It was the first day Ray came to the academy.
The day had been long—longer than he expected. A grueling entrance exam that tested not only strength but also composure, the constant pressure of unfamiliar gazes, and a sea of new students whose ambitions burned brightly behind polite smiles. He had met the principal, the vice principal, and several high-level figures of the academy, each probing him in their own way. By the end of it all, three such figures had taken him in as their student.
Any normal student would have been ecstatic.
Ray, however, chose the Venus House.
Low-key. Quiet. Out of the spotlight. Exactly how he wanted it.
Along the way, he had even helped secure two of the academy's top students—Alice and Arisa—to join Venus House. It was a small maneuver, subtle enough not to attract attention, yet effective.
As long as he didn't show off too much, everything would be fine.
Or so he thought.
That very same day, Ray learned that Aries possessed special flames. Daisy, clearly intrigued, had personally given Aries a special flame cultivation technique. The moment Aries sensed a breakthrough approaching, she excused herself before even finishing the conversation, her aura trembling with suppressed excitement.
Ray could only shake his head. Talent truly gathered around him whether he wanted it or not.
Before he could even process that surprise, another arrived.
Ryan and Grace appeared before him, proposing a deal—building a network between their sects and Ray's future plans. What began as a calm discussion quickly turned into something far more shocking. Subtle habits. Strange phrases. An instinctive understanding of concepts that didn't belong to this world.
Ryan and Grace realized the truth.
Ray was reincarnated.
And then, with faint smiles and tired eyes, they revealed that they were reincarnates as well.
For a brief moment, the weight of countless lifetimes surfaced. There were tears—unashamed, heavy with memories—and laughter that carried relief rather than joy. After a short but meaningful conversation, they departed, leaving Ray alone once more.
Exhausted, Ray finally sat down, hoping for peace. He had just finished reading the academy rulebook when his communication token lit up, shattering the brief calm.
Alice.
Her voice was urgent. She told him to meet them at Arisa's house. There was something very important to discuss.
Ray chuckled softly, shaking his head.
He could already imagine it—the mischievous little princess probably wanted to drag him into some game or demand another one of his bedtime stories. Still, beneath his amusement lingered concern. Alice's position was delicate. Other students might challenge her for her house. Should she stay low-key in a lower-ranked house or defend her place and invite trouble?
He intended to talk to her about it.
After a short walk, Ray arrived at Arisa's house and reached for the door.
Before his hand touched it, the door opened by itself.
The interior was silent.
Too silent.
Ray stepped inside and released a thread of soul power, sweeping the surroundings. Nothing. No presence. No fluctuation. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, a faint pressure settled over him.
An illusion formation.
Early wood stage.
Ray's eyes narrowed slightly. Alice…
As expected, two figures burst from the distorted space around him. A fist flew toward his chest, swift and confident. A kick followed from the opposite side, sharp and precise.
Ray reacted without panic.
He caught Alice's fist mid-air and pivoted smoothly, blocking Arisa's kick with a single motion. The impact dispersed the illusion like ripples on water.
Ray raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-surprised.
He had expected mischief—but not an ambush.
"It was a good tactic," Ray said with a gentle smile, "but it was not enough."
Both girls deflated instantly, disappointment written clearly on their faces.
Ray laughed softly. "I've been learning swordsmanship since I was three. You only just started learning to battle. You girls will surpass me in no time."
The praise worked instantly. Their smiles returned as they withdrew their attacks.
Ray crossed his arms, eyes glinting teasingly. "So, why was I invited, your highness?"
The air froze.
Alice hated that title.
She had warned him hundreds of times—call me Alice. Her expression darkened as runes began forming instinctively around her fingers, glowing faintly with danger.
"Alice! Alice!" Ray shouted quickly. "I was joking!"
Only when he used her name did the runes dissipate.
Arisa covered her mouth, giggling. She clearly enjoyed their banter and was already planning to provoke Ray herself next time.
Ray sighed in relief. "So, what did you call me here for?"
"It was me who called you."
The voice was calm, ancient, and steady.
Sophia—the ancient spirit tree.
Ray's expression shifted instantly. Spiritual and soul power surged into his eyes. Only then did he notice Sophia standing quietly beside Arisa, her presence blending naturally into the surroundings.
Ray looked at her, confusion clear in his gaze.
Sophia spoke seriously. "Your little friend, Alice, managed to create a semi-law when she awakened her cultivation. I find it such a waste. She lacks two things—one, a cultivation technique. Two, a complete law to guide her future. With both, her growth would be terrifying. Honestly, what is with this generation around you?"
Ray smiled faintly, about to respond, when Alice interrupted.
"What are you staring at?" she demanded. "And what's with that creepy smile? Is there a ghost here or something?"
Ray and Arisa exchanged looks.
They could see Sophia.
Alice could not.
Calling an unseen ancient spirit a ghost was understandable—but still awkward.
Ray glanced back at Sophia, hoping for some reaction, but found none. Her expression remained unchanged, and the quiet indifference left Ray oddly disappointed.
"Haha…" Ray scratched his head. "How could there be a ghost? Alice, do you want to play a new game?"
Alice's eyes lit up instantly. "What game?"
"Hide and seek," Ray said. "You and Arisa hide. I'll find you. Only inside this house. I'll start after counting one to sixty."
Before he even start counting, giggles echoed through the corridors as both girls ran off, determined to find the perfect hiding spot.
Ray turned back to Sophia, his tone quieter.
"I don't have the ability to give cultivation techniques or complete laws. I helped her awaken her cultivation—that was all I could do. Creating a semi-law on her own… isn't that already impressive?"
Sophia sighed, frustration evident. "She has a formation heart merged with her core. Her core entered her heart and fused with it. If she doesn't form a complete law now, it may become far more difficult later. She gained insight during awakening, but even that wasn't enough. Who knows when she'll get another chance?"
Ray's expression softened.
He wanted his friends to grow strong—to stand beside him as he reshaped this world with knowledge of modern technology, infrastructure, and innovation. He might ascend to higher realms long before Alice. The gap between them could become irreversible.
He even asked Daisy for guidance—but even Daisy had no answer.
As Ray moved through the house, searching for the girls now that the minute had passed, his thoughts raced.
And then—
An idea formed.
Subtle at first.
But promising.
Ray's steps slowed, a faint smile touching his lips.
He knew how he was going to help Alice.