Chapter 19: Life at the Academy
The trio sat quietly in their room, the air thick with the weight of their new responsibilities.
"Alright," Jefel said, leaning back. "Amy, Karth—I need some time to rest. You two can continue with daily academy life for now. Through our bond link, I'll reach out if needed. Until then, observe and gather information on this Black Clan. With your robe, mask, and abilities, you should remain undetected."
The two nodded without hesitation.
"Understood," Amy replied.
"Got it," Karth added.
They exchanged academy contacts before standing to leave, their robes shimmering faintly as they walked out.
Jefel exhaled in relief. After a quick shower, he collapsed onto the bed. With a lazy tap, he pressed his badge five times. The robe shimmered—and a calm voice responded.
"Yes, this is Instructor Ruby from the Nurban Academy Help and Call Center. How may I assist you, student of the First-Year Orange Sector—Jefel?"
Jefel groaned inwardly. What a long way to answer.
"Instructor Ruby, I want to check my stats, order food, and request some books."
"Of course. Your stats will appear shortly. As for food: dining section meals are free if eaten in the hall, but delivery will cost 1 EXP point. From the store, prices vary. For books, please browse the library section."
"Alright, thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied warmly.
A soft ring chimed.
---
Academy Stats Available
Name: Jefel Fassael
Class & Course: Combat, Battle, and Weapons
EXP: 20
---
He skimmed the stats when another Biainnnn!! rang out—this one from his bloodline link. It carried Karth's signature.
Jefel instantly prepared to transport, fearing trouble. But instead—
"My lord!" Karth's panicked voice thundered through the link. "I—I just saw a strange tattoo on my dick in the bathtub!"
Jefel froze. His mind blanked. Then his palm smacked his face so hard it echoed.
"…What the hell are you talking about, Karth? Yours is on your what?"
Karth stammered, ready to repeat it, but Jefel cut the line instantly. Through the fading connection, he barely caught Karth's muffled protest:
"It's normal? My lord, what do you mean—it's on my di—"
Then a faint giggle slipped through—the unmistakable laugh of Amy mocking him. They were probably already fighting.
Jefel sighed, shaking his head. Unbelievable.
He set the nonsense aside, ordering food through the robe's save-order option. Now every dining meal would auto-deliver, even if he missed the hall. Efficient. Next, he browsed the library, selecting stacks of books. They materialized in front of him with a shimmer.
---
Academy EXP Credits Remaining: 3
---
That night, Jefel buried himself in study, completing homework and running minor quests—fetching water, chopping wood, assisting instructors.
Day by day, week by week, his reputation surged. Students whispered when he passed:
"He's not bad… if you don't provoke him."
"Did you see him in the gym? Cutting wood like it was paper."
"He's calm… but terrifying. A king hiding among us."
Even the instructors grew fond of his dedication. A female elder, watching through her robe from her office, murmured:
"He is both a king… and a commoner. Dangerous and humble alike."
---
Information from Books Obtained:
Battle Warden: How to Wield a Sword
…
General Knowledge +5
Intelligence & Awareness +5
Charm +5
Reputation +5
---
In the dungeon, his growth was even sharper.
Bam!
A snake's head fell cleanly from its body under his strike.
---
[System]
Physique +2
Class: Hunter (70%)
---
He never missed his training. His robe often shimmered with offers to advance.
"Jefel of Nurban, do you wish to move to the next class?"
His answer was always the same.
"No. Save it for me."
Month by month, his EXP and credits piled up. His robe now shimmered with orange, violet, purple, and white—a kaleidoscope of potential. One more choice, and he could jump straight to Third Year.
But Jefel wasn't rushing. He was building.
When boredom struck, he sparred with Amy and Karth.
---
[Loyal Companions Battle Art Copied]
Fusion: Veil of Ascension + Stell of Fire
Attributes: Fluid unpredictability + Overwhelming force
---
The training hall thundered with their clash.
Amy moved like mist—veils of shadow concealing each deadly strike.
Karth roared like fire—a storm of relentless, burning power.
And Jefel stood between them, his body absorbing both storms.
Then—he moved.
Like Amy, his form blurred, slipping past Karth's blazing blade. But when he struck, the blow carried Karth's crushing force. Shadows spiraled with fire, weaving into a dance of grace and destruction.
Amy gasped. "He's… using my art?"
"No—he's using mine!" Karth barked.
But the truth dawned as Jefel's dagger carved a path of sparks and darkness through the hall.
"This isn't your art," Jefel said softly. His eyes burned with calm power. "It's mine."
The robe shimmered.
---
[New Battle Art Created]
Eclipse Dominion Art – Fusion of Veil of Ascension and Stell of Fire
Attributes: Fluid unpredictability + Overwhelming force
Growth Potential: Unknown
---
Amy smiled, breathless. "You're dangerous, Jefel."
Karth smirked, sweat dripping. "Damn right he is."
Then—the hall shuddered.
Jefel staggered, clutching his chest. His robe blazed with violent light. Veins lit with lightning, his shadow stretched unnaturally. Fire laced his breath. His flesh hardened like steel. The wind howled, stone rooted his stance.
Amy whispered, trembling. "He's… changing."
Karth's grin faltered. "No. He's evolving."
Power erupted from Jefel—shadows, lightning, fire, steel, wind, stone, even something microscopic. They fused, swirling in an eclipse of light and dark.
---
[Special Physique Awakened]
Predator's Eclipse Physique – forged through seven elemental affinities.
A body built for the perfect hunt.
Lightning: reflexes beyond sight
Shadows: concealment & unpredictability
Fire: destructive burst force
Steel: resilience & durability
Wind: agility & balance
Stone: grounding & endurance
Microscopic: precision & inner mastery
Growth Potential – Limitless
---
The glow dimmed. Jefel stood tall, steady, his eyes split—one sparking with lightning, the other drowning in shadow.
"This," he was in shock of his power, he whispered, flexing his hand, if this continues, if I ascends "What will I become.
Amy shivered. "You're not human anymore, Jefel… you're something else."
Karth barked a shaky laugh. "Something terrifying."
And whispers spread.
Tyrant. Predator. Heir. Monster. King.
Every title carried weight. Every title was true.
---
[System Stats]
Name: Jefel
Class: Hunter (90%)
Bloodline/Legacy: Battle Heir (70%)
Core: Light Orange (80%)
Power Stage: Mind Strengthening & Awareness Flow (40%)
Weapon: Darts, Silver Fang Lightning Dagger (80%)
Traits: Copy (55%)
Elements: Lightning, Shadows (12%), Fire (56%), Steel (31%), Wind (79%), Stone (40%), Microscopic (5%)
Physique: Predator's Eclipse Physique (1%)
Battle Art: Eclipse Dominion Beast Art (4%)
Title: Predator Heir
Attributes
Strength: 50
Stamina: 35
Speed: 30
Agility: 30
Endurance: 50
Charm: 45
Intelligence & Awareness: 50