 3 days there. That was a good thing atleast.
[Entering the Labyrinth Of The Apex] the system chimed.
With one final glance behind me, I stepped through the portal.
The air shifted instantly. The warmth of the academy was replaced by the cold, oppressive aura of the Labyrinth.
"Ugh," I groaned, my body hitting the cold, unforgiving stone floor of the labyrinth.
"At least tell me it's not connected to the ground..."
The system's responsded :
[...Yes, it is.]
I lay there for a moment, the dull ache in my back a reminder of how gracefully I had entered.
"Why do I feel like you enjoyed that?" I muttered, glaring at the empty space as if the system had a smug expression.
[I don't waste my precious emotions on such things.]
I sighed, dragging myself to my feet. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."
The system didn't respond this time, but I could swear the silence felt a little too smug.
Moving my head, I took in the sight before me, lingering for a moment. The forest was dark and eerie, shrouded in an unnatural silence. The obsidian-black trees stood tall like skeletal sentinels, their branches bare, void of a single leaf.
Deep, jagged claw marks marred their trunks—wide and ominous, as if something monstrous had passed through.
A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
As I stood there, the system's voice chimed in once again.
[Welcome to the Second Labyrinth : The Forest Of Dread]
[Kill all the monsters in the forest to ascend the next phase.]
As soon as the system finished, my senses flared, ringing like an alarm—danger closing in like a shadow. Without a second thought, I pivoted sharply and dashed towards the right, rolling across the cold, rough ground.
Whoosh
A dark black slash, crackling with ominous energy, sliced through the air where I had stood just a moment ago, colliding with a nearby tree. The impact splintered the obsidian bark, leaving a deep, smoldering gash.
"Oh, fuck you," I muttered under my breath, my heart pounding.
I wasn't sure if I was addressing the system or the unseen entity or maybe entities now looming ahead, hidden in the eerie darkness. My eyes scanned the shadows, trying to catch a glimpse of my attacker.
As if angry that his prey survived a low, guttural growl echoed from the shadows.
"Great... just my luck, facing multiples from the beginning" I whispered, drawing my weapon and preparing for whatever was coming next.