following the small golden arrow on my armband, I walked deeper into the academy's restricted residential area. the normal student dorms had ended long ago — the farther I went, the emptier and quieter everything became.
sigh**so this is what ace treatment looks like huh.
the pathway was paved with white mana-stone tiles that glowed faintly under my steps, guiding me forward. tall trees lined the road, leaves shimmering with natural mana, almost like stars hanging upside down.
and then—
i stopped.
in front of me stood a… mansion?
no, calling it a mansion was an insult.
it looked more like a royal villa, three floors tall, built with silver-wood and obsidian stone, with floating lanterns drifting around it. a small waterfall ran along the left side of the courtyard, forming a shallow pond filled with blue lotuses.
"so… this is mine? "a grin came on my face. not bad at all.
i pushed open the gate, expecting emptiness.
instead—
a voice came from inside. soft. calm. trained.
"welcome to your residence, young master."
i blinked.
standing near the entrance was a catkin girl — black hair with silver streaks, cat ears twitching slightly, and a fluffy tail behind her. she bowed politely, her posture perfect like a seasoned maid.
her purple eyes met mine for a second before she lowered them again.
"i am Rin Felwinter, " she said softly. "assigned as your personal maid. i will manage your residence, assist with daily needs, scheduling, meals, and academic support."
i stared at her for a second.
"wow…" was all i could say.
was'nt aldric had a personal butler as personal servent in book so how did it change .
she tilted her head. " young master?"
i coughed. "ah—it's nothing. i didn't expect, uh… an actual maid."
her ears twitched again, almost proudly.
"it is customary for the Ace of each year," she said gently. "please rely on me as needed. your bath is prepared. your room has been arranged to your preference, according to the data from your awakening registry."
ah right… this world collects too much information.
i nodded. "thanku , Rin."
she bowed again. "rest well, young master."
i did exactly that.
the bed was heavenly.
the next morning —
i woke up early. not out of habit, but because i had too many thoughts.
'i need to take missions as soon as classes start…i need points…and i need to collect that item before the seeker gets their hands on it.'
i sighed and decided to clear my head with a walk. rin insisted on preparing tea for my return, so i left alone.
the air outside was cool and refreshing. there was a small park nearby — trees, benches, a fountain glowing faintly with mana.
i thought i would have peace.
until someone spoke behind me.
"arthure?"
i turned and saw elyndria standing there with fang lazily walking beside her.
ah. the elf princess.
at suspiciously early morning.
she looked exactly the same — calm, elegant, slightly sleepy.
i raised my hand. "good morning."
she nodded. "good morning. you wake up early."
i chuckled. "could say the same for you."
' was'nt she popular for begin late for classes because of sleep '
she yawned softly. "i don't… . fang woke me up."
the wolf snorted as if offended.
i sat on a bench. she walked over and sat beside me, leaving appropriate noble distance.
"yesterday was… interesting," she said. "you becoming ace was unexpected. but deserved."
"thanku," i said.
"and honestly, we made a good duo during the exam."
she nodded. "mn. i think so too. it was efficient."
her calmness always amuses me.
"the elites have fewer benefits compared to the ace," she added softly, looking away.
ah? there it is.
the little envy.
she continued, "i heard your mansion has private facilities… and… a personal maid."
i pretended not to notice her ears twitching.
"yeah," i said casually. "her name is Rin. she's catkin. very good at her job."
elyndria puffed her cheeks slightly. not too visible, just… a tiny bit.
"we do not get personal maids…" she muttered.
i almost laughed.
almost.
"well," i said. "you are welcome to visit. maybe you can use the gravity chamber if you want."
she blinked."…really?"
"sure."
she stared for a second, processing it, then nodded lightly.
"then… i might."
a short silence passed — not awkward this time, just calm.
i stood up. "hey, want to come with me to the student plaza? i want to check the bulletin boards and mission hall locations."
she looked at fang. fang looked at me. and then she nodded.
"okay."
and just like that, we began walking together toward the plaza — not friends yet, not something else either… just two strong candidates walking side by side.
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A\n - aim ( 10 power stone for 5 ch mass release ) .