The morning sun cast a golden glow over the academy's sprawling campus, its rays filtering through the ancient trees that lined the pathways. Zane walked through the grand gates, his footsteps steady, yet the sensation of returning felt almost surreal. The academy buzzed with life—students in crisp uniforms moved purposefully between buildings, their laughter and chatter mixing with the melodic chime of bells in the distance.
For years, this place had felt like a cage. His injuries had confined him to the margins, a forgotten figure who was either pitied or dismissed. But now, everything was different. The Eclipse Core hidden within him hummed softly, fueling a quiet confidence he hadn't felt in years. He wasn't the same Zane who had once been overlooked and underestimated.
The bells rang again, signaling the start of the day's classes. Zane adjusted the strap of his bag and made his way through the bustling corridors. He had a lot to catch up on—academically and personally.
"Zane? Is that you?"
The voice, soft and melodic, stopped him in his tracks. He turned to find Lyra Mayne standing a few steps away, her wavy chestnut hair catching the morning light. Her emerald-green eyes shone with warmth, and the faintest smile played on her lips.
"Hey, Lyra," Zane managed, his voice steady but his heart racing.
"I haven't seen you around much lately," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Are you feeling better?"
Zane hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Yeah, I've been focusing on... getting back on track. How about you? Still dominating the spell duels?"
Lyra laughed, her voice light and musical. "You know me—always trying to keep up with the best. But seriously, it's good to see you around again. Don't disappear on us, okay?"
Before he could reply, she waved and walked away, her presence lingering even after she was gone.
Rooting for me? Zane thought, his lips curving into a faint smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad after all.
Zeron's voice echoed in his mind. Observation: Your heart rate increased by 18% during that interaction. Is she a significant individual in your life?
"Shut it, Zeron," Zane muttered under his breath.
Acknowledged.
Shaking his head, Zane turned a corner, nearly colliding with someone. He stumbled back, his focus snapping to the person in front of him.
"Well, well," drawled a familiar voice, thick with mockery. "If it isn't the academy's resident cripple."
Standing before him was Gareth Voss, his sneer as sharp as ever. Gareth's tall, muscular frame seemed to tower over Zane, and his entourage of lackeys stood behind him, snickering.
"Out of my way, Gareth," Zane said, his voice calm but firm.
"Oh, look at you," Gareth sneered, his smirk widening. "Trying to act tough now, are we? Just because you've been hiding away doesn't mean you've gotten stronger. Face it, Valor—you'll always be a loser."
The old Zane would have shrunk under the weight of Gareth's words, his insecurities eating away at him. But not today. Meeting Gareth's gaze with unwavering eyes, he said, "We'll see about that."
For a moment, Gareth's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "Careful, Valor," he said, his tone dripping with malice. "Don't bite off more than you can chew."
As Gareth and his lackeys walked away, Zane released a slow breath. He knew Gareth wasn't someone to underestimate, but their encounter only solidified his determination.
The classroom was a hive of activity when Zane entered. Students huddled in groups, exchanging notes, whispering gossip, and preparing for the day's lessons. The air buzzed with anticipation.
"About time you showed up," Mike called from their usual spot at the back of the room. He grinned as Zane slid into the seat beside him. "Let me guess—Lyra stopped you on the way?"
"Shut up," Zane muttered, though he couldn't stop the faint smile tugging at his lips.
Before Mike could tease him further, the bell rang, and the classroom fell silent as Mr. Torren strode in. His imposing figure, enhanced by the glint of cybernetic implants, commanded immediate respect.
"Settle down, everyone," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "Today's lecture will be vital—for both your exams and your understanding of our galaxy's history."
He waved a hand, and a holographic projection appeared above his desk. It displayed a barren planet shrouded in red mist, its surface dominated by a massive, alien structure that pulsed faintly with light.
"Over 4,000 years ago," Mr. Torren began, "interstellar explorers discovered this—the Primordial Construct, located in the Zypherion Cluster. Its activation marked the dawn of the System Era, a turning point in galactic history."
The class leaned in, captivated by the unfolding story.
"This construct granted its discoverers unprecedented power, allowing them to harness mana, develop affinities, and align with specific classes. It transformed individuals and societies alike."
The hologram shifted, showing civilizations advancing at an astonishing pace.
"But such power comes with a cost," Mr. Torren continued. "The construct's secrets bred greed and conflict. Wars erupted, and entire civilizations were destroyed in the fight for control of the artifact."
Zane's pen flew across his notebook as he absorbed every word.
The lecture transitioned into a discussion of magic theory. Mr. Torren explained the intricacies of mana flows, elemental nodes, and the critical role of compression spaces in advanced training.
"Compression spaces," he said, "are environments designed to accelerate comprehension by enhancing mana density. They allow users to refine their elemental affinities and deepen their understanding of their chosen paths."
Zane thought back to his recent session in the Element Comprehension Space. The sensation of progress, the way the dense mana had pushed his limits—it all made sense now.
The lecture expanded to cover technological innovations born from the System Era. Mr. Torren described starships powered by elemental engines, cybernetic implants that enhanced mana control, and the rise of hybrid combat classes.
As the lesson drew to a close, Mr. Torren left the class with a final thought. "Remember, the galaxy rewards those who innovate. Whether you master a single class or forge a new path, your success will depend on how you wield your system. Choose wisely."
As the students filed out, Mike leaned over with a knowing grin. "So, how's the comeback going? Still dreaming of getting into one of the top academies?"
Zane smiled faintly, shouldering his bag. "Not dreaming anymore. I'm making it happen."