The hallways of the Elite Hunter Academy buzzed with chatter. Students hurried between classes, gossiping about dungeon runs and ranking updates.
Most were children of influential families, each confident their status gave them an edge.
Two boys leaned against a pillar, watching Adrian pass. Both were from wealthy families, but their hunter ranks lagged behind their privilege.
"He's A-rank already? At seventeen? Must be all luck… or his family throwing resources at him," one whispered, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, and he doesn't even look like he tries half as much as we do," the other added, voice dripping with envy. "All that charm, all that skill… just handed to him, probably."
"I swear, some people just get everything handed on a silver plate," the first boy muttered, shaking his head. "Meanwhile, the rest of us actually have to grind."
"He's lucky, that's all. Nothing else explains it," the second said, sneering slightly. "If I had his connections, I'd be A-rank too. Maybe even higher."
Adrian smirked faintly, walking past them as if he hadn't heard a word. His fingers twitched subtly, and one boy's hand jerked violently, slapping his friend across the face. Both froze, eyes wide.
Adrian kept walking, smirk unwavering. "Lesson learned," he thought.
Nyxil's voice rang in his mind, half amused, half exasperated. "…!! Really? Using telekinesis on school brats? Childish."
"Better than listening to nonsense," Adrian replied silently, shrugging. "Sometimes people need a little reminder not to talk too much about things they don't understand."
***
Later, during a break, Adrian sat with a small group of friends near the courtyard. Conversation meandered from mundane school topics to casual dungeon talk.
A sudden ripple of presence caught his attention. Selara Veyra, a renowned S-rank hunter, strode toward him. Her expression was calm, confident, and just slightly amused.
"Adrian Arden," she said, voice smooth, "are you interested in a B-grade dungeon raid in two days? I'm forming a team, and I want someone capable."
Adrian tilted his head, eyes scanning her carefully. She was strong, efficient, and had that leader aura that commanded without yelling. That meant she wasn't just testing him. She wanted results.
"I'll join," he said simply, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Two days, you said?"
Selara nodded, her gaze sharp. "Prepare accordingly. It won't be easy."
Nyxil's tone in his mind was begrudging. "Hmph. Finally something challenging. About time you stopped playing with stones and shadows."
***
The rest of the day was spent preparing for the dungeon, but Adrian had his own plans. He retreated to the Arden family training grounds, a sprawling estate equipped with practice weapons, sparring dummies, and even a private D-grade dungeon gate.
He picked up a sword, testing its weight, balance, and response. His movements were precise, each swing calculated. Shadow energy flickered faintly around his gauntlets as he adjusted his stance.
Next, he experimented with new spells. Simple elemental bursts, minor illusions, and telekinetic manipulations, making sure each worked seamlessly in combination with his sword attacks.
His hands moved almost instinctively, the combination of magic, skill, and motion flowing like a choreographed dance.
Yet, despite the focus, Adrian caught his reflection in the polished metal of a training dummy's armor. He tilted his head, smirked, and adjusted his hair. "Not bad," he muttered. "Even I can't deny this face."
Nyxil groaned. "You narcissist! Twenty-five Strength and all you care about is your looks?"
Adrian shrugged, waving a hand casually. "Jeez, old man. I'll upgrade STR next time. It's major five times, anyway. Not like it disappears."
Nyxil snapped, almost screaming in his mind. "Major boost! Next time?! You keep delaying strength upgrades and you....ugh! Every time I lecture you about your weaknesses, you do this!"
Adrian chuckled softly, flipping the sword in his hand, testing a thrust. "Relax, Nyxil. I'm not dead yet. Everything in its own time. Besides, a little style never hurts."
The system remained silent for a moment, as if it had resigned itself to Adrian's stubbornness.
***
Later, Adrian entered the family-owned D-grade dungeon, empty except for him and the faint hum of the dungeon's core. This was his playground : a place to refine combat, test spells, and push his limits without interference.
Monsters scuttled forward: weak, predictable, and perfect for experimentation.
Adrian swung his sword with precision. With a flick of his fingers, loose rocks spun into clusters of monsters. His blade cut through the chaos, energy from the strike knocking enemies off balance.
Every move was calculated. He didn't just attack, he controlled the battlefield, guiding foes into positions where a single strike could take them down.
By the time he left, his gloves bore traces of monster blood, which he shook off with a faint grimace.
"Ughh… still not clean," he muttered, a trace of disgust in his tone. Nyxil snickered quietly. "And you worry about cleanliness more than strength upgrades!"
"Old habits die hard," Adrian replied, tightening his gauntlets. "Next time, STR. Today… style and finesse."
***
By nightfall, Adrian reviewed his system panel.
Level 39. One major deed required for Level 40. Mana full, skills ready, and sword techniques refined.
He leaned back, looking out over the city from his estate balcony, shadows flickering faintly along his arms. Three days until the B-grade dungeon. Three days to plan, prepare, and ensure he wouldn't just survive, but dominate.
Nyxil sighed in his mind, half exasperated, half impressed. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Adrian smirked, flexing his fingers. "Of course. Wouldn't want it any other way."