The Magic Academy was buzzing more than usual. Word had spread about Ken Xeno, the youngest Xeno who had quietly bested Kaelen Draven in a sparring session and controlled the arena subtly without even showing effort. Whispers followed him wherever he went:
"The youngest Xeno…"
"He's always smiling…"
"No one can hit him…"
Ken walked through the courtyard, calm as ever, his black eyes observing everything. Students who had previously ignored him now gave way, some glancing nervously, others trying to gauge his power.
Taron and Elyas trailed behind him, still exhausted from keeping pace. "I don't understand," Elyas said softly. "How can someone so young already be… untouchable?"
Ken tilted his head slightly, smiling softly. "Observation comes first. Everything else follows."
---
The day's schedule included a practical training exercise: a simulated skirmish across multiple platforms where students had to capture magical relics while avoiding traps and opponents. Most students panicked, chaos erupting as fireballs, wind blasts, and ice spears collided.
Ken watched calmly from the edge, cataloging patterns, mana flows, and even the strategies of top-tier students. With subtle manipulations—minor adjustments in gravity, tiny shifts in elemental threads—he allowed himself to test his "Overwrite" ability quietly.
No one noticed. The chaos looked natural.
It's amusing, he thought, smiling softly. And they have no idea how far ahead I already am.
---
Kaelen Draven appeared again, flanked by several upperclassmen. He approached Ken, blue eyes narrowing. "So… you're still calm after all this attention?" he asked.
Ken tilted his head, keeping his smile steady. "Attention doesn't bother me. Observation matters more."
Kaelen's expression shifted. There was curiosity, respect, and a hint of challenge. "I can't tell what you're capable of," he admitted. "I'll be keeping an eye on you."
Another interesting student, Ken noted internally. Worth observing. Possibly an ally, possibly a rival. Either way, useful.
---
As the day progressed, students began quietly gravitating toward Ken, both out of curiosity and respect. Some whispered their admiration; others wondered if he would ever unleash his true strength. Ken didn't care either way. He continued observing, cataloging, and occasionally manipulating minor details of the environment just to test his system.
Even instructors began to notice. One of them, a stern silver-haired woman, whispered to another: "The youngest Xeno… he's unlike any student I've seen. Calm, collected, yet utterly in control. I wonder how far he can go before he reveals his true strength."
Ken remained oblivious—or indifferent. He wasn't here to impress anyone. His calm smile never wavered, and his system worked tirelessly in the background, logging every duel, every movement, every strategy.
By evening, the sun cast long shadows across the Academy grounds. Ken returned to his dormitory, walking calmly, smiling gently. He glanced back at the courtyard where students still whispered about him, still speculated, still wondered.
This world is full of possibilities, he thought quietly. And I intend to see them all… without rushing, without fear, and with a smile.
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This chapter sets up:
Ken's growing reputation among students and instructors
Kaelen establishing himself as a rival/ally figure
Ken practicing his "Overwrite" subtly
The stage for the final Chapter 10, where Ken casually resolves the big challenge