The morning sun filtered through the stained glass windows of the Magic Academy, casting colorful patterns across the courtyard. Students hurried along the cobbled paths, some chatting excitedly, others practicing minor spells in between classes.
Ken Xeno walked calmly among them, his black hair swaying lightly and his permanent smile in place. His mind cataloged everything: the layout of the academy, the flow of magic in the air, and even the little habits of students around him. To anyone observing, he looked like an ordinary student—though something about him suggested he was far from it.
He was on his way to the advanced mana control class, accompanied by Taron and Elyas. Both were clearly nervous, glancing at Ken occasionally. They had heard the rumors: youngest Xeno, from one of the most powerful families, already demonstrating exceptional control in his first class.
"T-That's a bit intimidating, isn't it?" Taron whispered as they walked.
Elyas nodded, eyes wide. "Yeah… I've seen him. Calm, collected… like he's untouchable."
Ken tilted his head slightly, his smile unwavering. "Don't worry. Just focus on learning. Everyone starts somewhere."
Taron and Elyas exchanged glances, slightly reassured by Ken's calm tone, though they still felt the weight of his presence.
---
The advanced mana control classroom was massive, with floating platforms for each student. The instructor, a stern woman with piercing green eyes, greeted them.
"Today, you will learn how to manipulate multiple elements at once," she said, voice commanding. "This is not for beginners. Only those who can maintain control under pressure will succeed."
Ken listened, nodding subtly. His system flickered, offering detailed suggestions: optimal hand movements, precise mana allocation, even a calculated sequence of elemental interactions.
The first exercise involved combining fire and wind to create a controlled tornado. Most students struggled, flames burning too wildly or gusts scattering unpredictably. Ken observed them with a calm expression, his smile unwavering.
When it was his turn, he closed his eyes for a brief moment. Black mana swirled lightly around his hands as he formed the elemental combination with perfect balance. The tornado spun steadily above his platform, contained and flawless.
The instructor's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked it. "Impressive control… for someone your age," she commented.
Ken simply nodded, smiling. "Thank you. I'm still learning."
Of course, he thought. This is just the warm-up.
---
After class, students were allowed to practice in the academy's courtyard. Ken walked calmly among them, observing. A group of third-year students had gathered, clearly showing off their power. Spells collided in small bursts of fire, ice, and lightning. The chaos drew a crowd, but Ken's interest was analytical rather than entertained.
He stepped forward casually. "Mind if I try?" he asked, his smile never wavering.
The group paused, sizing him up. One of the older students, a tall boy with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, laughed. "You? A first-year? Go ahead… we'll enjoy watching you fail."
Ken tilted his head, maintaining his calm smile. "I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just want to see how well I can control it."
With that, he raised his hands. Black mana glimmered faintly as he formed multiple elemental threads in perfect synchronization. Fire, wind, and water spiraled together, creating a stable, twisting vortex. The crowd gasped, and the older students' laughter faltered.
The silver-haired boy's eyes narrowed. "Hmph… not bad for a first-year."
Ken simply lowered his hands, the vortex dissipating cleanly. His system quietly logged every reaction, every fluctuation in mana, storing the information for future use.
It's amusing, he thought. They don't even realize how far ahead I am.
---
By evening, Ken returned to his dormitory, the sun setting behind the Academy towers. Taron and Elyas were exhausted from trying to keep up with him, yet they couldn't help but feel inspired.
"You… you make it look so easy," Elyas admitted.
Ken smiled calmly. "It's all about observation and understanding. Don't rush. Learn first, and power comes naturally."
He sat on the edge of his bed, gazing out the window at the courtyard below. Students still practiced, and the Academy seemed alive in a way that books could never capture.
Somewhere in his mind, the thought of the original protagonist flickered briefly: "I will come back again."
Ken didn't understand what it meant. And for now, it didn't matter.
He had a world to explore, a system to master, and countless lessons to observe.
This is only the beginning, he thought, smiling to himself. And I intend to see it all.