The Everts Academy Classroom
The classroom returned to a hushed quiet after the detailed explanation of the School Festival concluded. Yet, for Reika, the thought of a global duel witnessed by the entire world kept spinning relentlessly in his mind. He looked down, staring at his palms, wondering if he truly had what it took to face it all.
(I've… really made it into this academy.)
With a swift, decisive motion, Zenit erased the blackboard and turned to face her students.
"Starting today," she announced, her voice carrying a heavy gravity, "you will begin your core education in basic sorcery, mana theory, and physical conditioning."
She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the rows of desks, lingering a moment longer on the noble-born students.
"Do not delude yourselves into thinking you can become Heeros overnight. And most importantly, lose the arrogance—especially those of you who feel superior simply because of the noble blood in your veins."
Several nobles shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Some looked away, while others clicked their tongues in annoyance. In the back corner, Thoe let out a soft snort, his displeasure written all over his face.
The lectures dragged on. Most students grew visibly bored, a few even resort to doodling on their desks. However, Reika took meticulous notes, absorbing every single word that left Zenit's mouth.
Lunch Break
The moment the bell rang signaling the break—
"Reika!" Alisa barked, instantly grabbing his arm with an exasperated expression. "Why did you just sit there and stay quiet?! Thoe went completely over the line!"
Reika merely offered a small, nonchalant smile, acting as if it were no big deal. "It's fine. It's something we lower-class folks are already used to."
"Used to?!" Alisa fumed, her eyes blazing. "If you want, I can easily—"
"No," Reika cut her off, his voice soft yet unyielding. "I don't want to cause any trouble."
Zian, who had been observing the two from a distance, finally gathered his courage and approached them. "Reika... you?"
Reika turned his head to look at him. "You're Juko, right? What's up?"
Zian swallowed hard, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Would it be alright... if we formed a group together for the festival?"
Reika fell silent.
The Colosseum Tournament Group.
Before he could give an answer—
"Heh."
A cold, mocking sneer cut through the air. Thoe stood right in front of them, flanked by two other noble students. His downward stare was dripping with utter contempt.
"A group?" Thoe let out a condescending chuckle. "Are you serious? Do you trash-tier commoners honestly believe you are worthy of participating in the festival alongside nobility?"
Alisa took a fierce step forward, her face flushing crimson with rage. "Watch your mouth, Thoe, or else—!"
"Or else what?" Thoe threw his head back, his voice rising as he glared down at Alisa, before shifting his eyes back to Reika. "You're nothing but garbage. If you join the festival, you'll end up as nothing more than court jesters for the crowd."
Reika raised his head, matching Thoe's gaze with absolute calm.
"I didn't come to this academy to entertain anyone."
The surrounding area suddenly went dead silent. Thoe narrowed his eyes, the sneer on his face tightening into a sharp grin.
"Brave words for a stray." Thoe turned on his heel to leave. "In that case, you better pray you don't end up in the same arena as me."
Alisa clenched her fists tight, shouting at his retreating back, "You coward! Get back here!"
Reika gently placed a hand on Alisa's shoulder, holding her back. "Let it go. It's fine."
Late Afternoon — The Training Grounds
Zenit stood firmly in the center of the vast, open training field. "This will be a free-practice session," she instructed. "I want to gauge your current mana control."
One by one, the students stepped forward to display their abilities. Fire, wind, earth—everything shown was standard, ordinary.
"Reika Argan."
Reika stepped forward out of the crowd.
"Utilize any magic of your choosing," Zenit noted. "But do not overdo it."
Reika nodded. "Ice Block."
Instantly, a warm, perfectly stable surge of mana coursed through his veins. The ground beneath his boots trembled ever so slightly. The temperature in the immediate air plummeted, and a solid, monolithic barrier of ice manifested right before him.
Zenit raised an eyebrow in genuine approval. "Excellent control."
Whispers immediately broke out among the students.
"That's definitely not the execution of a beginner."
"His mana flow is incredibly stable."
From across the field, Thoe watched intently, his eyes narrowing into a glare. (Interesting.)
Nighttime — The Boys' Dormitory
After returning to the dorms, Reika and Zian stood before the door of a shared room.
"So, you're my roommate, Juko?"
"Just call me Zian."
"Alright, Zian."
Zian offered a small, appreciative smile. "To be honest, I didn't even have a room assigned until now. You arrived a day earlier than me, right?"
Reika blinked in surprise. "Oh... that's right. I guess I got in through a special channel."
"The process is always complicated for commoners," Zian continued. "And I heard you managed to pass thanks to Lord Wiz."
Reika smiled faintly. "Yeah. I got lucky."
Zian's eyes instantly lit up like stars. "Super lucky! Don't you know? He's my absolute idol! Summoning a Soul Star at the mere age of eight, a key figure in the World War, and the youngest Heero in history!"
"My, you certainly know a lot about me."
The relaxed voice manifested out of nowhere from right behind them. Reika and Zian spun around on their heels instantly.
"L-Lord Wiz?!"
"Yo."
Zian looked like he was about to jump out of his skin with excitement. "I-I finally get to meet you in person!"
"Brother Wiz," Reika greeted him.
"Good," Wiz smiled warmly, reaching out to pat Reika's head. "You're finally calling me Brother."
Zian looked back and forth between the two of them, utterly bewildered. "Just what is the relationship between you two?"
Wiz casually threw an arm around Reika's shoulder. "He's my family."
"WHAT?!" Zian practically fell backward onto the floor.
Reika looked just as startled. "Brother Wiz... aren't we just—?"
"Let's take this inside first," Wiz interrupted smoothly. "It's not good to gossip out in the hallway."
Inside the Dorm Room
"Since when did we become family?" Reika questioned, crossing his arms.
"Since the moment I decided to consider you family," Wiz replied nonchalantly. "Besides, I've already taken your surname. It's Wiz Argan now."
Reika stood dazed. (Incredible... someone this amazing is part of my family.)
"Reika, make me your little brother too!" Zian pleaded desperately.
"Being friends is more than enough," Reika replied.
Zian dropped his head, looking utterly devastated. Wiz let out a soft chuckle.
"Reika, you're participating in the School Festival, right?"
"Of course."
"Do you have a group yet?"
"Not yet."
"Count me in! Let's form a team, Reika!" Zian chimed in eagerly.
"Splendid," Wiz said, a sharp glint in his eye. "I shall personally train the two of you."
"Really?!" Reika and Zian shouted in unison.
"Naturally. However, it would be highly beneficial to have a noble on your team."
Reika nodded knowingly. "I already know the perfect person."
"Alisa Barley?" Zian guessed. "She'll definitely agree."
Wiz turned his gaze toward Zian. "And what is your affinity?"
"Lightning magic... but I mostly rely entirely on my speed."
"An assassin type," Wiz murmured thoughtfully. He took a step toward the exit. "Tomorrow, assemble at the city square."
Once Wiz departed, Reika turned to look at Zian. A silent, unyielding resolve passed between them—they were going to claim absolute victory in the upcoming festival.