The morning air in the Magic Academy courtyard was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly polished stone and faint traces of mana. Ken Xeno walked among the students, his permanent smile unfaltering, as though nothing could disturb his composure.
Taron and Elyas followed behind, still trying to process the events of yesterday. "I can't believe the oldest students… they didn't even scare you," Taron muttered.
Ken tilted his head lightly, black eyes scanning the training grounds. "Calm is more useful than fear. Observation comes first. Strength comes second."
He stopped in front of a small practice field tucked behind a cluster of trees—a place few students bothered to visit. The field was lined with floating platforms, perfect for testing mana control without distractions.
Ken knelt briefly and activated his system. A translucent panel appeared:
---
[Ken Xeno]
[Age: 15]
[Power: Overwrite]
[Description: A gift from the Author. Use it well. This power can do anything.]
[Strength: 100/100]
[Stamina: 100/100]
[Durability: 100/100]
[Intelligence: 100/100]
[Store]
---
Ken's lips curved into a calm, controlled smile as he began to experiment with his "Overwrite" ability. Unlike other students, he didn't need to strain or push his limits. His system allowed him to manipulate magic subtly, rewriting small aspects of reality with thought and intent.
First, he adjusted the gravity on a floating platform. It tilted slightly, spinning gently in midair. To anyone watching, it would look like a normal trick of mana—but in reality, Ken had rewritten its mana structure with precision.
Next, he experimented with elemental threads. Fire, water, wind, and earth combined into a small, spinning sphere. It hovered perfectly balanced, pulsating with energy. Each element obeyed Ken's will, yet the spell looked effortless, almost casual.
It's fascinating, he thought, smiling softly. I could demonstrate this anywhere, but why rush? Observation comes first.
As he practiced, a faint disturbance caught his attention. A young student, no older than him, had wandered into the field. Her blue hair shimmered in the sunlight as she hesitated at the edge of his aura.
"You're… Ken Xeno, right?" she asked timidly.
Ken tilted his head, smiling warmly. "Yes. And you are?"
"I'm Liora Vale," she said, eyes wide as she studied him. "I've heard… a lot about you."
Ken's smile didn't falter. "I hope they're kind things," he said lightly. "Come join me if you'd like. Observation is better with company."
Liora blinked, clearly surprised. Most students expected arrogance or pride from someone like him. Instead, he was calm, patient, and… inviting. She stepped forward cautiously, watching as Ken manipulated his elemental sphere with absolute precision.
She's talented, Ken thought, analyzing her mana flow subtly. Interesting potential. Worth observing further.
---
Later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Ken packed up his things. Liora left, clearly inspired, and Taron and Elyas waited for him, looking exhausted but impressed.
"Seriously… how are you that calm all the time?" Elyas asked.
Ken smiled, his permanent expression unshakable. "It's just easier to watch and learn when you're calm. Strength comes naturally when you understand the world around you."
He glanced at the academy towers, golden in the setting sun. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the faint echo of the novel lingered: "I will come back again."
Ken didn't understand it yet. And he didn't care.
I have my own path now, he thought, smiling softly. And I intend to walk it without rushing.
---
By practicing in secret, Ken continued to observe and refine his abilities. His calm smile never left his face, but beneath it, the gears of his mind and system worked tirelessly, cataloging, rewriting, and storing everything he could.
He was ready. Slowly, quietly, and without anyone realizing just how far ahead he already was.
The Magic Academy is only the beginning.