Chapter 178
Time path (2)
"So, what you should take from all this," Vanessa said, her voice turning serious, "is that while the ambition to pioneer a new path—whether to enhance your own or to pass on to others—is admirable, it must be approached with care. If you're not careful, you might find yourself lost, chasing something that doesn't even exist."
Her gaze swept across the room, her tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. There was a moment of silence before the sound of quiet murmurs broke it.
Eventually, the lesson came to an end, and students began to file out of the classroom in scattered clusters. IAM and the others passed by the podium without a word, but Vanessa's eyes lingered on one person.
She followed the group with her eyes, but with her attention locked on IAM.
It was strange to suddenly turn off his Avien for no clear reason—especially in an environment like this, where it was safe. There was no need to hide the fact that he was an ascender here. After all, everyone at the Academy was one. That was the whole point of being here.
So why act like he had something to conceal?
Was he hiding something?
Vanessa's mind turned over the clues.
He had arrived late. Alone. Unlike his usual routine of entering with the others, today he had slipped in, detached from his group. And from what she'd overheard… even his friends didn't know where he'd been.
Disappearing from his dorm. Turning off his Avien. Showing up late, without explanation.
What could it all mean?
A single thought crept into her mind.
Could… could he have advanced?
Her eyes narrowed for a moment, the theory forming almost instinctively.
But just as quickly, she shut it down. No—impossible. Advancing from Novice to Experienced in this short a time? The shortest recorded period was seven months. Some students took a year. Some, far longer.
It couldn't be.
Even if he had advanced… why would he hide it?
Then again, he had visited her just recently to discuss his path. But that would be ridiculous—not even a full day later, and he had already advanced to the next level? That wasn't just unlikely—it was absurd.
What kind of nonsense would that be?
If someone could progress that fast, they might as well declare themselves a god—or one of the reincarnated Heroes. It would be nothing short of world-shattering if it were true.
Vanessa folded her arms, trying to push the idea out of her head. Sure, she had a good amount of experience as a teacher, and she liked to think of herself as at least a decent one … but she wasn't that good. Not good enough to cause someone to leap to the next stage overnight.
No—there had to be another explanation.
Whatever it was… it wasn't her business. She was just a teacher, after all. Her job was to guide them, not investigate them.
With a short sigh, she turned away.
It was time to move on.
...
Between lessons, the four of them sat crammed into one of the Academy's mini cars, weaving through campus paths. All eyes were on IAM, who sat quietly in the passenger seat, staring straight ahead.
"So," Yohan said from the back, leaning forward slightly, "what's this big secret you didn't want anyone else hearing?"
IAM glanced at them, then spoke calmly. "I've advanced to Low Experienced—"
Reuel, who was driving, immediately jerked the wheel in shock. The car swerved hard, nearly clipping a passing student.
"Watch it, you maniac!" the student shouted as Reuel swerved back into lane, gripping the wheel tighter and pressing down on the pedal a little more than necessary.
Henry, sitting beside Yohan, leaned in toward IAM, his face was tense. "Is this a joke?" he asked, his voice was flat but serious.
"Of course it is, I—"
"That doesn't make any sense!" Reuel cut in sharply, his voice rising. "That literally can't be true!"
IAM didn't flinch and replied without hesitation. "Of course it is," he said smoothly. "I spent four months in the Hold before moving to the Higher Sector, then another four months there before entering the Academy. I've been here a little over a week now."
It was a confident lie—one that slipped out with ease. While he had nothing against them, he couldn't just reveal the strange circumstances behind his sudden jump from Low Novice to Peak Novice. He didn't fully understand it himself. So how was he supposed to explain it to anyone else?
Telling the truth would only raise more questions.
This version of events was simpler. It made it easier for them to accept, and far more believable than saying he had no idea how or why it had happened.
While it was dishonest, IAM didn't feel guilty. He believed the lie was justified. It wasn't hurting anyone. As long as it wasn't revealed, it wouldn't cause any harm.
The car fell into a heavy silence at the mention of the Hold.
For a moment, no one spoke—until Yohan finally muttered from the back seat, "If what you're saying is true… then I guess it's kind of believable." His voice was quiet, uncertain, like he was still trying to convince himself.
"But—but that would mean he's basically matched the shortest recorded time to become an Experienced-level ascender ever!" Reuel exclaimed, eyes wide. "That's insane! You're must be some kind of crazy demon!" He side-eyed IAM like he wasn't even human.
Henry leaned forward, gaze locked on IAM, his voice low and intense. "How did you do it?"
There was no hostility—just raw curiosity with a look that made it obvious it wouldn't let go easily.
IAM could only sigh inwardly.
Even after softening the blow, their reactions were still this extreme.
He had hoped giving them a reasonable explanation would reduce the impact. Clearly, it hadn't worked.
He might need to change his plans. Maybe he would hide it for another five months—or longer.
Just long enough for the lie to become truth.