"Alright class take your seats! " Professor Redwood''s voice boomed across the classroom, his tone carrying authority. He then took a puff from his pipe before exhaling a plume of smoke, then tapped his cane twice on the floor. Suddenly, shadowy tendrils slithered from underneath the Professors shadow as they silently passed out todays lesson materials.


    "As you can see, class, we will be studying the aura of mana that lives in each and every one of us," he announced. His sharp eye surveyed the room as he continued , "However, before we begin the lesson, we have a new student." "Elnora, you may rise."


    Beside me, Elnora hesitated for a moment before pushing back her chair and standing. "G-good evening, everyone," she said with a polite bow. "My name is Elnora. I deeply look forward with studying with you all this year." She ended her introduction with a warm smile, her voice delicate but composed.


    A wave of mutters flooded the classroom.


    "Oh, what cutie"


    "Her skin is like a doll''s..."


    Professor Redwood ignored the whispers, his gaze cold. "Elnora here is Mr. Ashford''s Assistant," he stated. "Due to this I expect you all to remember your station in this kingdom."


    At his words, the idle chatter instantly went away. The room fell into eerier silence as Elnora''s new positioned settled in.


    Professor Redwood, satisfied with the silence took another leisurely puff of his pipe. "For today''s lesson, we will be moving near the kingdoms dungeon and assessing your mana aura capacity. "Once your testing is completed, you will be divided into groups of four based on your results. Am I clear?"


    The class moaned with acknowledgment.


    "Good." Professor Redwood exhaled another puff. "Now, class follow me."


    As the class followed Professor Redwood, he led us to a clearing behind the school, which was bordered by a forest. The surrounding air was crisp and carried a faint smell of old earth and magic. Without a warning, the professor stopped.


    "This is where your magical aura will be evaluated," he announced, tapping his cane against the ground.


    One by one, students were called up to test their aura. I watched as each student channeled their energy, their aura''s flickering into different shades of blue and purple.


    How Basic.


    Their magic lacked weight; their control was mediocre at best.


    Then, Lilli was called up. The moment she began to circulate her mana, the atmosphere quickly shifted. Unlike the previous students her aura radiated a brilliant white, thick and heavy. Small rocks nearby begun to levitate a bit. Tiny golden particles shimmered around her—spirits, drawn to her fox spirit lineage.


    "You require more control of your spirits however nicely done, Ms. Kirkwood. Next!" Professor Redwood called out with his usual neutral tone.


    More students followed, their aura not leaving much of an impression—that was until Alex was called up. My mind quickly drifted to our conversation in the park earlier, where his aura turned an unusual pink. Yet now, as he activated his mana, it remained an ordinary blue. Though his mana had weight to it.


    Still hiding it huh? Smart.


    Then, it was my turn.


    As I walked Infront of the class, I focused on channeling my aura. Of course, I couldn''t reveal my true strength—I had to keep it at bay. Carefully I adjusted my mana to be slightly above Alex''s, ensuring I went over the radar as above average.


    After me, Elnora was up.


    "Elnora! You''re next," Professor Redwood announced.


    Elnora stepped forward; her expression composed. I leaned in slightly, curious.


    Just how much magical aura does she possess? For someone who was held up in that orb I would assume, she must be average... unless...


    "You may begin," the professor said his voice carrying his usual lack of care.


    Elnora raised her hand, and the moment her aura flared, the tree''s nearby begun to catch wind.


    A weight—dense and controlled—pressed down on the class. Some students instinctively flinched; their postures lowered slightly under the force of her aura. It hummed ever so slightly, the color hue of light green—like her hair—flowing with a level most students could wish to achieve during their third year.


    Interesting. Her control—its.... like mine.


    Professor Redwood, who rarely showed interest in his students, stood there for a moment—with silence—clapping his hands.


    "Haha! Yes.... Yes. A well applied aura," He mused,  his sharp eyes gleaming. "Your magic is akin to those of ancient times. Nicely done, Elnora."


    Now that''s unexpected. The ever nonchalant, never-amazed Professor Redwood had actual praise—without adding corrections.


    Professor Redwood wasted no time divided the class into groups of four before giving us the actual assignment.


    "Tomorrow, you and your entire graduating class will be thrown into the dungeon," he announced, adjusting his glasses. "Whoever obtains the most monster gems—be they from high or low tier-monsters will—be declared the official winner of the tournament."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    A ripple of excitement—arrogance—and dread—spread through the class.


    "However," he continued tapping his cane against the earth, "you are not permitted to enter floor sixty or below. The academy''s dungeon is one of the few endless dungeons in the kingdom. It has not been fully explored, nor has the dungeon master been located." His gaze darkened. "If you see anything unusual, run and report it to the nearest professor they can be located at each floor checkpoint."


    A few students whispered among themselves. Unexplored floors? The unknown where abouts of the dungeon master? The thrill of the conversation in the air brought a smile to my face.


    Additionally, you must come up with a party name," Redwood added. "I expect to see you all here tomorrow morning—sharp. Class Dismissed!"


    As planned my group consisted of myself, Elnora, Alex, and Lilli.


    "I can''t believe we are in the same party Ryn!" Lilli squealed, practically bouncing with excitement. Her tail swaying behind her.


    Alex grinned and, without a warning, threw his arms around Lilli and me, pulling us in. "Ha! This is going to be fun!"


    Before I could shake him off, Elnora joined in wrapping her arms around all three of us. "Alright! How about we grab something to eat first? We can figure out a party name there!" I added


    "Sounds good to me! Elnora chirped "I''m quite hungry!" Her stomach growled and a slight blush came across her face.


    "Oh, oh! A party name?  What about the ''Four Tails''? Or The Hungry Blades! Or maybe—"


    "How about, we eat first and then discuss this?" I interrupted, letting out a snicker.


    Wait.


    Did I just laugh?


    W-why did I laugh at something Lilli said?  That...that never happens.


    What''s wrong with me?


    As we entered the cafeteria, long wooden tables were scattered around the hall, their surfaces scratched with years of use. Above us, some students casually floating mid-air their legs swinging from tables as they enjoyed their meal. The chandeliers overhead casted a warm glow, reflecting the polished stone floor. The scent of freshly baked bread and miso broth, filled the air, mingling with the chatter of students.


    We approached the food line, where enchanted trays moved along, carrying different dishes, students could pick from. Elnora hesitated, staring at the menu.


    "Would you like my help?" I asked her furrowed brow.


    She nodded shyly. "Miso soup and bread, b-but I''m unsure how to order it."


    With a quick tap on the floating menu, I selected her food, and the tray in front of her instantly arranged itself with a steaming bowl of soup and wrapped loaf of bread. We found an empty table near one of the arched windows and sat down as the setting moon left its hue over our group.


    Before we could resume our previous discussion about our party name, the cafeteria door swung open with a resounding thud. A figure appeared; he demanded his presence to be known.


    Alaric.


    His gaze filled with envy scanned the cafeteria before locking into me. He gave me the usual cold look. His eyes flickered between Elnora and Lilli, his expression tightening. Yes, they were cute in their own right, but his jealousy wasn''t about them—it was about me being around them.


    The utter audacity.


    He shook his head, grabbed his food, and stormed out, but not before I caught a whiff of bloodlust from him.


    "T-that was your big brother, wasn''t it?"  Elnora''s voice echoed in my mind.


    Yes, I replied telepathically. How do you know that?


    "Since we formed a pact, we have access to one another''s past memories."


    My breath hitched. Y-you what?  My past life..... does she know?


    Elnora''s gaze softened. "I only see glimpses. You as a child. But you look completely different—with different parents."


    I fell silent. So, she does know.


    "W-what about your memories? Why can''t I see them?" I asked.


    "Perhaps.. because I don''t remember my past," she admitted. "And because of that I have nothing to share?"


    She hesitated before speaking telepathically again. "Ryn, about your past I-I don''t see everything. Only what your mind is willing to share. But—" She bit her lip. "I keep seeing the name Phantom being brought up. W-was that your previous party?"


    The moment I heard her voice echo in my mind, I flickered back. The memory surfaced like a whisper from my past—I saw myself staring at a tablet, commanding Phantom Squad 1-46.


    I was their lead tactician, orchestrating their assault to reclaim an enemy checkpoint. We were ambushed as I charged ahead, taking a bullet to the chest while my squadmates fell one by one.


    They were pawns to me. Expendable.


    They all died—because of me.


    B-but... do I want to lead that way again?


    The blurry faces of my squadmates came into vision. I never even took time to remember their real names.


    "Phantom..." I muttered without realizing it.


    "Oooooh! Phantoms?!" Lillis voice snapped me from my thoughts.  "I love that! Dark—mysterious—it totally fits a party that lurks in the shadows of a dungeon."


    "I''m for it," Alex grinned.


    I glanced up at my party members. Their faces weren''t blurred. They had names.


    M-maybe I could be different this time?


    Elnora reached over, gently grabbing my trembling hand. Her touch was warm, grounding me in the present.


    I smiled slightly.


    "You..? You still think you can change?" A voice whispered back in my mind. "Deny yourself?! The audacity. No better than your father."


    My smile faded. I pulled my hand back from Elnora and recomposed myself.


    "Yes," I said firmly "From here on out we will be known as The Phantoms."


    Elnora looked at me worriedly but gave me a warm smile.


    "Yes! I''ll go report this to the Professor right now!" Lilli cheered, stuffing her last piece of bread into her mouth before dashing out of the cafeteria.


    As she left, the room fell silent. A new presence had entered.


    A blonde, blue eyed girl stepped gracefully into the cafeteria.


    Whispers spread like wildfire.


    "Look, it''s her."


    "It''s the princess!"


    The ever-popular Princess Celina


    I internally groaned, I should steer away from her she would cause me to much attention.


    She was adorned by both men and women, despite her charm, many royals despised her—due to her dislike of the Holy Church of the Hero.


    "She''s so pretty,"  Elnora whispered, watching her.


    "She may be," Alex muttered "but I wouldn''t get involved with her."


    "Oh, I wouldn''t even try," Elnora added. "It would bring to much trouble to Ryn."


    Alex shot me a knowing glance as she spoke.


    "Well, it''s getting late," he said stretching. "I should get some early sleep tonight since we''re busy tomorrow morning."


    "Same. I''ll be right behind you." I replied. "Elnora, you know how to get back to your dorm, right?"


    "Y-yes" she nodded.


    "Good." I stood up following Alex back to the dorm.


    As soon as I entered the dorm, Alex turned with a smirk. "Well, Leader of The Phantoms has a nice ring to it. We have three official members now. Besides, Lilli still not knowing your little secret."


    "Why would I share anything with her, she would only cause me a headache." I replied.


    "If that''s what you believe." Alex chuckled. "But I think you''re underestimating her power, after all she''s your friend. And her aura is of a spirit."


    I began unfastening my robe, pulling out my night wear. Alex leaned against the bedframe. "I suppose we''ll see how this party works together tomorrow.... Leader." He grinned.


    I gave a small smirk. "Perhaps you''re right."


    I stepped into the bathroom, pulling off my uniform.


    The warm bath welcomed me, steam rising as bubbles popped from the surface. The soft scent of soap filled the air. As I submerged myself, the tension from my body and mind melted away. For the first time in a while my mind was empty for a moment.


    Maybe... I can enjoy this for a moment.


    As the night swept away, morning arrived.