The consequence of my impromptu heroics in Shadowmere Caverns became apparent three days later when an official Academy messenger arrived at the Veridian estate. Elena delivered the formal letter during breakfast, her expression carefully neutral in the way that indicated she'd already read it and had opinions.
"The Azure Sky Academy formally requests the presence of Aldric Veridian for advanced aptitude evaluation and potential early enrollment consideration," Mother read aloud, her violet eyes scanning the elegant script. "Signed by Headmaster Theron Ashworth himself."
Father lowered his coffee cup with a slight frown. "That's unusual. The Academy typically doesn't consider students until they're Level 5, minimum."
"It's because of what happened in the dungeon," Aria said, barely containing her excitement. "The whole Academy's talking about how a Level 1 nobody coordinated a perfect takedown of a Silver Rank monster. Professor Martinez filed a special report."
"Level 2," I corrected automatically, then caught myself. Acting too pleased about gaining levels might raise questions about how exactly I'd achieved that growth.
Mother folded the letter carefully, her business instincts clearly analyzing the implications. "Early enrollment would provide access to advanced training resources and connections within the Hunter community. From a strategic standpoint, it's an excellent opportunity."
"From a safety standpoint, it's potentially dangerous," Father countered. "The Academy's advanced tracks involve real combat missions. Students die every year."
"People die in this world regardless," I said quietly. "At least at the Academy, I'd be learning how to protect myself and others."
The truth was more complex. I needed access to advanced training facilities and real combat experience to maximize the effectiveness of my first created ability. The Academy offered both, plus the cover of being a legitimate student rather than someone experimenting with reality-breaking powers in private.
"There's another consideration," Mother added thoughtfully. "If Aldric demonstrates exceptional ability this young, he'll attract attention whether he's at the Academy or not. Better to be surrounded by institutional protection and fellow students than isolated at the estate."
Father studied my face intently. "Is this what you want, son? Academy life isn't just advanced classes and combat training. It's politics, competition, and constant pressure to prove yourself."
I met his gaze steadily. "I want to understand my abilities and learn how to use them effectively. If that means dealing with politics and competition, so be it."
He nodded slowly. "Then we'll accept the evaluation. But," he fixed me with a stern look, "you maintain regular contact, you don't take unnecessary risks, and if I hear you've been showing off or attracting the wrong kind of attention..."
"I'll be careful," I promised.
Two days later, I found myself walking through the gates of Azure Sky Academy for the first time. The institution was a marvel of post-Convergence architecture—crystalline spires that channeled magical energy, training grounds that could simulate any environment, and facilities that seamlessly blended advanced technology with magical enhancement.
Aria bounced beside me, playing tour guide despite the fact that I was supposedly here for evaluation rather than casual visiting. "That's the Tactical Studies building where Professor Martinez teaches, and over there is the Practical Combat facility—they have pocket dimensions for safe full-power sparring!"
"Miss Veridian," a stern voice interrupted. We turned to see a tall woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes approaching. Her Academy robes marked her as senior faculty, and the way other students gave her a wide berth suggested significant authority.
"Professor Blackthorne," Aria said, her enthusiasm dampening slightly. "This is my brother Aldric. He's here for the aptitude evaluation."
Professor Blackthorne studied me with the intensity of someone accustomed to dissecting students' capabilities at a glance. "Mr. Veridian. Your impromptu leadership in Shadowmere Caverns has generated considerable discussion among the faculty."
"I hope that's a good thing," I replied carefully.
"That depends entirely on whether your performance was the result of genuine tactical insight or simply luck." Her smile was sharp. "Today's evaluation will determine which."
The evaluation turned out to be comprehensive and exhausting. Physical testing measured my current stats and projected growth potential. Magical assessment evaluated my affinity across multiple schools of magic. Combat simulations tested reaction speed, decision-making under pressure, and adaptability to changing situations.
But the most interesting part was the tactical analysis session.
Professor Blackthorne presented me with a series of scenarios displayed on a magical projection system—dungeon layouts with monster positions, team compositions with various strengths and weaknesses, and complex multi-objective missions requiring careful resource management.
"You have five minutes to analyze each scenario and present your tactical recommendation," she explained. "Don't overthink it. First instincts often reveal true understanding."
I approached each scenario like a system design problem, breaking down the variables and constraints before architecting solutions. The monsters had predictable behavior patterns that could be exploited. Team compositions were just resource allocation problems. Complex missions were essentially project management with higher stakes.
"Interesting," Professor Blackthorne murmured as I finished the final scenario. "Your approach is remarkably systematic. Almost like you're treating combat as a form of engineering."
I shrugged, trying to look casual. "I guess I think about problems in terms of systems and interactions."
"And your magical assessment results suggest unusually high theoretical understanding for someone with minimal practical experience." She consulted her notes. "Level 2, awakened less than a month ago, but scoring at Level 5+ equivalency in magical theory and tactical analysis."
"Is that... bad?" I asked.
"On the contrary, it's exactly what we look for in advanced track candidates." She smiled, and for the first time it seemed genuine rather than predatory. "Mr. Veridian, how would you feel about starting Academy classes next week?"
The advanced track, as Professor Blackthorne explained it, was designed for students who showed exceptional potential but needed accelerated development to reach that potential safely. Instead of the standard curriculum focused on broad foundational knowledge, advanced track students received intensive specialized training tailored to their specific abilities and career goals.
"Your tactical analysis scores suggest command potential," she continued as we walked through the Academy's administrative building. "Students with leadership capabilities receive additional training in team coordination, resource management, and strategic planning."
"That sounds perfect," I said, and meant it. Command skills would be incredibly useful for coordinating abilities I hadn't created yet.
"However," her tone turned serious, "advanced track students also face higher expectations and greater scrutiny. Your classmates will include some of the most talented young Hunters in Terra Nexus. Competition will be intense."
"I understand."
"Do you?" She stopped walking and fixed me with that piercing stare again. "Mr. Veridian, your evaluation results are... unusual. High theoretical knowledge, advanced tactical thinking, but minimal practical experience and a null Class designation. That combination suggests either exceptional natural talent or some form of advanced preparation."
My heart rate spiked, but I kept my expression neutral. "I study a lot. My family has extensive libraries."
"Indeed they do." Professor Blackthorne resumed walking. "Very well. Welcome to Azure Sky Academy, Mr. Veridian. Classes begin Monday. I suggest you spend the weekend reviewing the advanced curriculum materials and preparing yourself mentally."
As she handed me a thick folder of course schedules and required reading lists, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The Academy would provide everything I needed to optimize my first created ability—combat experience, magical knowledge, and tactical training.
It would also put me under constant observation by some of the most perceptive instructors in Terra Nexus.
Level: 2 (EXP: 127/150)
Just 23 more experience points until Level 3. At this rate, I'd reach Level 5 within a month of starting Academy classes. The question was whether I could design and implement my first ability without revealing the true extent of my capabilities.
As Aria and I walked back toward the Academy gates, she nudged me playfully. "So, excited about being my classmate officially?"
"Terrified might be more accurate," I admitted.
"Don't be. You'll do great." She grinned. "Besides, I'll be there to help you navigate the social side of things. Academy politics can be tricky, but it's nothing we can't handle."
I smiled back, grateful for her support. But privately, I was already running calculations on ability creation, weighing the benefits of defensive versus offensive capabilities, considering how to balance power with subtlety.
The Academy would provide the perfect testing ground for my creations. I just had to make sure they didn't realize they were being used as beta testers for reality-hacking abilities.
The game was getting more complex, but I was finally starting to understand how to play it.