Inside Spectra, looking around, I could see many students gathered, chatting and making new friends.
Ignoring all of that, I made my way to the training grounds.
One goal was clear in my mind: to earn the 100 points the system had offered through the mission.
It was too tempting to refuse.
I didn't care if I'd lose miserably or leave a bad first impression on Seraphina.
In stories, it was natural for characters transported to another world to want to avoid the main characters, let alone irritate them.
I had planned to do the same, but if there were benefits to be gained, the story would be different.
I needed the points to unlock more abilities.
Survival was the priority.
===
Arriving at the Spectra training grounds, I wasn't too surprised. It was exactly as I had described it in my novel.
The energy of the place immediately caught my attention.
The area was a whirlwind of activity. Since it was still the start of the term, cadets of all levels were dedicating themselves to honing their skills.
Suddenly, my gaze was drawn to one duel in particular, which stood out among the others.
Arthur, with his impeccable posture, was facing Kai, an opponent who commanded respect with his height and muscular build.
Kai's gauntlets, a pair that gleamed metallically under the morning sun, clashed against Arthur's sword in a duel that blended raw strength and refined technique.
"How long do you plan to stay on the defensive?" Kai taunted, his voice filled with challenge.
Arthur, on the other hand, blocked Kai's attacks with ease.
"Don't get too cocky," Arthur replied, pushing Kai back with a smooth sword movement.
'Looks like they're about to take this seriously.'
Away from this scene, in a quieter part of the field, stood Seraphina.
Her solitary fencing practice embodied pure focus. Her red hair followed each of her movements, contrasting with her green eyes that gleamed with determination.
Her swordsmanship was nothing short of exceptional.
'Now that I'm here, watching her train, I feel like I've lost some of the determination I had.'
I watched from a distance, hesitant.
Then, suddenly.
Moved by an impulse I didn't entirely understand myself.
I walked toward her, feeling the urgency to finish this as quickly as possible.
She was alone; none of the other protagonists were nearby. This was my chance to try initiating a challenge.
"Fight me."
My voice came out laced with unintentional arrogance, a byproduct of my nervousness. Do people always mask insecurity with arrogance? Or was it just me trying to hide my own nervousness?
Seraphina's response was a sharp look, sizing me up from head to toe.
"Why would I fight you?"
Her question carried disdain, exactly what I had expected.
"I just want to duel with you."
I tried to correct the tone of my approach, but it was too late.
"…No."
With a single word, she tried to dismiss me.
"Why not?" I insisted, unable to let it go.
"Why should I bother with someone like you?"
I knew I was invading her privacy, but her "someone like you" stung a bit.
I swallowed hard, realizing this conversation wasn't getting us anywhere. So I decided to resort to provocation.
"Pfft! What's wrong? Afraid of losing?"
Her irritation was palpable. But I didn't care anymore; the bad impression had already been made.
Even though I was in a new world and body, I still had my pride.
She stiffened her posture, her eyes flashing not just with focus but with fury. The crowd around us began to notice the tension, and the duel became inevitable.
"Tsk!" She clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed.
Before I could react, Seraphina had already assumed a combat stance, her feet firmly planted on the ground and her gaze sharp, making it clear she was ready to fight right there without hesitation.
As we took our positions, I realized this wasn't just a chance to earn the 100 points promised by the system.
It was an opportunity to discover just how good Evan's abilities truly were.
"Where's your sword?" she asked, raising her blade toward me.
"I don't need it."
Evan's shadow manipulation was far easier to use than I had imagined.
It was much simpler to wield something that naturally became an extension of my body rather than a sword.
"Don't lie. I saw you picking a sword during the weapon selection. How are you planning to fight without it?"
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. After all, I'd already messed everything up.
"I'll knock that arrogance out of you."
Before the fight could begin, Arthur appeared, drawn by the growing crowd. His usual radiant demeanor seemed to brighten the atmosphere.
'What? Is his duel with Kai already over?'
"Hey, what's going on here?" he asked, glancing between the two of us with curiosity.
Seraphina answered without taking her eyes off me.
"This guy here wants a duel. Apparently, he thinks he can beat me without even using a sword."
She had exaggerated a bit—actually, way too much.
Winning, and without a sword? That sounded incredibly arrogant.
I just wanted a duel.
Arthur looked at me, surprised, then smiled.
"I've got to see this. Are you sure about this?"
"Well, I just want to fight," I replied, trying to tone down Seraphina's claim.
Which only seemed to make her even more irritated.
Arthur laughed and stepped back, giving us space for the duel.
"Alright then."
Seraphina raised her sword, her eyes locked onto mine as I prepared to use my shadows.
A hush fell over the crowd as the tension mounted.
"Ready?" I asked, trying to sound confident.
"Always," she replied, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"…"
The fight began with her charging forward, her sword tracing precise arcs through the air.
I countered with my shadow abilities, manifesting black tendrils that coiled around me.
"Clang!"
The shadow tendrils clashed against Seraphina's sword.
It was then that I noticed an abrupt change in her expression.
What had been a confident, challenging posture now gave way to surprise, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of something deeper in her eyes.
"Kling!"
The metallic sound echoed again as my shadow tendrils collided with Seraphina's blade, forcing her to step back.
'I expected my offensive to catch her off guard, but I wasn't prepared for this kind of reaction.'
Seraphina seemed momentarily frozen—not by the attack itself, but by the nature of the shadows I was manipulating.
'Are my powers really that strange?' I wondered.
Her wide eyes were fixed on my shadows, and she hesitated as if trying to process something.
The confusion on her face was evident.
But I didn't give it much thought.
In fact, I tried to take advantage of the moment.
I needed to go all in right from the start.
'Since she doesn't know my abilities, she's probably caught off guard, and that's my small advantage.'
I rushed toward her with everything I had while she remained on the defensive.
====
The training grounds became a stage, and we were quickly surrounded by spectators.
Arthur, Kai, Luna, Derek, and many other cadets—all had their eyes fixed on our fight.
"It doesn't matter what it is… I won't lose to someone like you!" Seraphina exclaimed, reaffirming her stance with renewed confidence.
Suddenly.
In the blink of an eye, she was in front of me.
"Let's see how far your abilities can take you in this duel!"
She was fast. All her years of fencing training were evident in every movement.
I, who had been on the offensive just moments ago, began using my shadows just to try to fend her off.
That was my limit.
'Damn it, what happened to her all of a sudden?'
Just a minute ago, she wasn't even counterattacking.
I had no idea what had caused this sudden change.
Suddenly, Seraphina stepped back from me and focused on something.
Her sword began to glow with a red aura surrounding it.
It was an aura sword.
A cold sweat ran down my spine.
I wouldn't expect anything less from one of the main characters in my novel.
But she was taking this too seriously—far too much for a simple duel.
I tried to keep my distance, but in the blink of an eye, Seraphina closed in on me again. Firmly wielding her sword, she unleashed a series of attacks in my direction.
"Aren't they taking this a little too seriously?" Kai asked Arthur, who stood beside him.
"I think we should stop them," Arthur replied.
…
I, on the other hand, could barely block Seraphina's attacks with her aura sword.
I was trying to find an opening, even though I knew victory was a distant hope.
The energy from her aura sword cut through the air with every strike.
The red light surrounding her blade wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a tangible manifestation of her determination and years of refined skill.
My shadows, though formidable, struggled to compete with Seraphina's speed and precision.
This was a wall that a writer like me couldn't simply leap over.
I kept manipulating the shadows to solidify into tentacles, trying to intercept and deflect the attacks, but the aura around Seraphina's sword sliced through them as if they were mere mist.
"Don't you think you're overdoing it a little?" I said, trying to sound confident as I dodged another strike.
Seraphina didn't respond immediately, focused on her next attack. When she finally spoke, her voice was filled with determination.
"Overdoing it? This is just the beginning. Don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're without a sword."
'Is she crazy?'
A particularly fast strike almost caught me off guard while I was thinking, but I managed to dodge at the last second, feeling the heat of the aura pass dangerously close to my skin.
'There's no way—she's completely lost it.'
My heart raced, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I desperately searched for a way to counterattack.
"You're really not holding back, are you…" I murmured to myself.
'I need a new strategy.'
While I thought of something, I manipulated my shadows, trying to create barriers and tendrils to deflect her attacks as Seraphina advanced without hesitation.
"Come on, what happened to your confidence?" she said, taunting me.
Her gaze was fierce and determined.
I knew I needed to respond in kind.
I concentrated my energy on the shadows around me, forcing them to gather and form a dense shield in front of me.
Her next thrust collided with it, and to both our surprise, the blow was cushioned, giving me a brief moment to catch my breath.
"I can still keep going a bit longer," I replied, launching a counterattack with the shadows, attempting to ensnare her sword and disarm her.
She agilely retreated, the surprise in her eyes quickly transforming into resolve.
"Finally starting to fight for real."
She said with a faint smile.
'For real? I'm already at my limit.'
Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the training ground disappeared, leaving only the two of us and the sound of our hearts pounding.
The sound of my breathing was loud.
Not much time had passed since the fight began, but I was already at my limit.
"What's the matter? Already tired?" she teased me again, a smug smile on her lips.
Then the unexpected happened.
A subtle vibration, imperceptible to others, preceded the appearance of a translucent window before me, bringing a message from the system that only I could see.
[Mission completed: Duel with Seraphina. +100 points acquired.]
[Points: 155]
▷ An additional 10 points will be awarded for mastery gained in Shadow Manipulation.
[Current Points: 165]
'So I didn't even need to finish the duel?'
An involuntary smile escaped me—not of mockery, but of relief for having completed the mission.
Seraphina, who saw the smile on my face, grumbled.
"Let's see how long you can keep that smile on your face."
It seemed she misunderstood the reason behind my smile.
As she prepared for a second round, I sighed and said:
"I give up!" I declared, ending the confrontation before Seraphina could process the sudden change.
"…What? What do you mean you give up?"
The confusion and irritation in her voice were palpable, but I had already achieved what I wanted.
She was visibly furious, her irritation at my apparent arrogance only growing.
Arthur approached us, trying to ease the tension. After all, that was the kind of person he was.
"That was a good duel, everyone, but I think you didn't need to go this far for a simple match…"
Arthur began with words of appreciation for our skills, but Seraphina cut him off.
"Shut up, Arthur. I have to put this arrogant idiot in his place."
She seemed extremely irritated with me.
I wasted no time and tried to leave the area as quickly as possible.
Seraphina looked ready to explode again at any moment.
"It was good dueling with you," I said to her as I was already walking away.
But her eyes, locked onto me, nearly made me trip. She was truly furious, and I could feel her frustration like a rising wave.
"Did… did that idiot just want to piss me off? Doesn't he have any respect? Who does he think he is?"
She questioned aloud, though to no one in particular, but I could still hear her.
"Tsk!" That bastard.
As I made my way toward the men's locker room, I could hear Seraphina grumbling under her breath, her restrained fury evident.
I needed a moment to reflect on what had just happened and to rest my body.
Even though it had been a short duel, it felt like I had used almost all my energy.
As I walked away, I could still hear the murmurs of the confused crowd and Seraphina's frustrated muttering.
———————————————————————————————————
▷ Grilled Chicken with Special Herbs – 80 Ƶ
▷ Fortifying Vegetable Soup – 70 Ƶ
▷ Steak with Wine Sauce and Sides – 100 Ƶ
▷ Energy Salad with Exotic Fruits – 90 Ƶ
'Why am I not surprised?'
Evan was taking a shower, letting the hot water relax his tense muscles and wash away the sweat from his body.
"I really did that."
He murmured to himself, as if still processing what had happened.
He had just dueled Seraphina, one of the first-year students with great potential at Spectra.
Her fame wasn't just because of her skills; Seraphina came from an old and respected aristocratic family with a long history of prominence in the world.
'And what was that earlier?'
Evan wondered, still trying to make sense of her reaction.
He had expected Seraphina to be surprised by his abilities, but her expression seemed more like shock, as if she had seen a ghost.
Drying himself off and finishing his shower, Evan dressed in the uniform he had prepared beforehand and headed straight for the cafeteria.
It was almost lunchtime, and he needed a quick meal before heading to his part-time job.
The clock read 11:50.
The Spectra cafeteria was spacious and well-organized, though it wasn't as crowded as Evan had expected it to be.
Many students from wealthy families avoided the standard cafeteria, opting for private dining areas in prestigious zones or even receiving personalized meals, which reduced the hustle and bustle of the place.
As he approached the line, Evan observed Spectra's meal system.
He noticed that the cafeteria offered two main options: basic meals, which were free for everyone, and special meals, which required payment in the local currency, the Zén (Ƶ).
The Zén was the official currency of this world, having gained significant value—more than the dollar—after the rise in influence of heroes. Its value was notable in Spectra's daily life, especially for privileged students who used it to enjoy more comfort at the academy.
He glanced at the digital panel above the buffet, where the prices of some fancy meals almost made him take a step back:
These meals were enriched with selected ingredients to enhance recovery, endurance, and even concentration—key qualities for a Spectra student training intensively.
But with those prices, Evan quickly realized he would need to save as much as possible.
He would start receiving a scholarship of Ƶ 2,600.00 Zéns every month, which would cover his basic needs and some expenses but leave no room for extravagance.
Just the cost of one of those meals made him question whether he'd manage to end the month in the black.
'These prices are absurd… Who in their right mind would pay this?' he thought, feeling somewhat uneasy about the contrast between the paid meal system and the free options.
He glanced to the side, already resolved to stick with the basic meal and save every Zén, and saw… practically everyone around him eating expensive, extravagant dishes.
Students carried trays with meals that seemed to shine brighter than the utensils themselves.
Some proudly displayed succulent steaks and elegantly garnished fish.
A nearby group debated whether the "Energy Salad with Exotic Fruits" really helped with energy recovery.
Another group analyzed the unique flavor of the "Grilled Chicken with Special Herbs."
'Am I the only one here who thinks these prices are a rip-off?'
As he pondered, Evan recalled the call he had received from Spectra the previous evening.
They informed him that the first scholarship deposit was already available, which had been an enormous relief.
Until then, he hadn't found a single coin in "Evan's" room since his arrival.
It seemed Spectra spared no effort in ensuring its students were financially prepared.
The first deposit of the scholarship funds was likely intended to help students afford higher-quality meals and other necessities for the academy's demanding routine.
Evan let out a sigh.
Knowing he already had an initial amount for emergencies reassured him, but it didn't change the fact that his money needed to be carefully managed.
At Spectra, besides the meal system, spending options were limited to a few necessities, and he knew that the scholarship money needed to cover more than just his expenses—his siblings also depended on him.
For someone with Evan's responsibilities, it was easy to see how that money could vanish quickly.
Resolved, he chose the basic meal.
With the plate in hand, Evan made his way to a more secluded table, seeking a moment of peace before facing an afternoon full of commitments.
'I was expecting some sort of bland cafeteria food, but this is… good. Way too good.'
He looked at his simple plate—grilled chicken, fresh salad, and a bit of brown rice—and compared it to the extravagant dishes other students carried.
They seemed designed to impress, both in flavor and in benefits.
Evan glanced sidelong at the juicy meat on some trays; he knew that much of it came from animals raised in regions rich in magical energy, which not only improved the taste but also enhanced physical recovery and mental performance.
They weren't exactly rare, but they clearly had Spectra's special touch, an exclusivity that made them worth the hefty price tag.
He shrugged, content with his free meal.
"…"
He had barely started eating when he noticed a familiar figure approaching, moving with natural confidence and impeccable posture.
The firm steps signaled someone with a determined air, and there was something about their presence that made Evan look up, curious.
The figure stopped in front of him and, with a fluid motion, pulled out a chair, sitting down casually.
Seraphina, without waiting for an invitation, crossed her arms on the table and stared at him intently.
Evan's fork froze halfway to his mouth under the weight of her piercing gaze that refused to let him look away.
"I want to know about the powers you used against me."
Her voice was firm and direct, and the intensity of her tone cut through the usual buzz of the cafeteria, commanding Evan's full attention.
The shadow of their recent fight still lingered between them, and while Seraphina's gaze carried a mix of curiosity and a hint of challenge, it was clear this wasn't going to be a friendly chat.
"Author's Note: Image"