The training arena of Aetherion Magic Academy was louder than usual that morning.
Students gathered from every direction, filling the stone seats around the wide circular field. Some were excited, some nervous, and others tried hard to look confident even though their hands were shaking. Today was the first practical combat test, and everyone knew its importance. This test would decide how teachers looked at them from now on.
Lucien Valecrest walked into the arena without changing his pace.
His expression was calm, almost bored. His golden eyes moved slowly, observing the surroundings, the students, and the teachers standing on elevated platforms. He was not here to prove himself. He was here to understand this place.
Behind him, Iris followed quietly.
She carried a small bag with basic items—water, a towel, and a few healing tools. Although her face looked calm, her thoughts were restless.
Why is he so relaxed?
Everyone else looked tense. Some students were chanting spells repeatedly, others stretching or practicing movements. Lucien, on the other hand, looked like he was going for a walk.
"You really don't feel nervous?" Iris asked softly.
Lucien glanced at her. "Nervousness doesn't improve performance."
"…That's true," she said, though she didn't fully understand how someone his age could say such things so naturally.
Professor Kael Ardrin soon stepped forward.
The crowd quieted instantly.
"This practical test is simple," Kael announced. "One-on-one matches. No lethal attacks. The match ends when one side surrenders, is knocked unconscious, or is unable to continue."
His sharp eyes swept across the students.
"Show me what you've learned."
The matches began.
Lucien was called early.
He stepped onto the field and stood still, hands relaxed at his sides.
His opponent was a tall boy named Gareth, well-known among first-year students. Gareth had a sturdy build and strong earth magic. He smiled confidently when he saw Lucien.
"So you're Lucien Valecrest," Gareth said. "I heard your mana level is pretty low."
Lucien didn't answer.
Gareth took that as fear and grinned wider.
The signal was given.
Gareth slammed his foot into the ground. Stone rose around his arms and legs, forming rough armor. He charged forward with heavy steps, confident that his defense would protect him.
Lucien took a single step to the side.
That was all.
Gareth's punch passed through empty air.
Before Gareth could turn, Lucien lightly placed two fingers against Gareth's shoulder. He released a tiny amount of controlled mana, carefully adjusted so it wouldn't be noticed.
Gareth felt something strange.
His mana flow collapsed.
His body lost strength.
His vision darkened.
He fell forward and hit the ground unconscious.
Silence filled the arena.
Students stared.
"Did he do anything?"
"I didn't see a spell."
"That was too fast…"
Professor Kael narrowed his eyes.
After a short pause, he raised his hand.
"Winner: Lucien Valecrest."
Lucien bowed slightly and left the field.
To him, the match was over before it started.
Iris stood frozen.
She hadn't even realized the match had ended until Gareth fell.
"That was…" she whispered. "How did you—"
Lucien didn't respond.
---
The combat test continued, but many students kept glancing in Lucien's direction. Some felt curious. Others felt uneasy.
After the test ended, students were given free time.
Lucien walked away from the arena and headed toward the academy garden. He preferred quiet places. The garden was peaceful, filled with tall trees, stone paths, and a small pond reflecting the sky.
He stood near the water, looking at his reflection.
This body still feels weak, he thought.
But it will be enough.
"Lucien."
He turned around.
A girl stood a few steps away.
She had chestnut-colored hair that reached her waist and clear blue eyes. Her posture was straight, and her expression showed determination mixed with nervousness.
It was Elena Brightwell.
"I was hoping I'd find you here," she said.
Lucien nodded. "Did you need something?"
Elena hesitated, then smiled.
"I watched your match," she said. "You didn't use flashy magic. You didn't try to show off. You just… ended it."
Lucien said nothing.
"I like that," she continued. "Most people here care too much about being seen."
She took a small step closer.
"I know this might sound sudden," Elena said, taking a deep breath, "but I don't believe in waiting for chances to disappear."
She looked straight into his eyes.
"Lucien Valecrest, will you go out with me?"
The words hung in the air.
Behind a nearby tree—
Iris stopped walking.
Her heart skipped.
She hadn't meant to listen, but her body froze the moment she heard the words.
Lucien studied Elena's face.
Her emotions were clear.
No manipulation.
No hidden plan.
Just honesty.
"I don't focus on relationships," Lucien said calmly. "They're not my priority."
Elena's shoulders dropped slightly.
"But," Lucien continued, "I don't reject you either."
She looked up quickly.
"I simply don't know what I feel yet."
Elena stared at him for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"That's enough for me," she said. "I'll wait."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Waiting can be a waste of time."
"Maybe," Elena replied. "But I'm stubborn."
She bowed politely.
"I just wanted you to know my feelings."
Then she turned and left.
Lucien watched her walk away.
Interesting.
From behind the tree, Iris stepped forward.
"That girl…" she said quietly. "She was very direct."
"Yes."
Iris hesitated. "Do you like her?"
Lucien thought for a moment.
"I don't dislike her," he said honestly.
For some reason, that answer made Iris's chest feel tight.
"I see," she murmured.
Why does this bother me so much?
---
That night, Lucien stood on the balcony outside his dorm room.
The academy was quiet, lights glowing softly in the distance. The cool night air brushed against his face.
Footsteps approached.
Iris appeared, holding a cup of tea.
"You should drink something warm," she said.
Lucien accepted the cup.
They stood in silence for a moment.
"Lucien," Iris said softly, "can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"If someone stays by your side for a long time…" she hesitated, "…would you ever care about them?"
Lucien looked at her.
"Care?" he repeated.
She nodded.
"Possibly," he said. "Trust is built through time and actions."
Iris's face warmed.
She looked away quickly.
"That's enough," she said. "Thank you."
Lucien returned his gaze to the sky.
In his past life, emotions were weaknesses.
In this life, they were unfamiliar.
But not unpleasant.