I woke up early Sunday morning. The sky outside was still dark, tinged with the faintest light on the horizon. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling.
I still couldn't fully believe it.
I'm in Legacy of the Scindari.
I had been transmigrated—but what of the body I'd left behind? The thought struck me with a sharp ache, my head ringing as if caught between two worlds. Every time I tried to recall William's childhood, to wonder how he had grown up, the same crushing migraines followed, blotting out the answers.
It felt absurd, almost laughable—like something pulled straight from the pages of a novel. And yet, I couldn't escape the truth. This wasn't a story I was reading. This was my life now.
A rustle broke my thoughts. Miles stirred to my right, dragging himself out of bed with the quiet clumsiness of someone not built for mornings. He shuffled into the bathroom without a word. By the time the door clicked shut, I was already slipping out.
I needed to test something.
I'd seen my stats and already knew I was physically weak, but I had no idea how that actually translated in real terms.
So I went for a run.
Outside, a few others were already jogging. I'd planned to sprint—burn myself out to see my limits—but seeing everyone else pacing themselves made me reconsider. I joined in at a steady jog instead. It felt fine at first. I even managed to keep pace for about an hour. But after that, my body started to give out. Fifteen minutes later, I was winded and drained.
For an average human? Not bad.
For an awakened student? Terrible.
Defeated, I rested for a while before heading back. The room was empty—Douglas and Miles were likely at breakfast—so I decided to follow their lead.
The dining hall was buzzing, livelier than yesterday. I grabbed a plate and spotted them already halfway through their meals.
"Where'd you disappear to?" Douglas asked between bites.
"Went out for a light stretch," I said.
That got him curious. "What are your stats like?"
I hesitated before replying, "My stamina and agility are on the low side."
Miles looked up from his food, adjusting his glasses in thought. "That explains why you looked tired when you came in. But stats aren't the whole picture. With training, you'll adapt." His voice was soft, steady—measured in a way that made it sound like he'd thought it through before speaking.
Douglas nodded, clapping the table. "Exactly. You'll probably feel the marathon tomorrow, but trust me—it's not as bad as it sounds. Once you settle into rhythm, you'll last longer than you think."
I groaned internally.
They think my strength and constitution must be high.
It wasn't a crazy assumption. Most Arcadia students had balanced stats, and the Academy only accepted those with a total sum of 50 or more. Mana usually averaged around five to eight—rarely double digits.
But my mana was 19.
That was the only reason I got in. Despite being ten points below the requirement, my absurd mana stat gave me a shot. I decided not to correct them. Let them think I was built like a tank..
I focused on finishing my food. When they offered to wait for me, I waved them off.
"Nah, I'll head to the library after. Go on ahead."
Douglas smirked. "Don't burn yourself out again."
Miles added with a small smile, "Maybe leave a few books for the rest of us."
I laughed, promising to pace myself.
After clearing my tray, I went straight to the library. This time, I focused on Monsterology and History. Thanks to Immersion, I read faster and absorbed more. I even doubled my book load compared to last time, yet finished in just five hours—where it had taken nearly ten before.
Satisfied, I wandered the grounds. William's memories were patchy at best—he hadn't been at the academy long, and the only places he truly knew were the dining hall and the library.
I found the recreational center first: a swimming pool, arcade, various activities. The gym caught my eye, but my aching muscles warned me off. Better not to hobble into training tomorrow.
Further on, I came across lecture halls and the auditorium. The names and paths stuck in my mind with surprising ease—another perk of Immersion.
By the time I circled back, my legs were screaming. I grabbed another meal, eating like it was my last—because starting tomorrow, it might as well be.
When I returned to the room, Miles was already sprawled on his bed with a book in hand. I glanced around. 'Where's Douglas?' I muttered.
"He went to grab food," he said without looking up, answering my unspoken question.
"Huh. Must've missed him."
Not long after, Douglas walked in, cheerful as ever. We ended up chatting for a while—mostly about training. They were buzzing with excitement.
Me? I mostly felt dread.
But buried under that anxiety… a flicker of anticipation burned.
Tomorrow, the real challenge begins.