Nathan kept thinking about the note that was hidden beneath his door. The sophisticated script and the mysterious warning lingered in the back of his mind as he went about his day. Although the academy was as busy as usual, Nathan sensed that the atmosphere was thicker, as if there were a storm forming nearby.
The instructor rambled on about the principle of incorporating magical techniques into physical fighting throughout the morning's advanced combat lesson. Nathan made an effort to concentrate, but his mind kept returning to the note.
Aurora nudged him and said, "You're zoning out." Sitting next to him, she had her spellbook open but unread. "What's going on?"
Nathan hesitated. Something prevented him from telling her about the note. Even though he liked Aurora, he wasn't prepared to take the chance after reading the warning in the message to be cautious about who he trusted.
At last, he forced a smile and answered, "Just tired." "I didn't get enough sleep."
Aurora looked at him doubtfully but didn't ask any more questions. "You will have to gather yourself. After this, we have joint drills, and I don't intend to cover for you.
Nathan gave a feeble laugh. "Noted."
Students with a focus on combat were matched with magic users for the combined drills, which required them to cooperate against common foes. On paper, the pairing of Nathan and Aurora sounded promising—her spells and his sword should work well together.
It was a catastrophe in reality.
"Keep me covered while I cast!" Their instructor sent a bright, humanoid figure with dual blades—a sparring construct—charged toward them as Aurora yelled.
With his blade at the ready, Nathan moved forward, but the construct moved more quickly than he thought. It attacked relentlessly and with precision. Nathan missed the second blade, which struck his side and knocked him falling, but he deflected the first one.
"Caelum, damn it!" Aurora scrambled back, her magic evaporating as she snapped.
Nathan forced himself to stand up while gritting his teeth. Where the blade struck his chest, it burned—a blow that would have been fatal in a genuine battle. "I'm all right! Let's give it another go.
"More fighting, less talking!" As he watched from the sidelines, the instructor crossed his arms and yelled.
Nathan was more focused and his actions were more precise this time. He sidestepped the construct's lunge and hit back with a quick blow that brushed off its luminous body. Aurora used this as an opportunity to release a burst of fire, causing their opponent to be stunned when the spell came true.
Aurora mumbled, "At last," with a faint smile on her face.
Although he narrowly prevailed in the match, Nathan couldn't shake the sensation that he had been bringing his partner down. Aurora groaned and brushed ash from her robes as they departed the training grounds.
"You must quit overanalyzing," she advised. "You hesitate too much, but you're strong."
Nathan answered, "I'll work on it," but he knew it wasn't that easy because of the knot in his gut.
Nathan sat on his bed that night with the system interface in front of him flickering dimly. He had gained some experience from the joint drills, but the figures didn't seem credible given his reservations.
[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: 280/300
He whispered, "Almost there," and closed down the interface. His eyes strayed to the window as he leaned back against the wall. Even if the stars were shining tonight, the light seemed unsettling. It seemed far away.
He was startled by a knock at the door. His mind spinning with ideas of another note or worse, his pulse sped as he stood up to respond.
But it wasn't a threat—it was Alaric Solen.
The golden lad from the academy was leaning against the doorframe, grinning smugly as usual. His piercing blue eyes had an eerie weight, and his immaculate clothing virtually glittered in the low light.
"Caelum," said Alaric with ease. "Do you mind if I enter?"
Nathan paused. Curiosity prevailed over his desire to slam the door in Alaric's face. He moved out of the way so the other boy could go in.
"What do you want?" Nathan folded his arms and asked.
Alaric's smile remained unwavering. He strolled around the room, looking at the notes and books that were strewn all over Nathan's desk. He remarked, "I've been watching you." "You've been getting better."
"Thanks, I suppose?" Nathan spoke in a reserved tone.
Alaric's expression sharpened as he turned to confront him. "Caelum, the academy is about more than simply strength. It has to do with coalitions. Links. Even if you may believe that you are doing well, I have some advice for you: don't get too comfortable.
Nathan scowled. "Is that a threat?"
Alaric remarked, his eyes hard but his tone light, "Call it... friendly advice." This place devours those who believe they can survive on their own. Avoid making that error.
Alaric turned and walked out, the door snapping shut behind him before Nathan could reply. For a minute, Nathan stood there, his thoughts racing with uncertainty and confusion.
The academy had always felt like a battlefield, but now, it felt like a chessboard. Furthermore, Nathan wasn't certain if he was a pawn or a player.