Diluc stepped out of the hospital room and into the bustling halls of Aetherion Academy, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The echoes of students chatting filled the corridor, and he could see young cadets hurrying to their classes, each one brimming with potential. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, a sense of uncertainty weighed on him. He had only seven days until the upcoming exam, and every moment counted.
He needed to decide on his department. The academy offered a variety of paths: the Knight Department, Mage Department, Alchemist Department, Military Strategy, Healers, and several others. Each choice carried its own significance. Alchemy could lead to profitable ventures, while the other departments could secure influential positions within noble families.
As he walked, thoughts swirled in his mind, making it hard to focus. Should he choose the Alchemist Department to learn potion-making? That seemed practical. Yet, the allure of becoming a knight, with its prestige and respect, tugged at him. The realization struck him again—he was an orphan adopted by the Ashborne family, and although he had hazy memories of his past, he longed to carve out his own path.
I let out a frustrated sigh. "Why do I have this system? Is it really just like those novels I used to read when I was sick?"
But the system didn't respond. There were no answers, no guidance. Only this quest to reach Rank 8 lingered, with the promise of a reward.
Suddenly, the blue screen flickered once more, and a new quest appeared before me.
⟦ New Quest: Reach Rank 8 ⟧
Objective: Advance to Rank 8 by the end of the first semester.
Reward: Mind's Eye Technique – A unique skill that allows the user to train and master techniques within a mental space. 1 hour in the real world equals 20 hours in this space. The user's mental mastery of a technique increases, although the body must still catch up.
The Mind's Eye Technique… The concept was mind-blowing. If I could train in a space where time moved at a slower pace, I could essentially gain days' worth of training in just a few hours. It could help bridge the gap between me and the other cadets. But I wouldn't get this ability until I reached Rank 8.
I needed to grow stronger fast. Not just for the upcoming exam but to unlock the potential hidden within me.
There was no time to waste. With the exam looming, I rushed back to my room with my books and spear. The library had provided everything I needed to start learning the basics of the spear and the cultivation manuals for ki and mana.
The cultivation manuals explained that the dual cultivation system was key to maximizing one's strength. Mana rings formed around the heart, allowing for increased magical capacity, while ki resonated with the energy around us, pooling within the body and strengthening it. By training both together, one could grow both physically and magically.
But first, I needed to practice the spear. I'd start with simple stances and thrusts, then work my way up to more advanced techniques. With each passing day, I'd push myself harder, knowing that the exam would soon be upon me.
The Mind's Eye was a tempting reward, but it was far away, locked behind the barrier of Rank 8. For now, I had to rely on hard work and determination. The road ahead was going to be long and difficult, but if I wanted to survive in this academy—and find out the secrets of this system—I had no other choice.
As I gripped the spear tightly, I steeled myself for what was to come.
With the pressing need to decide on his future, he steered his thoughts back to the academy's library. As a new cadet, he was allowed access to the first floor only. He knew it housed a plethora of books—guides written by experienced individuals combining their knowledge and theories. He hoped to find something that would help him refine his weapon skills and learn cultivation methods for both ki and mana.
Once he reached the library, the scent of old parchment filled his nostrils. Rows upon rows of bookshelves towered above him, each shelf filled with tomes containing invaluable wisdom. He made his way to the weaponry section, scanning the titles eagerly.
"What weapon should I choose?" he pondered, narrowing down his options to swords, spears, gauntlets, and daggers.
Swords were powerful and versatile but required significant skill and time to master. Daggers and gauntlets were effective for close combat, but he doubted he could develop that expertise in just a week. On the other hand, the spear seemed like a viable choice. It allowed for safe distance during combat and could be mastered relatively quickly with his talent.
As he continued to explore, he recalled the cultivation manual he had read earlier, which explained how ki and mana could be combined. Ki strengthened the body, while mana could be utilized to form rings on the heart, enhancing magical abilities. The idea of resonating with the surrounding ki to increase his ki pool fascinated him.
After hours of searching, he finally settled on a few skill books. Satisfied, he made his way to the administrative department to collect the resources he needed: potions, herbs, and a spear.
"Hello, young cadet!" a friendly voice greeted him as he approached the counter. An elderly man with spectacles looked up from behind the desk. "What can I assist you with today?"
Diluc swallowed his nerves. "I'd like to collect some supplies for my training."
The man nodded, gathering various items and handing them over to Diluc. "Here you go. Remember, every bit of practice counts toward your growth. You have an exam in seven days, don't you?"
"Yes, sir," Diluc replied, his determination reigniting. "I want to prepare as much as possible."
"Good mindset! Focus on your strengths, and don't hesitate to seek help from your instructors if you need it."
As he left the administrative office, the weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders. He had a quest from the system—to reach Rank 8 before the exam. The reward for accomplishing this goal would be a special technique that allowed him to train other skills within his mind. He could envision it now: one hour in the real world equating to twenty hours in a special training space. Mastery might increase in his mind, although his body would still need to catch up.
"Why do I have a system like the novels I read?" he mused aloud. The thought intrigued him, but he quickly dismissed it. This was not the time for distractions. He needed to focus on his training and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Returning to his room, he settled in and began to study the skills he had chosen. With each turn of the page, knowledge flowed into him, igniting his desire to master both the spear and the art of combining ki and mana. As the moonlight seeped through the window, casting an ethereal glow over his room, he felt the weight of potential within him, waiting to be unleashed.
In just a week, he would face the test that could define his future at Aetherion Academy. There was no turning back now.
As he practiced, a sense of purpose filled his heart. The path ahead was uncertain, but Diluc was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He was no longer just an orphan—he was Diluc Ashborne, a cadet of Aetherion Academy, and he was determined to forge his own destiny.