Felix stepped off the crystal platform, his crimson eyes scanning the academy courtyard.
The whispers hadn't stopped. They were louder now. Every student, regardless of race, couldn't help but look. And it wasn't just curiosity. There was caution, even fear.
"…I knew I'd attract attention," he muttered. "But not this much."
[homeowner , secondary evaluation is about to begin.]
Felix raised an eyebrow.
"Secondary evaluation?"
[Yes. Students who surpass standard thresholds or trigger unusual readings undergo individual assessment. It is mandatory for you.]
He smirked.
"Well, that sounds fun."
The evaluation area was a vast open field enclosed by floating barriers that shimmered with protective runes. Across the field, dozens of candidates were already assembled. Their expressions ranged from nervous to excited.
Felix casually walked forward, his long legs covering ground quickly. His hair glinted in the sunlight, almost silver at the tips, and the crimson of his eyes seemed to pierce even the most composed students.
A pair of Dragonkin twins noticed him immediately.
"You're that human…" one hissed, stepping forward. "Why is he… glowing?"
Felix looked at them with a faint smile.
"Glowing? Must be the sun reflecting off my hair. Sorry."
The twins gritted their teeth. Their Essence pressure rose sharply, enough to rattle nearby candidates. Felix didn't move a muscle.
Instead, a gentle wind, almost playful, swept around him. The Dragonkin twins felt it brushing against their bodies, unsettling their control.
"…What?" one whispered, voice trembling.
Felix tilted his head.
"Is something wrong?"
[Wind Affinity is active. Influence level: subtle but effective.]
Felix chuckled inwardly.
"Subtle, huh? I can work with that."
Next, the system presented him with the mission details.
Mission: Secondary Evaluation
Objectives:
Demonstrate controlled Essence application
Show adaptability against multiple opponents
Pass observation by academy evaluators
Rewards:
Wind Affinity mastery
Minor reputation bonus among peers
Hidden knowledge fragment
Potential new skill (conditional)
Time Limit: Immediate – one hour
Felix grinned.
"Alright… let's see what this academy considers a challenge."
He stepped into the center of the field.
Immediately, a Beastkin warrior lunged at him, claws extended. Reflexively, Felix moved his hand. The wind around him responded, slowing the swing and diverting its path.
The Beastkin stumbled but didn't fall.
Felix smirked.
"Alright, that's one."
Next, an Elf mage summoned a barrage of elemental arrows, aiming for Felix's head. He tilted slightly, and the wind carried the arrows harmlessly to the side, scattering them into the air.
"Two."
The evaluators murmured among themselves. Some exchanged glances, already noting that Felix's movements were abnormal.
A Cunning Voidborn appeared from the shadows, grinning. Its tendrils of dark Essence lashed out in multiple directions simultaneously. Felix observed for a moment, then extended his arms. The wind swirled violently, cutting off the tendrils midair, pushing the Voidborn back.
"Three."
The evaluation field fell silent. Not one opponent could land a meaningful strike. Not because they were weak, but because Felix's control, perception, and adaptability were beyond anyone there.
[Host, evaluation complete. All objectives passed.]
Felix raised an eyebrow at the evaluators.
They were frozen. Not angry, not impressed. Just… stunned.
A message popped up in his mind.
[Reward: Wind Affinity mastery achieved. Reputation adjustment: high. Skill fragment unlocked.]
Felix chuckled softly.
"Looks like I've already made my mark," he whispered.
And somewhere within the academy, invisible eyes watched carefully.
"Interesting," a calm, melodic voice said. "This one may not last unnoticed for long…"
Felix didn't hear it. He was already planning his next move.