It had been a month since the first expedition, and the academy had settled into a steady rhythm. Students were familiar with the routines, the lecture halls, the training grounds. Yet, one student still drew Kael Draven's attention—Arthur Frederick.
Kael leaned against the balcony of the Mana Hall, watching Arthur move through the training exercises. Calm, precise, and unerring. Every strike, every maneuver, every subtle adjustment in his mana flow was too perfect, too calculated.
Kael clenched his fists, frustration rising. "How… how does he do it?" he muttered under his breath. Most students struggled to maintain control for even a few minutes during mana training or physical cultivation. Yet Arthur had mastered both with ease, like he'd done it all before.
Kael's chest tightened as memories of his own life flickered in his mind. He was the overlooked son of the Draven family—a minor noble overshadowed by elder siblings who cared nothing for him. His accomplishments had always been ignored, his reputation confined to the shadows of those born with privilege. And yet this Arthur… a seemingly ordinary boy, invited by the Headmaster himself, performed effortlessly in every task.
No. It's impossible… Kael thought. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought, but suspicion gnawed at him. Could he… be… reincarnated? Or transmigrated like the God legends say?
The idea made Kael's pulse quicken. He had heard stories of mortals from distant worlds, souls reborn with memories of past lives, carrying knowledge and skill far beyond normal limits. Arthur's movements, his calm analysis, his ability to learn techniques faster than anyone else… it fits too perfectly.
While Kael was lost in thought, the physical instructor, Kaelen Ryn, entered the hall with a stern expression. His tall figure filled the doorway, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the students.
"Brats," Kaelen began, voice booming, "today you will face a one-on-one exchange test. No mana for anyone who breaks the rules, and punishment will be administered by myself for those foolish enough to disobey."
The room erupted in complaints. Whines, groans, and frustrated murmurs filled the air. Some students cursed under their breath, unhappy with the challenge. A few even glared at Kaelen, clearly thinking the test unfair.
Kael's eyes narrowed at the reactions around him. Arthur, of course, remained calm, expression unreadable as always. Kael's jealousy and suspicion mixed with fascination. The boy didn't flinch, didn't panic, didn't complain.
Kaelen's lips curled into a small, almost sadistic smile. He liked watching students struggle and fail—he loved seeing arrogance meet reality. Kael, observing from his corner, could only guess at the satisfaction the instructor derived from this. But even as everyone else grumbled, Arthur's calm aura was unshakable, making Kael uneasy.