Nathan woke up the morning following the combat trials feeling something he had never experienced before: calm pride. He felt as though he belonged and was not only surviving but flourishing for the first time since he arrived at the academy. Now sitting on his desk, the academy pin glowed dimly in the gentle morning light.
However, that pride was accompanied by a persistent question: what would happen next? The trials had only been one obstacle. The academy's focus was on continuous progress rather than resting on previous successes.
The atmosphere changed when Nathan walked to the dining hall. In sharp contrast to the contemptuous looks he had become accustomed to, students welcomed him with nods of acknowledgment. As they walked past each other in the corridor, Marcus, his battered opponent from the trials, even smiled reluctantly at him.
He walked into the dining hall and Aurora waved him over. A plate of partially consumed food was placed in front of her as she sat with a few other classmates. "Caelum, over here!"
Nathan paused. He wasn't used to being welcomed to sit among individuals who had just days earlier disregarded him, much less being involved in anything. Nevertheless, he picked up a platter and walked over, slipping into the seat next to her.
"You're famous now, aren't you?" Aurora pointed to the academy pin on his chest and teased. Your head might not fit through the door, so proceed with caution.
Nathan gave an eye roll. "It's only a pin. Pretty sure it doesn't come with a parade."
"Not just yet," she smiled. "But give it time."
A boy with a strong jawline and sandy blond hair, one of the other students, leaned closer. "Caelum, that last game you played was amazing. It took courage to persevere in that way.
Unexpectedly, Nathan blinked. "Thanks, I guess."
The boy smirked. "You might even give Alaric a run for his money if you keep this up."
Nathan's chest tightened at the name of Alaric Solen. The golden child of the academy, as untouchable as the sun. Alaric didn't have to take part in the trials, therefore he didn't. As a prodigy who not only jumped over the ranks but also climbed them, he was already known as the academy's most promising student.
In an attempt to minimize the compliment, Nathan remarked, "Let's not get carried away." "I'm still just trying to keep up."
Aurora laughed. "Are you keeping up? Caelum, you're virtually running. Enjoy it.
Then Nathan went to the library after breakfast. Since his muscles were still sore from the trials, he thought that studying magical theory in peace and quiet would help him heal. The library was enormous, with books of occult knowledge arranged in rows on shelves that reached the vaulted ceiling.
He pulled a book from the closest shelf and took a seat at a corner table. His brain was spinning with all the diagrams and incantations, but he forced himself to concentrate. He needed to comprehend magic in addition to physical power if he wished to continue getting better.
The system chimed softly in his consciousness as he turned the pages.
New Quest Available: Expand Your Knowledge
Objective: Study magical theory for two hours.
Reward: +50 EXP, +1 Intelligence.
Nathan grinned. "Alright, system. Let's see what you've got."
He plunged into the book, making notes on everything from sophisticated mana manipulation techniques to fundamental elemental principles. He had a base to work from thanks to his inherited memories, but it was obvious that he still didn't fully comprehend everything. The hours passed quickly, and his notebook was stuffed with hurriedly drawn notes and diagrams by the time the system chimed once more.
Quest Complete: Expand Your Knowledge
Reward: +50 EXP, +1 Intelligence.
Nathan leaned back in his chair, opening the status page to see the results.
[Heavenly Ascent System Interface]
Name: Nathan Caelum
Level: 3 (Beginner Tier)
Core Attributes:
Strength: 7
Agility: 7
Endurance: 7
Intelligence: 7
Mana: 6
EXP to Next Level: 250/300
With a glimmer of satisfaction, he said, "Not bad," and closed down the interface. His intelligence score was finally catching up to his physical attributes, and it felt like he was starting to round out his abilities.
Nathan went to the training fields for another round of drills that afternoon. His movements were now more deliberate and fluid, and his blade seemed more at ease in his hands. Every now and then, the system chimed, giving him hints and nudging him to improve his form.
He kept feeling like he was being watched while he practiced. No one seemed out of place as he looked around, his gaze sweeping the field's perimeter. The other students were focused on their own training, the instructors barking orders as usual.
The uneasiness persisted, though.
When Nathan got back to the dormitory later that night, he discovered a tiny envelope hidden beneath his door. There was no sign of who had sent it, but his name was written in fine handwriting across the front.
He scowled and opened it. The words were written in the same flowing script on a single sheet of parchment that was inside:
"You've caught their attention. Be careful who you trust."
Nathan's heart froze. His thoughts were racing as he gazed at the note. It was sent by whom? And by "their attention," what did they mean? The knot in his stomach would not go away, even if his instincts advised him to ignore it.
Nathan perched on the edge of his bed, tucked the note into his pocket, and locked the door behind him. Although the day had begun with victory, it was coming to an end with questions he was unable to respond to.
There was no doubt that his time at the academy was far from ended.