After completing his morning training, Ashton heard the familiar ding of his system updating. He pulled up his status window to check for any changes.
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[Divine Necromancer System]
Name: Ashton Walker
Race: Human
Class: Divine Necromancer
Talent:
Farming Mage (S Rank)
Divine Healing (A Rank)
Necromancy (Locked)
Level: 2 (Exp: 0 / 1500)
Mana: 170 (+10 from meditation)
Soul Energy: 50
Soul Coins: 10
Strength: 6
Agility: 5
Dexterity: 4
Intelligence: 9
Charm: 6
Stat Points: 15 (Unassigned)
---
Ashton stared at the 15 unassigned stat points he had accumulated. He knew that distributing them wisely would be crucial, but he decided to hold off on allocating them for now. He needed more information before making any major decisions.
After freshening up, he changed into a black sweater and fitted dark pants, keeping his look simple yet elegant. Today, he planned to visit the academy's library to research magical plants that could be cultivated in his dimensional farm.
Just as he was about to leave, a knock sounded at his door.
When he opened it, Felix stood there, arms crossed, looking casual but energetic. "Yo," Felix greeted with a grin, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
Ashton closed the door behind him. "What brings you here?"
Felix plopped down on Ashton's bed like it was his own. "What's your plan for today?"
"I'm heading to the library," Ashton replied.
Felix's grin widened. "Oh, perfect! I was planning to go there too."
Ashton raised an eyebrow. "You? The library?"
Felix feigned an offended expression. "Hey! I might not look like it, but I can be serious when I want to. I need to check out some books on combat strategies. Gotta stay ahead of the game, you know?"
Ashton smirked slightly. "Right."
Felix stood up, stretching. "Since we're both going, let's tag along together. After that, we can grab lunch at the cafeteria."
Ashton considered for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
Before they could leave, Felix suddenly hesitated at the door. His usual carefree expression faltered slightly, replaced by something more serious.
Ashton noticed the shift in his demeanor. "What is it?"
Felix cleared his throat, looking a little awkward, as if debating whether to say what was on his mind. After a brief moment, he sighed. "Can I… talk to you for a second? Like, seriously talk?"
Ashton gave him a curious look but stepped aside, gesturing for him to come inside. Felix entered, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly uneasy.
Ashton sat on the edge of his bed, waiting patiently. "Alright, go ahead."
Felix exhaled slowly before finally speaking. "It's about… Noah Flameheart."
Ashton's expression didn't change, but he tilted his head slightly, urging Felix to continue.
Felix crossed his arms, his voice quieter than usual. "You know how Samael's 15th birthday party was a big event, right? Everyone was there—including Noah. That night, Noah told me… that he was interested in me. Romantically."
Ashton's eyebrows raised slightly. "And?"
Felix let out a dry chuckle. "And I didn't believe him. I mean, come on, he's Noah Flameheart—strong, confident, practically royalty. I thought he was making fun of me. And besides…" His expression darkened. "That same night, I saw him kissing a girl."
Ashton remained silent, absorbing his words.
Felix's fingers curled into a fist. "How could I take him seriously after that? I figured he was just messing with me, playing around like rich guys do for entertainment." He let out a bitter laugh. "So, yeah… I don't trust him. Even if he's suddenly showing up now, after all this time."
Ashton studied Felix carefully before finally speaking. "And what if he wasn't lying?"
Felix looked startled by the question. "What?"
Ashton's gaze was calm, yet piercing. "What if he really did mean it, but you misunderstood?"
Felix scoffed, looking away. "I… I don't know. And honestly? I don't want to find out. I've moved on."
Ashton could tell that wasn't completely true, but he didn't push further. Instead, he stood up, adjusting his sleeves. "Well, whatever happens, don't run away from it. If you really don't care, then fine. But if you do…" He glanced at Felix meaningfully. "Then figure it out before it's too late."
Felix clicked his tongue, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You sound like an old man giving life advice."
Ashton smirked slightly. "And yet, you came to me for advice."
Felix groaned. "Ugh. Can we please go to the library now before I regret this conversation?"
Ashton chuckled softly. "Let's go."
And with that, they finally left the dorm, though Felix's thoughts were far from settled.
Ashton and Felix walked into the Xerth Academy Library, a sleek, high-tech facility filled with holographic screens instead of bookshelves. Ashton had expected something more traditional, but instead, the entire library was digitized, with interactive tablets serving as the main source of knowledge.
Ashton glanced around. "So this is the academy's library?"
Felix smirked. "What, expecting ancient books and a wise old librarian?"
Ashton shrugged. "Maybe something bigger."
Felix chuckled. "Welcome to modern education. Here, you don't browse shelves—you register your name, get a high-tech tablet, and unlock access to the academy's database."
Ashton followed him to the registration desk, where first-year students were collecting their personalized learning tablets.
Ashton received his tablet, scanning the sleek interface, but Felix leaned in and added, "Don't get too excited. We're only allowed to access Tier 2 knowledge. Anything higher? Completely locked."
Ashton's eyes flickered. "And ability books?"
Felix scoffed. "Those? You have to buy them with credits, and they're ridiculously expensive."
Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he continued, "Of course, everyone already knows there was one lucky bastard who got an ability book for free."
Ashton didn't even need to ask. "Samael."
Felix rolled his eyes. "Yep. Since he came first in the entrance competition, the academy rewarded him with a free ability book."
Ashton stayed silent for a moment. The entrance competition had been tough, with thousands of students competing, including himself and Felix.
The top ten students all received various rewards, but Samael, as the number one ranker, got the most valuable prize—a free ability book.
The entire student body knew about it.
Felix continued, "We all worked our asses off in that competition, and what do we get? A pat on the back and 'better luck next time' while Mr. Perfect walks off with a priceless reward?"
Ashton smirked slightly. Felix would never admit it, but he was still salty about not placing in the top three.
A sudden ding echoed in Ashton's mind.
[Side Quest: Knowledge is Power]
Objective: Read at least 3 books on magical plants.
Reward: +5 Soul Coins; Unlocks "Basic Botany" skill.
Ashton's smirk deepened. Even if the academy wouldn't provide him with free resources, his Divine Necromancer System had its own rewards.
He quickly found a quiet spot near a large window, where sunlight streamed in, giving the space a warm, serene atmosphere. Felix flopped down across from him, scrolling through his tablet.
Ashton silently selected a few books on magical plants, preparing to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Felix muttered, "You really think reading plants is gonna help you?"
Ashton didn't even look up. "Who knows? Maybe I'll be the one growing the most valuable resources in the academy one day."
Felix raised an eyebrow. "Hah, you're serious, aren't you?"
Ashton just smirked and started reading.