The academy bustled with its usual energy as students moved between classes, but Noah walked through the halls unnoticed, his presence muted and unremarkable. It was an intentional choice—one born from necessity rather than humility. His mind was still preoccupied with the information he had gleaned from Professor Mallus, the names of the powerhouses, and the vast chasm that separated them from him.
He wasn't intimidated—far from it. The thought of climbing to their level ignited a fire within him. Still, the uncertainty of what truly lay ahead gnawed at him. Power in this world was layered with complexities he didn't yet understand, and if Darius truly belonged to that echelon, it meant Noah had to tread even more carefully.
"Strength alone won't cut it," he thought, stepping into the academy library.
---
The library was quiet, save for the faint rustle of pages turning. Noah chose a secluded corner, his eyes scanning the spines of ancient tomes until he found what he sought: a book titled *Legends of the Mortal Realm*. It was a thick volume, filled with accounts of battles, ascensions, and the rise and fall of kingdoms.
As he flipped through the pages, his focus narrowed to one theme: weaknesses. Even the mightiest figures in history had vulnerabilities, whether it was hubris, betrayal, or a flaw in their abilities.
"No one is invincible,"** Noah mused, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Not even Darius."
He noted mentions of hunters who specialized in taking down creatures with mana-heavy bloodlines, their methods often involving specialized tools and techniques. It was a sobering reminder that even his vampiric regeneration and [Enhanced Durability] wouldn't make him untouchable.
"If I'm going to manipulate Darius, I need more than brute force. I need leverage."
---
Noah's thoughts shifted to his own circumstances. His vampiric bloodline gave him incredible regenerative powers, rendering healing potions unnecessary, and he didn't require expensive equipment to augment his strength. Yet his near-total lack of funds was a glaring disadvantage.
Mana crystals—currency and power condensed into a physical form—were the lifeblood of this world. They could fuel spells, craft potions, and purchase nearly anything of value.
"Without money, I'm limited in every way,"** he thought. " If I want to build a foundation, I'll need a steady stream of resources."
This realization tied back to Darius's tournament. The prize pool included mana crystals and rare materials, items that could fuel his growth. Winning the tournament had been more than just a matter of pride—it was a step toward building his arsenal.
"I can't afford to stay stagnant," he concluded. "I need to keep winning, keep gaining."
---
As the day wore on, Noah's mind returned to Darius. The hunter's scrutiny lingered like a shadow over him, his presence an ever-present threat. Noah suspected Darius didn't truly believe him to be a simple novice, yet the man had yet to act decisively.
"He's watching, waiting for me to slip."
This stalemate couldn't last forever. Sooner or later, Darius would act, and when that time came, Noah needed to have an answer.
He briefly entertained the idea of luring Darius into a trap, but the thought was quickly dismissed. Without knowing Darius's true level or abilities, the risk was far too great.
Instead, Noah's thoughts turned to something subtler. **"If I can't overpower him, I'll need to redirect him."**
---
That evening, Noah wandered the outskirts of the academy grounds, his mind still turning over plans. The air was cool, the faint hum of mana lingering like static. As he walked, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Noah."
He turned to see Professor Mallus approaching, her sharp eyes fixed on him.
"Professor," he greeted neutrally, his expression calm.
She studied him for a moment before speaking. "You've been asking interesting questions lately. About power, about limits. It's uncommon for someone of your level to think so far ahead."
Noah shrugged. "I prefer to understand what I'm up against."
"Good. Because understanding will be your greatest weapon in this world." She paused, her voice softening. "Be careful, Noah. This world isn't kind to those who rise too quickly."
The warning hung in the air, but Noah only smiled faintly. "I appreciate the advice, Professor. But I've never been one to let others dictate my pace."
She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Just don't let your ambition consume you. Even the brightest flames can burn out."
---
As the night deepened, Noah returned to his room, his mind sharper than ever. The pieces were slowly falling into place.
First, he needed to gather more resources. The tournament winnings were only the beginning; dungeons, contracts, and black-market dealings could all supplement his income.
Second, he needed to solidify his influence. If he could build a network of allies—or at least pawns—within the academy, it would give him leverage against Darius and others like him.
Finally, he needed to push his growth further. The rumors about leveling becoming harder at higher tiers didn't concern him. If anything, they fueled his determination.
"The system favors the strong," he thought, his crimson eyes glinting in the moonlight. **"And I intend to become the strongest."
Noah leaned back in his chair, the faint hum of mana crystals stored in his desk a reminder of his progress. The road ahead was long, but he was nothing if not patient.
And when the time came, he would stand at the summit—not as a pawn in someone else's game, but as the one holding all the cards.