The lecture hall was filled with quiet energy as students settled into their seats, the low murmur of conversation filling the space.


    The room wasrge, with rows of wooden benches and desks arranged in a semi-circle around the central podium where the professor would soon begin his lesson.


    The soft rustling of parchment and the scratching of quills filled the air, mixing with the asional whispers of students.


    Noah sat in the middle row, leaning slightly back in his chair.


    His red zer, with its yellow linings and the golden Ravenwood Academy badge, caught the attention of several students nearby.


    He could feel their eyes on him, their whispers just barely above a murmur. The red zer wasn''t just a sign of his position in the Vanguard; it was a reminder that he was different from the others.


    At first, Noah ignored the stares, keeping his eyes ahead, but the whispers started growing louder.


    "Isn''t that Noah Ashbourne?" one student muttered to another, their voice barely audible but sharp enough to reach Noah''s ears.


    "Yeah, wasn''t he the Blessed Sage once?" another replied.


    "He was, but didn''t they strip him of the title after the Starlight Manor Incident?" the first one asked, ncing sideways at Noah.


    A third voice joined in, dripping with skepticism.


    "I heard he only got into the Vanguard by sheer luck. Probably bribed his way in, just like how he was chosen as the Blessed Sage. Everyone knows it wasn''t real talent."


    Noah''s jaw clenched, his grip tightening on the quill he held. He tried to focus on the lecture, but their voices persisted.


    "Yeah, I saw him with the vice master the other day. Can you believe it? He must have wormed his way into this position. Makes sense, doesn''t it?"


    "Shut up," a quieter voice said, nudging the group.


    "You''re going to get us all in trouble. We''re supposed to be listening to the professor."


    Noah sighed, turning his gaze toward the window.


    Outside, the sky was overcast, casting a dull gray light into the hall.


    The murmurs continued around him, but he pretended not to hear them. Deep down, though, every word stung, every usation like a tiny de cutting into him.


    "Bastards," Noah muttered under his breath, loud enough for the whispering students to hear but quiet enough not to cause a scene.


    "I can hear you."


    There was a brief pause in the whispers, and the students quickly averted their gazes, but the damage was already done.


    Noah turned his attention back to the lecture, but his mind was elsewhere.


    The reason he had epted the Vanguard invitation wasn''t for status or power—it was strategic.


    In the original game, apart from the S-ss students, the Vanguard members also had ess to an exclusive training room, one that was equipped with thetest magical technology.


    The room could simte real-world scenarios and environments, putting students through intense battles against monsters and other challenges.


    It was a rare opportunity, and Noah knew he needed it. His stats were too low, and with the Second Act approaching, every minute counted.


    The hidden events within the game were unforgiving, and one mistake could lead to his death—or worse.


    "Looks like I''ll be busy for the next few days," Noah muttered to himself, his golden eyes flickering with determination.


    His gaze shifted back to the front of the room, where the professor had finally begun the lecture.


    The professor, a tall man with short ck hairbed back and streaked with white, stood behind the podium.


    His neatly trimmed mustache had the same strands of white, and he had a stern but approachable air about him.


    His name was Professor Margrave, a well-known expert in herbology and healing magic.


    "Today''s lesson will focus on magic herbs and their various applications," Professor Margrave began, his voice steady andmanding.


    "Herbs, as you all know, are an essential part of potion-making, healing, and evenbat. But each herb has its own properties and uses, depending on how it is prepared and which part of the nt is utilized."


    The students were quick to take notes, the scratching of quills intensifying as the professor spoke.


    "The first herb we''ll discuss is the Lumina Blossom," he continued, raising a hand as a small, glowing flower appeared in a projection above his palm.


    The petals were a bright white with a soft blue glow at the edges.


    "The Lumina Blossom is mostmonly found in the Hignds and is known for its healing properties. The petals, when brewed into a tea, can soothe burns and minor cuts.


    However, the leaves of the nt have a different use—they are often ground into a fine powder that can enhance a person''s magical resistance for a short time.


    The roots, on the other hand, are toxic when ingested, but they can be used to create a potent sleeping draught."


    The students murmured in appreciation, scribbling down every detail.


    Noah watched intently, his mind already turning over how these herbs might be useful in the future.


    "The second herb," Professor Margrave continued, "is the Nightshade Bloom."


    A darker flower appeared in his projection, its deep violet petals almost shimmering.


    "This nt is highly dangerous if not handled correctly. The petals can be crushed into a paste that, when applied to weapons, can paralyze an opponent. However, the leaves are where its true value lies—they can be used to create antidotes for manymon poisons."


    Noah listened closely. This was vital information, not just for his studies but for survival. He needed to know everything he could about healing and potions.


    "Finally, we have the Bloodroot," Professor Margrave said, conjuring an image of a twisted, crimson-colored root.


    "This nt is rare, and its uses are… controversial. The roots can be used to create a powerful elixir that enhances physical strength and speed for a short time, but the side effects are severe.


    The petals of its flower, however, are known for their ability to clot blood quickly, making it a valuable herb for healing deep wounds."


    As Professor Margrave spoke, Noah''s eyes drifted toward the other students, who were now fully engrossed in the lesson.


    The professor''s knowledge was impressive, but it was what he said next that truly caught everyone''s attention.


    "Now," Professor Margrave said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "there is a way to heal oneself without the need for a healer or an experienced mage. This method is advanced, but it can be learned through practice."


    The room went silent. Every student''s eyes were now fixed on the professor, including Noah''s.


    "It involves abination of magical focus and the use of specific herbs to trigger the body''s natural healing process. With the right amount of magical energy and concentration, one can heal small to moderate wounds without needing external help."


    The students exchanged shocked nces.


    Healing without a healer?


    That was unheard of for most. Healing magic was a specialized field, reserved for those who were blessed with it or had trained extensively in its practice.


    "This method isn''t for the faint of heart," Professor Margrave warned, his eyes scanning the room.


    "But for those of you who are willing to push your limits, it could mean the difference between life and death."


    Noah''s interest was piqued. If there was a way to heal himself without relying on others, it could be invaluable.


    In the game, moments of istion were frequent, and relying on healers wasn''t always an option. This knowledge could give him the edge he desperately needed.


    As the professor continued exining the process, Noah''s mind raced. The Second Act was approaching fast, and he knew he didn''t have much time.


    If he could master this technique, it could make all the difference in the trials toe.


    "Looks like I''ll need to find some Lumina Blossoms," Noah muttered under his breath, already nning his next steps.


    The lesson continued, but Noah''s mind was already thinking ahead. He would need every advantage he could get if he wanted to survive what wasing.


    "Even though I might not get into S-ss, at least I will still have ess to the special training room..."