A month had passed since Eren first ventured into the forest, and his life had settled into an uneasy rhythm. Each day was a mix of foraging, crafting, and avoiding the dangers lurking in the woods. Thanks to the Survival System, he had built a sturdy shelter and amassed a decent stockpile of supplies. He'd even managed to improve his skills, leveling up his foraging, hunting, and basic combat abilities.
But the forest, for all its challenges, was starting to feel isolating. Despite the constant danger, Eren couldn't ignore the nagging pull of the academy. As much as he wanted to avoid the main characters of the novel—and the chaos they brought—he couldn't stay away forever. The academy was a vital part of the story, and he needed access to its resources and knowledge if he wanted to survive long-term.
So, on the first day of the new academic month, Eren packed his things and made his way back to the Grand Sovereign Academy. His heart pounded as he approached the gates, the sprawling campus as intimidating as he remembered. Students bustled about, their uniforms pristine, their laughter echoing through the air. For a moment, he felt like an intruder, an outsider who didn't belong.
He tugged at his cloak, adjusting it to hide the rough, handmade clothing he wore underneath. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself.
System Update:
Daily Quest: Attend Class
Objective: Successfully participate in your first class.
Rewards: Academic Knowledge Skill (Basic), 15 Experience Points.
Eren sighed. "Looks like there's no backing out now."
The classroom was located in one of the academy's grand towers, its marble walls adorned with intricate carvings. Eren slipped inside, taking a seat near the back where he could avoid notice. The room was already filling up, students chatting animatedly as they waited for the lecture to begin.
The class was on magical theory, a subject Eren had always found fascinating in his old life. Now, sitting among aspiring mages and scholars, he felt a flicker of excitement despite himself. The professor, an elderly man with a long beard and piercing eyes, strode into the room with an air of authority. The chatter died down instantly.
"Welcome, students," the professor began, his voice commanding yet calm. "Today, we will discuss the principles of elemental resonance. Understanding this is crucial for anyone hoping to wield magic effectively."
Eren leaned forward, eager to absorb the information. The professor's lecture was detailed, explaining how different elements interacted and how mages could channel their energy to achieve harmony. As he listened, the Survival System's interface popped up with helpful annotations, highlighting key points and summarizing complex concepts.
Skill Progression: Academic Knowledge
Progress: 30%
Eren scribbled notes in a small notebook he'd brought, careful not to let anyone see his excitement. For the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of normalcy, like he was just another student rather than a survivalist scraping by in the wilderness.
But his peace didn't last long. Midway through the lecture, the door slammed open, and a familiar figure strode in. It was Cassian Alden, the novel's protagonist. His golden hair and confident smirk made him impossible to miss. The room buzzed with whispers as Cassian scanned the class, his gaze eventually settling on an empty seat near the front.
Eren tensed, keeping his head down. Cassian was the last person he wanted to interact with. In the novel, Raynor Velcroft—the body Eren now inhabited—had been one of Cassian's minor antagonists, a thorn in his side who eventually met a humiliating end. Eren had no intention of following that path.
The lecture continued, but Eren couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Sure enough, when he glanced up, he caught Cassian's sharp blue eyes flicking in his direction. Eren quickly looked away, his heart pounding.
"Stay under the radar," he reminded himself. "Just get through the class and leave."
When the lecture finally ended, Eren gathered his things and slipped out of the room before anyone could stop him. He'd completed the quest, earned the Academic Knowledge skill, and avoided any major disasters. For now, that was enough.
Quest Complete: Attend Class
Rewards: Academic Knowledge Skill (Basic), 15 Experience Points.
Back in the safety of the forest, Eren sat by his shelter, reviewing the notes he'd taken. The system's annotations helped him piece together the more complicated aspects of the lecture, and he felt a sense of accomplishment. Returning to the academy had been a risk, but it had paid off.
Still, he couldn't ignore the unease lingering in the back of his mind. Cassian's presence was a reminder that he wasn't just an ordinary student. He was part of a story that wouldn't let him fade into the background so easily.
Eren set his notebook aside, staring up at the canopy of trees above. "One step at a time," he said softly. Tomorrow, he'd have to decide whether to attend another class or retreat to the forest. Either way, he'd have to stay sharp. The world of the Sovereign Chronicles wasn't going to make survival easy.