The golden light of dawn spilled through the library windows, illuminating stacks of books and scrolls scattered across the table where Sang-hoon and Kaelith sat. The system's interface hovered in his vision, displaying the recently earned attribute points.
[Attributes Available]
Points: 5
Sang-hoon had spent the night studying, determined to make the most of his newfound advantage. He tapped the floating screen, and another menu unfolded, showing his available attributes:
[Attributes]
Strength: 5
Agility: 6
Intelligence: 8
Vitality: 5
Willpower: 7
Kaelith chirped, his glowing eyes fixed on the interface as though he understood its significance.
"Alright, let's think this through," Sang-hoon muttered, rubbing his chin.
He recalled the strategies he used in Realm of Taiming. Strength and Vitality were essential for combat survivability, but Agility and Intelligence often gave an edge to Beast Tamers. And Willpower wasn't just for mana—it also determined resistance to mental attacks and fatigue.
He allocated the points carefully:
Strength: +1
Agility: +2
Intelligence: +1
Vitality: +1
The moment he confirmed the changes, a warm sensation spread through his body, as though his muscles had tightened and his reflexes sharpened.
Kaelith's interface appeared next:
[Kaelith's Attributes]
Points: 5
The dragon's stats were slightly different:
Strength: 4
Agility: 9
Intelligence: 7
Endurance: 5
Willpower: 4
"Let's focus on speed and intelligence for now," Sang-hoon decided. He assigned Kaelith's points:
Agility: +3
Intelligence: +2
Kaelith let out an excited hum, his shimmering scales glowing faintly as the changes took effect.
"Now we're ready for the day," Sang-hoon said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
The academy training grounds bustled with activity as students practiced with their familiars. Sang-hoon and Kaelith stood at the edge of the field, watching as more experienced students demonstrated complex maneuvers.
Sang-hoon directed Kaelith through a series of drills, implementing techniques he remembered from the game: precise dodging patterns, feints to confuse opponents, and calculated counterattacks. Each move was sharper, more fluid than the day before, thanks to their leveled-up attributes.
Mira approached, her striking blue eyes curious as she watched Sang-hoon guide Kaelith. Her Arctic Lupin, Eira, padded silently beside her, its sleek white fur gleaming in the sunlight.
"You've improved," Mira said, her voice soft but confident.
Sang-hoon glanced at her, caught off guard. "Oh, thanks. I've been focusing more on planning our moves."
She nodded, crouching beside Kaelith, who tilted his head at her. "Your partner looks sharper too. Kaelith, right?"
Kaelith chirped in response, earning a small laugh from Mira.
"Eira and I have been sparring against Saberwolves," she continued. "Their speed is a challenge, but it's helped refine our coordination."
"That's smart," Sang-hoon replied, watching Eira. The familiar radiated an aura of calm, but there was no mistaking the predatory gleam in her eyes.
"Maybe we should train together sometime," Mira offered, straightening. "It's good to practice against other styles."
Sang-hoon hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, that might help."
As Mira walked off to join her group, Sang-hoon couldn't help but feel a little lighter. The simple interaction had reminded him that he wasn't alone in this world.
By late afternoon, Sang-hoon stood in the open training fields, a practice lance in hand. The weapon felt unfamiliar compared to Kaelith's natural abilities, but he knew the value of diversifying his skills.
He thrust and spun the lance, each movement clumsy but deliberate. The rhythmic swish of the weapon slicing through the air echoed around him.
"You're holding it wrong."
The voice startled him. Turning, Sang-hoon saw a tall, imposing figure leaning casually against a tree. A young woman, her blueish hair tied back into a loose braid, observed him with a smirk.
Elena von Vayntrub. A second-year Gold Class student and the eldest daughter of one of the academy's most influential families. Her presence alone carried an air of authority, but it was her reputation that truly set her apart. She was rumored to be a prodigy with the spear, having tamed a formidable Wyvern as her partner.
She was also an important secondary character from the game.
"What?" Sang-hoon asked, lowering the lance.
She strode toward him, her movements fluid. "Your stance. It's too rigid. You'll tire out before landing a single proper strike."
He frowned, adjusting his grip as she stood beside him. "I just started."
"Clearly," she said, her tone teasing but not unkind. "Do you want help or not?"
Sang-hoon hesitated. Accepting her offer could mean stepping into the shadow of her powerful family, but refusing might cost him an opportunity to improve.
"Fine," he said. "Show me."
Elena smiled, a glint of approval in her eyes. "Good choice."
For the next hour, she corrected his movements, demonstrating techniques with a precision that bordered on effortless. Despite her confident demeanor, she never spoke down to him, instead offering guidance with surprising patience.
"Why are you helping me?" Sang-hoon asked as they took a break.
Elena shrugged, leaning against her lance. "You're in Gold Class. That means you've got potential. Besides," she added with a sly grin, "it's refreshing to see someone actually trying to improve instead of coasting on their family's name."
Her words stung slightly, but Sang-hoon understood her point.
As the session ended, Elena rested the butt of her spear on the ground, studying him with a curious expression.
"You've got potential," she said. "Don't waste it."
She walked away, her Wyvern swooping down from the sky to join her.
Sang-hoon watched her go, his mind swirling with thoughts. The Vayntrub family's influence reached far beyond the academy, and their reputation for political maneuvering was almost as fearsome as their martial prowess.
As the evening settled over the academy, Sang-hoon found himself unable to sleep. He wandered the grounds, Kaelith perched on his shoulder. The cool night air carried whispers of unease, though he couldn't pinpoint why.
He recalled fragments of conversations he'd overheard during the day—students whispering about strange sightings near the mana barriers, instructors tightening security around the grounds. It was subtle, but Sang-hoon couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing.
Kaelith let out a low growl, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows.
"Do you sense something?" Sang-hoon asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kaelith didn't respond, but his tail flicked restlessly.
In a dimly lit room somewhere within the academy, two figures conversed in hushed tones.
"The preparations are nearly complete," one said, their voice low and gravelly.
"And the students?" asked the other, a smooth, calculating tone.
"Unaware, but there's one who might cause trouble."
"Grayson," the second figure said.
"Yes. His dragon makes him unpredictable. If he interferes, we'll deal with him directly."
The shadows shifted, and the room fell silent.
Sang-hoon stood on his balcony that night, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. Kaelith lay curled at his feet, his breathing soft and steady.
Unbeknownst to him, forces were already moving against the academy. Forces that he suspected were connected to the whispers and the tightening of security.
As he gazed at the stars, a quiet resolve settled over him. Whatever was coming, he would be ready.