As I regained consciousness after passing out following my duel with Luna, I immediately headed back to the dorm, mindful of the nurse's warning about pushing myself too hard. The duel had taken a toll, but it had also revealed the potential and the cost of using Surya's Blessing.
Using Surya's Blessing caused my body's temperature to rise tremendously, depending on how I molded the flames. Thankfully, my body would return to normal almost immediately after I stopped using it. But during the duel, the more I called on it, the more the flames seemed to obey me, flowing and bending to my will. Yet the strain was unbearable, as if I were being cooked alive. If I wanted to use this power effectively, I needed to level up.
Two options came to mind: hunting monsters or studying books. Hunting would sharpen my combat skills, but books held the promise of refining my abilities without physical tolls. My Mimic Eye, my unique ability, was my top priority. Strengthening its traits would improve my skills, as power in this academy was deeply tied to one's level. Reaching the level 45 cap after breaking through level 25 took time and dedication a daunting task, but a necessary one.
Each class had its own schedule, with students required to attend only three classes per week. Free schedules allowed students to explore, train, or rest as they saw fit. Today was one of those days for me, so I decided to visit the academy's library.
As I walked through the academy halls, I noticed students clustered in small groups, chatting animatedly. Some wore yellow bands around their biceps, marking them as part of the academy's council. They moved with an air of authority, their presence a constant reminder of the power structure here.
Just as I reached the central corridor, my gaze met Luna's. She was with a group of students, her presence commanding attention even among the elites. I hurried my pace, hoping to avoid a conversation. The last thing I wanted was to interact with her after our duel, especially since I a student from Class E had managed to exhaust someone of her stature.
"Hey… Hey!" Luna's voice rang out, cutting through the chatter of the hallway.
Irritated, I kept walking, but Luna was persistent. She caught up to me with surprising speed, grabbing my arm. Her sudden touch startled me, drawing the attention of nearby students.
"What does the goddess of this academy want from me?" I asked, pulling my arm away.
She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I invite you to our vacation house this coming break."
"Break is still two months away," I replied, confused.
"It's for advancement," she said cryptically, leaving me puzzled.
"I'm in a hurry. Can I go now?" I asked, aware of the growing number of onlookers.
Luna released my arm, but as I turned toward the library, I realized she was following me.
"Where are you heading?" she asked, fixing the buttons of her blouse.
"Library," I said curtly.
"It's Class E's free schedule. Why are you going to the library?" she pressed.
"I'm bored in my dorm, so I decided to stall my time," I replied.
She didn't seem convinced but let the topic drop as we reached the library's massive double doors. The intricate carvings on the oak wood depicted ancient battles and mythical creatures, and the faint scent of parchment and ink greeted us as I pushed the doors open. The library was vast, with shelves towering high and chandeliers casting a golden glow over the room.
I headed straight for the section on mana utilization, hoping to find something to refine my control over Surya's Blessing or enhance my Mimic Eye. Luna, much to my irritation, trailed behind me.
"You're serious about this, huh?" she asked, running her fingers along the spines of books.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I said, pulling out a tome titled Principles of Advanced Elemental Manipulation.
"Most students in Class E wouldn't dare dream of touching advanced-level material," she remarked. "But here you are. No wonder Professor Alaric has taken an interest in you."
I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I was a topic of conversation among the elites."
She laughed softly. "Don't flatter yourself. You caught my attention during our duel, and I'm not one to ignore potential."
"Potential for what?" I asked, flipping through the pages.
"Greatness," she said simply, her tone uncharacteristically sincere. "But raw power alone isn't enough. You'll need allies."
I considered her words as I set the book aside. "I've managed fine on my own."
"And how long do you think that will last?" she challenged, stepping closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "This academy is full of people more ruthless than I am. You'll need someone watching your back."
Her words were a stark reminder of the dangers lurking here. Even so, trusting her wasn't an option at least, not yet.
"I'll take my chances," I said, turning back to the shelves.
Luna leaned against the table I eventually chose, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "You're an anomaly in this academy. It's not every day someone from Class E pushes me to my limit."
Her words stirred memories of the duel her relentless attacks, my desperate counter strikes, the flames responding to my will in ways I hadn't thought possible. That battle had been a turning point, not just for me but for how the academy saw me.
"That duel wasn't just a fluke," I said, meeting her gaze. "I've had to fight for everything I have. I don't have the luxury of privilege like the elites here."
Her expression softened slightly. "You're right. I don't know what it's like to start at the bottom. But I respect the fight it takes to climb up."
For a moment, her honesty caught me off guard. Then she added, "Whether you like it or not, you're on everyone's radar now. That duel put a target on your back. If you ever need an ally, consider my offer. Raw talent can only take you so far."
Before I could respond, she straightened up and walked away, leaving me to my thoughts. As I flipped through another book, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Across the room, a figure in a dark cloak lingered near the history section, their eyes fixed on me. I pretended not to notice, but the weight of their gaze was impossible to ignore.
Luna was right about one thing: this academy moved fast, and hesitation could be costly. The duel might have been my first step into the spotlight, but it was far from the last challenge I'd face.
I'd have to be ready for whatever, or whoever, came next.
Originally it was not my goal to step into the spotlight but building my reputation can allow me maybe an extra service here. I should start leveling up through this pile of advanced level books about magic utilization based on the mimic eye's trait the more knowledge i know and gained the more control and power i have in breaking the limits and also using my skills.
Skills bonded with weapons can be upgraded by using it more in combat and Erythrotenebrae give me permanent stats when when i have eliminated an enemy. I could go hunting tomorrow after the second class that i will be attending.
Back at the female dormitory i entered my extravagant room as the top student of this academy. I began to change my uniform with a sweater and shorts as i am no longer in the academy needing to attend various meetings and classes.
"I could finally rest" i sighed as i lay flat down on my bed with the soft mattress relaxing my tired body.
"Ezekiel Rhea, you're different from the rest" i muttered as i recall him skimming through the books without stopping.
The reason why i wanted to invite him over to my vacation house is so i could really observe him closely without the distractions and restraints place around the academy, despite being in the bottom of the pile he doesn't waver against the way that students would look at him.
I rise from my bed and headed to my living room where i pick up a device from the desk. It is a device i could use to communicate with my faction namely the Celestial Tribunal, a faction that independently serve the people.
As an affiliated member i could also use the same services as a regular member of this faction so i decided to use the this device called Segas, a device created by the royal families for communication. I poured my mana into the Segas to activate it.
"Celestial Tribunal communication system is now connected what is your request?" a static voice from the Segas called.
"I want to request a background check on a student from the Aetherfall Academy" i respond as i began to grow more curious about the student named Ezekiel Rhea.
"Request accepted, who is your target?" the voice from the Segas responded.
I took a small pause before making up my mind, "Ezekiel Rhea" i said awaiting the response from voice in the Segas.
"Target confirmed, information about the target will be delivered in person in three days" the voice blurted out. I then off the device awaiting for my request.
What should i do then while i wait for my precious information?