《All my comrades are obsessed with me?》


 Chapter 1: Is it truly luck?

    "I really want it"


    Staring at the apple stand, a dangerous thought crossed my mind


    "Should I do it?"


    If I go and steal it right now, the seller is definitely going to beat me up.


    But I haven''t eaten for days, there are no choices left.


    "If only there is someone running straight to the stall and messing things up, then I may have a chance to sneak in and take some apples for myself ¡­"


    Boom!


    At that moment, a man crashed into the stall, a patrolmen were chasing him. The crash caused apples to drop onto the ground.


    "This is my chance!"


    I quickly run to grab those apples. My hands are too small so I can only grab two apples into my pocket before fleeing.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    " Stop right there you little bastard! "


    Ignoring the seller''s scolding, I ran like my life was on the line and quickly turned into a random alley. While running, I accidentally tripped over a stone and fell into a puddle.


    In the puddle, a reflection of a wet pale, weak child appeared. He has a raven-black hair that reaches past his piercing, golden-brown eyes. His features are soft and delicate, emphasizing that he is still just a child.


    "Why is there a black line running around my neck?"


    At that time, A sinister black line coils tightly around my throat. I reach out to touch that mysterious line, It doesn''t feel like an accessory but more like a tattoo.


    "WHERE ARE YOU STUPID RAT, I MUST TEACH YOU A QUESTION TODAY!"


    "Tsk, forget it, the line can wait. I must go somewhere to hide"


    I continue to run into the alley to cut off the furious apple seller. After a while, it looks like the seller has given up on me. I find a comfortable, flat area to sit on.


    Pulling the apples from my pocket, I took a big, juicy bite. The simple pleasure of biting into the apple is a moment of pure bliss after days of hunger.


    "That''s so lucky for me that a random man messes up the stall"


    "Are you sure about that?"


    "Huh?"


    Behind me, a mature female voice cut in. Turning my head back, I see a gorgeous woman standing there confidently.


    "Is it truly luck?"- The captivating voice spoke again

 Chapter 2: Being chosen

    "Is it truly luck?"


    "W-Who are you and W-What do you mean by saying that ?!"


    Kaiser''s voice, trembling with fear, uttered the words.


    ''Who is she? Is she here to capture me? I must run now!''


    Immediately standing up, Kaiser gets ready to escape the situation, but a hand quickly grabs his shirt, preventing him from fleeing.


    The woman then grabbed Kaiser''s face and looked directly into his eyes


    "Where do you think you are going, little apple?"


    Now that he is directly looking at her face, Kaiser realizes how beautiful the mysterious woman is. She has pale skin, long raven black hair, long eyelashes, and blank black eyes. High, sculpted cheekbones give her face an elegant structure, framing her soft, almond-shaped eyes that shimmer with intelligence and depth. The woman is wearing a deep black blazer adorned with gold trim, paired with a crisp black shirt.


    "You are staring too much, Are you in love with me now? I don''t mind having a follower, but you are too young for this sister to date"


    Despite the cold looks she has, she seems like a friendly and sociable person.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything, Are you really in love with me?"You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "If you talk less, you may have a chance to get a boyfriend"


    "What did you just say!? Are you implying that I talk too much? Wait, how did you know that I don''t have a boyfriend !?" The woman replies with anger in her voice


    "Forget it, I am not here to you about that kind of thing"


    It seems like she has calmed down now.


    "You disrespectful brat, do you know that you have an aspect?"


    "An aspect? What is that thing?"


    "So you have no clue huh?" The woman ponders for a while


    "To put it in simple terms, An aspect is a unique ability that only those who are chosen by "Who above" have"


    ''What is she saying? I have a unique ability. And who is "Who above"?''


    "How do you know if I have an aspect?"


    "Because you have a Stigma on you right now. Don''t you see the black line around your neck? A Stigma is a mark given by "Who above", acknowledges an individual''s attainment of an aspect"


    ''That black line is a stigma?''


    "Is it rare? It seems like a big deal"


    "It is a one-in-a-million chance. There are only 81 persons chosen by "Who above" in the entire empire. Counting you, there will be 82 people"


    "It is that rare !? And I am one of them? That means I am a very valuable person right? What is my ability, is it good?"


    Kaiser is very thrilled. The idea of being sought after by everyone means he will have a full stomach every day.


    Seeing the exciting Kaiser, the woman answered with a smile on her face


    "Slow down right there little apple. Don''t be so excited. I don''t know what your ability is, only you can understand what you can do"


    "And being a chosen one doesn''t always mean happiness"


    The woman''s face fell into a sorrowful expression

 Chapter 3: Guidance

    Kaiser notices the complex expression that the mysterious woman has. He is young but he still knows that he shouldn¡¯t continue this topic


    ¡°Okay, then, why are you telling me all this information? You seem to be quite an expert in this area, you even know the exact number of people who have aspect. So, do you also have an aspect?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. Not only that I have an aspect but it is also a very strong one¡±


    The woman speaks with pride in her voice. It seems like she is very proud of her aspect''s power.


    ¡°Can you tell me what it is?¡± Kaiser asked with anticipation


    ¡°Let me show you¡±


    The woman answers with a smile on her face. She then put her two hands in front of her chest, and when she spread her arms, a blinding light came out.


    After the light had faded, Kaiser saw himself in a strange place he had never been to before. He is standing in the middle of a field full of white tulips, facing in front of him is the mysterious woman, whose smile is so vibrant that even the sun would be ashamed.


    ¡°This is my aspect - Illusion Casting. This aspect allows me to create realistic illusions, deceiving the senses and altering perception¡±


    She then summons an apple in her hand and throws it toward KaiserThis book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Try eating this, little apple¡±


    Listening to her suggestion, Kaiser took a bite


    ¡®Wow, I can feel the crisp and juicy texture of the apple. When I think of that, I can feel the wind carrying the scent of tulips to my nose¡¯


    ¡°This is amazing, you can do so many things with this ability,¡± Kaiser said in an excited voice, his eyes lit up like he found a treasure.


    The woman¡¯s smile is even brighter when hearing Kaiser¡¯s statement. She then continues to ask him a question.


    ¡°Do you like it that much?¡±


    ¡°Of course! If I had your power, I would never be hungry again¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, Do you want to understand what you can do with your aspect?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Anything for the food!¡± Kaiser immediately answers with a happy voice


    ¡°Then, how about you follow me and let me teach you the proper way to use it?¡± The woman said with a smile on her face¡±


    Hearing the question, Kaiser pondered for a moment before responding


    ¡°How can I tell if you have good intentions towards me or not?¡±


    The woman collected her thoughts and then answered


    ¡°Only you can control when to use your aspect, I can''t make you do things against your will. And do you think I would come to ask you if I have bad intentions toward you?¡±


    After her reply, Kaiser then carefully analyzed the situation. It is true that with the power she showed him earlier, capturing him wouldn¡¯t be a hard task with the power she showed him earlier.


    Kaiser then reaches out his hand


    ¡°Then, my name is Kaiser. I hope you will take responsibility for me¡±


    Hearing Kaiser¡¯s answer, the woman smiled again and then took his hand


    ¡°Okay Kaiser, my name is Myreni. I will take on the role of your guide from now on¡±

 Chapter 4: Bittersweet

    [Myreni¡¯s POV]


    ¡®I secured a good deal¡¯


    While holding Kaiser¡¯s hand, Myreni thought to herself


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe I stumbled upon a Chosen in such a random place¡¯


    Myreni looks around. She and Kaiser are in a narrow, winding street where crumbling tenements, with their stained and peeling walls, line the sides. Garbage and refuse pile up in the alleys, casting a foul stench into the perpetually damp and dark streets


    ¡®I was simply strolling through the city when I suddenly felt the power of the aspect being used¡¯ Myreni recalled the moment


    ¡®I was very surprised to find a kid with a stigma on his neck. Those who are chosen often stand out from a young age. Their stigma, in fact, passively increases their Mana pool since birth, Which grants them tremendous power¡¯


    ¡®Why hasn¡¯t anyone noticed him? And What''s his life like?¡¯ Myreni''s eyes fell upon Kaiser who looked pale and weak. She decides to ask him


    ¡°Hey Kaiser, do you have a family?¡±


    Kaiser pauses for a moment before replying.


    ¡°I used to have it. But when I was 5 years old, my family faced financial difficulties. So they decided to abandon me¡±


    Kaiser continued with a blank expression


    ¡°It doesn''t bother me though, as they were never my real family. They only took me in out of pity for a child left on the street¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Hearing Kaiser¡¯s answer, Myreni falls into silence


    ¡®To think he''s been surviving alone here since he was 5 is amazing. He must have been incredibly resilient to find a way to stay alive¡¯


    ¡®Okay, first I need to find something to fill up his stomach. Those apples from earlier wouldn¡¯t be enough for him¡¯


    Myreni brought Kaiser to the bustling market. The air was filled with the shouts of vendors hawking their wares, the clatter of carts, the hooves of horses, and the chatter of countless shoppers


    ¡°Do you want anything? I can buy it for you¡±


    ¡°Grilled skewers¡±


    Kaiser answers without a doubt


    Hearing Kaiser''s choice, Myreni found him very cute


    ¡®A kid is still a kid¡¯


    Myreni held Kaiser''s hand and led him to a grilled skewer stall. She then gave him 4 skewers.


    She and Kaiser continue to stroll through the busy market. In Myreni¡¯s hand is a skewer that Kaiser has given her


    ¡®Looking at him, I should get him some new clothes¡¯


    Kaiser¡¯s clothes are torn, faded, and have holes


    "Let''s go to that shop"


    Myreni points to a luxurious clothing store


    ¡°Can we really go to that place?¡± Kaiser has doubts in his eyes


    ¡°Your sister is rich. Don¡¯t worry, come inside¡± Myreni replies confidently


    Inside the luxurious clothing store, Myreni calls a male employee and asks him to bathe Kaiser and dress him in a new set of clothes


    Seeing Kaiser¡¯s appearance, The employee shows a displeased expression on his face, but because here, as long as you have money, you can get anything. So he still goes to prepare for Kaiser


    After Kaiser leaves, Myreni is left alone


    ¡®I should prepare to introduce him to other people¡±


    Click!


    After a while, a door opens, and inside that door stands a young boy in a luxurious outfit


    ¡°Damn¡± Myreni is astonished

 Chapter 5: Refreshed

    [Kaiser¡¯s POV]


    When strolling through the market, Kaiser has many things on his mind


    ¡®This woman seems to be very rich. She said her name was Myreni, and she doesn''t have a surname. Does that mean she''s not a noble?¡¯


    ¡®Is she a merchant or something?¡¯


    Kaiser said as he looks at the woman who is enjoying the skewer that was given by Kaiser


    ¡®She¡¯s having a big smile on her face, does she like receiving food from me that much?¡¯


    ¡®What a silly woman¡¯


    "Let''s go to that shop"


    Myreni suddenly points to a clothing store


    ¡®That place looks expensive¡¯


    ¡°Can we really go to that place?¡±


    ¡°Your sister is rich. Don¡¯t worry, come inside¡±


    Seeing her confidence, Kaiser does not question more. He and Myreni then go inside the luxurious clothing store


    ¡®This place is definitely expensive. The fact that she didn''t hesitate to come in here, it seems that she''s even wealthier than I thought ¡¯


    "Take him to bathe and choose a suitable outfit for him," Myreni told the male staff, who couldn''t hide his contempt for KaiserThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡®I don¡¯t blame him, even I wouldn¡¯t like to bath a rat¡¯


    Despite the reluctance, the male staff still led Kaiser to the bathroom


    ¡®At least he is professional¡¯


    ¡°Call me when you¡¯ve done your shower, I will bring a suitable clothes for you¡± The male staff said to Kaiser


    ¡°Okay, thank you¡±


    After the staff¡¯s gone, Kaiser¡¯s eyes were drawn to the bathtub full of hot water


    ¡®I should prepare now¡¯


    Kaiser then takes off his clothes and goes into the bathtub


    ¡®I want to take that shampoo¡¯


    Kaiser stares at the shampoo bottle on the shelf. He wanted to reach the shampoo but was too short.


    He stretches his hands as far as he can, but it makes no differences


    ¡®I hate myself, I can¡¯t believe that even a shampoo bottle is out of my reach¡¯


    He is very angry, He was always teased by kids his age because of his height. This situation was a harsh reality check for him


    ¡°Urghhhhh¡± Kaiser tries as hard as he could


    thud!


    When He is finally going to give up, The bottle suddenly falls into his hand


    ¡°Thank god, I am so lucky today¡± A smile appears on Kaiser¡¯s face again


    ¡®Let¡¯s get this thing done now¡¯


    After he finished showering, he called the male staff to bring him new clothes


    The staff quickly appeared, bringing new clothes for Kaiser


    After changing his clothes, he opened the door to go back to Myreni


    ¡°Damn¡± Myreni exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise


    ¡®What is it, do I change that much?¡¯


    Kaiser then looks at the mirror beside him.


    He is in clothes that have an elegant style. He¡¯s wearing a crisp white shirt with billowy sleeves, featuring a distinctive ruffled cravat at the neck. The shirt is neatly tucked into tailored black trousers, which fit comfortably yet sharply. After taking a shower his skin is now a brighter shade. With his petite frame, he exudes a sense of cuteness and elegance


    But there was something more striking for Kaiser


    ¡°Why do my eyes seem brighter than usual?¡±

 Chapter 6: Mana

    "Why do my eyes seem brighter than usual?" Kaiser asked


    Kaiser''s amber eyes now held a soft golden glow, just enough to notice a difference


    "It is a phenomenon that occurs when you use Mana" Myreni, now standing near him, replied


    ''I used Mana? I am capable of doing that?'' Hearing Myreni''s answer, Kaiser''s face showed confusion


    Kaiser racked his brain, trying to recall what he had done


    "Oh, In the shower, when I tried to reach for the shampoo bottle, it fell into my hand by itself. Did I use Mana to do that?" Kaiser was struck by the realization


    "Possibly, Mana, in simple terms, is telekinesis"


    Myreni then continues to explain in more detail


    In this world, Everyone is born with the ability to use Mana.


    Mana is a form of energy present in the air, and with enough willpower, mana users can compress it into specific shapes, allowing it to push, pull, or attack.


    As one''s mastery of mana increases, the more precise and tangible its form becomes. This enhanced definition grants mana a greater ability to interact with the surroundings


    Based on Mana mastery, people are divided into 5 levels: Beginner, Adept, Master, Mage and finally NovaThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "For Beginner, the phase that you and most of the other people are currently in, You guys are pretty weak. Beginners can only move objects like books, or like what you just did, move a shampoo bottle¡­ And you cannot observe the shape of the mana at this stage" Myreni explained


    "And Nova, the most powerful beings, have Mana constantly flowing through them. Their abilities are so vast that it''s impossible to accurately gauge them, but it''s well known that even one Nova could annihilate an entire city"


    "Can a commoner become a Nova?" Kaiser asked


    "They can, but the chance of success is very low"


    "The bloodline is the key here, It determines the body''s adaptability to mana"


    Myreni''s response left Kaiser feeling disappointed


    Seeing his expression, Myreni decided to encourage him


    "But don''t worry, The stigma can enhance your ability to control Mana" Myreni said with a smile


    Her statement made Kaiser feel better


    "Alright, let''s wrap things up here and head to our new home" Myreni decided It''s time to go home


    Before leaving, Myreni also bought five more suits for Kaiser


    "What a waste," Kaiser thought, looking at the large bag in Myreni''s hand


    "I bought them because you look really handsome wearing them"


    Myreni''s compliment caused a red flush to appear on Kaiser''s face


    After that, they walked a long distance before stopping in front of a white mansion


    The mansion is surrounded by a profusion of flowers and trees, and behind it appears to be a rather large training ground


    ''This place looks pretty comfortable'' Kaiser thought to himself while looking at the medium-sized mansion


    "Farah, Zani! Open the door, I have a surprise for you both!" Myreni shouted after knocking


    ''There are others here besides her live here?'' Kaiser is surprised by the situation


    Then, the door opened, and behind it appeared two beautiful girls

 Chapter 7: New Family

    Inside the opened door are two young girls, both wearing white sweaters


    Their expressions are as confused as mine


    "Farah, Zani, He is a treasure I happened to find on the road. His name is Kaiser" Myreni said as she pointed at me


    "Hey Kaiser, this is Zani" Myreni then pointed to the girl standing on the left


    Zani has sharp, angular features that exude confidence and authority. Her short, white, layered hair is slightly tousled. The strands frame her face and highlight her striking red eyes, which are narrow and piercing, giving off a cold, "not friendly" vibe


    ''She seems like she doesn''t enjoy meeting new people'' Kaiser thought


    "And this is Farah" Myreni then introduced the other girl


    Farah, on the other hand, has a completely different vibe


    "Hi, I am Farah, nice to meet you!" Farah said with a bright smile on her face


    "Hello, I''m Kaiser, I''m also very happy to meet you" Kaiser quickly replied and take a look at her


    Farah has long, flowing blonde hair with soft waves cascading past her shoulders. Her hair is slightly parted to the side, with a few strands delicately framing her face. Her eyes are blue, even more beautiful with her long eyelashes


    ''Is that cat ears!?'' Kaiser''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw another pair of ears appear on top of her head


    Noticing his gaze on her ears, Farah cheerfully explained,


    "As you can see, I am a cat beastkin" Then she revealed her yellow tail, which is wagging energetically behind herEnjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    After seeing that the others had gotten to know each other, Myreni continues to speak


    "The reason I decided to bring Kaiser to our home is ¨C" Myreni then pointed to my neck, specifically the black line that wraps around it


    "This line right here, is a Stigma"


    Her words made both Zani and Farah gasp


    "What?" Zani''s mouth dropped open in shock


    "A Stigma? Like the thing you have?" Farah also couldn''t hide her surprise and asked Myreni


    "You heard it right, just like me, he has a stigma. I just happened to find him while strolling around" Myreni cheerfully boasted about her accomplishment


    "What do you mean you just happened to find him while strolling around!?" Zani expressed her disapproval of Myreni''s statement.


    "Someone possessing an Aspect wouldn''t just randomly be found by you on the street," Farah added


    "I don''t know either, but I really just happened to find him. I sensed the power of an Aspect, so I followed its trace and found Kaiser," Myreni replied


    Farah then walked closer to Kaiser, lowering herself to his eye level. She reached out, gently ruffling his hair, and said


    "So, Kaiser, do you know what your Aspect can do?"


    Caught off guard by Farah¡¯s sudden closeness, Kaiser blushed deeply and stammered


    "I-I still don¡¯t know what my ability is yet."


    Farah paused to think for a moment, then smiled warmly and said


    "Alright, we can figure it out together later"


    Myreni nodded with a bright smile, one as warm and contagious as sunshine.


    Zani, observing the interaction, also approached Kaiser


    Without a word, she brushed Farah¡¯s hand aside and placed her own hand on Kaiser¡¯s head, ruffling his hair in her own way


    "I guess having a cute little brother isn¡¯t a bad idea," she said, her expression remaining as cold and composed as ever.


    Seeing that Farah and Zani accepted Kaiser, Myreni couldn¡¯t help but smile with delight. She walked over to the three of them, her arms opening wide. Before they realized it, she pulled them all into a tight hug.


    "Aghk!" The sound of surprise escaped from all three of them.


    "Looks like our family just got bigger again," Myreni declared, holding the trio tightly in her embrace, her joy radiating through every word.

 Chapter 8: Setting up

    After getting to know each other, Kaiser is led by Zani to the room he will stay in, while Myreni and Farah prepare dinner


    One of Zani''s hands is holding a large bag containing Kaiser''s clothes, and the other is holding his hand


    Kaiser''s room is at the end of the hallway on the second floor, next to Zani''s room, which is followed by Farah''s room. Myreni''s room is on the first floor


    Throughout the walk, neither Kaiser nor Zani say a word. Kaiser is still too shy to speak normally, while Zani isn''t the kind of person who enjoys making conversation


    When they arrive, Zani opens the door and looks at Kaiser


    "If you need anything, let me know," she said, handing Kaiser his bag of clothes


    "Okay, thanks¡­" Kaiser replies awkwardly, taking the bag from her hands


    After handing over the bag, Zani doesn''t leave right away


    She stares at Kaiser for a moment before suddenly reaching out to pat his head


    A faint blush appears on her face. Without saying a word, she begins to walk away


    Kaiser was left alone, confused by the situation


    ''Why does everyone keep patting my head?'' he thought


    ''She doesn''t seem like the kind of person who hates talking to others, she just doesn''t know how to express her feelings'' Kaiser thinks he understood Zani a little better


    He then looks around his room. The room is quite spacious, with a large bed in the middle that could easily fit two people. Without thinking too much about it, Kaiser begins unpacking his clothes into the wardrobe and changes into a new outfitThe story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Afterward, Kaiser leaves his room and heads toward the dining room. He''s now wearing a more comfortable outfit: a black T-shirt matching the color of his hair, paired with gray shorts


    When he arrives at the dining room, he opens the door and sees Myreni and Farah standing together near the kitchen area, while Zani is setting bowls and spoons at each seat.


    "Oh, Kaiser! You''re here. Come over to the table and have a seat, the food is almost ready," Farah said in her usual cheerful tone as she noticed him entering


    "Y-Yes," Kaiser responds awkwardly, still unfamiliar with the situation, and quickly sits down at the table


    Not long after, everyone gathers around the table. Kaiser sits next to Myreni, while Farah and Zani sit together on the opposite side


    "Don''t be shy, go ahead and eat, Kaiser," Myreni says


    Kaiser nods and starts eating, and so does everyone else. After a while, the conversation begins to flow


    "So, Kaiser used his Aspect to make someone crash into an apple stall?" Farah asks curiously


    "Did I use my Aspect to do it?" Kaiser asks, sharing the same question.


    Zani also turns toward Myreni. Though she doesn''t say anything, it''s clear to everyone that she''s also wondering about the same thing


    "I''m certain that is the case because I could sense Aspect energy appear from that event," Myreni replied


    "So, what kind of power is it? Mind control?" Farah asked


    "I''m not sure. That''s something we''ll have to figure out together" Myreni said thoughtfully


    "Oh, that''s right! We''ll need to train him. I want to teach him how to use Mana!" Farah exclaimed, her tail wagging excitedly behind her.


    "I want to teach him about weapons," Zani said calmly


    "Since he''s around 10 years old, there''s still about five years before he can attend Vesillian Academy. So, I''ll teach him the basic knowledge of academic subjects," Myreni said cheerfully


    "Vesillian Academy?" Kaiser asked, unfamiliar with the name


    "It''s an academy specifically created for those talented in using Mana. You''ll study there for three years, which means until you reach adulthood," Myreni explained


    ''So that place must be really helpful for my future,'' Kaiser thinks to himself


    "Then let''s start his training tomorrow" Myreni says, earning the agreement of both Farah and Zani

 Chapter 9:Morning with Farah

    The first training session is Farah¡¯s lesson on using Mana. However, it doesn¡¯t start right away...


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing... mmh... better than enjoying... mmh... a sandwich in the morning¡± Farah said, her voice muffled by the sandwich in her mouth. Her tail wags enthusiastically, a clear sign of her joy


    Kaiser, who also has a sandwich in his mouth, nods in agreement.


    Earlier this morning, Farah barged into Kaiser¡¯s room and woke him up. Afterward, she picks out an outfit for him that covers the black line on his neck and drags him out of the house.


    At the moment, he is wearing a turtleneck sweater. Since it¡¯s the early days of winter and snow is about to fall, Kaiser¡¯s outfit doesn¡¯t seem particularly unusual


    ¡°Hey, Farah, in the future, will I always have to dress like this?¡± Kaiser asked, concerned about the discomfort of such a style


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll eventually learn how to use Mana to hide it¡± Farah reassured him.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to do that. Only Myreni knows how. You haven¡¯t seen Stigma¡¯s Myreni yet, right?¡±


    Her words make Kaiser realize something, although Myreni is also has an Aspect, he has never seen her stigma even once


    ¡°Her stigma takes the shape of an eye, located in the center of her chest¡± Farah explained


    ¡°She showed it to Zani and me once when she was teaching us about Aspect theory¡± Farah recalled


    ¡°She has a way of concealing it, so when we bathe together, her chest is completely bare¡±


    Farah¡¯s detailed description vividly paints the image in Kaiser¡¯s mind. His face turns as red as a tomato.


    Seeing his reaction, Farah feels an urge to tease him even more.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you want to bathe with Zani and me?¡± Farah said mischievously.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°N-No! D-Definitely not!¡± Kaiser stammered, his face turning an even deeper shade of red.


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just joking¡± Farah said cheerfully as she ruffles his hair.


    ¡°Your hair¡¯s so long. Looks like I¡¯ll have to take you to get a haircut¡± she remarked, pulling on one of Kaiser¡¯s long strands of hair.


    ¡°Yeah, we should do that¡± Kaiser agreed as he glances at the strands of hair falling into his line of sight.


    The two of them walk into a random barbershop and start brainstorming what hairstyle Kaiser should get. He wants a buzz cut because he likes the comfort it provides, but Farah adamantly refuses, saying that a buzz cut would make him look terrible


    After some time, Kaiser and Farah walk out of the barbershop. He now has a layered cut with uneven bangs, slightly covering his forehead. He chooses this style because Farah says he looks really cute with it


    Afterward, the two decide to head home to start the training session, but once again, Farah got tempted by food and abandons Kaiser to buy grilled fish


    Left alone, Kaiser idly looks around. As his gaze wanders to a narrow alley, he notices a white-haired girl who looks about his age. She is wearing a cloak that covers almost her entire body, leaving only her head visible. She appears very cautious, glancing around nervously


    Her eyes meet Kaiser¡¯s, and the two stare at each other for a moment, both seemingly confused. Then, the girl gives him a small nod. Kaiser, unsure of what else to do, nods back


    She quickly leaves just as Farah returns, so Kaiser doesn¡¯t bother to watch the mysterious girl any further


    As they head back home, Kaiser can¡¯t get the image of the white-haired girl out of his mind


    ¡®She¡¯s so beautiful'' he thought to himself, feeling a pang of disappointment as he doubts they will ever meet again


    When they arrive home, the two quickly change clothes and head to the training grounds behind the mansion to begin their Mana training. Myreni isn¡¯t home, apparently occupied with some work, while Zani is quietly reading a book in the living room


    Farah takes out a transparent orb, about twice the size of her hand


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± Kaiser asked


    ¡°It¡¯s a Mana measuring orb. It¡¯s currently set to the Beginner level. If you manage to fill it, you¡¯ll be recognized as an Adept. Now, take it¡± Farah said, handing the orb to Kaiser


    The moment he holds the orb, Kaiser feels something inside him being drawn out. At the same time, the orb begins to fill up, just as Farah explained, with his Mana being absorbed into it. However, something unusual catches their attention


    ¡°Yellow Mana?¡± Both of them are surprised by the orb¡¯s unexpected color


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, in a faraway place, a man and a woman stand side by side. Both of them share a striking resemblance, with the same ember-colored eyes


    ¡°That feeling¡­ it¡¯s him, right?¡± the woman asked eagerly,her voice filled with excitement


    The man doesn¡¯t reply. He remained silent, lost in thought

 Chapter 10: Training with Farah

    Seeing the yellow glow appear within the orb in his hand, Kaiser feels astonished


    "It''s so beautiful" Kaiser said, feeling drawn to the yellow color shimmering before him


    "It''s not just yellow... It''s golden!" Farah exclaimed, captivated by the situation


    "Is it special?" Kaiser asked surprised by her reaction


    "It is. Normally, a person''s Mana has a blue color" Farah explained


    "Does that mean I''m stronger than normal people?"


    "Mana with unusual colors isn''t inherently different from regular blue Mana¡ª" Farah starts to explain


    "¡ªBut it indicates that you belong to a noble family."


    "Huh? A noble family?" Kaiser¡¯s jaw drops at Farah¡¯s words


    "Yes, you heard it right. In this empire, no, across the entire continent, people with Mana of a different color are extremely rare. All of them belong to prestigious families" Farah continues


    "Those families have a probability of giving birth to someone with special Mana. These individuals possess unique abilities to control Mana, specific to their bloodline¡±


    "A unique ability?" Kaiser asked


    "That¡¯s one of the reasons why those families hold such power today"


    "So I¡¯m¡­ a noble" Kaiser muttered


    Farah pauses, her face turning serious as she looks at him


    "Don¡¯t get too excited about that," Farah said, her tone unusually stern


    "What do you mean?" Kaiser asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.


    "Don¡¯t you remember your circumstances?" Farah asked


    "You were abandoned at birth, and no one has ever come looking for you. Why do you think they¡¯ve never bothered to search for you?"


    "An illegitimate child..." Kaiser murmured, his face falling into a look of disappointment


    He¡¯s lived in this world long enough to know how harsh life is for an illegitimate child. They live as shadows within their own family, and even when hidden away from the world, they¡¯re constantly despised by others


    Seeing his expression, Farah tries to find a way to comfort him


    "Don¡¯t worry too much. From the start, you¡¯ve survived without them, and you¡¯ll continue to do just fine in the future" Farah says, holding his hand.


    "And don¡¯t forget about your beautiful older sisters" Farah smiles, patting him on the back.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    After a while, once Kaiser regains his composure, Farah decides to return to her role as his instructor


    "Alright then, let¡¯s begin learning about Mana" Farah said, pulling out a pair of glasses from who-knows-where


    ¡®They don¡¯t have lenses¡¯ Kaiser noticed, realizing she¡¯s just trying to look scholarly. Still, he decides not to point it out since she looks so adorable trying to act like this


    "Mana is a form of energy present in nature. The process of controlling Mana can be divided into three stages: Absorption, Release, and Execution" she explained, adjusting her glasses


    "As the names suggest, the Absorption stage is when your body absorbs Mana from the environment and stores it internally. The Release stage is when you release Mana from your body. Once released, the Mana is entirely yours, so you can control it to perform various tasks in the final stage. The Execution stage is the most challenging to master. In this stage, you shape the released Mana in a precise way to make it attack, form a defensive shield, or even create Mana Circles" Farah explained thoroughly


    "What are Mana Circles?" Kaiser asked


    "It¡¯s a tool to help Mana change its properties. Let me show you" Farah said


    She takes a few steps away from Kaiser and begins to demonstrate


    After a few seconds, her blue eyes light up, and she extends one hand in front of her. A circle with a few simple patterns appears before her. From the circle, a small fireball, just slightly larger than her hand, emerges. The fireball is then launched toward a distant target, igniting it


    "That¡¯s how we do it" Farah said, looking at Kaiser, her expression clearly asking for praise.


    "You looked really cool doing that," Kaiser said, understanding the look on her face


    "It¡¯s nothing special" Farah replied, her lips curling up slightly as she tried to hide a smile. However, the tail swishing rapidly behind her betrays her emotions


    "You¡¯ll learn how to do this too¡± Farah continues


    "To improve our mastery of Mana, we¡¯ll need to practice controlling it and increasing the amount of Mana we can absorb"


    "Since your Mana level is about to reach the Adept threshold, you should focus on Mana control for now" she said, pointing to a glass orb nearly filled with golden energy


    "Here, take this" Farah said, pulling out a bracelet and handing it to Kaiser.


    "What is this?" Kaiser asked


    "It¡¯s a device designed to enhance Mana control skills. When you channel Mana into it, you¡¯ll need to adjust its direction so it flows through the bracelet. If you succeed in guiding the Mana all the way through, it will light up to signal your success" Farah explained, pointing at the bracelet


    "Today, we¡¯ll learn how to do that"


    "First, try absorbing Mana by imagining you¡¯re pulling something invisible into your mind" Farah instructs


    Kaiser follows her instructions, and before long, his ember-colored eyes begin to glow


    "That was quick. Now, try channeling Mana into the bracelet by imagining you¡¯re grasping the invisible thing in your mind, pulling it out, and directing it into the bracelet" Farah praised him before guiding him through the next steps


    Kaiser follows what she says, but after a while, his face tightens in frustration


    "I feel like there are a lot of barriers blocking me" he said


    "That¡¯s normal. You¡¯ll have to learn to adjust the flow of Mana to navigate through those barriers" Farah explained


    Their training continues until sunset. By the end of the session, Kaiser manages to channel Mana halfway through the bracelet. Farah reassures him, saying that progress this fast is already impressive


    ¡ª


    In a faraway place, a man and a woman with the same ember-colored eyes stand together. This time, the man speaks


    "The Elziah Empire¡­" he murmured


    "That place is very far. Should we send someone to investigate it first?" the woman asked, her voice tinged with worry


    "I¡¯ll go there myself" the man said heavily.


    He then walks away from where they are standing, leaving the woman alone


    The woman stands still, her sorrowful gaze fixed on a large painting before her. In the painting is the image of a man with an extraordinarily handsome face, golden hair, and, most strikingly, ember-colored eyes

 Chapter 11: Learning with Myreni

    The next day is the day of Kaiser''s lesson with Myreni


    Just like the morning before, Farah wakes Kaiser up and takes him out to the market. She holds his hand and buys him all kinds of treats that he likes (though, in truth, they are all things she likes, as Kaiser always says yes to her suggestions)


    While eating an ice cream cone and holding Farah''s hand, Kaiser spots a familiar white-haired figure. Feeling a familiar sense, he looks closer and recognizes the beautiful girl he met in the alley the day before


    She is still wearing a cloak that covers her entire figure. She is walking in the opposite direction from Kaiser. After a moment, their eyes meet, and the girl''s face shows clear surprise. Seeing this, Kaiser waves at her. The girl quickly regains her composure and waves back. The two then pass each other, and Farah immediately asks


    "Who is she?"


    "I just happened to see her yesterday. We haven''t even spoken to each other" he replied


    "She''s pretty, huh?" Farah said with a teasing tone


    "You''re prettier" Kaiser calmly responded to her teasing


    "Haha, smooth talker. I like it" Farah''s cat ears perk up, a clear sign of her happiness


    The two then return home and part ways. After changing clothes, Kaiser heads to Myreni''s office room. The room is next to her bedroom. When he enters, Myreni is sitting behind her desk, wearing a real pair of glasses


    ''Did Farah copy her?''


    "Good afternoon, Myreni" he said softly


    "Oh Kaiser, you''re here" she replied


    "Take a seat" Myreni points to a chair in front of her


    Kaiser complies and quickly sits down. Myreni then moves a blackboard from the corner of the room in front of him


    "What will you teach me?" Kaiser asked


    "I''ll teach you about the world''s knowledge, as well as how to read and write, to prepare you for your studies at Vesillian Academy" she said, adjusting her glassesThe narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Did you do the same for Farah and Zani?" he asked curiously


    "Yes, just like you, they didn''t receive an education when they were young. So, I became their teacher. They''ve been following me for nearly ten years" Myreni explained in an unusually gentle tone


    ''Were they also orphans? Not too surprising, considering my own circumstances'' Kaiser thought to himself


    "So, first, let''s learn about the world. We''ll finish this topic today and focus on reading and writing in the following lessons" Myreni said, staying focused on the day''s agenda


    Kaiser nods in agreement and listens attentively to her lecture


    "The structure of this world revolves around the number four. The world consists of four major continents: Nytheris to the east, Zephyros to the west, Solareth to the south, and Calystria to the north. At the center of the world lies the Holy Empire of Astraviel, home to the Saintess"


    "The Saintess?" Kaiser asked


    "Saintess is being sent by God to this land. They possess the power to inspire worship and devotion in others. Because they are creations of God, they embody absolute fairness, and no one can influence them" Myreni explains


    "Does God exist?" he asked


    "Perhaps. There are many miracles that only God''s power could explain, such as the birth of the Saintess. The entity known as ''Who Above,'' who granted you your an Aspect, could also be considered a deity" Myreni elaborates


    "Do you have any other questions about this empire?"


    "Did a holy stork bring the Saintess here?" Kaiser asked


    "A holy stork? How could a stork bring the Saintess¡­ Oh," Myreni quickly realizes the misunderstanding


    "I''ll answer that question when you''re older" she explained quickly, feeling that Kaiser is too young for such topics


    "Let''s return to the topic of the world''s information" she said, swiftly changing the subject


    "The continent we live on is Nytheris. This continent consists of four empires: Velastras in the south, Elziah in the north, Gryndar in the east, and Harvalis in the west. Like all continents, the capital of Nytheris is located at its center and shares the continent''s name"


    "In each empire, a specific power governs it. The Fairchild Dukedom oversees Velastras, the Aurelia Dukedom rules Gryndar, the Goldwyn Dukedom governs Harvalis, and¡­ the royal family leads Elziah," Myreni''s voice takes on a sorrowful tone as she mentions the last part


    Kaiser notices this change but, as in the alleyway before, he doesn''t want to pry into someone else''s pain


    "That''s the basic information about this world. Do you have any questions?" Myreni asked, quickly returning to her usual cheerful tone


    "Can you teach me how to hide the stigma on my neck?" Kaiser asked, addressing something that had been on his mind


    "Oh, that. I''ll teach you when you reach the Adept level. Only then will you have enough skill to maintain such a concealment spell" Myreni replied


    "Alright, I don''t have any more questions"


    "Okay, then let''s move on to your reading and writing" Myreni said


    The two of them then spend the rest of the day working on Kaiser''s literacy skills

 Chapter 12: Meeting Amelia

    The next morning, Kaiser is walking around the marketplace with Farah again.


    And just like the two previous mornings, he runs into the white-haired girl again. This time, she is standing in front of an ice cream stall. Kaiser hesitates, unsure if he should approach and greet her, but before he can decide, the white-haired girl turns around and spots him. Her expression looks like she¡¯s asking, ¡°Why is it always this guy?¡±


    After buying an ice cream, she walks toward Kaiser. Seeing this, Farah lets go of his hand and steps aside, a mischievous smile playing on her lips


    Standing in front of him, the white-haired girl speaks first:


    ¡°Do you know who I am? I thought wearing this cloak would be enough to hide me¡± she says in the most beautiful voice Kaiser has ever heard.


    ¡°You¡¯re a noble, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kaiser quickly composes himself.


    ¡°So I am right, you do know who I am. And here I thought I was doing a good job of concealing myself¡± she says, putting her hand under her chin


    ¡°I don¡¯t actually know who you are¡± Kaiser admits


    ¡°Huh? Then how do you know I¡¯m a noble?¡± The girl looks surprised by his response


    ¡°I just guessed. You¡¯re too beautiful to be anyone ordinary¡± Kaiser says confidently, without a hint of hesitation


    Hearing Kaiser¡¯s shameless compliment, the white-haired girl¡¯s face turns visibly red.


    ¡°L-Lucky for you, y-you seem to have good taste in people¡± she stammers


    ¡°It¡¯s not really luck. If anyone says you¡¯re not beautiful, it just means they don¡¯t have eyes¡± Kaiser adds, his expression unchanging


    ¡°Y-Y-You don¡¯t feel embarrassed saying things like that?¡± Her face turns even redder


    ¡°I¡¯m just speaking the truth¡± he replies calmly


    The girl turns her face to the side, avoiding Kaiser¡¯s gaze. After a moment, she stammers again:


    ¡°L-Let¡¯s forget about that. W-What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°My name is Kaiser. What about you?¡± he asks


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a family name? You¡¯re not a noble?¡± she asks, clearly surprised


    ¡°Uh¡­ No. Why would you think that?¡± Kaiser pauses briefly before responding


    ¡°B-Because you¡­ seem to have manners. Yes, that¡¯s right, because you seem very proper!¡± she says quickly


    ¡°And you¡¯re also very handsome¡­¡± she mumbles quietly to herself


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kaiser looks confusedThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing!¡± she exclaims


    ¡°All right, Kaiser,¡± she says, regaining her composure. ¡°Since you asked, I¡¯ll answer. My name is Amelia Zephis¡±


    Zephis¡­ Her last name triggers a memory in Kaiser¡¯s mind from what Myreni had said the day before:


    "The royal families in each continent bear names tied to their land. Nythis in Nytheris, Calistry in Calystria, Zephis in Zephyros, Solaris in Solareth."


    ¡®So she¡¯s royalty. No wonder she¡¯s so stunning¡¯ Kaiser thinks to himself


    ¡°You¡¯re a princess, aren¡¯t you? Why would someone as noble as you be here?¡± he asks


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t a princess be here? Besides, I¡¯m not the eldest child, so I won¡¯t inherit the throne anyway¡± Amelia replies, crossing her arms


    ¡°But are you sure you¡¯re not a noble?¡± she asks, staring directly at Kaiser


    ¡°N-No, I¡¯m really not¡± he stammers


    ¡°That¡¯s weird. You seem more like a noble than most nobles¡± she mutters


    ¡°Whatever. Do you always explore the marketplace in the morning? We¡¯ve run into each other three days in a row now¡± Amelia asks


    ¡°Maybe. I guess I come here every morning with my sister¡± Kaiser says, pointing to Farah, who is off in the distance, covering her mouth to hide her smile.


    ¡°I usually come here in the mornings too. I think we¡¯re a good match. What do you think about us walking around together? After all, we¡¯re both here for the same reason¡± Amelia suggests


    ¡°Sure, I think that¡¯s a good idea¡± Kaiser agrees immediately


    ¡°All right, Kaiser. Let¡¯s meet tomorrow at the entrance of the marketplace¡± Amelia says, extending her hand


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll meet again tomorrow, Amelia¡± Kaiser replies, shaking her hand


    ¡°Goodbye, I¡¯ve got to go now¡± Amelia says


    ¡°Bye, Amelia¡± Kaiser says, waving goodbye


    The two parted ways, walking in opposite directions. Kaiser makes his way toward Farah. When he stands in front of her, she smiles mischievously and says:


    ¡°What happened to the boy who turned red as a tomato when his big sister patted his head?¡±


    ¡°He was just shy¡± he replies calmly


    ¡°Haha, so now you¡¯ve learned how to talk back huh? You little handsome brat¡± Farah laughs, patting his head, causing a faint blush to appear on Kaiser¡¯s face


    The two of them then return home to prepare for the afternoon lesson with Zani


    [Amelia¡¯s POV]


    ¡®Aaarghhh!¡¯ Amelia screams internally


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I ran into him again¡± Amelia says, covering her face with her hands


    ¡°Did I manage to maintain my image? I really don¡¯t want him to think I¡¯m some kind of creep¡± she mutters to herself


    The truth is, Amelia has been captivated by Kaiser from the very first time they met. He is the most handsome person she¡¯s ever seen. Running into him repeatedly only deepens her fascination


    ¡°He¡¯s not only handsome but also has such a warm voice. He even calls me beautiful¡± Amelia thinks as her cheeks turn red once more


    ¡°He says his name is Kaiser. That name suits him so well. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s not a noble. But that doesn¡¯t matter. Thank goodness I¡¯m not Amiel, marrying a commoner might not be encouraged, but it¡¯s not forbidden¡± she reasons carefully


    At that moment, a figure dressed entirely in black appears behind her and says,


    ¡°Your Highness, shall I investigate that boy for you?¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to do that. That would make me a creep¡± Amelia replies


    ¡®But he says that beastkin girl over there is his sister. Are they orphans?¡¯ she suddenly remembers the image of Farah


    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll ask him myself¡± she decides


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, in a magical tower on the continent of Zephyros, a man clad in a black cloak steps out of a teleportation circle


    ¡°He¡¯s quite close¡± the man says, with an ember-like glow flickering beneath his hood

 Chapter 13: Practicing with Zani (1)

    In the afternoon, after Kaiser finishes preparing, he steps out of his room. As he opens the door, he sees Zani standing by it, her eyes gazing aimlessly into the distance.


    Hearing the door open, her eyes refocus and turn toward Kaiser. She then extends her hand toward him without saying a word. Seeing this, Kaiser reaches out and takes her hand


    "Good afternoon, Zani" he says softly


    Zani doesn¡¯t say much and only nods in response. She then leads Kaiser to the training grounds


    When they arrive, Zani points toward a rack of various weapons and says


    "Choose a weapon. We¡¯ll have a practice duel¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re starting right away?¡± Kaiser asks


    ¡°The fastest way to spot your weaknesses is through combat¡± Zani replies confidently


    Hearing this, Kaiser doesn¡¯t ask any more questions and walks over to the weapon rack


    ¡®Axes, scythes, swords, daggers, and spears,¡¯ he thinks, doesn¡¯t know what to choose


    ¡°You can try each one to find the weapon that suits you best¡± Zani suggests


    ¡°Can you teach me to use all of them?¡± he asks


    ¡°No, I¡¯m only skilled with swords. You¡¯ll have to learn to improvise and figure out how to counter my attacks on your own¡± she explains


    ¡®Sounds like I¡¯m going to get hit a lot¡¯ Kaiser thinks to himself


    ¡°Is this how Myreni teaches you as well?¡± he asks


    ¡°Yes. She teaches both me and Farah in this way. However, Myreni¡¯s swordsmanship is more structured, so perhaps the method is one she specifically created to train us¡± Zani explains


    ¡°By the way, just who is Myreni? She seems skilled in so many areas. She¡¯s even someone with an Aspect. What does she do?¡± Kaiser asks, realizing there is still much he doesn¡¯t know about Myreni, the person who has taken him in


    ¡°We honestly don¡¯t know. She¡¯s the one who rescues me and Farah from slave traders. And during the ten years we follow her, we don¡¯t learn much about her past. She promises us that once we graduate from the academy, she will tell us what she¡¯s been doing¡± Zani says, gazing up at the sky with a thoughtful expressionThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°You and Farah are rescued from slave traders?¡± he asks, shocked by this revelation


    ¡°Yes. It seems that during one of her missions, Myreni saves us¡± Zani replies


    ¡°That¡¯s why Farah and I work so hard to train and improve ourselves so we can help her¡­ And you should do the same. Strive to become strong and support her¡± Zani says, looking directly into Kaiser¡¯s eyes


    ¡°I definitely will¡± Kaiser replies, agreeing with Zani¡¯s words and deciding not to ask further questions


    ¡°Then let¡¯s begin, choose a weapon¡± she says before moving to the center of the training grounds


    Kaiser turns back to the weapon rack, pondering for a moment before picking up a wooden sword. He figures that since swords are the most common weapon, they must also be the most versatile


    He grips the sword and faces Zani


    ¡°Attack me¡± Zani says calmly


    Kaiser takes a shaky breath and charges forward with an uneven swing, aiming directly at Zani¡¯s midsection. The movement is very clumsy


    Zani shifts her feet slightly, her body gliding effortlessly to the side. The blade whistles past her, slicing nothing but empty air. Before Kaiser can regain his footing, she flicks her wrist, the flat of her wooden blade striking the back of Kaiser¡¯s thigh with a sharp thwack


    ¡°Too slow¡± Zani remarks, stepping back into her original position as if she has never moved


    Kaiser winces, stumbling forward but managing to stay on his feet. He turns and swings again, this time from above, tightening his grip as he brings the sword down with all his strength


    Zani sidesteps once more, her movement so fluid it seems she anticipates the attack before it even begins. In the same swift motion, she spins behind Kaiser and taps the flat of her blade against the back of his neck


    ¡°Your balance is off¡± Zani notes in her usual even tone


    Kaiser staggers forward, nearly dropping his sword. His breathing grows heavier, and his knuckles whiten as he tightens his grip on the hilt. Determined, he charges again, this time feinting left before slashing wide to the right


    Zani tilts her head ever so slightly, and the blade misses her by mere inches. She ducks low, her legs coiling like springs before exploding upward with a perfectly timed strike. Her wooden training sword lands a sharp blow against Kaiser¡¯s ribs


    Zani steps back, her expression composed but her eyes softening slightly


    ¡°You rely on strength and desperation. A sword is not a hammer. You must feel the rhythm, the flow of combat. Watch your opponent, not your own blade¡± she advises


    Kaiser staggers upright, sweat dripping down his brow. His hands tremble, but determination burns in his eyes


    ¡°I need to change weapons¡± Kaiser says


    After receiving a nod from Zani, he heads back to the weapon rack. The fight makes it clear to Kaiser just how wide the gap in strength and speed is between him and Zani. He decides to choose a weapon with a more unexpected element


    Once he selects his weapon, he stands before Zani again. Seeing his choice, Zani shows a slight expression of surprise


    ¡°So you chose that, huh? That¡¯s quite an unusual choice¡± she says


    Standing before her now is Kaiser, gripping a large scythe with both hands, its size even greater than his own

 Chapter 14: Practicing with Zani (2)

    Kaiser is holding a scythe that looks far too large for him. Its curved blade gleams wickedly in the fading light, and its wooden shaft towers taller than Kaiser himself


    The two face off once again. Zani, poised and balanced as always, stands in her ready stance. Kaiser hefts the scythe, its blade wobbling slightly as he tries to steady it


    With a grunt, Kaiser charges, swinging the scythe in a wide, horizontal arc. The weapon¡¯s reach forces Zani to retreat rather than sidestep. She ducks low, allowing the blade to pass harmlessly overhead, and dashes forward, aiming a quick strike at his ribs


    But Kaiser, as surprised as Zani, twists the scythe¡¯s shaft awkwardly, catching her blade on the handle and deflecting it. The deflection throws him off balance, and he stumbles back, nearly dropping the weapon


    Zani doesn¡¯t miss a beat. She steps forward, her sword a blur as she strikes the shaft of the scythe with precision, forcing it downward. With a swift pivot, she sweeps her leg behind his knee, sending him sprawling to the ground


    ¡°Better¡± she remarks as Kaiser scrambles to his feet


    ¡°Your weapon¡¯s reach is an asset, but your movements are still clumsy¡±


    Kaiser takes a deep breath, his grip on the scythe tightening. He swings again, this time in a diagonal slash. Zani dodges with ease, sliding past the blade and delivering a light tap to his shoulder. He spins clumsily, using the momentum to whip the scythe around in a wide, chaotic arc


    Zani leans back ¡°Unpredictable¡± she says, her voice steady but now tinged with caution


    ¡°That¡¯s good. But wild swings will leave you open.¡±


    Kaiser grins, sweat dripping down his face ¡°Maybe¡­ but you still have to dodge them¡±


    Their movements quicken. The scythe cuts through the air in irregular patterns¡ªoverhead, sweeping low, then spinning unpredictably. Zani¡¯s elegant footwork keeps her just out of reach, her sword flashing out to deliver light, stinging blows to his arms and sides whenever she sees an opening


    But then, as she steps in to land another counterstrike, Kaiser does something unexpected. Instead of pulling the scythe back for another swing, he lets its momentum carry it behind him and thrusts the blunt end of the shaft forward.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Zani¡¯s eyes widen slightly in surprise. She twists her body, but the wooden handle catches her thigh with a solid thump


    She steps back, her expression unreadable as she glances down at the faint bruise forming on her leg. For a moment, silence hangs between them


    ¡°Did I¡­ actually hit you?¡± Kaiser asks, his voice tinged with disbelief


    Zani¡¯s lips curve into a small, approving smile ¡°Yes, you did. Well done, you used the scythe¡¯s unique qualities to your advantage. But don¡¯t let that success go to your head. You¡¯re still far from mastering it¡±


    Kaiser exhales, his shoulders relaxing as he lowers the scythe ¡°I¡¯ll take what I can get¡± he mutters with a tired grin


    ¡°Now that this is over, let¡¯s move on to some physical training¡± Zani says, glancing at Kaiser, who is clearly exhausted ¡°Your stamina is far too weak right now¡± she comments


    Kaiser nods in agreement. He carefully places the wooden scythe back in the weapons rack before returning to Zani.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start by running around the training ground¡± she suggests.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it¡± he agrees


    The two train together until sunset. By then, Kaiser is sprawled on the training ground floor, completely spent. Zani walks over, holding a water canteen, and hands it to him


    He sits up, accepts the canteen, and drinks deeply. Once finished, he hands it back to Zani, who also takes a sip


    As he watches her drink, a plan for the next day pops into Kaiser¡¯s mind


    ¡°Hey, Zani¡± Kaiser calls out


    Zani stops drinking and wipes her mouth with her hand. A few drops of water trail down her chin and neck. Seeing this, Kaiser quickly looks away, avoiding eye contact.


    ¡°Would you be able to join me and Farah for a walk around the marketplace tomorrow morning?¡± he asks


    ¡°I could¡± she replies, tilting her head ¡°Why the sudden invitation?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m planning to hang out with my friend tomorrow, so Farah won¡¯t have anyone to go with. I thought I¡¯d invite you so she doesn¡¯t feel lonely¡± Kaiser explains, scratching the back of his head


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t actually want me to join. You just need someone to keep Farah company¡± Zani says, pouting slightly


    Kaiser finds her expression surprisingly endearing and quickly responds ¡°I¡¯m sorry! But I really do want you to come with us¡±


    ¡°Fine. Considering you¡¯re thoughtful enough to care about Farah¡¯s enjoyment, I¡¯ll let it slide this time¡± Zani says


    ¡°By the way, when did you make this new friend?¡± she asks


    ¡°I only met her this morning¡± Kaiser replies


    ¡°A girl huh?¡± Zani narrows her eyes at him


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s not focus on that. Anyway, we¡¯re done here, so let¡¯s head inside¡± Zani says, brushing the subject aside


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll share the details of tomorrow¡¯s plan at dinner¡± Kaiser agrees


    The two then return to the house and go to their respective rooms


    ¡ª


    Near Myreni¡¯s estate, a man with ember-colored eyes arrives

 Chapter 15: Meeting

    The next morning was the day Kaiser and Amelia had promised to spend time together. Today, Kaiser didn''t need Farah to wake him up


    He had already prepared himself early for his meeting with the Zephyros continent''s princess. Today, he made sure to style his hair as perfectly as possible. After a while, it was time for Farah to barge into his room


    The door flew open, and Farah appeared, dashing straight toward Kaiser''s bed


    "Huh? Where is Kaiser?" Farah asked, confused, as she rummaged through the bed, her tail wagging incessantly


    "Farah, I''m here" Kaiser said, appearing behind her


    Startled by the voice behind her, Farah reflexively threw a pillow straight at Kaiser''s face. Because they were so close, Kaiser had no time to react,the pillow hit him square in the face, knocking him to the floor


    Realizing she had used too much strength, Farah panicked and rushed to help Kaiser up


    "Sorry, Kaiser. You surprised me" Farah said, pulling the pillow off Kaiser''s face


    "Oh my¡­" Farah''s mouth hung open as she looked at Kaiser


    "You''re trying to impress her, aren''t you?" A smile spread across her face


    Before her stood a lively Kaiser. He was wearing a black sweater paired with matching pants. Although his hair had become messy from Farah''s pillow throw, it did little to diminish his handsome appearance


    "Why did you throw it so hard?" Kaiser, now standing, asked, his face showing a hint of annoyance


    "I forgot to adjust my strength" Farah said, scratching her head sheepishly


    Kaiser, unsure how to respond to Farah''s silliness, simply turned to the mirror to fix his hair. Seeing what he was about to do, Farah offered to help


    "Let me do that for you"


    Kaiser nodded and handed her the comb


    While Farah was combing his hair, Kaiser asked, "Have you woken Zani up yet?"


    "Don''t worry about that, she always wakes up when I do. She just likes lying in bed to read" Farah replied


    "So, you really like that princess, huh?" she asked


    "She''s too beautiful for me not to fall for her" Kaiser answered


    "You''re very handsome yourself. I think she quite likes you too," Farah said with a smile


    "Really? Then do you think a commoner could marry a princess?" Kaiser looked at her and asked


    Hearing this, Farah frowned "Aren''t you moving a bit too fast?"


    "Slow down. First, focus on making the best impression" she said


    "By the way, do you have any accessories?" Farah askedFind this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "No, Myreni only bought me clothes" Kaiser replied


    "Well, I''ll lend you my necklace. It''ll make you look even more dashing" she said, stopping her task of combing his hair


    "Go over to Zani''s room and get her out of bed. I''ll grab the necklace from my room" she added, heading out the door


    Kaiser glanced in the mirror, satisfied with his neatly styled hair, and headed toward Zani''s room


    Standing in front of her door, he knocked and called out loudly "Hey, Zani! Are you ready? We''re about to leave"


    After a moment, the door opened, revealing Zani wearing a black sweater that matched Kaiser''s. The two looked at each other silently for a moment


    "You look beautiful" Kaiser said first.


    "You look good in that outfit too" Zani replied, her eyes scanning him briefly


    At that moment, Farah''s door burst open, and a flash of gold zipped past


    "Oh, so we''re matching outfits, huh?" Farah teased, pointing at Zani and Kaiser.


    "Well, I''ll change to match you guys too. Kaiser, wear this" she said, tossing a silver necklace at him before dashing back into her room


    Kaiser quickly caught the necklace. The silver necklace featured a crescent moon-shaped pendant. It looked very elegant and sophisticated. He then turned to Zani


    "Can you help me put this on?"


    Zani nodded, taking the necklace and stepping behind him to fasten it around his neck.


    Not long after, Farah emerged from her room wearing a black sweater identical to theirs. The three of them left the house and headed to the meeting spot with Amelia


    When they arrived, Kaiser spotted a striking figure with white hair in the distance. As they got closer, he was sure it was Amelia. She appeared to be looking around, seemingly searching for him. When their eyes met, a faint blush appeared on Amelia''s face. Kaiser approached her


    "Hello, Amelia" he greeted


    "Why would you keep a lady waiting?" Amelia turned away, pouting


    Kaiser struggled to think of a response. He had tried to arrive early to wait for her, but he was surprised to find she had come even earlier. He couldn''t say "You just arrived too early" so he chose a more reasonable reply


    "Sorry, I was trying my best to prepare and look good before meeting you, so I couldn''t arrive earlier" he said, placing a hand on his chest and bowing slightly, showing his sincerity


    Amelia softened "I can see the effort you put in"


    She looked at Kaiser, whose neatly combed hair and black turtleneck sweater paired with matching pants gave him a polished appearance. His look was further enhanced by the silver moon necklace resting around his neck


    In fact, ever since they entered the market area, many people had been glancing at Kaiser because of his charm. Kaiser noticed their looks and felt quite confident in his appearance


    "You look as beautiful as ever" he said to Amelia as she scanned him from head to toe


    The unexpected compliment flustered Amelia, her face turning as red as a tomato.


    "Is that really Kaiser?" Zani asked Farah, as the two stood nearby, observing the scene


    "I''m just as surprised. I can''t believe the shy boy from the beginning is now shamelessly flirting with her" Farah replied, crossing her arms and wagging her tail


    Once Amelia regained some composure, she pointed toward Farah and Zani and asked Kaiser "Are those two your sisters?"


    "Yes, we were all adopted by the same person" he replied


    "Let me introduce you to them" he said, leading her over


    "Amelia, this is Farah and Zani. Farah, Zani, this is Amelia Zephis, the princess of this continent"


    Hearing Amelia''s title, Zani''s expression shifted slightly, surprised that the flustered girl was a princess. She quickly composed herself and introduced herself


    "Hello, Amelia. I''m Zani. It''s a pleasure to meet you" she said, extending her hand


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you too, Zani," Amelia replied, shaking her hand


    When it was Farah''s turn, a mischievous smile appeared on her face


    "Hello, Amelia. I''m Farah, the one who will be your sister-in-law" she said while shaking Amelia''s hand


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    For a moment, no one said a word. Amelia''s face turned as red as a tomato, Kaiser was speechless, and Zani squinted at Farah


    As for Farah, she simply gave a radiant smile and wagged the tail behind her

 Chapter 16: Dating

    Currently, Kaiser and Amelia are walking ahead, while Farah and Zani are trailing behind


    After being teased by Farah, Kaiser decided that the best option was to separate her from Amelia (not because he wanted to be alone with Amelia)


    Farah, with an ice cream stick in her mouth, walked alongside Zani and said


    "How many times has that princess blushed?"


    "Six times" Zani calmly replied


    "You actually counted that?" Farah gaped, surprised by Zani''s answer


    "Forget it, let''s stop focusing on that" Farah continued


    "Maybe that girl really likes Kaiser" Farah remarked, glancing at Amelia, whose eyes were fixed on Kaiser as they walked together


    "It''s unbelievable. Just last week, he was a homeless kid, and now he''s wooing the princess of the very continent he''s on" Farah commented


    "His appearance is too striking" Zani added


    "Yeah, maybe he has noble blood, which explains why he looks the way he does" Farah speculated


    "Have you tried figuring out which family he belongs to?" Zani asked


    "I only know that the family he''s from isn''t on this continent" Farah replied, licking her ice cream


    "Why do you think that?" Zani questioned


    "Considering just this continent, only the Goldwyn family has an appearance similar to Kaiser''s. But their eyes are golden, while Kaiser''s are ember. Plus, there are even rumors that the youngest daughter of that family has special Mana, so the likelihood of Kaiser belonging to this family is very low" Farah explained


    "Then it must be a family from another continent" Zani concluded


    At that moment, Kaiser and Amelia approachs them. What stands out is that Kaiser is holding a small white kitten in his hands


    "Can I keep it?" Kaiser asked, holding the kitten out in front of Zani and Farah


    [Kaiser''s POV]If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    After separating Farah from Amelia, Kaiser was currently walking alongside Amelia. He said to her


    "Sorry about her, she just likes teasing"


    Mentioning it again didn''t seem like the best idea, as the princess''s face turned red once more


    "I-It''s okay. I u-understand her. We probably look like we''re close¡­ N-no, I mean we¡­" Amelia stammered, struggling to find the right words as her face turned redder and redder, almost as if it were about to emit heat


    Kaiser, surprised by Amelia''s reaction, chuckled softly, trying to reassure her


    "You don''t have to be so flustered, Amelia. Farah always jokes like that, but it doesn''t mean we have to take it seriously" he said calmly, with a gentle smile


    "I-I''m not flustered! It''s just¡­ I''m not used to being teased like that!" Amelia quickly replied


    "Alright, if you say so" Kaiser shrugged lightly, his smile still on his face


    Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Amelia pouted. The two of them continued walking side by side


    After a while, Kaiser pointed in a specific direction


    "Do you want some ice cream?" he asked


    "Ice cream?" Amelia replied


    "Last time, I saw you bought one, so I thought you might like it" he said


    "That''s a good idea. Let''s do it" Amelia nodded.


    When they reached the ice cream stand, Kaiser asked her:


    "Do you want vanilla or chocolate?"


    "I like chocolate" Amelia answered.


    Kaiser nodded and told the ice cream vendor


    "One chocolate ice cream and three vanilla ones, please"


    "That''ll be 20 cels per ice cream" the vendor responded


    Kaiser took out 1 col and handed it to him. He had been taught by his former family that people conducted transactions using cel, col, and gold. The latter was worth 100 times the former, meaning 1 col equaled 100 cels, and 1 gold equaled 100 cols. A well-off family typically lived on about 1 gold a month


    The vendor accepted the col and gave Kaiser the ice creams along with 20 cels in change


    Kaiser handed the chocolate ice cream to Amelia before heading toward Farah and Zani to give them the two vanilla ice creams


    "I got these for you" he said to Farah and Zani


    Farah couldn''t hide her smile when she saw this


    "Oh, you still remember your older sisters, huh?" she said, wagging her tail


    "I just don''t want you teasing Amelia" Kaiser replied, handing her the ice cream


    "How could I not, when my sister-in-law is so adorable?" Farah teased playfully as she took the ice cream from him


    Hearing this, Kaiser''s face showed a hint of annoyance. Without saying anything, he handed the remaining ice cream to Zani, who was standing next to Farah and also showing a slight look of dissatisfaction


    "Thanks, Kaiser" Zani said, accepting the ice cream


    "No problem. I''ll head back to Amelia now" Kaiser nodded at Zani before turning around and walking back toward Amelia


    When he looked at her, Amelia was also looking at him. As soon as their eyes met, Amelia quickly turned her face away, avoiding his gaze


    ''Does she actually like me?'' Kaiser wondered to himself, then shook his head. ''That''s just delusional. It''s too early to tell''


    He continued walking toward her. When he reached her, he spoke again


    "Let''s keep going"


    Amelia nodded, and the two resumed their journey


    They enjoyed some snacks together and made small talk. Everything went normally until they heard a sound


    "Meow!"


    "A cat?"Kaiser and Amelia heard the sound of a kitten nearby, so they looked around


    Soon, they spotted a small, weak-looking white kitten staring at them

 Chapter 17: Snowy

    Amelia looked at the tiny white kitten at Kaiser''s feet and said, "She looks so cute."


    "But she doesn''t seem very healthy" Kaiser replied as he crouched down to gently stroke the kitten''s head. The little creature didn''t resist his touch and even nuzzled into his palm


    Using both hands, Kaiser carefully picked up the kitten and began examining her.


    "A female" Amelia noted, watching as Kaiser turned the kitten over to check her condition


    "She doesn''t have any major injuries, just looks a bit malnourished. And since she doesn''t have a collar, she''s probably a stray"


    "What do you think about adopting her? She seems to really like us, and meeting her like this¡­ it feels like fate" He said, glancing at Amelia


    "Fate¡­" Amelia murmured, her gaze meeting Kaiser''s. A faint blush crept across her cheeks.


    "So, what do you think? Would you like to adopt her?" Kaiser asked


    "A-Ah, I¡­ I''d love to" Amelia stammered, his question pulling her back to realit


    "But there are already other cats at my palace. I don''t think it''s a good idea to bring a weak kitten like this there"


    Kaiser nodded in understanding "In that case, I''ll adopt her. We don''t have any pets at home yet."


    With that, he stood up, holding the kitten in his arms. Turning to Amelia, he said "I think we should ask Farah and Zani about this first"


    "I agree. Let''s go ask them" she replied


    The two of them walked toward Farah and Zani, the kitten cradled gently in Kaiser''s hands.


    "Can I keep it?" Kaiser asked, holding the kitten up to the two women


    Farah raised an eyebrow, smirking as she saw the kittenIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Oh? Are you trying to tell me this kitten is your new responsibility now? You''ve barely figured out your own life, and now you want to take care of another living creature?"


    Kaiser sighed, having expected her teasing


    "I think she deserves a chance. She''s just a kitten, and she looks like she needs help"


    Farah crossed her arms, her tail swaying playfully


    "Hmm, are you sure you''re not just taking her in because you think she''s as cute as Amelia?" she teased, shooting a sly glance at Amelia


    Amelia''s face turned bright red


    "S-Stop teasing us!" she protested, her voice flustered.


    Zani, standing quietly beside Farah, observed the kitten closely


    "She does look weak. Are you planning to find her mother first before deciding to keep her?"


    "That''s a good idea" Kaiser replied


    "If her mother is nearby, we should try to reunite them"


    And so, the group began searching the area for any sign of the kitten''s mother. Kaiser and Amelia checked behind food stalls and under carts, while Farah and Zani searched quieter alleys. The kitten mewed occasionally, as if calling out, but there was no response.


    After nearly an hour, Zani shook her head


    "No sign of her mother. Either she''s truly a stray, or her mother isn''t anywhere nearby."


    "Well, that settles it then" Farah said with a grin


    "She''s all yours now, Kaiser. Congratulations, you''re officially a cat dad."


    Amelia giggled softly at Farah''s comment but quickly tried to hide her smile when Kaiser glanced her way


    "Fine" Kaiser said, holding the kitten closer


    "I''ll take care of her. But for now, let''s take her to the market. She needs some food"


    The group agreed and headed to the bustling market. The kitten, now cradled in Kaiser''s arms, seemed calm and content. At a pet supply stall, Kaiser purchased a small bottle of milk and a dish for her.


    "She''s going to need a name" Amelia said, watching Kaiser feed the kitten.


    "Any ideas?" Kaiser asked, glancing at her


    Amelia tilted her head thoughtfully "How about¡­ Snowy? Her fur is so white and soft."


    "I think Snowy suits her" Kaiser said, nodding in agreement


    He looked down at the kitten, who was eagerly drinking the milk "Snowy it is, then"


    The group spent the rest of the morning exploring the market, Snowy occasionally peeking out of Kaiser''s arms. By midday, they decided to head home, with Snowy nestled comfortably in Kaiser''s hold, already fitting in with the group


    ¡ª


    Not far from where Kaiser and his friends had stood, two figures watched silently from the shadows, their presence unnoticed


    "Should we approach him, my lord?" one of them asked


    "No" the other replied, his ember-colored eyes gleaming with an air of nobility "Leave him be, His life is stable now. Just assign a few people to keep an eye on him"


    "And warn them to be cautious of the owner of that house. That person is not someone to be taken lightly" the man said, his gaze lingering on Kaiser, who was smiling brightly with his companions.

 Chapter 18: Amelia’s invitation

    After bidding Amelia farewell, Kaiser, along with Farah and Zani, headed back home


    When they arrived, Kaiser immediately carried Snowy to the living room, where Myreni was sitting, enjoying her afternoon tea


    "Hey, Myreni, look at this" Kaiser said, holding up the little white kitten in front of her


    "A kitten?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she set her teacup down


    "This is Snowy. She''s a stray kitten I found while walking around the market" Kaiser explained, gently cradling the tiny creature


    "Just like me, huh? I was wandering around the market when I picked you up and brought you home" Myreni said with a playful smile


    "Now that you mention it, the situations do seem pretty similar" Kaiser replied with a small chuckle


    "I have no objections to you adopting a pet. As long as you can train it, you can have as many as you like" Myreni said, taking another sip of her tea.


    "I''ll do my best" Kaiser promised before lifting Snowy higher to look into her tiny blue eyes


    "Alright, I''ll take her to my room now"


    "Okay" Myreni said with a nod, a faint smile playing on her lips


    Kaiser carried Snowy upstairs to his room at the end of the hallway. Once inside, he crouched down and gently set the kitten on the floor


    "This will be your new home, Snowy" he said softly, running a hand over her fluffy fur.


    "I need to get changed before training with Farah" he added, standing up and heading toward the bathroom


    After changing into his training clothes, Kaiser picked Snowy up and brought her out of the room. He set her down in the hallway, letting her explore the house on her own


    "You''re free to roam for now," he said, giving her a little nudge before walking downstairs and heading out to the training grounds


    When Kaiser approached the training grounds, he spotted Farah sitting cross-legged on the ground, her hands resting on her knees. She looked serene, almost cold, her usual bright demeanor replaced by an aura of calm intensityIf you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As he drew closer, Farah''s vibrant blue eyes opened, glowing faintly before dimming back to normal. Her expression brightened, and she grinned at him


    "Oh, Kaiser! You''re here" she said cheerfully, squinting her eyes in a playful way


    "Yeah. By the way, what were you just doing? You seemed... different a moment ago" Kaiser asked, curious


    "Oh, that? I was meditating" Farah explained, brushing some dust off her knees as she stood up


    "It''s a technique for quickly recovering Mana"


    "Meditation? Does it only help with Mana recovery?" he asked, tilting his head


    "Well, besides that, it also refreshes the mind. That''s why I still do it, even when I''m not low on Mana" Farah replied, reaching out to ruffle Kaiser''s hair playfully


    "But it''s not something you need to worry about right now" she added


    "Only people who can fully control Adept-level Mana bracelets can recover Mana through meditation"


    "So... you''re at Master level already?" Kaiser asked, surprise evident on his face


    "No, of course not" Farah laughed, shaking her head "I''ve only lived for 14 years, you know, just four years older than you. Reaching Master level at this age is impossible"


    She continued "Right now, I can only fill half of an Adept-level Mana orb with my Mana. There are very few ways to increase Mana capacity, so I''ve been focusing more on controlling it"


    "Very few ways to increase Mana capacity?" Kaiser asked, his brow furrowed


    "That''s right. There are only a handful of rare and expensive methods to increase it. But you''re lucky, you have a Stigma" Farah said, pointing to the faint black line encircling Kaiser''s neck


    "How does that help?" he asked, instinctively touching the line on his neck


    "It allows you to increase the amount of Mana in your body many times faster than an ordinary person" Myreni replied calmly


    "How much faster, exactly?" he pressed, curiosity flickering in his eyes


    "For someone like you," she began, tilting her head thoughtfully "by the time you reach my current age, around 14, you''d have enough Mana to fill three-quarters of an Adept-level Mana orb, even though you started learning to use Mana four years later than I did"


    His eyebrows shot up in surprise "That fast?"


    Myreni gave a faint smirk and nodded "Yes, that''s the advantage of the Stigma. You should focus on developing your abilities and make the most of the gift you''ve been given"


    With that, she tossed him a Mana bracelet "Here, let''s start training"


    Kaiser nodded, slipping the bracelet on. The two spent the rest of the afternoon practicing together until the sun began to set.


    ¡ª


    The days that followed settled into a familiar routine for Kaiser. Mornings were spent strolling around town with Amelia, afternoons training with Farah, Zani, and sometimes Myreni. Snowy quickly became a beloved part of his life, often curling up on his lap during moments of rest.


    A week later, during one of their morning walks, Amelia turned to Kaiser with a bright smile.


    "Would you like to visit my home?" she asked suddenly


    "You mean... the royal palace?" Kaiser asked, startled


    "Yes," Amelia said with a nod. "There are so many interesting things there, and I''d love to introduce my new friend to my family. I think my father and brother would like you"


    Kaiser blinked, taken aback by her sincerity. After a moment, he smiled "Alright. I''d love to visit"


    Amelia''s face lit up "Great! I''ll let them know to expect us soon!"


    As they walked back toward the market, Snowy perched contentedly in Kaiser''s arms, purring softly, the adventures of the royal palace now awaiting them

 Chapter 19: Arriving At The Palace

    "What?! You''re going to the palace?!" Farah exclaimed, shaking Kaiser''s shoulders vigorously


    "Yeah, since Amelia invited me, of course, I have to go" Kaiser replied, stepping back to free himself from her grip


    "You''re about to meet the rulers of this continent, so you need to learn proper etiquette when interacting with them" Zani remarked calmly


    "I think so too. Can you teach me about that?" Kaiser asked, turning toward Zani


    "I wouldn''t know" Zani replied with an expressionless face "Neither Farah nor I have ever set foot in the palace, so we''re no different from you in that regard"


    "Exactly" Farah interjected, waving her tail to hide her slightly scrunched-up expression "Which is why I think you should ask Myreni. She might know more about these things"


    "That makes sense" Kaiser nodded in agreement


    "Well then, I''ll go see her now. Goodbye, everyone" he said as he stood and made his way toward Myreni''s study


    When he reached her door, he knocked softly


    "Myreni, may I come in?" Kaiser asked.


    "Come in, Kaiser" Myreni responded


    With her permission, he opened the door and entered. Inside, he found her sipping tea. Wearing glasses that framed her sharp, mature face and her jet-black hair cascading neatly, Myreni exuded an air of seriousness.


    "Am I interrupting?" Kaiser asked.


    "Not at all. I''ve finished today''s work and was just relaxing" Myreni said, placing her teacup on the table


    "So, what brings you to me?" she asked


    "Well, I was recently invited to visit the royal palace¡­"


    "The royal?" Myreni cut him off, her tone suddenly icy and distant


    Her abrupt change in demeanor caused an invisible pressure to settle in the room, and Kaiser''s shoulders trembled unconsciously


    Realizing her reaction, Myreni quickly composed herself and apologized


    "Sorry, Kaiser. It''s just that I don''t have the best experiences with the royal family" she said, removing her glasses and rubbing her eyes wearily


    ''Not the best experiences with the royal family?'' Kaiser thought, surprised by her words


    He recalled the time he''d mentioned Amelia to her before ''Now that I think about it, she didn''t seem too happy when I brought up Amelia last time'' he mused


    "Was it Amelia who invited you?" Myreni asked, her usual calm demeanor returning


    "Y-Yes" Kaiser stammered, pulled out of his thoughts by her question


    "Then you want me to teach you proper etiquette, don''t you?" she asked, brushing her fingers through her black hair


    "That''s right. Amelia mentioned I''d be meeting her father and brother, so I want to make sure I behave appropriately in front of them" he replied


    After a moment of contemplation, Myreni nodded "Alright, I''ll teach you"


    "Thank you, Myreni" Kaiser said gratefully


    She spent the rest of the evening teaching him the basics, such as greetings and conversational etiquette. The brief lesson concluded within the same day, as Kaiser quickly grasped everything


    The next morning, Kaiser stood outside the gate of his mansion, his appearance meticulously prepared. He was waiting for the carriage Amelia mentioned she would send to escort him to the palace. Not long after, a luxurious carriage arrived, pulling up gracefully to the gates


    The carriage was primarily white with golden accents, bearing the emblem of a bird with outstretched wings, a symbol of the Zephyros continent, representing the people''s spirit of freedom


    "Greetings, sir. My name is Bob, and I''ll be escorting you to the palace" the coachman said as he stepped down and bowed


    "Thank you, Bob. But I''m just a commoner; there''s no need for such formalities with me. My name''s Kaiser, and I look forward to your guidance" Kaiser replied


    A brief look of surprise flashed across Bob''s face before he composed himself and nodded. "Thank you, sir. I''ll keep that in mind" He then opened the carriage door "Please, step inside"


    Kaiser nodded and entered the carriage. As he sat down, he was immediately struck by the opulence. The interior was adorned with intricate golden patterns, and the seat was even more comfortable than his own bedYou could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    The journey quickly began, and after about an hour, the carriage came to a halt. Bob opened the door, helping Kaiser out of the carriage. As Kaiser stepped down, he couldn''t help but marvel at the view before him


    From a distance, the Royal Palace was a magnificent sight, its pristine white exterior gleaming against the blue sky and lush greenery. Elegant and symmetrical architectural lines exuded harmony, while beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded the palace with neatly trimmed hedges, gravel pathways, and blooming flowers


    While Kaiser admired the palace''s grandeur, a knight approached him


    "Greetings, sir. I''ve been assigned by Princess Amelia to escort you," the knight said.


    "Please, lead the way" Kaiser replied


    The knight guided Kaiser into the palace. Everywhere he looked, the interiors were adorned with expensive decorations¡ªdetailed paintings, exquisite vases, and luxurious furnishings. After walking for a while, Kaiser spotted Amelia in the distance, her figure instantly recognizable. She was running toward him at full speed


    "Princess, you can''t run in the hallway!" a voice called after her


    Amelia stopped abruptly in front of him, grabbing his arm "Kaiser, you''re finally here! I''m so glad you came" she said, shaking his arm excitedly. Over the days they''d spent together, the two had grown close, and Amelia had started to show more of her genuine emotions


    As she enthusiastically shook his arm, Kaiser found himself overwhelmed by her appearance. She wore a white dress made of soft, flowing fabric that swayed with her every step. Its simple design highlighted her natural beauty. Since he was used to seeing her in a cloak, this image struck his heart deeply.


    "Huh? Why aren''t you saying anything? Are you okay, Kaiser?" Amelia waved her hand in front of his face, snapping him back to reality


    "I-I''m just surprised by how stunning you look in that white dress" he quickly replied


    His words made Amelia''s face turn bright red


    "Y-You too¡­ You look great in that outfit as well" she stammered in response


    True to her words, Kaiser was wearing a white turtleneck sweater paired with black trousers. As usual, his appearance was striking.


    "Thank you" Kaiser said with a warm smile


    "W-Well then, let''s go meet my father and brother. After that, we can explore the palace" Amelia said, pulling his hand as she led him further into the palace


    Kaiser and Amelia walked through the grand halls of the palace, where the light from the crystal chandeliers reflected off the marble walls, creating an atmosphere that was both majestic and warm. Leading him into a vast hall adorned with historical paintings and intricate tapestries, Amelia softly spoke,


    "My father and brother are in there. They''ll be delighted to meet you."


    The grand, intricately carved doors swung open, and Kaiser was greeted by the hearty laughter of two men sitting together at a long table. He had been introduced to these two figures by Myreni just yesterday.


    One was Emperor Arthur Zephis, a middle-aged man with lightly graying hair that only enhanced his commanding presence. He wore a simple yet dignified ceremonial outfit, and his kind eyes and warm smile immediately conveyed a sense of approachability.


    Seated beside him was Amiel Zephis, Amelia''s brother and heir to the throne. Amiel exuded youth and energy, with his shimmering white hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. He wore a plain white shirt, lacking the ostentation one might expect from a prince, yet his confident demeanor and radiant smile made him the focal point of the room. Around them, numerous knights stood guard, a subtle reminder of the unparalleled importance of these two men on the continent


    "Greetings, Your Majesty" Kaiser knelt and bowed his head respectfully


    "So, this is Kaiser?" Emperor Arthur stood and approached, shaking Kaiser''s hand with just enough firmness to convey sincerity "Amelia has told me much about you. I must say, your appearance is as remarkable as she described"


    "Father!" Amelia quickly intervened, trying to prevent Arthur from saying more


    "You flatter me, Your Majesty" Kaiser replied with calm composure and unwavering politeness.


    Amiel chuckled, patting Kaiser''s shoulder in a friendly manner "Oh, no need to be so formal. Just call me Amiel. Amelia says you''re quite adept at conversation. I''m looking forward to getting to know you better"


    "It would be my honor, Your Highness" Kaiser responded


    "Now, stand up. Today, you''re here to enjoy time with my daughter, not discuss state affairs," Arthur said cheerfully.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty" Kaiser said carefully


    "You''re free to explore. It seems my daughter can hardly wait another second," Arthur remarked, glancing at Amelia, whose face turned red with embarrassment.


    "Take good care of my daughter" he added with a lighthearted tone


    "Of course, Your Majesty. I''ll remember that" Kaiser promised


    At his words, Amelia quickly stepped forward, taking Kaiser by the arm and pulling him away


    "Goodbye, Father, Brother. We''ll be off now" she said, waving as they left.


    Once Kaiser and Amelia had left the room, Arthur and Amiel''s expressions shifted immediately


    "What do you think?" Arthur asked


    "Too striking" Amiel replied


    "Indeed. That boy''s appearance is far too distinctive. He''s certainly not just some homeless orphan" Arthur said, stroking his chin thoughtfully "Have your men investigate his background thoroughly. I don''t want any trouble with someone who has black hair again" His voice grew heavy as he spoke the last part


    "Yes, Father. I''ll do it" Amiel replied


    "There''s no need for that" an unexpected voice echoed from the corner of the room


    "Protect the Emperor!" The knights immediately drew their weapons and pointed them toward the source of the voice. Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince became visibly alert as they turned to face a cloaked figure standing across the room.


    The figure remained still, undeterred by the drawn blades. His ember-colored eyes glowed, and waves of blue energy radiated around him, creating an immense pressure that filled the room.


    "A N-Nova?" The people in the room quickly grasped the caliber of the intruder.


    The cloaked man tossed a small object toward the Emperor, who instinctively caught it.


    "Do not even think of investigating that boy" the mysterious man warned before vanishing as abruptly as he had appeared.


    Arthur regained his composure and examined the item he had caught. However, his expression quickly shifted to one of horror.


    "What is it, Father?" Amiel asked, noticing the change in his demeanor


    A brief silence filled the room before Arthur, his voice trembling, finally replied


    "T-The Aiz family"

 Chapter 20: Zani vs Farah

    Amelia leads Kaiser down the long corridors of the palace. With a radiant expression, she eagerly pulls Kaiser along without hesitation


    "Kaiser, hurry up! This place is beautiful, I''m sure you''ll love it!" she says, her voice brimming with excitement


    Kaiser, though a little shy, lets Amelia pull him along. He smiles faintly, occasionally stopping to admire the intricately decorated murals or stone statues lining the hallway


    "Amelia, slow down. I can''t fully appreciate everything if you keep pulling me like this," Kaiser says, his warm gaze tinged with a bit of playfulness


    "No way! I want to show you all the most beautiful spots before the sun sets," Amelia replies, glancing back at him with cheeks flushed from running too quickly


    They pass through the art gallery, where Amelia points out paintings depicting the history of the Zephis family. Kaiser knows the queen passed away from illness, so when Amelia avoids mentioning her, he doesn''t press further. The two eventually reach the grand royal library, and Kaiser cannot hide his amazement at the hundreds of shelves filled with books. Finally, Amelia leads Kaiser outside, where the golden sunlight stretches across the royal garden


    The garden is very large, with meticulously trimmed flower beds, small bubbling fountains, and birds hopping cheerfully on tree branches. At the center of the garden stands a round table made of white marble, already set with tea and small pastries


    "This is my favorite spot" Amelia says, releasing Kaiser''s hand and spinning in a circle, her dress billowing lightly in the breeze "Peaceful and beautiful"


    Kaiser slows his steps, watching Amelia smile under the sunlight. "I understand why you like it here" he says gently


    Amelia sits down at the table and quickly pours tea into two small cups "Sit down, Kaiser. This is the tea that I had the kitchen prepare just for us"


    Kaiser smiles, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. He lifts the teacup and takes a small sip "It''s good"


    "Of course it is. I wanted everything to be perfect" Amelia says, her cheeks reddening slightly as she watches Kaiser enjoy the tea


    The two sit in silence for a while, the only sounds being the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Kaiser looks at Amelia, who smiles with eyes so bright it seems as though the whole world is just a small part of the joy she brings


    "Amelia" Kaiser suddenly speaks, his gaze turning serious "Thank you for today. I never thought I''d get to experience a day this wonderful"


    Amelia blinks in surprise but quickly beams "It''s just one day. In the future, I''ll take you to explore many more places"


    Kaiser chuckles softly "I look forward to it"


    The two enjoy their short tea party before continuing their walk around the palace. As evening approaches, they part ways, and Kaiser boards Bob''s carriage to return home


    ¡ª


    After more than a month of living together, a special event takes place today


    "You and Zani are going to spar?" Kaiser asks Farah, who is eating an ice cream cone in front of him


    "That''s right. Since we''re both about to enter the academy, we want to test our skills" she replies


    "How are you two going to spar? With real swords, or is it just practice?" he asks


    "Zani will only use a wooden sword, and I won''t use a sword at all. I''ll only use Mana to fight" Farah says, raising her fist


    "Doesn''t that put Zani at a big disadvantage? How can a wooden sword compete with Mana?" Kaiser wonders aloudStolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Don''t forget that she can use Mana too" Farah says, placing her hand on her hip and looking at Kaiser "She can coat her weapon with Mana to enhance it and counteract my spells"


    "That makes sense" Kaiser nods


    Later at the training ground, Kaiser sits next to Myreni, both of them watching Farah and Zani stand facing each other at the center of the arena. Both are now in their combat stances


    "Who do you think will win?" Myreni asks Kaiser


    "I don''t know. I''ve never seen them go all out before. But if I had to pick, I''d say Zani, because fighting at close range against a swordsman doesn''t seem like a good idea" Kaiser answers


    "That''s true, but these two have sparred many times before, so Farah has long been familiar with Zani''s fighting style" Myreni says , looking at Kaiser "So, the one with the better strategy will win"


    Kaiser nods in agreement and turns his attention back to the match


    Zani grips her wooden sword tightly. Her gaze is sharp, and each step exudes the confidence of someone accustomed to close-quarters combat


    Opposite her, Farah stands still, her blue eyes glowing. She wears a faint smile, her expression calm yet challenging. Small circles of Mana begin to appear around her, spinning like magical glyphs


    Without a word, Zani charges forward at high speed. She targets Farah directly, her movement swift and decisive. But Farah is ready. She swiftly creates a Mana circle in midair, and a wall of water rises to block Zani''s sword


    "Clang!" The blade strikes the water wall, sending droplets scattering. But Zani doesn''t slow down. Her eyes light up as she spins, her Mana-infused sword slicing through the wall and shattering it


    Farah steps back, her hands quickly drawing another Mana circle. From beneath Zani''s feet, swirling columns of wind rise, aiming to throw her off balance. Zani leaps into the air, avoiding the attack, but Farah has already moved.


    She raises her hand, drawing another Mana circle, and hurls a massive fireball straight at Zani


    Zani reacts quickly, spinning her blade in a circular motion. A dense light of Mana surrounds her weapon, deflecting the fireball to the side, where it explodes in midair. But in the moment Zani is distracted, Farah uses wind to propel herself behind Zani, ready to deliver a surprise blow


    "Too slow!" Farah says as another Mana circle glows in her hand


    However, Zani senses it. She spins, her blade gleaming, and strikes at Farah. Instead of hitting its target, Zani''s sword passes through what appears to be Farah, who fades away like a mirage.


    "An illusion?" Kaiser exclaims in surprise and turns to Myreni "Isn''t that your Aspect ability?"


    "It looks similar, but the mechanics are quite different" Myreni explains


    "Farah can only create illusions of one or two objects near her, and they only work on people with worse Mana control than hers. My Aspect, on the other hand, lets me create anything I can imagine, and I can deceive people much stronger than me" she says


    "I see" Kaiser nods


    Back in the match, Farah reappears behind Zani, her entire body glowing as a series of Mana circles of water, wind, and fire spin around her


    "It''s over" Farah declares, launching a barrage of attacks at Zani


    Zani is pushed back, each of her sword strikes trying to fend off the relentless assault. Farah keeps her on the defensive, using the combined power of Mana to continually unbalance her. A strong gust of wind sends Zani stumbling back to the edge of the arena


    Zani drops to one knee, panting heavily. Farah steps forward, preparing to deliver the finishing blow. But Zani suddenly springs to her feet and charges directly at her.


    Zani grabs hold of Farah''s wrist, and Farah senses something is wrong. Her Mana circles start flickering and destabilizing.


    "What are you doing?" Farah asks, feeling her control over Mana slipping


    Zani doesn''t answer, no clever fighter reveals their strategy to an opponent. She swings her sword, not to strike Farah, but to release a Mana disruption wave. This pulse doesn''t cause harm but interferes with the Mana flow in the area, destabilizing Farah''s spells


    Farah tries to draw more Mana circles, but each time she begins, they disintegrate before completion. Her magic is neutralized, leaving her unable to counter. Farah grits her teeth, struggling to regain control of her Mana, but Zani gives her no time. She surges forward, her sword glowing brightly, and delivers a swift strike. Farah barely avoids the full force, but Zani''s blade halts just inches from her neck


    Farah gasps for breath, staring at Zani. She lets her Mana dissipate, admitting defeat


    "How did you do that?" Farah asks, trying to catch her breath


    Zani smiles, lowering her sword. "I used my own Mana to disrupt the flow of Mana in you. Without stable Mana, you couldn''t do anything"


    "Well done, both of you" Myreni says as she approaches, clapping her hands


    "You both used your strengths well and had reasonable strategies. I''m quite proud¡­" she says, then flashes a mischievous grin.


    "So, how about the two of you face me next?" she suggests with a look that sends chills down both Farah and Zani''s spines.

 Chapter 21: Zani and Farah vs Myreni

    Zani and Farah stand side by side, their eyes betraying both tension and determination. Across from them, Myreni stands calmly, her sword resting lightly in her right hand while her left glimmers with faintly glowing Mana circles


    "I want to see how well you two can work together" Myreni says, her voice low and commanding "Don¡¯t think this will be easy. Attack with everything you¡¯ve got"


    Zani doesn¡¯t wait for another word. She charges forward, her sword engulfed in radiant Mana, delivering a powerful strike toward Myreni


    Clang!


    With a simple movement, Myreni raises her sword and effortlessly deflects the attack. In a flash, she counters, forcing Zani to retreat


    Farah seizes the opportunity. She swiftly draws a Mana circle in the air, conjuring a blazing stream of fire that hurtles toward Myreni


    But Myreni only smirks. She lifts her left hand, summoning a water Mana circle that extinguishes the flames before they can reach her


    "Coordinate better¡± Myreni says, her sharp gaze fixed on her two students


    Zani and Farah exchange glances, silently agreeing they need a different approach


    Zani charges again, this time unleashing a flurry of rapid slashes. Her blade not only targets Myreni but also sends out Mana shockwaves, forcing Myreni to step back


    "Now!" Zani shouts


    Farah quickly draws another circle, this one combining wind and water. A small, razor-sharp vortex spirals toward Myreni


    But just as the two think they¡¯ve cornered her, Myreni infuses her blade with Mana and swings it with precision, shattering the vortex and sending Zani tumbling backward


    Without missing a beat, Myreni draws a complex Mana circle in the air. Beneath Zani and Farah¡¯s feet, the ground trembles as Mana-formed pillars of stone erupt, forcing them to leap aside


    Zani grits her teeth and rushes forward again, this time zigzagging to throw off Myreni¡¯s focus. Meanwhile, Farah stands back, concentrating as she crafts a larger, brighter Mana circle


    A massive fireball, infused with wind, surges toward Myreni with explosive force.


    Myreni¡¯s eyes glint with a hint of challenge. She drives her sword into the ground, channeling Mana into it. A towering Mana barrier materializes, absorbing the fireball before it can detonate


    Zani uses the moment to close the distance, delivering a decisive slash aimed at Myreni¡¯s shoulder. But with a graceful sidestep, Myreni dodges the attack effortlesslyThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    In one fluid motion, she spins around, kicking Zani away, then traps Farah in a swirling wind created from her Mana circle, forcing both to halt their attacks


    "You¡¯ve done well" Myreni says, stepping forward, her gaze sharp as a blade


    Farah gasps for breath, sweat glistening on her forehead. Zani grips her sword tightly, but deep down, she knows they¡¯ve lost


    Then, Myreni¡¯s figure starts to fade, dissolving into thin air. Kaiser, watching from the sidelines, stares in shock


    "Wait¡­ from the start, it was just¡­" Kaiser stammers


    A familiar voice speaks beside him "I wasn¡¯t even there" Myreni says, her tone regal yet tinged with amusement


    He turns to see her sitting casually next to him, resting her head on her hand


    "They were fighting nothing more than an illusion of mine" she explains with a sly smile. "So, did you notice the difference between my illusions and Farah¡¯s?"


    "That¡¯s so unfair" Kaiser grumbles


    "Aspect abilities are always like that. That¡¯s why they¡¯re so coveted" Myreni replies


    "Well, I hope my Aspect turns out to be just as powerful" Kaiser says


    "That¡¯s what we¡¯ll find out before you join the academy" Myreni states, standing up with her usual composed elegance.


    She turns to the others and calls out, her tone lightening "Clean yourselves up. I¡¯ll go prepare dinner!"


    ¡ª


    Time flows by peacefully as Kaiser and those around him share quiet, happy days. A year later, Farah and Zani officially join a prestigious academy, devoting most of their time to honing their skills and advancing their talents. The years pass quickly, and before they know it, three years have gone by. Farah and Zani graduate from the academy the same year Kaiser turns 14


    During this time, Farah and Zani often return home for the winter holidays and New Year¡¯s celebrations. These reunions are filled with laughter, joy, and their animated stories about life at the academy. Yet, most of Kaiser¡¯s time is spent at home with Myreni. Under her patient guidance, he steadily begins to unravel the mysteries of his Aspect


    Now, at 14, Kaiser has transformed. He has matured not just in character but also in appearance. A pair of slim, round glasses now often rests on his face, adding a sharp, intelligent air to his demeanor. His sharp eyes, partially hidden behind the lenses, radiate confidence and resolve, leaving those around him in awe of his striking evolution.


    On the day of Farah and Zani''s graduation return, Myreni pulls them aside for a private conversation. The subject of their conversation was something Kaiser was aware of - What Myreni¡¯s been doing. Though curiosity burns inside him, Kaiser chooses not to interfere, trusting that Myreni has her reasons for keeping him in the dark


    During their discussion, Farah and Zani are informed about Kaiser¡¯s current mastery of Mana.


    ¡°Kaiser... how did you even reach this level?!¡± Zani exclaims, her voice tinged with disbelief


    ¡°This is... This level of Mana control is something even the best in the academy struggle to achieve!¡± Farah adds, her eyes filled with admiration


    Kaiser responds with a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s just a result of consistent practice. Although, I owe a lot to Myreni for guiding me these past years¡±


    Myreni, standing nearby, offers a satisfied smile but says nothing. She knows that Kaiser¡¯s potential extends far beyond what they¡¯ve witnessed so far


    Later that afternoon, as everyone gathers around the dining table, Farah turns to Kaiser, her curiosity piqued


    ¡°Next year, you¡¯ll be enrolling in Vesillian Academy with Amelia, right?¡± she asks


    Kaiser nods ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯ll both be turning 15 next year¡±


    Farah grins, her smile playful yet sincere ¡°With your abilities, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to be famous there. Not just in the academy but probably across the entire empire¡±


    Kaiser shrugs, a faint smirk gracing his lips


    ¡°We¡¯ll see. But let¡¯s hope they don¡¯t set their expectations too high¡±

 Chapter 22: Vesillian Academy

    The Vesillian Academy, located at the heart of the Zephyros continent''s capital, is regarded as the training ground for exceptional talents in Mana across the land. Individuals who reach Adept-level Mana proficiency are eligible to apply, making this a gathering place for young prodigies from prestigious families as well as extraordinary individuals from all walks of life


    The admission day is always a major event, attracting not only students but also nobles and influential figures. The grand plaza in front of the academy''s gates is bathed in sunlight, buzzing with chatter and the arrival of luxurious carriages carrying future students. This year, the public is abuzz not only because heirs of prominent families are participating but also due to the appearance of standout figures from ducal houses


    Merias Goldwyn, the representative of the renowned Goldwyn family, steps down from a carriage bearing a radiant golden sun emblem. With her short, shimmering blonde hair and golden eyes, she immediately captures everyone''s attention. Her confident and regal demeanor makes it clear to most that she is destined to lead her family, especially with rumors swirling about her possession of the rare special Mana


    Meanwhile, Lancy Fairchild, heir of the Fairchild family, also makes his entrance. Unlike Merias'' striking presence, Lancy exudes a more modest aura. His red hair and brown eyes behind round glasses give him a somewhat reserved appearance, but those who know him whisper that he is an academic genius who spends most of his time in the family library


    However, the name on everyone''s lips is none other than the mysterious best friend of Princess Amelia. This year, the princess turns 15, making her eligible to enroll in Vesillian Academy. Rumors about her bringing along a best friend have sparked weeks of curiosity. "Who could be so close to the princess?" "I heard it''s a very handsome boy, but which family does he belong to?" Questions swirl among the groups of students


    Finally, the wait ends as an intricately designed royal carriage bearing the emblem of Zephyros'' royal bird approaches the academy gates. A ripple of excitement spreads through the crowd.


    When the coachman opens the carriage door, all eyes focus intently. A young man steps out first, and the atmosphere seems to still for a moment


    He has slightly messy, mid-length black hair that shines faintly in the sunlight. His ember-colored eyes, warm and mysterious, radiate an irresistible charm. A pair of elegant round glasses on his nose further accentuate his intellectual aura. Dressed impeccably in the academy''s navy blue blazer trimmed with black, paired with a crisp white shirt, he emanates a noble and distinct presence


    The young man turns, extending a hand to assist a girl stepping out of the carriage. She is none other than Princess Amelia herself


    Her long, silvery-white hair glistens in the sunlight, her deep ocean-blue eyes, and her refined facial features make her appear like a living work of art. Her navy academy uniform highlights her slender frame and delicate eleganceThe tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Whispers quickly fill the air:


    "That''s Princess Amelia! She''s stunning!"


    "But who is that young man? Is he the rumored best friend?"


    "Oh my, he''s incredibly handsome! Which noble house is he from?"


    Amelia offers a gentle smile at the gazes surrounding them and walks alongside the young man toward the academy''s main gates. He remains calm and composed, unfazed by the attention, exuding an air of quiet confidence


    ¡ª


    ''So many people'' Kaiser thinks as he observes the curious stares around him


    Walking beside him, Amelia glances at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes "Are you nervous?" she asks


    Kaiser shakes his head "No, just surprised by how many people are here"


    Amelia smiles slightly, her lips curling in quiet confidence "There are many outstanding individuals this year, like me and the heirs of two ducal families, so it''s natural that there''s so much attention"


    The two continue walking, heading toward the main plaza of Vesillian Academy, where a large group of students has already gathered, awaiting the opening ceremony. Soon, the principal appears. An older man with a sharp, angular face, a confident smile, and piercing eyes. His snow-white beard and mustache, along with his neatly combed silver hair, gives him an aura of authority and wisdom


    Amelia tilts her head slightly, lowering her voice to Kaiser "I heard he''s at the peak of Mage level and is close to reaching Nova"


    The principal steps onto the podium, his deep, resonant voice commanding attention "I am Murek Bovet, the headmaster of Vesillian Academy" he introduces himself, followed by the usual speech about the pride of guiding the younger generation, the academy''s immense responsibility, and aspirations for the future


    Kaiser stands still, his gaze wandering ''Just formalities'' he thinks, barely paying attention to the speech


    When the speech concludes, the principal continues "Now, we come to the most important part"


    A group of staff steps forward, carrying shimmering Mana Orbs and Mana Control Bracelets


    Merias gestures toward them "I''m sure everyone is familiar with these. These are Mana Orbs and bracelets for Adept-level training. We will test your proficiency to determine class placements. The classes will be evenly matched in terms of strength"


    Students start stepping forward for the test. Most manage to fill only a quarter of the orb and activate about 10% of the bracelet''s power. However, the outstanding students quickly capture everyone''s attention. Merias Goldwyn fills 60% of the orb and activates 40% of the bracelet. The brilliant golden light of her mana sparks murmurs, confirming rumors of her possessing a rare Special Mana. Princess Amelia is not far behind, achieving half the orb and activating 25% of the bracelet


    "Next, Kaiser" Murek announces


    "Another commoner?" some nobles mutter


    Kaiser then steps forward, heading toward the podium.


    "It''s him!?" Many curious voices arise


    "I thought he was a noble. Did the princess just pick him up from the streets?" a mocking voice calls out


    Kaiser hears these remarks but merely chuckles inwardly. ''That last part isn''t far from the truth,'' he thinks, walking up amidst the crowd''s curiosity. Amelia, standing below, glares coldly at the mockers, silencing them immediately


    Kaiser picks up the Mana Orb. His face remains calm as he channels his Mana into it. Instantly, a radiant golden light bursts forth, blinding everyone


    "It''s golden? Isn''t he supposed to be a commoner?"


    "That doesn''t matter now! Don''t you see?"


    All eyes fixate on Kaiser, who stands there smiling.


    "The orb... isn''t it completely filled?" Merias, who had been confident in her own strength, cannot hide her astonishment

 Chapter 23: Setting Up… Again

    "100% Mana orb at Adept level!" Murek announced, his expression momentarily showing surprise before quickly regaining composure


    "Impossible! How can someone reach that level at such a young age?" A few students below couldn''t suppress their astonished whispers


    ''He must possess not only Special Mana but also an Aspect'' Murek thought to himself, his gaze briefly scanning Kaiser. However, he quickly controlled his thoughts, recalling the royal family''s warning: not to cause any trouble for Kaiser


    "Next will be the test with the Mana control bracelet" Principal Murek announced, breaking the tense atmosphere. He handed the bracelet to Kaiser


    Kaiser slipped the bracelet on, his expression calm as if this was just another minor challenge. He began channeling Mana into the bracelet, and within moments, just like with the Mana orb earlier, the bracelet emitted a dazzling golden light


    This time, the entire hall fell into absolute silence. No more murmurs or whispers, just wide eyes filled with disbelief at what they had just witnessed


    "Kaiser has achieved 100% in both the Mana orb and the Mana control bracelet, Master level" Murek declared, his voice clear and resonating throughout the hall


    Kaiser stepped down, his face composed as if it were no big deal. He walked back to his seat next to Amelia, entirely unfazed by the admiring and envious stares surrounding him. No one dared to speak, for standing before them was a prodigy who had achieved the Master level at just 15 years old. Amelia stood beside him with a faint smile, as if mocking those who had insulted Kaiser earlier


    The test continued, and although a few other outstanding students emerged, all were overshadowed by Kaiser''s unparalleled performance.


    "The test concludes here. We will post the Class list tomorrow. For now, you will be assigned to the dormitories, each with your own private room" Principal Murek announced, officially closing the enrollment ceremony


    The students began dispersing, heading toward their dormitories. Kaiser and Amelia walk to the carriage to retrieve their luggage


    "It seems you''ve been assigned a special room, haven''t you?" Kaiser asked, his gaze drifting toward Amelia beside himStolen story; please report.


    "Of course, I''m the princess. It''s only natural for me to have a special room" Amelia replied confidently, crossing her arms


    "Must be nice being royalty. I wish I could have a big room too" Kaiser shrugged, smiling faintly


    Amelia glanced at him, a flicker of something crossing her eyes "If you want... you could become someone like that..." she murmured, her voice barely audible


    "Huh? What did you just say?" Kaiser tilted his head, looking at her curiously


    "N-Nothing! You must''ve misheard!" Amelia stammered, her face suddenly flushing red as she turned away in embarrassment


    Kaiser squinted, a hint of suspicion on his face ''This situation... feels oddly familiar'' he thought but chose not to press further, continuing toward the carriage


    After retrieving Amelia''s luggage from the carriage, Kaiser turned to her with a faint smile "See you tomorrow"


    "Yes, see you tomorrow" Amelia replied, her voice softer than usual


    Kaiser turned and walked toward the male dormitory, his calm demeanor exuding a quiet confidence. Meanwhile, Amelia remained standing there for a moment, her gaze silently following him


    Kaiser arrived at the first-year male dormitory, lifting his head to observe the grand building before him. Its imposing architecture reflected not only its function as student housing but also the academy''s significant investment


    He entered the main hall, where a middle-aged man, presumably the dorm manager, was carefully reviewing the room assignment list. A long line of students waited in front of him, and Kaiser quietly joined the queue, drawing the attention of those around him


    "Why is he here? Didn''t he get assigned a special room?"


    "Unbelievable! He''s the one who reached Master level!"


    Whispers arose, but Kaiser ignored them, maintaining his usual calm


    After some waiting, it was finally his turn. Kaiser stepped forward to the dorm manager


    "Name?" The man asked, his voice deep and firm


    "Kaiser" he replied


    The dorm manager nodded, flipping through the list with practiced efficiency. After a moment, he found Kaiser''s name


    "Room 3-2" he said, retrieving a key from a nearby box and handing it to Kaiser


    Kaiser took the key, intending to leave, but then remembered something and turned back to ask:


    "Am I allowed to keep pets in my room?"


    The dorm manager looked up, his eyes briefly curious but maintaining a composed demeanor "You may, as long as they don''t disturb others"


    Kaiser nodded, asking no further questions. This time, he truly departed the hall, heading upstairs to the third floor


    Reaching his destination, he found a door marked "3-2" clearly displayed. Kaiser inserted the key into the lock, turning it gently. With a soft click, the door swung open


    The room inside wasn''t very large, slightly smaller than his bedroom at the Myreni estate, but it was tidy and well-equipped with a bed, desk, and wardrobe


    Kaiser stepped inside, closing the door behind him, and placed his suitcase in the center of the room. He quickly opened it, and immediately, two figures, one white and one black, darted out


    "You two must''ve been uncomfortable in there" Kaiser said, crouching down to scoop the two creatures into his arms


    The two cats, one pure white and the other jet black, looked up at him with bright, sparkling eyes


    "Welcome to your new home, Snowy, Inky," Kaiser smiled, his voice gentle

 Chapter 24: 1-C

    Kaiser is sitting on his bed, gently stroking Inky, the chubby black cat dozing in his lap. As he gazes at Inky, he recalls the moment he decided to adopt the little one


    ¡ª


    "Another cat?" Farah says, crossing her arms with a slightly displeased look, staring at the tiny black kitten clinging to Kaiser''s leg


    "It''s adorable" Kaiser replies, carefully picking up the kitten


    "You already have one at home, not to mention¡­" Farah leans closer, her eyes sparkling as she swishes her feline tail behind her "isn''t there another adorable cat right in front of you?"


    Kaiser glances at her, his face completely unmoved "I think things with four legs are cuter"


    Farah freezes, then she quickly response "If you want, I can also walk on fou-"


    Before she can finish, Zani appears from behind and quickly clamps a hand over her mouth, pulling her away from Kaiser


    Kaiser watches his sister struggle in Zani''s arms, completely unfazed. He turns to Amelia, who stands nearby, glaring at Farah with a hint of irritation


    "Do you have any ideas for the kitten''s name?" Kaiser asks


    Amelia taps her chin thoughtfully for a moment


    "MonMon!" Farah shouts, having somehow freed herself from Zani''s grasp, her expression gleaming with excitement


    "Inky" Amelia responds calmly "I think it should match Snowy''s name"


    Kaiser nods in agreement, entirely ignoring Farah''s protests as she waves her arms dramatically


    ¡ª


    Remembering all this, Kaiser chuckles quietly "Maybe I should write a letter home" he murmurs to himself, a warm feeling spreading through him as he thinks of his family.


    He begins unpacking his suitcase, carefully putting everything in its proper place. Once the room is tidy, he sits down at the desk by the bed, taking out some paper and a pen to write a letterIf you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The letter is brief, mentioning his performance in the morning''s exam, that he has settled into his new room, and, finally, a note saying he misses them


    ''This will definitely make them cry'' Kaiser thinks, smiling to himself


    He places the letter in a drawer and takes out an ornate bracelet. This is the Master-level Mana Control Bracelet, custom-made by Myreni to suit his preferences. Since his training with Myreni, Kaiser has made a habit of using a Mana Control Bracelet during idle moments to hone his skills. Knowing he would wear it often, he asked Myreni to purchase one that looked like a stylish accessory


    Sliding the bracelet onto his wrist, Kaiser changes into his running gear and steps outside for a jog. This not only helps him build physical stamina but also gives him the chance to familiarize himself with the academy''s layout


    After finishing his run, he returns to his room, showers, and gets ready for his first day of classes


    ''I wonder if I''ll end up in the same class as Amelia'' he ponders, recalling the principal''s comment about balancing the students'' strengths across classes. While it seems unlikely, the thought brings a small smile to his face. Kaiser lies down, closing his eyes, and drifts off to sleep


    The next morning, Kaiser wakes up early, puts on his uniform, and makes his way to the academy gate. There, he hands a letter to one of the guards, asking them to deliver it for him


    Afterward, he heads to the academy''s main square to check the class lists. The area is already packed with students, all eagerly trying to find their names and see which classes they belong to


    Pushing through the crowd, Kaiser carefully scans the lists


    "1-C¡­ Amelia is in this class¡­" He pauses, surprised "Oh, I''m in 1-C as well"


    A small smile forms on his face as he processes the unexpected news. Wasting no time, Kaiser walks toward his classroom


    He stops in front of the door with a sign that reads "1-C" takes a deep breath, and pushes it open. The lively chatter inside the room instantly falls silent as every pair of eyes turns toward him


    Kaiser sweeps his gaze across the room ''Green, red, purple, yellow, white¡­ There she is'' His eyes land on a familiar figure in the far corner by the window - an adorable princess with an unmistakable presence


    Walking toward her, he raises a hand in greeting "Good morning, Amelia"


    Amelia looks up, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she waves back "Good morning, Kaiser!"


    He takes the seat next to her. Once Kaiser is seated, the rest of the class slowly resumes their conversations, the initial curiosity about him fading away


    "I didn''t think we''d end up in the same class, considering our abilities" Kaiser says, turning to Amelia with a bright smile


    Amelia''s expression stiffens slightly at his words, and her eyes dart to the side


    "Y-Yes¡­ W-What a coincidence" she stammers, her voice betraying a hint of unease


    Kaiser narrows his eyes slightly, studying her reaction. Something about her tone feels off


    ''Hmm¡­ Interesting'' he thinks, leaning back in his seat while continuing to observe her, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his mind


    ''She arranged for me to be in the same class as her, right?'' He smiles at the thought

 Chapter 25: Lily Astrite

    ''She arranged for me to be in the same class as her, right?'' Kaiser thinks to himself, his sharp intuition kicking in as he observes Amelia''s slightly awkward demeanor


    ''That would explain it¡­ The principal did say the classes are balanced by strength'' he muses, leaning back slightly in his chair while keeping his eyes on Amelia


    Amelia, meanwhile, shifts uncomfortably under his gaze, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her notebook "W-Why are you looking at me like that, Kaiser?" she asks, her voice a little higher than usual


    "No reason" he replies smoothly, his tone calm but carrying an undertone of mischief


    Amelia forces a smile, her cheeks tinting faintly pink "W-Well, maybe it''s just fate"


    "Fate, huh?" Kaiser echoes, smirking slightly. For now, he simply turns his attention back to the classroom, letting the matter linger in his mind


    "Do you know who''s going to be teaching us?" Kaiser turns to Amelia, his voice tinged with both curiosity and anticipation


    "I don''t know, but does it really matter? I think anyone chosen to teach at this academy is qualified enough to teach someone like you" Amelia responds, a light smile on her face, radiating her usual confidence


    "That sounds reasonable" Kaiser nods in agreement


    He recalls the information he''s read. To become a teacher at Vesillian academy, one must have reached at least the Mage level - a rigorous standard ensuring absolute teaching quality. This somewhat reassures Kaiser, though he can''t shake off his curiosity about who will be standing in front of the class


    As they continue their conversation, the classroom door suddenly swings open. Instantly, just as when Kaiser entered earlier, the entire room fell silent. Every gaze turns to the door, where a mature woman steps in


    She possesses a mesmerizing, mysterious beauty that makes it hard for anyone to look away. Her smooth skin gleams faintly, accentuating sharp black eyes that seem to pierce through every secret. Her short, jet-black hair, slightly tousled, adds a touch of strength and dynamism. She walks with absolute confidence - graceful yet decisiveThe tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Without uttering a word, her cold and commanding presence is enough to silence the room


    She steps up to the podium, her piercing gaze sweeping across the class. Everyone feels the weight of an invisible pressure emanating from her


    "I am Lily Astrite. For the next three years, I will be your instructor at this academy," she announces, her voice clear, commanding, and filled with authority


    The tense atmosphere in the class remains unbroken, as if frozen in place. Only Amelia''s faint whisper breaks the silence. "Oh, she''s really famous" Amelia murmurs, her eyes sparkling with admiration "She''s one of the youngest to reach the Mage level. She must be perfect for yo-"


    Her words abruptly stop when she glances at Kaiser and notices his expression change. Instead of the admiration or curiosity she expected, his face shows vigilance. His sharp eyes glint with scrutiny and tension, as though facing a potential threat


    ''Is she using her Aspect?'' Kaiser thinks, unease bubbling within as he senses Aspect energy flooding the room


    The classroom of 1-C remains utterly silent after Lily''s introduction. Her impeccable uniform fails to conceal her cold, commanding aura. Her sharp gaze lingers on each student, as though engraving their faces into her memory


    "Here, I don''t care who you are or what family you belong to" she states, her voice cutting like a blade. "You will learn to respect me. Nothing more, nothing less"


    In an instant, everything changes. Every student feels a sudden chill at their necks. Suddenly beside them, Lily''s projections, each holding a gleaming dagger, appear beside them, the blades mere inches from their throats


    The room''s air feels heavy, almost suffocating. Amelia, seated near the back, gasps sharply. Her eyes widen as her fingers grip the edge of her desk tightly


    Without wasting a moment, Kaiser teleports beside Amelia. His hand swiftly brushes the projection''s dagger away from her neck


    She startles, her wide eyes fixed on Kaiser, her lips parting slightly as if to say something, but no words come out. Amelia sees another projection materializes behind Kaiser, its dagger pressing dangerously close to his neck


    Kaiser, though acutely aware of the looming danger, maintains a calm demeanor. His gaze remains fixed on Lily, who stands motionless at the podium yet exudes undeniable authority. A faint smile crosses his lips, forced but sufficient to mask his discomfort.


    "That''s quite the unique introduction" he says, his voice unusually composed, his eyes still locked onto Lily

 Chapter 26: Fearful Session

    "That''s quite the unique introduction," Kaiser says, his voice tinged with sarcasm, though the tension in his gaze betrays his unease


    ¡®Is she insane?¡¯ he wonders. ¡®I already guessed she was trying to warn us, but in the end, her killing intent flared so strongly that I moved on instinct.¡¯ Cold sweat trickles down his temple as he recalls the moment


    Lily, standing in the center of the classroom, scanned the frozen students with sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through each of them. Her lips curled into a half-smile, an expression equal parts taunting and provocative


    "Not a bad reaction, Kaiser. But don''t get too confident," she says, her voice low and cold, the tone cutting through the air like a blade. "Here, I''m the one who decides everything"


    Kaiser offers a faint smile, his expression calm despite the flicker of doubt in his mind. "You have your own teaching methods, I get that. But if you want true respect, you don''t need to go this far"


    Lily narrows her eyes, her expression momentarily inscrutable. A heavy silence lingers for several seconds, as though she''s deliberating on his words. But then, the smirk fades from her face, replaced by a colder, more detached demeanor


    "Respect isn''t something that''s given freely," she says, her voice reverberating through the classroom, drowning out even the faintest noise. "Sometimes, fear is the quickest way to earn it"


    The atmosphere in the room grows unbearably heavy. A few students discreetly take deep breaths, trying to steady themselves. Kaiser, fully aware he can''t oppose her right now, maintains his composed exterior. He raises his hands in a gesture of surrender.


    At that moment, Lily''s duplicates - stationed throughout the classroom - begin to fade away, vanishing one by one. Seeing this, Kaiser turns to head back to his seat. But as he takes a step, a hand clamps firmly onto his shoulder


    He spins around, immediately coming face-to-face with Lily


    "Why are you still here?" he asks, his brow furrowed in confusion. His eyes dart to the lectern where Lily had been standing moments earlier - now empty


    Lily¡¯s smile widens into a smirk. She uses her hand to turn Kaiser¡¯s face, forcing him to look directly at her


    "I wanted to get a closer look at your face," she says, her tone laced with mockery. Tilting her head, her sharp gaze cuts across every feature of his expressionThis tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡®Can she switch her main body like that? How exactly does her Aspect work?¡¯ The thought flashes through Kaiser¡¯s mind, and he fails to hide his surprise


    "You really do have the striking appearance people talk about" Lily remarked, her tone casual, though her eyes glinted with something far less ordinary. Then, just as abruptly as she¡¯d approached him, she turned and walked back toward the lectern, her movements fluid and unhurried


    As she passed by one of the students, they flinched and almost dropped their pen. Lily¡¯s gaze briefly flicked to them, and she said with a dry chuckle ¡°Relax. You¡¯re not on my radar. Yet¡± The student swallowed hard and sat stiffly, avoiding eye contact


    Returning to her position at the front of the classroom, Lily addressed the students once more. Her voice, clear and commanding, sliced through the air ¡°As I mentioned earlier¡± she began, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room ¡°I hold the highest authority here. You will respect me. If you want to speak, raise your hand first and wait for my permission. Do you understand?¡±


    Slow, reluctant nods ripple across the room, as though the students are still shaking off their fear


    "Good" she says, her tone tinged with satisfaction "Now, back to business. Theoretical subjects like Monster Studies will be taught by other instructors in a shared classroom. I¡¯ll only handle practical combat training"


    A boy with glasses sitting in the back cautiously raised his hand, his movements hesitant. Lily''s sharp eyes flicked to him, and with a nod, she acknowledged him


    "What exactly do you mean by ''practical combat training''?" he asked, his voice steady but low. The moment the words left his mouth, he seemed to tense, as though bracing for an impact


    Lily¡¯s gaze zeroed in on him, and for a moment, the boy froze. Then she smiled ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll find out soon enough. But let¡¯s just say it¡¯ll push you to your limits, and maybe beyond them¡±


    Reaching into her pocket, Lily pulled out a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it with deliberate care and turned to the blackboard. Picking up a piece of chalk, she began writing a lengthy list of course names and schedules in neat, precise handwriting


    "This is the list of theoretical subjects and their schedules" she says, then turns back to face the class


    "You¡¯ll need to research the details of each course on your own. You can enroll in as many as you like, but remember: by the end of your third year, if you haven¡¯t completed them all, you won¡¯t receive your graduation certificate"


    The room remains silent. No one dares to speak


    "To register for courses, you must submit your application to the student management office by tonight" she emphasizes "So think quickly"


    Stowing the paper back in her pocket, Lily surveys the class one last time


    "That¡¯s all the information for today¡¯s session" she declares


    "For the next class, you¡¯ll be participating in a sparring session. Prepare your weapons and skills accordingly. For now, you are dismissed."


    With that, Lily turned on her heel and strode out of the classroom, her presence leaving a palpable void in the air. The students remained seated for several moments, the atmosphere so tense it felt suffocating. Finally, as the echoes of her footsteps faded, the murmurs began - quiet, cautious, and laden with disbelief

 Chapter 27: Course Selection

    "Today''s class was kinda short" Kaiser says, stretching as he leans back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as though savoring the relaxation after an intense session


    "Short, but it left a deep impression" Amelia replies, her voice trembling slightly. Her small hands clutch the straps of her bag tightly, as if needing something to hold onto to steady herself


    Kaiser turns to look at his friend, his brows furrowing slightly. "Are you okay? Still feeling scared?"


    "Of course I am" Amelia pouts, letting out a long sigh "It feels like she can see right through everything. If I make even the smallest mistake, Miss Lily would probably strike me down before I even realize it"


    Kaiser nods thoughtfully, his expression pensive "She is very direct and sharp. I have to admit, it makes it hard for anyone to feel completely comfortable in her class"


    "But also very captivating" Amelia adds, a flicker of admiration mingled with caution in her eyes "Did you notice? Just a few words, and she had the entire class silent and completely focused on her. It''s terrifying, but¡­ also impressive"


    They both fall silent for a moment, lost in their own thoughts. After a brief pause, they get up from their seats and prepare to leave the classroom


    "Anyway, I think today''s class wasn''t bad" Kaiser says as they step into the hallway "At least she doesn¡¯t seem like the type who just lectures endlessly. If Miss Lily teaches practical skills, I bet we¡¯ll learn a lot of useful things"


    Amelia nods slightly in agreement "I think so too. She has a way of making things crystal clear, even though it feels a bit overwhelming"


    Kaiser shrugs, a hint of determination flickering across his face "Well then, we¡¯ll just do our best. Like always"


    "Like always" Amelia replies warmly. But there¡¯s a trace of worry in her eyes "Though this time, I feel like things are going to be a lot harder"


    Kaiser gives a faint smile but says nothing, simply walking beside her down the hallway


    After a while, Amelia speaks up, breaking the silence "Which courses are you planning to sign up for?"Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    She hands him a sheet of paper with a list of theoretical subjects that she has meticulously copied down. Kaiser takes it with a calm expression, smiling faintly. He had anticipated that Amelia would write it down, so he hadn¡¯t bothered to do it


    "The only course that really caught my eye was Spell Array. What about you? I think we should stick to three theoretical courses for the first year" Kaiser says, skimming the list quickly


    "I''m thinking three as well" Amelia answers, stepping in front of Kaiser to peer at the list with him. She then puts a hand to her chin in thought "So, Spell Array will be the first. After that¡­ How about Symbolism and Ancient Magical Runes? I think mastering ancient runes will be really useful, especially for advanced magical research."


    "Sounds reasonable" Kaiser agrees with a nod. "If you like it, then pick it. But what about the last course?"


    He mimics her thoughtful pose by putting a hand to his chin, causing Amelia to stifle a small laugh


    "How about Monster Ecology" Kaiser suggests after a moment "I think it¡¯s practical, especially if we ever face real-world situations."


    Amelia nods, her eyes showing clear agreement "That sounds good. Let¡¯s go with that"


    "So, are you planning to head to the student management office to register now?" she asks as they near the end of the hallway


    "Yeah, that¡¯s my plan" Kaiser replies. "I want to get it done early so I can spend the afternoon looking for a shop to buy weapons, gotta prepare for Miss Lily¡¯s next class. Want to come with me?"


    Amelia shakes her head, her expression tinged with regret "I¡¯d love to, but I have to return to the palace to meet with some nobles"


    "Already? It¡¯s just the first day of class, and you¡¯re heading back home?" Kaiser asks, surprised


    Amelia shrugs, her tone casual "I can go back whenever I want. It¡¯s just a matter of whether I feel like it or not"


    "Must be nice" Kaiser sighs, a hint of envy in his eyes "I wish I could do that too"


    "If you want, you could become royalty right this moment" Amelia replies firmly


    "..."


    "..."


    Realizing what she just said, Amelia¡¯s face instantly turns red again, and her pace quickens


    "W-We should hurry to the office!" she stammers, trying desperately to change the subject


    Kaiser watches her flustered reaction with amusement, unable to suppress a laugh. He follows after her, his eyes sparkling with interest


    The two continue walking down the hallway, their footsteps echoing in unison as they head toward the student administration office

 Chapter 28: Flirting?

    Kaiser and Amelia are heading toward the student management office. Amelia, her face flushed red, walks ahead with an awkward demeanor. Seeing her like this, Kaiser chuckles softly and decides to sneak up behind her. Suddenly, he places both hands on her shoulders


    Amelia immediately jumps, her entire body trembling. She spins around to face Kaiser


    ¡°W-What are you doing!?¡± she stammers, her eyes wide, her hair practically standing on end in surprise. To Kaiser, she looks like a startled little cat, reacting defensively when touched


    ¡°You know? Right now, you look just like Snowy¡± Kaiser says with a laugh, his eyes sparkling as he gazes at her flustered expression


    ¡°What do you mean? That I¡¯m as cute as she is?¡± Amelia narrows her eyes, putting her hands on her hips, her tone filled with challenges


    ¡°Of course not¡± Kaiser chuckles in response ¡°Lately, Snowy hasn¡¯t been as cute as she was when she was younger. She only likes scratching my hands now. But her chubby belly makes up for the loss in cuteness¡± He shrugs, his eyes glinting mischievously


    Amelia furrows her brows. She picks up on the implication in Kaiser¡¯s words, and her face quickly loses its redness. Instead, faint lines appear between her delicate eyebrows. Without saying a word, she raises her slender fingers, nails meticulously groomed, and pokes at his neck


    ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m fat?¡± Her tone is full of threat


    Kaiser smiles, calmly taking her hands and gently removing them from his neck ¡°I was just kidding,¡± he says lightly, raising both hands as if to surrender


    ¡°Actually, Snowy is still very cute and gentle with me¡± he adds, pointing at his unblemished hands


    Then, unexpectedly, Kaiser grabs Amelia¡¯s hand. The sudden action causes her to flinch slightly, her eyes showing a flicker of confusion


    ¡°Besides, I think if I reach the next level of Mana, I¡¯ll become the youngest person to join the Royal Court as a Mage¡± Kaiser says, his eyes shining brightly, his smile brimming with confidence


    Hearing him, Amelia turns her head away, hiding the smile forming on her lips ¡°Make sure you keep your word¡± she says, her tone carrying a hint of satisfaction


    Kaiser notices her reddened ears, and the corners of his mouth curl into a warm smile ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t forget¡±


    The two walk hand in hand. Not long after, Amelia suddenly turns, her gaze sharp


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t taken back what you said about Snowy being chubby¡±


    Kaiser freezes, laughing awkwardly ¡°Snowy really has gained some weight¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Amelia¡¯s gaze immediately grows colder


    ¡°B-But it¡¯s only her belly that¡¯s gotten bigger! As for you, it¡¯s not your belly¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t get to finish his sentence before Amelia yells ¡°Pervert!¡±


    She quickly lifts her knee and kicks Kaiser right in the butt


    ¡°Argh!¡± Kaiser groans, wincing as he rubs his backside, causing Amelia to laugh in satisfaction


    ¡ª


    After completing the registration for their theoretical classes, Kaiser and Amelia leave the student management office together. The sight of the two holding hands as they exit the building immediately attracts the attention of nearby students. Whispers spread throughout the crowd, and curious gazes follow them relentlessly


    ¡°How long do you think they¡¯ll gossip about us?¡± Amelia asks, her voice soft but audible enough for Kaiser to hear


    ¡°Probably a whole week,¡± Kaiser replies with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement ¡°We¡¯ve just created the latest hot topic¡±


    Amelia shoots him a glare but doesn¡¯t pull her hand away. Though she pretends to be annoyed, the redness on her cheeks betrays her true feelings.


    After leaving the crowd behind, they part ways to return to their respective dorms. Amelia quickly disappears into the girls¡¯ dormitory, while Kaiser heads back to the boys¡¯ dorm


    Kaiser is now strolling through bustling market stalls, his eyes scanning the area for a suitable weapon shop. He¡¯s changed into a simple white shirt, feeling much more comfortable than in his academy uniform.


    Curious gazes follow him again, but Kaiser just smiles


    ¡°It seems we¡¯re attracting quite a bit of attention, aren¡¯t we, Inky?¡± he says, tilting his head toward the black cat perched on his shoulder


    ¡°Meow!¡± Inky responds, its bright blue eyes glowing with delight


    Kaiser laughs, reaching up to scratch the cat¡¯s chin ¡°Acting as if we¡¯re so famous¡±


    After some searching, his gaze lands on a small shop with an old but still clearly legible sign: Lana¡¯s Blacksmith


    ¡°This place looks promising¡± Kaiser says. He steps forward and pushes the door open


    Inside, the shop is spacious, displaying all kinds of weapons: swords, axes, spears, maces... Each is meticulously crafted, glinting under the warm yellow light. At the central counter, a tall, muscular man is carefully polishing a large sword


    ¡°Hello, are you Lana?¡± Kaiser asks as he approaches


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the man replies, looking up at Kaiser and Inky


    ¡°Really? I thought Lana was a woman¡¯s name¡± Kaiser says, surprised


    ¡°I hear that quite often,¡± Lana shrugs with a smile. ¡°But I¡¯m guessing you didn¡¯t come here to discuss my name, did you? You need a weapon?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡± Kaiser nods ¡°Do you sell scythes? Preferably ones taller than me if possible¡±


    Lana raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Kaiser¡¯s unusual request ¡°That¡¯s a pretty unique order. But I do have some. Give me a moment¡±


    He disappears into a back room and returns a few minutes later, carrying three scythes of varying sizes. Each one is exquisitely crafted, the gleam of the sharp blades catching Kaiser¡¯s attention


    Kaiser tries each scythe in turn, feeling their balance and weight. After careful consideration, he points to one that matches his height


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this one. But can you make the handle longer?¡±


    Lana raises an eyebrow but quickly nods ¡°You want it even longer, huh? Sure. Give me a bit of time¡±


    The shopkeeper heads back to his workstation to adjust the scythe according to Kaiser¡¯s request. While waiting, Kaiser wanders around the shop, his eyes drawn to a large display case filled with unique weapons


    ¡°You even sell Mana guns?¡±

 Chapter 29: Guns & Roses

    "You even sell Mana guns?" Kaiser asks, his voice filled with curiosity as he observes the shop displaying an array of unusual weapons


    Lana, busy fixing a large scythe on the workbench, doesn''t look up and replies immediately


    "Yes, I do. They''re not our main product, but plenty of people ask for them. Are you interested?"


    Kaiser glances around, his eyes stopping at a display rack where shiny pistols rest silently "I heard they''re really powerful"


    Lana sets the scythe down on the table and wipes her hands with a cloth "They are powerful, but only for those who know how to use them. If you can''t control Mana well, they easily overload and... boom!"


    Kaiser raises an eyebrow, his expression suggesting he''s considering something "Seems like they''re not for the inexperienced"


    "Exactly" Lana nods in agreement. He picks up the scythe, now perfectly adjusted, and hands it to Kaiser "Here''s your scythe. Give it a try."


    Kaiser takes the weapon, feeling its flawless balance in his hand. He swings it lightly, every movement smooth as if the scythe was made just for him "Perfect. Thank you, Lana"


    "No problem. Use it well" Lana says with a satisfied smile, his eyes gleaming with pride in his craftsmanship


    As Kaiser heads toward the door, his expression pensive, he suddenly stops and turns back, calling out


    "I''ve changed my mind. I''ll take a Mana pistol too"


    "Really?" Lana raises an eyebrow, a little surprised


    "I think a pistol would make a good backup weapon for me"


    Lana nods and walks over to the display rack, his hands searching for a suitable gun. A moment later, he returns with a beautiful Mana pistol. The body is made of silvery metal with a blue sheen, etched with glowing runes. The grip is wrapped in polished black wood, adorned with a hexagonal purple crystal at its base


    "This is the most powerful pistol I have" Lana explains, placing the weapon on the table for Kaiser to examine. "But I must warn you, Mana guns aren''t ideal as backup weapons. They require intense focus and excellent control, usually making them better suited as primary weapons"


    Kaiser picks up the gun, turning it in his hands to inspect it "I know that, but I have my ways of managing it" he says confidently.


    Seeing Kaiser''s determination, Lana shrugs slightly and nods "Alright, that''ll be 5 Golds and 40 Cols"


    "Why is it so expensive?!" Kaiser exclaims, eyes wideA case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Of course it is. Its structure is very complex, and the materials aren''t cheap" Lana replies, his tone calm but firm


    "O-Okay..." Kaiser reluctantly pulls out the money, feeling like his heart just got squeezed


    ''54,000 Cels... Unbelievable'' he thinks to himself, his face darkening as he calculated the amount - equivalent to five scythes or more than 2,000 of his favorite ice creams


    After paying, Kaiser leaves the shop with his new scythe and Mana pistol, accompanied by Inky. However, wanting to walk around the market without drawing attention, he decides to return to the dormitory first to store his weapons


    Back in his room, he smiles lightly "An expensive day, but worth it" he mutters to himself, looking at his new weapons


    After securing them in the room, Kaiser heads back to the market. This time, he is joined not only by Inky but also by Snowy. The two cats, one jet-black and mischievous, the other snow-white and gentle, walk on either side of Kaiser like tiny bodyguards


    Strolling leisurely through the bustling stalls, the aroma of street food fills the air. Kaiser and his feline companions enjoy all kinds of treats, from crispy baked goods to fragrant grilled skewers


    As they wander, Snowy suddenly stops in front of a small rose stall. Kaiser looks on curiously and steps closer


    Standing before the stall, he sees neatly wrapped bouquets of fresh roses on a small wooden table, each sold for a modest price. His gaze shifts to a corner of the stall, where Snowy sits comfortably in the lap of a young girl around 11 or 12 years old with purple hair. Notably, the girl is in an old wheelchair


    The girl looks thin and worn, her old dress frayed in many places. Yet, her pale purple eyes shine with resilience and innocence as she invites passersby to buy flowers


    Kaiser steps closer and gently asks "These roses are beautiful. Did you grow them yourself?"


    The girl looks up, her eyes showing a hint of surprise before quickly nodding "Yes, they''re from the small garden at home. I sell them to earn money and help my father."


    Kaiser notices a small sign written in messy handwriting: ''Selling flowers to pay for father''s medical treatment. Please help!''


    He pauses thoughtfully for a moment and then asks "I might be a bit rude, but what happened to your father?"


    The girl answers softly, her voice clear but tinged with sadness "It''s okay. The doctor says my dad has a heart condition, so he has a lot of difficulty moving"


    She pauses briefly, her eyes lighting up with hope "But it''s not life-threatening. As long as we have enough money, he can be cured"


    Feeling sympathy for her difficult situation, Kaiser offers "If it''s about money, I can help"


    The girl shakes her head, her eyes serious despite her young age "I don''t want free money. I want to earn it myself to help my dad. Taking money from others without doing anything isn''t right" she says firmly, sitting up straight "Besides, I just met you. I can''t trust you yet"


    Kaiser smiles slightly and nods "I can understand that"


    Noticing her cautious look, Kaiser gets an idea. He smiles and says


    "How about this: I''ll buy all the flowers you have today. But in return, will you teach me how to grow roses? I''d love to learn."


    The girl doesn''t reply immediately, thinking it over. Seeing her hesitation, Kaiser adds


    "And of course, I''ll pay extra for the lesson too"


    The girl looks surprised for a moment but agrees, feeling this isn''t the same as simply taking a handout


    "Alright, that sounds fair" she replies


    Hearing her reply, Kaiser smiles sincerely "Okay, I''m Kaiser. I look forward to your guidance"


    Seeing his smile, the girl blushes slightly before quickly extending her small hands to shake his "I''m Helen. Nice to meet you"

 Chapter 30: Pure Soul

    "I''m Helen. Nice to meet you" Helen introduces herself, shaking Kaiser''s hand. Her cheerful gesture creates a charming scene


    Kaiser releases her hand, stands upright, and smiles "Could you help me bundle these flowers into a large bouquet?"


    "Yes, I''ll do that" Helen responds eagerly, her small hands swiftly gathering the roses. In just a moment, she wraps a beautiful bouquet, with the petals neatly arranged like a work of art


    "Here you go, that''ll be 150 Cels" Helen says, offering the bouquet to Kaiser with a gentle smile


    Kaiser bends down, takes the bouquet from her hands, and starts rummaging through his pockets. Then he looks up with a mock-surprised expression and says


    "Unfortunately, I don''t have any small change on me right now. Please take this gold coin instead, Helen" He smiles as he places a gold coin gently in her hand


    Helen''s eyes widen in surprise at his gesture. She immediately pushes the coin back toward Kaiser, flustered


    "N-No, this is too much for the price of the bouquet. I can''t accept it!" she protests


    Kaiser continues smiling and replies calmly "But I only have gold coins with me. And I must pay you, right?" He places the gold coin back into her hand and stands up "Besides, you don''t have enough change to give me, do you? Just consider it an advance payment for teaching me how to grow flowers"


    Helen looks at the gold coin in her hand, hesitation flickering in her eyes. After a moment, she looks up, her cheeks slightly flushed but her eyes shining with determination


    "Alright, if you say so, I''ll keep it. But remember, I''ll teach you thoroughly to make sure it''s worth this coin!"


    Kaiser laughs heartily and nods "Of course! I''m looking forward to our lessons"


    He then glances at her wheelchair "Let me help you get home" Kaiser says, stepping behind her chair


    "Yes, thank you. I hope it''s not too much trouble" Helen says, looking up at him


    "Not at all, it''s no trouble at all" he replies and starts pushing the wheelchair forward


    ¡ª


    Kaiser pushes Helen''s wheelchair through the bustling streets of the market, following her directions to her house. Inky and Snowy, two cats who somehow ended up on Helen''s lap, lie comfortably as Helen gently strokes them with her delicate hands


    Helen smiles, lightly running her fingers through Snowy''s soft fur. Looking up at Kaiser, her pale violet eyes shimmer with curiosity


    "Kaiser, what are their names?" she asks in a clear, sweet voice


    "Inky is the black one, and Snowy is the white one" Kaiser replies with a proud smile. "What do you think? Aren''t they adorable?"


    Helen nods, her short purple hair bouncing slightly


    "Yes, they''re so fluffy" she says, her hands continuing to stroke the two cats, making them purr contentedly and close their eyes


    The two continue moving through the vibrant market, surrounded by cheerful voices and the sounds of commerce. While pushing the wheelchair, Kaiser notices Helen''s gaze lingering on a nearby ice cream stand. Her wide eyes sparkle with interest but also hold a hint of hesitation


    Kaiser smiles and gently stops the wheelchair. Leaning down, he says warmly "Wait here for a moment, Helen"


    "Okay" Helen responds, surprised but obedient


    Kaiser quickly walks over to the ice cream stand. Moments later, he returns with two ice cream cones, one vanilla and one chocolate


    "I suddenly had a craving for ice cream, so I bought these two" he says, crouching down to offer the vanilla cone to her with a bright smile "This one''s for you. I wasn''t sure what flavor you liked, but I thought this would suit you."


    Helen takes the cone, her eyes lighting up with unexpected joy "Thank you, Kaiser!" she says before taking a small bite. The sweet and refreshing flavor melts on her tongue, making her smile brightly


    Seeing her radiant smile, Kaiser feels a warm sensation in his chest. He sits beside her, enjoying his ice cream while they chat, temporarily forgetting the lively market around them


    After finishing her cone, Helen looks up at Kaiser. Her small hands clasp together as if summoning the courage to speak


    "H-Hey, Kaiser," she begins hesitantly


    "Hm? What''s on your mind, Helen?" Kaiser looks down at her with gentle eyes


    "Why are you so kind to me?" Helen asks, her pale violet eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of uncertainty.


    Kaiser studies her for a moment, his gaze becoming thoughtful as if reflecting on a distant memory. He smiles softly, crouching to meet her eye level


    "Because I want to help children who face difficulties" he says gentlyThis text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "They remind me of myself when I was younger. I used to struggle to survive, not knowing where my next meal would come from or what I''d do the next day"


    "I thought you were a noble" Helen says, her eyes widening with surprise at his confession. She hadn''t expected such hardships from someone as confident as Kaiser


    "Not at all" Kaiser replies with a faint smile, his eyes glimmering with nostalgia "I was fortunate to be taken in by someone kind, which allowed me to become who I am today"


    Helen listens silently, her expression softening as he continues


    "That''s why, when I became capable of standing on my own, I decided to help others in need. Whether it''s providing a meal, some money, or even just a smile, I want to make someone''s day a little brighter" Kaiser says, his voice warm with sincerity


    Helen''s hands relax, and her eyes grow tender "Thank you, Kaiser" she says softly, her words filled with gratitude


    "I think the world would be much better with more people like you"


    Kaiser chuckles and gently ruffles her hair "The world is brighter because of people like you, Helen, those who hold on to hope and strength even in tough times"


    Helen smiles shyly, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in her heart. As they continue their journey, Helen begins to admire Kaiser deeply, her heart brimming with newfound respect and gratitude


    ¡ª


    "Helen, is this your house?" Kaiser asks, looking toward the small house nestled in the outskirts of town.


    "Yes, this is my house" Helen replies softly, pointing toward it


    She wheels herself closer to the door, knocks lightly, and calls out "Father, I''m home!" Then, she takes a small key from her pocket and unlocks the door. Both of them step inside. The house is small but cozy and neat


    Helen glances around, a hint of surprise on her face. "Father isn''t in his room? He must be out back tending to his rose garden" She turns to Kaiser, her eyes lighting up "Let''s go find him"


    Kaiser nods gently, helping Helen push her wheelchair through the narrow path leading to the backyard. Before them lies a charming rose garden, not too large, but meticulously cared for. Among the rows of roses, a middle-aged man with light lavender hair stands, leaning on a cane, delicately tending to the flowers as if they were treasures


    The man looks up at the sound of footsteps, his eyes filled with joy when he sees Helen. He slowly makes his way toward her, his steps somewhat labored "Oh, Helen, you''re back?" He smiles, then glances at Kaiser with curiosity "And who is this young man with you?"


    "Father, this is Kaiser" Helen responds cheerfully "I just met him today. He wants to learn how to grow roses, so he asked me to teach him"


    Hearing this, the man nods thoughtfully and turns to Kaiser, bowing politely


    "Greetings, Mr. Kaiser. I''m Hugo, Helen''s father. It''s a pleasure to meet you"


    Caught off guard by Hugo''s formality, Kaiser quickly waves his hand, smiling


    "Hello, Mr. Hugo. Please don''t be so formal with me. I''m not a noble, just an ordinary person"


    "Is that so?" Hugo raises an eyebrow in surprise but quickly regains his composure


    "Yes" Kaiser replies sincerely "And as Helen mentioned, I genuinely want to learn how to care for roses, which is why I followed her here"


    Hugo falls silent, his face thoughtful. He glances at Helen, who is smiling brightly as she watches their conversation. After a moment, he asks Helen


    "Helen, excuse me, but may I have a word with this young man alone?"


    Helen nods obediently "Of course, Father"


    Hugo gestures for Kaiser to follow him to a corner of the garden, away from Helen. His tone shifts, becoming cold and stern


    "She can''t hear us now. Tell me the truth, why are you really here?"


    Kaiser is not surprised by Hugo''s wary gaze. He understands that his sudden appearance might raise suspicions. His eyes remain earnest, and his voice steady but firm


    "I truly want to help make Helen''s life better. I see her strength and optimism despite her challenges. She told me she''s working hard to earn money for your treatment, and I respect her determination. That''s why I suggested she teach me how to care for roses, so my help could feel like a fair exchange, not just charity."


    Hugo pauses, a faint smile flickering on his lips "She refused to accept money without doing anything? That''s just like he" His voice carries a note of pride, but his sharp gaze quickly returns to Kaiser "But you say you want to help. Why should I trust you? You''re just a stranger who showed up today"


    Kaiser takes a deep breath, his gaze unwavering "Mr. Hugo, I understand that trust isn''t built through words alone. But I can share a bit about myself. I grew up in difficult circumstances, much like Helen. I struggled to survive each day and knew the pain of having no one to turn to. But one day, someone kind reached out to help me, and because of them, I''m standing here today"


    He pauses briefly, his voice softening "Seeing Helen, seeing her determination, I don''t want her to endure the hardships I faced. If learning how to care for roses from her is a way to help while respecting her pride, then I''m willing to do it"


    Hugo listens in silence, his expression softening. He looks toward Helen, who sits in her wheelchair, her eyes sparkling as she watches Inky and Snowy play among the vibrant roses. He sighs, his voice tinged with sadness but resolute "She''s all I have left"


    Kaiser understands that Hugo is not only protecting Helen but also the last thing that gives his life meaning. Bowing his head slightly, Kaiser speaks with conviction


    "I''m not here to take anything away but to offer Helen more opportunities and hope. You don''t need to trust me right away, but let time prove my intentions"


    Hugo studies Kaiser for a long moment before finally nodding, his voice softer


    "I''ll keep an eye on you. But if I find anything suspicious, you will have to take responsibility"


    Kaiser smiles and nods "You can rest assured, Mr. Hugo. All I want is to do is help you and Helen"


    Hugo says no more, his gaze still cautious but with a trace of relief. Turning back to Helen, his smile becomes gentle as if all his worries fade when he looks at her


    Hugo and Kaiser return to Helen. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Hugo speaks warmly


    "Helen, I''ll allow you to teach him how to care for roses. But remember, don''t overexert yourself"


    Hearing this, Helen''s eyes light up


    "Thank you, Father!" She turns to Kaiser, her smile radiant with joy "Let''s get started!"


    The two head toward a small plot in the garden. Helen carefully introduces each type of rose, explaining how they are grown and cared for. She passionately explains every step, from pruning leaves to fertilizing and watering. Her small hands move deftly, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm


    Kaiser watches her, unable to hide his smile. Her energy and charm make him chuckle softly. He gently pats her head "You''re amazing, Helen. I have so much to learn from you"


    Helen looks up at him, her cheeks turning pink at the compliment, but she remains focused on teaching. Together, they tend to the roses, their laughter blending with the fragrant air of the garden


    Time flies, and the sun begins to set. Kaiser wipes the sweat from his forehead and smiles warmly at Helen "Today was wonderful. I''ll come back in two days to visit you"


    Helen nods slightly, her eyes reflecting her reluctance to say goodbye "I''ll be waiting"


    Kaiser bids farewell to Hugo and Helen, then leaves the small house with Inky and Snowy. As he walks home, the golden glow of the sunset bathes the path, creating an unusually peaceful scene


    Back at the dormitory, Kaiser places the bouquet of roses from Helen on the table. He carefully takes out a vase he bought on the way back, fills it with water, and gently arranges the roses inside


    When he''s done, he steps back to admire his work. The simple vase of roses holds all the sincerity and rustic beauty of Helen''s flowers. A faint smile graces Kaiser''s face as a warm, indescribable feeling fills his heart

 Chapter 31: Teasing

    Today, Kaiser wakes up earlier than usual. The morning sunlight filters through the window, bathing the room in a warm golden hue. He uses this quiet time to exercise, feeling every steady breath blend with the crisp morning air. Afterward, he quickly gets dressed and prepares to leave his room for class.


    The first class will be Monster Ecology. It is an important theoretical subject at the academy, teaching the behaviors and traits of various monsters. Kaiser is now seated in a large lecture hall with a high ceiling and tiered rows of seats. He chooses a spot in the back of the class, where he can avoid the teacher¡¯s gaze and observe everyone else without being disturbed


    Although Kaiser doesn¡¯t particularly enjoy theoretical subjects, it doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t good at them. On the contrary, he excels at memorization and analysis. The problem lies in his inability to focus during such lessons. His mind often drifts to distant thoughts, dreaming about more exciting things beyond the classroom. Because of this, Myreni has often been exasperated by his absentmindedness


    Sitting there, Kaiser quietly practices mana control using the bracelet on his left wrist. Meanwhile, his gaze sweeps across the students gradually filling the room. Many are chatting enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere for the first class. At times, Kaiser considers approaching someone to make a new friend, but he always dismisses the thought ¡®Not necessary right now¡¯ he tells himself


    While lost in his thoughts, a cheerful voice calls out from behind him


    ¡°Hey, Kaiser, good morning!¡±


    Kaiser lifts his head and turns to see a girl with snow-white hair approaching him. A faint smile crosses his face, reminding him how much he enjoys spending time with her


    ¡°Good morning, Amelia,¡± he replies warmly


    ¡°How was your day yesterday? I was completely exhausted¡± Amelia says as she sits in the seat next to him, her face showing traces of fatigue. She props her chin on her hand and sighs


    ¡°I had to meet so many people, talking to them was so draining¡± she complains


    Kaiser raises an eyebrow, feeling both sympathy and amusement at her grumblingStolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound fun at all. Lucky for me, I had a great day yesterday¡± he says, his tone light and teasing


    ¡°Really? What happened?¡± Amelia asks, her eyes lighting up with curiosity


    Kaiser leans slightly closer, his smile taking on a playful edge


    ¡°Nothing much. I just met a really cute girl¡± he says, a mischievous tone in his voice


    Amelia freezes, her eyes widening in disbelief. Before she can say anything, Kaiser continues, his tone still casual


    ¡°I even got to visit her house. We spent the whole afternoon together.¡±


    Those words hit Amelia like a sudden blow to her mood. Her eyes tremble slightly, and her lips press tightly together. Before long, her eyes glisten with unshed tears


    ¡°Y-You jerk!¡± she yells, her voice filled with indignation


    Her sudden outburst echoes across the room, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Nearby students whisper to each other, trying to guess what¡¯s going on


    ¡°How could you hang out with another girl while I was running around so busy? You¡¯re the worst!¡± she exclaims, her voice trembling with frustration


    Kaiser tries to stifle his laughter, but the smile on his face only grows more evident. He says nothing, merely watching Amelia with a teasing glint in his eyes. This only makes the white-haired girl angrier


    ¡°What are you laughing at?!¡± Amelia yells again, her voice still full of indignation


    Kaiser finally bursts out laughing and decides to respond


    ¡°Amelia, you¡¯ve got it all wrong. I just said that to tease you. Don¡¯t be mad¡± he says, his tone gentle


    Amelia pauses, her eyes filled with doubt and her voice tinged with confusion


    ¡°Really? You were just joking about spending time with another girl?¡±


    Kaiser looks slightly sheepish as he rubs the back of his neck. ¡°Well¡­ that part is true,¡± he admits, his voice dragging out hesitantly


    ¡°What!?¡± Amelia exclaims, shock filling her expression. She straightens up, her face a mix of surprise and confusion


    Kaiser quickly raises his hands, trying to calm her down


    ¡°But it¡¯s not what you think!¡± he says, his tone more serious ¡°She¡¯s just someone teaching me how to take care of roses¡±


    His words leave her momentarily baffled. Kaiser then explains Helen¡¯s situation to Amelia


    ¡°So¡­ to support Helen financially, you asked her to teach you how to grow roses?¡± Amelia asks


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡± Kaiser nods earnestly


    ¡°So, the time you spent with her yesterday was just for learning about roses and not¡­ something else, right?¡± Amelia continues, her tone still skeptical but much calmer now


    ¡°Exactly¡± he confirms, nodding again. This time, however, a mischievous smile returns to his face ¡°I only said that to see your cute reaction¡±


    His words hit Amelia like a surprise attack, making her blush furiously. She turns away, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her lips press together before she mutters softly


    ¡°You idiot¡­¡±


    Kaiser simply smiles. Despite her scolding, he feels an inexplicable warmth from teasing her

 Chapter 32: Monster Ecology

    Kaiser and Amelia are sitting next to each other in the classroom. Amelia, her lips pressed together lightly, turns her face away as if still upset about Kaiser''s earlier joke. Her face flushes slightly, but her eyes sneak glances at him, as if waiting for some gesture of reconciliation


    Noticing this, Kaiser sighs softly, a small smile appearing on his lips


    "Hey, Amelia, I didn''t mean to upset you" he says gently, leaning slightly toward her


    "Will you forgive me?"


    Amelia keeps up her indifferent expression, but the slight redness of her ears betrays her true feelings


    "Hmph, who told you to always tease me like that?" she mutters, her voice quiet but tinged with a hint of vulnerability


    Nearby Amelia, a group of girls is sitting together. They are new friends Amelia has quickly made. It''s no surprise - being a princess, Amelia not only has a striking appearance but also excellent social skills. Her confidence and friendliness make her effortlessly magnetic to those around her


    The girls chat animatedly with Amelia, their faces glowing with excitement. A few of them, after noticing Kaiser sitting next to her, seem eager to strike up a conversation with him. But as soon as their eyes meet Kaiser''s cold, distant gaze, they immediately hold back


    Amelia, noticing her friends'' hesitation, simply smiles softly. She knows well that Kaiser isn''t fond of making new friends. She turns to him, her gaze gentler, as if to convey that she understands him without needing an explanation


    "You always make people feel so intimidated, Kaiser" she says softly, half-teasing, before returning to the conversation with her group of friends


    Kaiser just shrugs, saying nothing. Even though he dislikes socializing, he feels content just being by her side, quietly watching her shine among her new friends


    The classroom gradually quiets down as the professor enters. He is an older man, thin and wiry, with slightly disheveled silver hair and sharp eyes behind round glasses. His simple yet tidy attire, along with his serious demeanor, makes it easy to see that he is the kind of person who has devoted his entire life to research


    Standing at the front of the class, he clears his throat softly to draw attention, then begins introducing himself in a steady, deep voice


    "My name is Thomas Celon, and as you might have guessed, I will be responsible for teaching you the course on Monster Ecology"


    His gaze sweeps across the room before he continues


    "Before we begin the lecture, I want to clarify some details about the examination policies for this course"


    "First, I will conduct random tests at any time I deem appropriate. The average score of these tests will determine whether you pass the course. If your average score is 70 or above, you will be considered to have successfully completed the course"


    He pauses briefly, adjusts his glasses, and then continues


    "However, the value of each test will vary, depending on its importance. Some will be minor assessments to gauge your basic understanding, while others will be significant, and I advise you to prepare for them seriously"


    "During class, you are allowed to ask questions at any time. I encourage active participation from all of you. However, I hope you will refrain from approaching me after class to ask about things that have already been explained during the lecture" His tone carries a hint of weariness, as if interactions outside of class are not something he particularly enjoys.


    "Now, let us move on to the main content of today''s lesson"


    He pauses briefly to ensure he has everyone''s attention, then continues


    "You''ve probably heard about how we classify the strength of monsters. But to ensure no one misses the foundational knowledge, I''ll go over it once again."


    Thomas walks slowly across the lectern, his hand resting lightly on the desk, and proceeds with his usual calm demeanor


    "Just as Mana users are divided into five levels, monsters are also classified into five corresponding strength levels. However¡­"


    Thomas emphasizes this point, his eyes reflecting a serious intensity


    "Though the number of levels is the same, when it comes to raw strength at any given level, monsters always surpass humans. This is why we must thoroughly understand them if we are to face them"


    He raises one hand and begins listing the levels


    "Level one: Rogue. These are monsters with just enough strength to cause significant trouble for a group of people"


    "Level two: Wrecker. These monsters are not only troublesome but also capable of destroying structures or small areas. If not dealt with promptly, they can cause severe damage"This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Level three: Devastator. With overwhelming power, they can inflict serious harm on a city or even a small territory"


    ''I''m pretty sure I could kill one of these if I struck first'' Kaiser thinks to himself as he listens to Thomas''s words


    "Level four: Calamity. The name speaks for itself - they possess strength akin to a natural disaster, capable of large - scale destruction. Battles with Calamity-level monsters often leave catastrophic consequences"


    "And finally, level five: Abyssal. This is the highest level, comprising monsters with enough power to destroy an entire continent. Their existence is not just a threat but a true nightmare for humanity"


    Thomas concludes, his expression still grave. He scans the room, as if ensuring everyone has grasped the gravity of what he has just explained


    "Understanding the strength of each monster level is the first step in mentally preparing yourselves for what might come. And remember, overconfidence is our greatest enemy"


    "In history, we have recorded two instances of Abyssal-level monsters appearing. These two events have become the most haunting milestones in humanity''s collective memory. The first occurred on the continent of Calystria, and the second on the continent of Solareth"


    Thomas pauses briefly, letting the weight of his words settle over the class, then continues


    "One hundred and fifty years ago, the first Abyssal appeared on the continent of Calystria. It was a monster named Ragnarok. At that time, we were utterly unprepared to face such a horrifying threat. Ragnarok devastated Calystria, nearly obliterating the entire civilization there"


    Thomas steps closer to the podium, his gaze heavy as he continues:


    "It took the combined strength of five Nova to bring it down. Yet even with their united might, Ragnarok left behind catastrophic destruction. One of the five Nova suffered grievous injuries during the battle and never fully recovered. That was the first time we truly understood the unimaginable danger posed by an Abyssal monster"


    He pauses again, giving the students a moment to absorb the story before moving on


    "The second appearance was sixty years ago when the monster Armageddon attacked the continent of Solareth. This time, however, we had learned from the tragedy of Calystria. All nations on the continent quickly formed an alliance to confront it. Seven Nova were summoned, and thanks to their combined power, Armageddon was defeated"


    Thomas stops, his sharp eyes scanning the class with intensity


    "But remember this: at the highest levels, monsters cannot be easily killed with a single strike to the neck or a stab to the heart. To destroy them, we must use specialized and intricate methods to erase their existence completely. And in this course on Monster Ecology, you will learn how to do just that"


    "Now, let us discuss the origins of monsters. While monsters can be born from natural Mana, that is not their only source. In fact, most monsters are created from the Mana of the Primordial Ones - ancient entities about which we know almost nothing."


    "The Primordial Ones are the greatest mystery of our world. Their existence is evidenced by the massive body fragments scattered across the world. These fragments continuously release large amounts of Mana into the atmosphere. The frightening thing is that, for reasons we still do not understand, this Mana often converges at specific points, resulting in the creation of monsters"


    "The Mana released by the body fragments of the Primordial Ones condenses into what we call a Mana Core. This core serves as the primary source of Mana for monsters. Through the Mana Core, monsters absorb Mana from their surroundings and convert it into physical strength, special abilities, or even unique skills"


    He pauses briefly, his gaze sweeping across the classroom to emphasize the significance of his next words


    "When a monster absorbs enough Mana, it can evolve to the next level. At this stage, their strength does not merely increase exponentially but can also grant them abilities far beyond conventional understanding. Evolution is how monsters adapt, survive, and become more dangerous than ever before"


    As Thomas finished speaking, a student sitting in the middle row confidently raised his hand. It was a boy with short brown hair and eyes brimming with curiosity


    "Professor, if monsters are born from the body fragments of the Primordial Ones, why don''t we eliminate those fragments entirely to stop them from creating monsters?"


    The question caused several students to glance toward him, but Thomas appeared to have anticipated this query. He nodded and responded in a steady tone


    "A good question. In fact, we have destroyed some of the Primordial Ones'' fragments as soon as we discovered them. And yes, eliminating these fragments can prevent the formation of monsters in that area. However¡­"


    He emphasized his next point, tapping his index finger rhythmically on the desk, his sharp gaze sweeping across the class


    "We don''t want to completely eliminate those fragments. Why? Because the value they hold is immense"


    The curiosity in the room intensified. Thomas continued, his tone now sharper and more deliberate


    "The bodies of monsters, especially the stronger ones, contain materials of exceptionally high quality. These materials serve as the foundation for various fields, from crafting weapons and armor to creating medicinal cures. But the most important element is the Mana Core. It can be refined into Mana Dust, a vital ingredient in creating Spell Arrays"


    He paused briefly, reinforcing his words


    "Spell Arrays are the backbone of most modern magical technologies. From maintaining protective city barriers and operating magical devices to curing life-threatening diseases - Mana Dust is indispensable. In other words, the existence of monsters and the resources we extract from them have become an integral part of our society"


    Thomas stepped forward, fixing his gaze directly on the student who had asked the question, and spoke with conviction


    "Eliminating all fragments of the Primordial Ones may put an end to the existence of monsters, but it would also mean ending countless fields humanity depends on for survival and progress. This is why we choose management over destruction. We control the areas where the Primordial Ones release Mana, minimize the risks, and simultaneously harness the value they provide"


    The classroom fell silent, every student absorbed by Thomas''s explanation. Kaiser, sitting in the corner, gazed thoughtfully ahead, pondering the fragile balance between protecting humanity and relying on the very source of danger to advance. Beside him, Amelia tilted her head slightly, as though trying to digest the immense amount of information she had just received


    Thomas scanned the room once more, his expression serious yet resolute


    "And that is precisely why you are here, in this classroom. To understand the complex relationship between humans and monsters, and to prepare for the day when you must make difficult decisions concerning them."

 Chapter 33: Lunch Time

    Thomas pauses in the middle of his lecture, his gaze sweeping across the classroom as if to gauge the reactions of each student. Then, with a faint smile, he says


    "Now, to make this session a bit more exciting, I¡¯m going to show you something special"


    His words stir a wave of excitement through the class, with a few students exchanging curious glances. Without keeping them waiting too long, Thomas leaves the room. A sense of anticipation fills the air as everyone wonders what he might bring back


    A few minutes later, Thomas returns, carrying a large birdcage covered by a thick black cloth. He places the cage on the lecture table and carefully removes the cloth, revealing a strange creature inside


    All eyes are immediately drawn to the cage. Inside is a creature resembling a raven, but much larger. Its wings, when they move slightly, produce faint sounds as if the surrounding air were being torn apart. Its jet-black feathers are unnervingly unique, not just dark but seemingly absorbing all light around them, giving it the appearance of a living shadow


    As the creature slowly spreads its wings, sharp, short, yet sturdy claws are revealed beneath. Its eyes, black as bottomless pits, scan the classroom, exuding an indescribable aura of mystery. A few students shiver unconsciously, as though those eyes had glimpsed the depths of their souls


    Standing behind the cage, Thomas smiles proudly as he introduces the creature before them


    "What you see here is Thomas Jr, a Nightshade Raven - a monster at the Rogue level. This big guy has been under my care for over four years now"


    He gently taps the cage, prompting the large raven to stir. Its enigmatic eyes sweep across the class once more, leaving an almost tangible ripple of unease and fascination in its wake


    He adjusts his glasses and continues his lecture, his steady voice carrying a tone of seriousness


    "I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wondering" he starts, his tone slow but captivating "how a monster could possibly be raised by me. According to conventional understanding, monsters are predatory and destructive creatures. They need to absorb Mana from beings with Mana in their bodies, such as humans, into their body to sustain their lives and maintain their combat capabilities"


    "However, the Nightshade Raven is a unique case. While it does have the ability to absorb Mana, it is not a necessity for its survival. This species can live and grow by consuming meat, just like ordinary animals"


    "Monster species capable of sustaining themselves on regular meat rather than Mana exist because they do not depend on Mana for combat" He explains


    "For example, Nightshade Ravens hunt by blending into darkness. Their feathers can absorb light to such an extent that they are nearly invisible in dimly lit environments. Combined with their incredible speed, they become perfect assassins, taking down prey without leaving a trace. This allows them to fully utilize their physical capabilities without relying on Mana"Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "This very mechanism enables us to raise these creatures, providing them with the conditions to live and reproduce, thereby creating new generations. This, in turn, offers us an incredibly valuable resource of materials"


    However, his tone shifts, becoming more grave


    "That said, I want you to understand something clearly: while we can raise them, we can never truly tame them. Even though Thomas Jr. has lived with me for four years, it would not hesitate to attack me if given the chance. This is a characteristic shared by all monster species"


    Thomas gazes at the raven inside the cage, his expression contemplative


    "For reasons we have yet to understand, all monsters seem to possess an innate hostility toward humans. They can never truly be friendly toward us"


    Thomas continues his lecture with focus and enthusiasm, primarily discussing the unique characteristics of Rogue-level monsters. He provides numerous practical examples, clearly illustrating their defining traits, which keeps the class fully engaged. As the lecture concludes, Thomas gathers his materials and leaves the room. The students begin to rise from their seats, chatting animatedly as they file out, creating a lively atmosphere


    Kaiser stretches, leaning back comfortably after the long session. He rolls his shoulders, feeling the tension in them ease


    "Professor Thomas¡¯s lecture was incredibly insightful" he says, his eyes glimmering with interest


    Amelia nods in agreement "It really was. I never imagined monsters could be farmed. It completely changes how I view them"


    She carefully folds her notebook, tucks it into her bag, and stands up, her gaze turning to Kaiser


    "There¡¯s still plenty of time before the Spell Array course this afternoon. Want to grab lunch with me?" she suggests, her tone carrying a hint of excitement


    "Sure, I¡¯m starving" Kaiser replies instantly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The two exit the classroom together, heading toward the cafeteria, chatting easily along the way


    As they walk down the expansive hallway, Kaiser glances at Amelia with a teasing expression


    "So, a princess like you eating cafeteria food? I figured you¡¯d have at least one personal chef whipping up gourmet meals for you"


    Amelia stops in her tracks, narrowing her eyes sharply at him. She suddenly elbows Kaiser lightly in the side, catching him off guard


    "Did you forget the girl who used to run around markets with you eating every street food we could find?" she says with a hint of irritation


    "Oh, right, how could I forget?" Kaiser laughs, his gaze softening as he recalls the memories they shared


    The two continue walking to the cafeteria, laughing together. The space is filled with the cheerful buzz of students enjoying their lunch break after an intense morning of classes. Kaiser and Amelia blend into the crowd, joining the line to grab their meals. Their presence, particularly Amelia¡¯s composed yet approachable demeanor as a princess and Kaiser¡¯s confident aura, draws the attention of several students, accompanied by whispers and curious glances


    Once they¡¯ve gotten their food, they quickly spot an empty table in the corner of the cafeteria and sit down. Amelia smiles as she places her tray on the table, while Kaiser leans back in his chair, taking a deep breath before preparing to dig in


    Before they can pick up their forks, a serious voice interrupts them from behind.


    "Excuse me, may I join you guys?"


    Both of them turn their heads in surprise, their gazes landing on a striking young woman standing behind them. She exudes an air of elegance, her short golden hair neatly trimmed, perfectly complementing her sharp golden eyes, which gleam brilliantly like rays of sunlight

 Chapter 34: Merias Goldwyn

    ''Merias Goldwyn'' Amelia immediately recognized the person standing before her


    ''The daughter of Goldwyn family'' Kaiser recalled a few rumors associated with this person.


    "So? May I sit here?" Merias asked again, her bright eyes sparkling with a radiant yet subtly provocative smile


    Amelia glanced at Kaiser, hoping he would say something, but he remained silent, showing no inclination to respond. Realizing she had to take charge, Amelia spoke up, her tone polite but distant


    "To be honest, we''re not really close. Why don''t you sit somewhere else?"


    Merias tilted her head, her smile unyielding "Oh, but it seems all the other seats are taken. This is the only empty table"


    Amelia quickly glanced around the cafeteria, and just as she thought, plenty of empty tables were scattered throughout. She frowned, her voice turning colder


    "At the very least, you could try to make your words sound believable"


    Without waiting for any form of consent, Merias set her tray down on the table and sat with ease, as though this seat had been reserved just for her. Her relaxed demeanor and unwavering confidence only fueled Amelia''s irritation further


    "Honestly, Merias" Amelia said, trying to keep her emotions in check "This isn''t the kind of place where anyone can just plop down. We were hoping for a quiet meal"


    "Oh, but so was I" Merias replied, her tone light and even laced with a hint of humor


    "Besides, I think a quiet meal is far more enjoyable with company around. Don''t worry, I promise not to be a bother"


    Amelia crossed her arms, her displeasure evident. She turned to Kaiser as if seeking an ally, but he merely sighed, took a sip of water, and stayed silent


    "Listen, Merias" Amelia began, struggling to maintain her composure though her tone had lost its initial gentleness "We are not friends. In fact, I don''t understand why you insist on inserting yourself into everything"


    Merias tilted her head again, her smile as undaunted as ever


    "Then let''s start from here" she said, her tone light yet brimming with confidence


    "I know you don''t like me, Amelia. But hey, I''m not that bad. And for the record, I''m pretty good at making friends"


    Amelia hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond to Merias''s casual yet provocative attitude


    Finally, Kaiser broke the tension, his voice low and succinct


    "If she wants to sit here, let her sit. It''s not a big deal"


    Amelia whipped her head toward Kaiser, her eyes filled with frustrationThe narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Seriously? You''re taking her side?"


    Kaiser merely shrugged, his usual calm demeanor intact


    "It''s just a meal, Amelia."


    Amelia let out a frustrated sigh, clearly displeased but unwilling to escalate the argument further in front of Merias. She turned her attention to her tray of food, annoyance evident in her movements, while Merias smiled as if she had just secured a small victory.


    "Thank you, Kaiser" Merias said cheerfully, her tone brimming with satisfaction, as if entirely oblivious to the discontent etched on Amelia''s face


    "I promise I''ll make sure this lunch is far from boring"


    Amelia said nothing, taking a deep breath before shaking her head "I can''t believe I''m agreeing to this"


    "I''m thrilled to be sharing a meal with the two of you" Merias chimed in, her voice bright and confident "Even though we might already know each other''s names, I suppose we haven''t had a proper introduction. I''m Merias Goldwyn"


    Kaiser glanced up, mildly surprised at her initiative


    "I already know" he replied in his usual calm tone "Even though you''re new to the academy, your reputation precedes you"


    "Oh? And what have you heard about me?" Merias tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes "I hope it''s nothing too terrible."


    "How could I not know about the only daughter of the Goldwyn family?" Kaiser replied, meeting her gaze


    "Especially since you''re set to inherit your family''s legacy with your possession of Special Mana"


    "You flatter me" Merias said with a dismissive wave, though her smile remained. "I''m not as famous as you make me out to be. Besides, it''s not every day I get to share a table with someone as extraordinary as yourself - someone who reached the Master level at just the age of 15"


    Hearing the compliment, Kaiser has a small smile on his face


    "You can call me Kaiser" He said gently


    Noticing his expression, Amelia quickly interjected to introduce herself


    "I''m Amelia Zephis. Just call me Amelia"


    "It''s an honor to meet the princess of this continent" Merias responded smoothly, her tone carrying just the right balance of respect and charm


    "It''s a pleasure to meet both of you" Merias said, her smile growing brighter


    "I hope we can understand each other better in the future. After all, we''re all students here at the academy. Perhaps going through challenges together here will make us a more cohesive team"


    Amelia furrowed her brow, her eyes flashing with skepticism


    "I don''t think everyone here shares the same view as you, Merias. Not everyone wants to work in a team"


    Merias simply shrugged, unaffected "Maybe so, but I believe that when the opportunity arises, we can all learn something from each other. I used to think I could do everything on my own, but the moments I''ve gained the most have been when I opened up to others"


    She paused for a moment, then added softly "And I also believe we can learn a lot from one another. What about you, Kaiser? Have you ever felt that making friends could help you go further?"


    Her question caused Kaiser to fall silent for a few seconds


    "Maybe," he replied, his voice deep but no longer as cold as before "But I usually don''t seek out friends. Relationships like that¡­ they take time to build."


    "Time, I have plenty of" Merias said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "So, we can start from somewhere. I''m very eager to understand you better, Kaiser"


    Amelia couldn''t stop herself from speaking up now


    "I don''t understand why you care so much about Kaiser. He''s clearly not the type of person who likes to interact with strangers"


    "That''s exactly why I want to try" Merias turned to Amelia, her smile unwavering "I believe that the quiet ones are often the most interesting. They have depth and stories worth hearing. Kaiser, isn''t that right?"


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, feeling as though he had been dragged into an unwanted conversation "Are you trying to flatter me?"


    "No" Merias quickly replied "I''m just speaking the truth. You''re the one who piqued my curiosity. I can''t pass up the chance to learn more"


    Amelia sighed, feeling like she had lost control of the situation


    "Alright, Merias. If you really want to be friends with Kaiser, then go ahead. But I''d advise you to prepare yourself. He''s not exactly the easiest person to get close to" She says


    "Thanks for the warning" Merias responded, unfazed. "But I like challenges. And I believe Kaiser could be a great ally if we get to understand each other better"

 Chapter 35: Busy Afternoon

    Kaiser, Amelia, and Merias are having a meal together, though the atmosphere at the table is somewhat uneven. Merias takes charge of the conversation, filling the air with her vibrant energy and clever words. Meanwhile, Kaiser remains calm and composed, only responding when necessary, while Amelia occasionally interjects with short, curt remarks, clearly less than thrilled with Merias''s overly cheerful demeanor


    "You both have Spell Array next, right?" Merias asks, her bright eyes flitting between the two


    "Yes" Kaiser replies curtly, nodding politely


    "Did you choose that course too?" Amelia asks, her gaze narrowing slightly in suspicion


    "That''s right" Merias answers promptly, her smile unfaltering "So, why don¡¯t we walk to the classroom together? Having company would make it more enjoyable"


    Amelia is silent for a few seconds, glancing at Kaiser as though waiting for him to decide. However, Kaiser merely shrugs, clearly seeing no reason to refuse "I don¡¯t mind" he says in an even tone


    With Kaiser agreeing, Amelia has no choice but to nod in reluctant acceptance, though her unease lingers "Fine. If you want to come along, then come"


    "Wonderful! I''m looking forward to chatting with both of you more" Merias says cheerfully, her eyes sparkling as if she''d just achieved her goal


    The three head toward the Spell Array classroom together, their presence attracting the attention of other students


    When they arrive, much like in the Monster Ecology class, Kaiser picks a seat at the back of the room. Amelia and Merias sit near him - Amelia to his right, exuding her usual composed demeanor, and Merias next to Amelia, radiating confidence and ease


    A few minutes later, the professor for Spell Array enters the room. He introduces himself as Matthew Hill, a man whose scholarly appearance mirrors that of Professor Thomas. However, the most striking difference lies in his demeanor - Matthew exudes warmth and joy, his kind smile a constant presence


    Since this is the first class of this course, Professor Hill focuses on introducing the applications of Mana in everyday life, such as using it to create light for lamps or enabling long-distance communication through special devices. His passion for the subject shines through, as though he¡¯s sharing the thing he loves most in the worldStolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Throughout the lesson, what surprises Kaiser the most is Merias''s demeanor. In stark contrast to her lively, bubbly persona at lunch, she sits quietly, her full attention on Professor Hill¡¯s lecture. Not a single joke or playful remark escapes her lips - just a focused and unexpectedly serious expression. This side of her reminds Kaiser of her role as the successor of her noble family


    The class concludes with Professor Hill bidding the students farewell with a warm smile. As the three prepare to leave, Merias, back to her usual cheerful self, waves at Kaiser and Amelia


    "See you both in the next class" she says confidently, her signature sparkle in her eyes


    As Merias disappears down the hall, Amelia turns to Kaiser with a remark "Her over-the-top positivity reminds me of Farah"


    Hearing this, Kaiser chuckles softly, a trace of nostalgia flickering in his eyes


    "She does resemble Farah a bit, but Farah would never sit still for a lesson"


    He recalls studying with Farah under Myreni''s strict guidance. Farah often found ways to avoid lessons, even convincing him to skip occasionally. Inevitably, they both ended up being scolded by Myreni


    "True" Amelia agrees, her expression thoughtful "Merias''s focus on the lecture really fits her important role in her family"


    Listening to Amelia¡¯s observation, a mischievous thought crosses Kaiser''s mind. He smiles faintly before speaking


    "Then why weren¡¯t you focused on the lesson and instead chatting with me?"


    Amelia''s eyes widen at the accusation, and she quickly pouts, retorting


    "I was paying attention! Besides, I don¡¯t have to rule a kingdom, I just want to be a spoiled princess" She playfully swats Kaiser''s arm


    Kaiser shrugs, his tone teasing "Whatever you say"


    His indifferent response only irritates Amelia further. Her light taps soon turn into stronger punches, drawing a genuine laugh from Kaiser


    The two continue their playful banter as they walk down the grand hallways, parting ways with smiles before heading back to their respective rooms


    Once in his room, Kaiser changes out of his uniform before heading to the academy''s training area to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s sparring session with Lily


    Upon arriving, Kaiser is surprised to find the area bustling despite the evening sky turning darker. The massive training facility is filled with students, including second and third years. The space is well-organized: one side houses weights and equipment, while a spacious section is reserved for swordplay and martial arts, with mats spread evenly across the floor. At the center lies a large dueling arena encased in translucent mana-infused walls, where some students are sparring, drawing an audience of onlookers. There are also specialized zones for mana training, where a few students are testing their Mana skills


    Kaiser steps in, his gaze sweeping over the lively scene before heading to a quieter corner with a row of large weights. After a quick warm-up with some stretches, he begins lifting with focused intensity


    By the time he finishes, his body is drenched in sweat, but he feels invigorated. Grabbing a nearby towel, he wipes his face and neck before leaving the training area and returning to his room


    Back in his room, Kaiser hangs up his outerwear neatly, then changes into a fresh, comfortable outfit. The soft fabric soothes his tired muscles as he pours another glass of water, savoring its coolness. Finally, he lies down on his bed, exhaustion and satisfaction blending seamlessly as he drifts off to sleep

 Chapter 36: Duel (1)

    Kaiser is currently standing at the training ground, where Lily''s lesson is about to begin. At his side is a holster containing a silver pistol, and the large scythe rests lightly on his shoulder. His unique appearance causes many of the surrounding students to feel confused and curious. Their gazes flicker over him, pausing on the large scythe with a mix of wariness and surprise


    It¡¯s only a moment later that Kaiser¡¯s eyes catch sight of Amelia approaching. She¡¯s wearing a simple outfit, consisting of a shirt and black pants - the same attire that he and the other students are wearing in preparation for the duel. However, her delicate face and white hair make the plain clothes fail to hide the noble aura radiating from her


    Upon seeing Kaiser, Amelia smiles brightly and waves her hand. As she raises her arm, Kaiser immediately notices the white gloves with strange patterns that she¡¯s wearing


    ¡°Good morning, Kaiser¡± she greets cheerfully, full of energy


    ¡°Hi, Amelia¡± Kaiser responds, his gaze quickly drifting to her gloves ¡°Are these your weapons?¡± he asks, curiosity clear in his voice


    ¡°Exactly¡± Amelia replies, gently lifting her hands to show them off.¡°These are a gift from Amiel¡±


    ¡°If His Highness bought this for you, they must be pretty special¡± Kaiser remarks, his eyes intently studying the intricate designs winding across the surface of the gloves


    ¡°That''s right¡± Amelia says, a hint of pride in her voice


    ¡°He said these gloves not only help me use Mana more fluidly but also significantly enhance the power of my spells. They''re far more effective than regular magic staffs¡±


    Kaiser nods thoughtfully, his gaze scanning the other students around them. Most are holding traditional magic staffs- essential tools for controlling Mana. Looking back at Amelia, he smirks slightly, a mischievous grin forming ¡°I feel sorry for anyone who¡¯ll have to face you.¡±


    Amelia crosses her arms ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be saying that. People should feel sorry for your opponents. Do you really think it¡¯s fair for a Master like you to fight against Adepts who are just starting out?¡± Amelia gestures toward the silver pistol hanging at Kaiser¡¯s side, her eyes gleaming with curiosity ¡°So, are you planning to use the Mana pistol?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen you use the scythe, so it¡¯s not that surprising, but I¡¯ve never seen you shoot a gun. Can you really shoot?¡± she adds


    ¡°I¡¯ve only shot a few times to get the hang of it, not really proficient yet¡± Kaiser answers, lightly touching the pistol holster, his expression calm


    ¡°But this is just a secondary weapon. The scythe is still my primary choice¡± He tilts his head slightly, pointing to the scythe resting securely on his shoulder


    Amelia raises an eyebrow, her curiosity apparent ¡°I still can¡¯t picture how you fight. Both the gun and the scythe require two hands, right? How do you coordinate that?¡±


    Kaiser shrugs slightly ¡°I¡¯ll show you if I get the chance. But I think today I¡¯ll just use the scythe. There probably won¡¯t be-¡±


    His sentence is cut off abruptly when a hand unexpectedly lands on his shoulder


    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯d love to see you use it¡± comes another voice, causing both Kaiser and Amelia to turn. Standing before them is Lily, the woman with short black hair and sharp, piercing eyes


    ¡°Ms. Lily¡± Amelia exclaims


    ¡°You always know how to make an entrance, don¡¯t you?¡± Kaiser says calmly, a faint smile appearing on his face


    ¡°Thanks for the compliment¡± Lily replies with a light smile, then steps past the two of them, heading toward the center of the training ground


    ¡°Everyone, gather up!¡± Lily¡¯s commanding voice rings out, immediately drawing the attention of all the students. Without hesitation, they quickly move to form a neat line as instructed


    Once everyone is in position, Lily steps forward, her gaze sweeping over the entire group of students


    ¡°As I mentioned the other day, today we¡¯ll be conducting duels. You¡¯ll be paired up to face off against each other, and I¡¯ll be directly assessing each of your skills¡± she announces, her voice steady


    She pauses, letting her words sink in ¡°Think of this as an opportunity to prove yourselves, as well as to learn from your opponents. I expect to see creativity, effort, and strategy from each of you in this session¡±


    Lily starts calling out the names of the dueling pairs, with each pair stepping forward to compete under her watchful eye. The matches are intense, though chaotic, as the students do their best to showcase their abilities. After each duel, Lily steps into the center of the field, offering sharp, almost cold, critiquesStolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°The way you chose your spell was foolish. If this were a real battle, you would have been eliminated from the very first moment!¡± she said to a student who had just lost


    ¡°You were too hasty in your approach, like charging headfirst into a death trap!¡± Lily bluntly criticized another student, causing him to lower his head in embarrassment


    Her remarks, though harsh, hit the clear weaknesses, leaving no room for rebuttal


    After a while, Lily glanced at the list in her hand and raised her voice


    ¡°Amelia Zephis and Marol!¡±


    Her announcement seemed to make the atmosphere in the training ground grow heavier. Some students turned to look at Amelia with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Marol, a student with messy brown hair, stepped forward, holding a long magic staff


    Amelia, sitting beside Kaiser, gently stood up, brushing her hands lightly on her simple black pants. She turned to look at him, her bright purple eyes shining with confidence and a hint of excitement


    ¡°I¡¯m going¡± she said, giving him a small but determined smile


    Kaiser nodded, maintaining his usual calm demeanor ¡°Good luck,¡± he replied, his lips curling into an encouraging smile


    Amelia didn¡¯t say anything else, just gave him a slight nod before turning and walking toward the center. Her steps were graceful but decisive. She stood opposite Marol, her white gloves with strange patterns glistening in the light. She tightened her fists lightly, her sharp gaze unwavering in the face of her opponent


    Looking at them, Lily announced ¡°Begin!¡±


    Amelia moved as fast as the wind, her hands raised as she conjured a glowing Mana circle in front of her. A wave of Mana in the shape of blades shot toward Marol with incredible speed


    Marol immediately raised his magic staff, creating a layer of watery green Mana to surround his body and block the attack


    Boom! A small explosion echoed as the two Mana forces collided. However, the power of Amelia¡¯s attack caused Marol to stagger back


    Not giving Marol time to counter, Amelia quickly drew two more Mana circles in the air. From them, bright blue lightning bolts shot forward, striking like arrows of destruction


    Marol gritted his teeth, drawing another Mana circle with his hand, creating a light yellow shield before him. But the speed and intensity of Amelia¡¯s attacks far exceeded his. One of the lightning bolts pierced through the shield, shattering it, and the force of the impact pushed him back several steps


    Realizing he was at a disadvantage, Marol didn¡¯t let fear discourage him. He focused, quickly drawing another Mana circle. From it, a large, sturdy wall of earth began to rise, completely shielding him from Amelia¡¯s attacks


    Amelia¡¯s white gloves glowed brightly, the Mana flowing through the intricate patterns. She drew a larger Mana circle, and from it, a powerful bolt of lightning shot out, heading straight for the earth wall


    Boom! A massive explosion rang out as Amelia¡¯s lightning shattered the earth wall. Debris flew everywhere, revealing Marol behind it. But instead of panicking, Marol stood still, focused and resolute. His hand quickly finished another Mana circle, and a bright red light erupted from it


    From his Mana circle, a giant fireball appeared, spinning with intense heat. With a determined shout, Marol hurled the fireball toward Amelia, creating a fiery trail along the ground


    Amelia was momentarily surprised by this sudden, powerful counterattack, but she quickly regained her composure. Her hands moved as fast as the wind, continuously drawing Mana circles. From them, walls of earth sprang up before her. But unlike Marol¡¯s wall, Amelia created multiple layers of earth, each covered by a bright Mana glow, reinforcing their durability


    Boom! Boom! Boom! The fireball tore through each layer of earth, but before it could reach Amelia, its power was depleted, and it disintegrated


    Amelia lowered her hands, her cold gaze fixed on Marol ¡°Not bad¡± she said


    Marol gasped for breath, struggling to draw another Mana circle for his next attack. But Amelia had already completed her new Mana circle, and from it, a beam of Mana in the form of a light column shot straight toward Marol


    Unable to dodge in time, Marol was hit, his magic staff flying from his hand as he fell. The attack wasn¡¯t powerful enough to cause serious injury, but it was enough to end the match


    Lily approached, her gaze calm but thoughtful. She smiled ¡°You guys fought very fiercely¡±


    ¡°Amelia, you displayed excellent Mana control skills. Your gloves are truly a powerful weapon, allowing you to easily overpower your opponent. However, I could see a bit of arrogance throughout the match. You were overly confident in your strength, and that caused you to lack flexibility in reading the situation. You know how to handle situations, but your approach was too crude. Luckily, your opponent, like you, lacks experience, so those mistakes weren''t punished¡±


    Lily paused, as if giving Amelia time to reflect on her words, before continuing


    ¡°You have immense potential, but that potential won¡¯t be fully realized if you rely solely on strength and skills without improving your observation and thinking during the battle. Flexibility in tactics is the key to victory, and that¡¯s something you need to work on¡±


    She looked at Amelia with firm resolve ¡°Next time, I hope you¡¯ll pay more attention to not only using your strength but also calculating and adjusting your tactics when necessary¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lily¡± Amelia replied


    ¡°Marol, you made commendable efforts, especially with the earth wall and the giant fireball. However, you lack speed and precision in using your Mana. Particularly, your Mana defense circles weren¡¯t fast enough to counter Amelia. You need to practice drawing your Mana circles quicker and learn to calculate when to attack and when to defend¡±


    Marol lifted his head, his eyes filled with determination ¡°I¡¯ll improve, Lily¡±


    When Amelia¡¯s match ended, both of them left the battlefield. Amelia walked over to Kaiser and gently sat down beside him. She smiled, her eyes sparkling


    ¡°You did great¡± Kaiser complimented, his gaze filled with a bit of pride


    Amelia lowered her head, smiling softly ¡°Thank you¡± She looked at him with a meaningful expression ¡°I think your match is next¡±


    Before he could respond, Lily immediately called out ¡°Next, Kaiser, step up¡±


    Kaiser quickly stood up and walked toward the battlefield, his mind full of anticipation for his opponent. But as he waited, looking up at Lily, he noticed she had not made another announcement. A feeling of confusion began to rise within him


    Noticing Kaiser¡¯s expression, Lily couldn¡¯t help but smile, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark ¡°You don¡¯t think it¡¯s fair for a Master to fight against an Adept, do you?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then Who will I fight against-¡± Kaiser started to say, but before he could finish, he realized that Lily¡¯s smile had grown wider, as if she was preparing something unexpected


    ¡°A Mage fighting against a Master would be even more unfair" a wry smile appeared on Kaiser''s face

 Chapter 37: Duel (2)

    "Life is never fair, is it?" Lily says, her half-smile tinged with mockery "So, get ready. I¡¯m really curious to see how the genius of the century performs"


    Kaiser lets out a weary sigh. The blatant unfairness of the situation leaves him feeling disheartened, but he has no other choice. He tightens his grip on the scythe in his hand, feeling its familiar weight, and his gaze gradually shifts to one of intense focus


    "You can begin whenever you¡¯re ready" Lily says, firmly gripping her training spear. Her tone is full of challenge, her eyes locked on him like a hunter observing its prey


    Kaiser smirks slightly, masking his tension with a faint smile "Don¡¯t you think fighting your student is a bit too-" Before he finishes, he suddenly lunges at Lily with surprising speed, swinging his scythe in a deadly arc toward her


    Lily remains still, completely unfazed. In an instant, she spins her spear fluidly and blocks the strike just before the scythe can reach her. The sharp sound of metal clashing against metal shatters the silence of the training ground


    "Do you think you can catch me off guard? Still too inexperienced" she says, pushing back forcefully, causing Kaiser to stumble a few steps back


    Kaiser doesn¡¯t respond, instead retreating to maintain distance. His amber eyes glow brightly as he begins channeling Mana. A powerful surge of energy surrounds him, and then he unleashes a barrage of sharp energy blades that shoot toward Lily at incredible speed


    Lily doesn¡¯t flinch. She quickly creates a Mana circle in the air, conjuring a transparent shield. The energy blades strike the shield with force, creating a dazzling display of sparks before dissipating


    "You¡¯ve already reached this level of Mana control? Truly worthy of your Master rank" Lily remarks, her tone both praising and subtly teasing


    Kaiser wastes no time, immediately charging at her again and launching a series of scythe attacks. His strikes are unpredictable, each swing sudden and hard to anticipate. Lily, with her superior experience, moves with agility, dodging each blow while countering with sharp, precise strikes from her spear


    In one swift moment, Lily launches a powerful counterattack. Her spear sweeps through the air in a lightning-fast motion, sending Kaiser flying into the air. But instead of panicking, Kaiser pulls a small Mana gun from his holster, his eyes still unwaveringly focused


    "With that posture, do you think you can hit me?" Lily asks calmly, her dark eyes gleaming with a mix of confidence and challenge


    Unfazed by her words, Kaiser quickly charges Mana into the gun and says in an even tone


    "In her heart"


    Kaiser shoots five Mana bullets in quick succession. The bullets streak through the air with incredible speed, flying directly at Lily and forcing her to dodge unexpectedly. At the same time, she activates a protective Mana barrier around her body for defense


    ¡°How can you fire with such precision...?¡± Lily murmurs, her brows furrowing as she senses the powerful energy radiating from the bullets ¡±This energy... you just used-¡±


    Before she can finish her sentence, Kaiser appears right in front of her. Taking advantage of the moment when she focuses on defense, he charges forward, swinging his scythe down with astonishing speed, leaving a sharp gust of wind that tears through the air


    Lily reacts with lightning reflexes. She spins, raising her spear to block just in time. The clash of metal rings out loudly, creating a shockwave so powerful that the ground beneath them cracks. Lily is pushed back a few steps but regains her balance, her eyes glinting with admiration mixed with challengeTaken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "You¡¯re better than I thought, Kaiser" she says, a thin smile on her lips that barely hides her excitement "But that¡¯s still not enough"


    Lily raises her spear, her dark eyes glowing faintly, and a layer of blue light envelops the weapon. She twirls the spear skillfully, drawing graceful yet forceful arcs as she attacks


    Kaiser tries to lift his scythe to block her strikes. The sound of clashing metal echoes continuously, each of Lily¡¯s blows heavy with power, forcing him to retreat step by step. His arms tremble under the pressure, but his gaze remains steadfast


    "You¡¯re blocking my attacks, but do you understand why I¡¯m choosing these angles?" Lily asks, her voice calm as if she¡¯s teaching a lesson. She shifts her attack patterns, pushing Kaiser to move faster to defend himself


    Kaiser grits his teeth and doesn¡¯t reply. He attempts a counterattack by swinging his scythe upward, but Lily anticipates it. With a quick spin, she dodges easily and immediately lowers her spear to block his counterstrike


    "You rely too much on the power of your scythe" Lily continues, her tone unchanged, as though unaffected by any pressure "A good weapon won¡¯t win you a fight if you don¡¯t know how to adapt to the situation"


    Kaiser pants heavily, sweat streaming down his face. He tries to turn the tide by retreating and forming a defensive Mana circle, but Lily doesn¡¯t give him the time


    ''"You¡¯re reading my attacks well, but can you keep doing that forever?" she says before charging forward with a powerful strike. Her spear pierces Kaiser¡¯s Mana shield, shattering it instantly as if it were fragile glass


    Kaiser stumbles, nearly falling to the ground. He tries to lift his scythe for one last stand, but Lily is faster. She sweeps his weapon aside and points her spear directly at his chest, her dark eyes calm and unwavering like a still lake


    Kaiser gasps for breath, sweat dripping from his forehead. He looks at Lily with a resigned expression. ''I¡¯ve lost,'' he admits, his voice tinged with both frustration and respect


    ''I couldn¡¯t do anything to her. This feels just like fighting Myreni'' he thinks to himself


    Lily lowers her spear and steps closer to Kaiser, her gaze steady but not unkind. She studies him for a moment before speaking


    "Kaiser, you have immense potential, but you haven¡¯t fully tapped into it yet. You¡¯re good at adapting, which is commendable, but you rely too much on reacting in the moment rather than having a clear plan. Your fundamental skills still have many gaps. When you fight, you focus solely on delivering strikes without considering whether they¡¯re effective. To be honest, facing you didn¡¯t feel like being attacked by a real opponent - it felt more like being bitten by a few mosquitoes"


    Lily pauses briefly before continuing, her voice carrying a hint of sternness


    ¡°That strategy may work when you¡¯re facing opponents of equal strength, but to surpass me, you¡¯ll need a better plan¡±


    She steps closer, her dark eyes meeting Kaiser¡¯s amber ones, which now glimmer with exhaustion after the battle


    ¡°You also need to learn how to conserve energy. In this match, you¡¯ve burned through far too much Mana just to defend and keep your distance. When your strength runs out, you¡¯ll lose any chance to turn the tide¡±


    Lily tilts her head slightly, a faint smile softening the sharpness of her previous remarks


    ¡°However, I must say that your reaction speed is excellent. That¡¯s a rare quality, and if you learn to combine it with patience and a more thoughtful strategy, you¡¯ll become a formidable opponent.¡±


    She turns to leave, but before walking away, Lily stops and adds


    ¡°Remember, true strength doesn¡¯t lie in your weapon or the amount of Mana you possess. It lies in how you use them. Keep training, Kaiser. I¡¯m looking forward to a tougher fight from you next time¡±


    Kaiser, despite his exhaustion, nods slightly. In his eyes, a fierce determination begins to shine ¡°Next time, I won¡¯t lose so easily¡±


    He breathes heavily, bends down to pick up his scythe from the ground, and slowly leaves the training ground. As he walks away, the gazes of the other students around the arena lock onto him, filled with awe and admiration


    ¡°His weapon skills are incredible!¡±


    ¡°He not only good at using weapons but also an exceptional Mana user. Is he a monster or something?¡±


    ¡°How can someone our age fight like that?¡±


    The murmurs ripple through the training ground, but Kaiser doesn¡¯t seem to care. He walks straight toward Amelia, who is waiting for him. When he gets close, Kaiser slumps down beside her and sighs heavily, drained


    ¡°That match was so hopeless¡± he says, his voice low and full of frustration


    ¡°But you did really well¡± Amelia replies, her voice gentle as she offers him a comforting smile ¡°She¡¯s a professor, so of course, you can¡¯t beat her. But think of it positively - you definitely learned a lot from that match¡±


    Kaiser thinks for a moment, then nods slightly


    ¡°I guess so¡± he responds, his gaze falling to the silver pistol at his side

 Chapter 38: Amelia & Helen

    The duel between Kaiser and Lily is also the final match of the sparring session. When the match concludes, Lily steps into the center of the arena and signals for all the students to gather. Her clear, commanding voice echoes, drawing everyone¡¯s attention


    ¡°Through today¡¯s matches, I believe you¡¯ve all come to recognize some of your own weaknesses¡± Lily begins, her gaze sweeping across each face ¡°Maybe it¡¯s your ability to control Mana, your skill with weapons, or simply your ability to assess situations¡±


    ¡°Take note of your weaknesses" Lily emphasizes, her tone firm and resolute ¡°During your years of study here, I will help you address and overcome those flaws. But the primary responsibility lies with you. If you want to grow stronger, you must put in the effort and work hard¡±


    She paces slowly, her sharp eyes filled with encouragement, then continues


    ¡°In the next lesson, I will teach you essential concepts, including teamwork, situational awareness, and basic strategies. These are things that anyone who wishes to become stronger must thoroughly understand¡±


    Lily stops for a moment, her eyes shining with determination


    ¡°Once you¡¯ve grasped the theory, we¡¯ll move on to more hands-on practice in future sessions. Consistent practice is the key to improving and mastering your skills¡±


    "Our goal is the student tournament that will take place toward the end of this academic year" Lily begins, her sharp gaze sweeping across the students who are intently listening "The tournament will consist of three rounds to determine each participant''s ranking based on their combat abilities"


    She pauses briefly, then continues


    "There are two divisions in the tournament. One is exclusively for you guys - the first-year students. This tournament will focus on a level of competition that matches your current skills and abilities"


    Lily lifts her head, her expression stern


    "The other division is for second and third-year students. They are all at a power level ranging from the late Adept stage and beyond. If you wish to participate in this division, consider it carefully, as your opponents will be far stronger"


    Her gaze lands on Kaiser "I hope you''ll choose this division" Then, turning back to address the rest of the students, her voice calm but urging


    "You may also join if you''re confident in your ability to face the second- and third-years. But remember, that division is not a place for blind luck. Make sure you''re fully prepared"


    A student in the back row hesitantly raises their hand


    "Do you have a question?" Lily asks, her sharp black eyes fixed on the one who spoke


    ¡°I want to know¡­ how will your practical lessons be graded?¡± the student asks, their voice tinged with worryThis tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Lily smiles faintly, but her answer leaves the entire class stunned ¡°My lessons will not be graded¡±


    The surprise is evident on many students¡¯ faces. Seeing their reactions, Lily continues to explain


    ¡°The Vesillian Academy Council understands that not everyone here intends to become a monster hunter or join the army to fight in wars between nations. Therefore, my goal is not about grades¡±


    She takes a few steps around the room, her expression serious ¡°Consider these lessons an opportunity to learn how to survive in the harshest and most unpredictable circumstances life might throw at you. There will come a time when you face the unexpected¡±


    She pauses, her tone slow but commanding ¡°Perhaps in the future, an unforeseen event could cause a surge in the number of monsters, or a full-scale war might break out between two continents. We can¡¯t predict what the future holds. But what I can teach you is how to prepare and overcome any challenge it may bring¡±


    Lily then ends the lesson, and the students gradually disperse


    Amelia walks beside Kaiser, breaking the silence with a gentle question


    ¡°Are you heading to the cafeteria for lunch now?¡±


    Kaiser shakes his head ¡°No, I¡¯m planning to meet Helen and take her for a walk around the market. We¡¯ll grab some street food there¡±


    Amelia narrows her eyes slightly, as if scrutinizing him, then quickly suggests ¡°How about I join you? I¡¯m free this afternoon¡±


    Kaiser puts a hand to his chin, thinking for a moment, then nods ¡°Alright. But¡­¡± He glances at Amelia¡¯s white hair ¡°I think you should wear a hat to cover your hair. I don¡¯t want Helen to feel awkward meeting¡­ a princess¡±


    Amelia chuckles softly, without protest ¡°Alright, that¡¯s not too much to ask¡±


    The two part ways to change clothes and meet again at the dormitory exit. Then, they head toward Helen¡¯s small flower shop in the bustling marketplace


    On the way, Amelia asks curiously ¡°What is ~ Helen like, Kaiser?¡±


    Kaiser thinks for a moment, his eyes softening ¡°She¡¯s someone full of hope. Just looking at her makes life feel a lot less heavy¡±


    ¡°She sounds like ~ a wonderful person¡± Amelia comments, a gentle smile on her lips


    ¡°She is¡± Kaiser agrees. But then, he pauses and asks ¡°By the way, do you really like that snack so much?¡±


    ¡°What?~¡± Amelia asks, chewing on a piece of honey-glazed grilled fish. She¡¯s holding three golden, aromatic skewers of grilled fish in her hand


    ¡°Are you going to finish all of that?¡± Kaiser teases


    Amelia laughs and shakes her head ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ll eat two skewers. The last one is for Helen¡±


    Kaiser doesn¡¯t know what to say, only smiling at the sight of his friend


    ¡°If anyone saw you right now, they wouldn¡¯t think you¡¯re a princess¡± Kaiser says


    Amelia blushes but tries to keep her tone calm ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Helen won¡¯t feel pressured knowing who I am¡±


    ¡°Fair point¡± Kaiser says with a small smile. Suddenly, he reaches out to brush away a small piece of fish stuck to Amelia¡¯s cheek. His unexpected gesture makes Amelia turn away, hiding her flushed cheeks


    Finally, they arrive at Helen¡¯s rose shop. Kaiser quickly smiles his usual warm smile and calls out


    ¡°Good afternoon, Helen!¡±


    Helen, a girl with short purple hair and bright violet eyes, looks up. When she recognizes Kaiser, she immediately beams


    ¡°Oh, Kaiser! You¡¯re here! I knew you¡¯d come¡±


    ¡°Of course, how could I forget? But I¡¯m not here alone today¡± Kaiser smiles and gestures toward Amelia ¡°I brought a friend along¡±


    Amelia steps forward, raising a hand gently ¡°Hello, Helen. I¡¯m Amelia. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you¡±


    However, Helen¡¯s reaction is not what they expect. She freezes, her eyes widening in shock. A brief silence follows before Helen stammers


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re Princess Amelia Zephis, aren¡¯t you?!¡± she exclaims, her violet eyes wide in astonishment

 Chapter 39: With Helen

    "Should¡¯ve seen that coming" Kaiser says with a laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement as he looks at Amelia "Of course, the people living in the capital would recognize the only princess on the continent"


    Amelia lets out a small sigh, her voice tinged with regret


    "All the effort I put into picking this hat to avoid attention has gone to waste" She gently removes the hat from her head, hands it to Kaiser, and smooths her shimmering, silky hair


    Seated in her wheelchair, Helen looks up at Amelia with wide, innocent violet eyes


    "Did I mess things up for everyone?" she asks softly, tilting her head slightly as if trying to grasp the situation


    "Not at all, Helen" Kaiser quickly reassures her while giving the wheelchair a gentle push as the three of them leave the flower shop "You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. If anyone¡¯s at fault, it¡¯s Amelia for being too famous" He glances at Amelia with a playful smirk, making her shake her head and laugh


    Helen smiles, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink at the warmth in Kaiser¡¯s voice


    "I¡¯m glad to hear that! But¡­ Princess Amelia, I never thought I¡¯d ever meet you in real life. You¡¯re even more beautiful than the portraits!"


    Amelia looks slightly surprised at the straightforward compliment, but she quickly responds with a warm smile


    "Thank you, Helen. But I think it¡¯s your cuteness that really stands out and catches people¡¯s attention"


    The unexpected praise makes Helen blush deeply, and she hurriedly lowers her head to hide her embarrassment


    "You¡¯re too kind¡­" Helen murmurs shyly


    The three of them begin moving through the market stalls, with Helen sitting in her wheelchair as Kaiser pushes her along. She can¡¯t hide her excitement, her eyes darting around from the vibrant fruit stands to the neatly arranged handcrafted items


    ¡°Look over there, those bracelets are so pretty¡± Helen says, pointing to a small stall


    Kaiser stops to let her take a closer look. The vendor, an elderly woman, greets them with a warm smile


    ¡°Which one do you like, dear?¡± she asks


    Helen hesitates, her eyes scanning the bracelets made of stones and seashells. Finally, she picks out a delicate bracelet with a single light-blue stone


    ¡°I just wanted to look; there¡¯s no need to buy it¡±


    ¡°No need to be shy¡± Amelia says, leaning down to look at Helen ¡°I think that one suits you perfectly¡± Without waiting for Helen to respond, Amelia takes out her money and pays for it


    ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary, I don¡¯t want to trouble you¡­¡± Helen shakes her head, looking a little embarrassed


    ¡°Consider it a welcome gift from me¡± Amelia says with a gentle smile ¡°How does that sound?¡±


    Helen lowers her head in thought, her violet eyes sparkling as if she¡¯s just come to a decision


    ¡°If you¡¯re so insistent¡­ let me teach you how to take care of roses! Just like I taught Kaiser before¡±


    Amelia is surprised by the suggestion but quickly smiles


    ¡°I¡¯d love that. Learning to care for flowers from you sounds like a lot of fun¡± She says


    The three stop at a cotton candy stall next. Helen stares at the colorful treats with wide, sparkling eyes, clearly fascinated


    ¡°You like cotton candy?¡± Kaiser asks, noticing her expression


    Helen presses her lips together and nods slightly


    ¡°I¡¯ve never had it before¡­ but I heard it¡¯s really soft and sweet¡±


    Amelia chuckles and glances at Kaiser


    ¡°We have to get some for this adorable girl¡±


    Kaiser nods and quickly buys a large pink cotton candy. He hands it to Helen, but she hesitates, not daring to accept it


    ¡°It¡¯s really okay, I don¡¯t want to be a bother¡­¡±


    ¡°Take it, Helen¡± Kaiser says gently ¡°It¡¯s a gift from us, not a bother at all.¡±


    Helen shyly takes the cotton candy, her eyes shimmering like a child receiving a gift for the first time. She carefully breaks off a small piece and puts it in her mouth. As the sweetness melts on her tongue, a smile spreads across her face, her round cheeks looking even more endearing


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious¡­ I didn¡¯t think it would taste this good!¡±


    Amelia and Kaiser exchange a look and can¡¯t help but laugh


    Helen looks up at them, puzzled


    ¡°What are you two laughing about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡± Kaiser says, shaking his head with a small smile


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ seeing you this happy makes us happy too¡±


    The three of them stroll through the bustling market for quite a while, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Helen, with a radiant smile, constantly points out her favorite stalls to Kaiser and Amelia, though Kaiser occasionally has to gently pull her wheelchair back to stop her from rushing straight into the candy stalls. After wandering for a long time, the group decides to head back to Helen¡¯s house


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.As before, when they reach the familiar wooden door, Helen cheerfully calls out


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m home!¡± She retrieves the key from her pocket, quickly unlocks the door, and wheels herself inside


    Hugo is sitting at the small dining table in the corner of the room, looking a little tired, but his face brightens when he hears Helen¡¯s voice. He quickly stands and walks toward the door


    ¡°Oh, Helen, is that you? Why are you back so late?¡± he asks, his tone tinged with worry ¡°I thought something might¡¯ve happened¡±


    Helen giggles, spinning her wheelchair slightly to face him ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dad. I went out with Kaiser and¡­ and Amelia!¡± She turns to look at Amelia, her violet eyes sparkling


    It¡¯s only then that Hugo notices Amelia and Kaiser standing behind Helen. When he sees Kaiser, he smiles warmly ¡°Oh Kaiser¡±


    Kaiser steps forward, bowing politely


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Hugo. Yes, it¡¯s me. I took Helen out today, so we¡¯re back a bit late¡±


    Hugo smiles kindly, patting Kaiser on the shoulder


    ¡°If you¡¯re with Helen, I can rest easy. But¡­¡± His gaze shifts to Amelia, his expression showing a hint of surprise


    ¡°And this young lady is¡­?¡±


    Amelia steps forward, tilting her head slightly in greeting


    ¡°I¡¯m Amelia. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Hugo pauses for a moment, taking in her white hair and elegant demeanor. However, he quickly smiles again, choosing not to ask further questions


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Amelia. Thank you for spending time with Helen"


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all¡± Amelia replies, her gentle gaze shifting to Helen ¡°I¡¯ve enjoyed every moment with her¡±


    The atmosphere in the house grows warmer. Kaiser, after placing a few shopping bags on the table, smiles as he watches the three converse. Helen, with her sincere words and innocent eyes, seems to ease the weariness of the long day. Even Amelia, usually serious in her demeanor as a princess, seems relaxed and at ease around the young girl


    ¡°Dad, I bought fresh fish at the market! I want to eat that!¡± Helen eagerly suggests


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get started¡± Hugo says with a laugh, patting Helen¡¯s head affectionately


    ¡°Kaiser, Amelia, why don¡¯t you go out to the backyard with Helen? I¡¯ll take care of dinner¡±


    Amelia glances at Kaiser, and they both nod


    ¡°We¡¯d be happy to¡± Kaiser replies with a light smile


    Helen quickly turns her wheelchair toward the back door, excitement shining on her face


    ¡°Come on! I¡¯ll show you my garden and the roses I¡¯ve been taking care of¡±


    In the garden, Amelia crouches down by a nearby flowerbed, gently touching the soft petals of the flowers


    ¡°These are truly beautiful, Helen. Do you take care of them all by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Every day, I come out here to weed, water, and talk to them¡± Helen replies, her violet eyes twinkling like stars ¡°I believe flowers need to be listened to, just like people¡±


    Amelia smiles, gazing at Helen with admiration. ¡°You¡¯re truly inspiring, Helen¡±


    Helen blushes slightly, lowering her head as she fiddles with the leaves nearby


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind¡­¡±


    While Helen focuses on trimming the leaves and checking each flower, Amelia suddenly turns to Kaiser, her voice lowered so Helen won¡¯t hear


    ¡°Hey, I haven¡¯t asked yet, but what illness does Helen¡¯s father have?¡±


    Kaiser pauses, a contemplative look crossing his face before he answers in a quiet voice


    ¡°Mr. Hugo mentioned that he has heart valve stenosis. The doctors say it can be treated with mana-enhanced medicine, but the cost is quite high, and the treatment is long-term¡±


    Amelia nods, her expression thoughtful


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do my best to help him. If there¡¯s anything I can do, let me know¡±


    Kaiser simply smiles and says nothing more. Both of them turn their attention back to Helen, who is carefully inspecting each leaf as if it¡¯s a treasure


    Amelia kneels down and gently adjusts a slightly bent flower stem. Though she focuses on the flowers in front of her, her mind lingers on thoughts she can¡¯t ignore


    ''Heart valve stenosis¡­ That condition doesn¡¯t seem severe enough to stop someone from working, does it? Or am I remembering it wrong?'' she wonders silently. Shaking her head to dismiss her doubts, she resolves


    ''It¡¯s probably nothing. I should just focus on helping Helen and her father''

 Chapter 40: Inspired

    As the sunset casts a soft orange glow over the garden, a voice calls out from inside the house


    ¡°Helen, Kaiser, Amelia! Time for dinner!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s dinner time!¡± Helen says cheerfully, turning her wheelchair toward the door. Kaiser and Amelia follow, brushing some dirt off their clothes after getting a bit messy in the garden


    In the kitchen, Hugo has prepared a vibrant spread. The table is filled with simple yet enticing dishes: vegetable soup, crispy bread, and the main course - grilled fish seasoned richly with spices Helen had brought back from the market


    ¡°Take a seat, everyone¡± Hugo says warmly


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone to so much effort, Mr. Hugo¡± Kaiser comments, sitting down ¡°Everything looks delicious¡±


    Helen sits beside Hugo, her eyes shining brightly at the sight of the table


    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re amazing! I¡¯ve always said it - your cooking is the best!¡±


    Hugo chuckles, gently patting Helen on the head


    ¡°You always flatter me, but I don¡¯t mind"


    The four of them sit together at the table. As Hugo ladles soup into bowls, Helen eagerly serves food to Kaiser and Amelia


    ¡°Kaiser, Amelia, you both have to eat a lot. Dad¡¯s cooking is amazing, I promise!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Helen¡± Kaiser says, accepting the piece of bread she hands him. He glances at Hugo with respect


    ¡°Mr. Hugo, this soup is truly delicious. I didn¡¯t know you were such a talented cook¡±


    Hugo laughs heartily


    ¡°That¡¯s thanks to Helen. She always praises my cooking, so I try my best not to disappoint her¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always amazing, Dad¡± Helen says proudly ¡°If there were a cooking competition, you¡¯d win for sure¡±


    Amelia watches the father and daughter with a soft smile


    ¡°You two really have a wonderful bond. Seeing you together is so heartwarming¡±


    Hugo shrugs modestly, though his smile is uncontainable


    ¡°We just try to make the best of life. Sometimes it¡¯s tough, but I believe that as long as we have each other, everything will be okay¡±


    Helen takes her father¡¯s hand, her violet eyes shimmering


    ¡°That¡¯s right! I always believe that, too.¡±


    The meal continues in a cozy, joyful atmosphere, with laughter and conversation filling the room. Helen excitedly recounts her experience teaching Amelia how to care for flowers, while Hugo keeps asking Kaiser about his classes and life at the academy. Amelia shares amusing stories from her own experiences, making Helen burst into laughter repeatedly


    After dinner, Hugo clears the table, waving off Kaiser and Amelia¡¯s offer to help


    ¡°You¡¯ve both had a long day. Let me take care of this¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Hugo¡± Kaiser says, bowing respectfully ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for your hospitality¡±


    At the door, Helen wheels herself over to see them off


    ¡°Thank you both for spending time with me today¡± she says, her eyes glowing with happiness ¡°It was such a fun day¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°We had a great time with you too¡± Kaiser replies, crouching down to pat Helen on the head ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll visit again. Deal?¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡± Helen asks eagerly


    ¡°Promise¡± Kaiser nods


    Amelia crouches down as well, gently holding Helen¡¯s hand


    ¡°I¡¯ll come back too. Next time, I¡¯ll bring you a gift¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary¡± Helen says with a smile, her cheeks slightly pink ¡°Just having you both here is enough to make me happy¡±


    As they step outside, Hugo waves from behind Helen


    ¡°Take care, you two. Thank you for spending time with her¡±


    ¡°We were honored to¡± Kaiser and Amelia reply in unison ¡°Have a good evening, Mr. Hugo and Helen¡±


    Under the faint moonlight, the two walk slowly down the quiet road back to the academy. Amelia glances at Kaiser, her voice gentle


    ¡°Helen¡¯s family is truly wonderful. I feel so lucky to have met them¡±


    Kaiser smiles, his eyes thoughtful


    ¡°They really are. Despite the hardships they face, Helen and Hugo hold on to their faith and hope. That¡¯s something truly admirable¡±


    Amelia nods ¡°We should do something to help them, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°We should, but we¡¯ll need to be careful¡± Kaiser replies. ¡°I don¡¯t want them to feel like a burden¡±


    They continue their conversation as their shadows stretch long on the tranquil path


    ¡ª


    The next morning, soft sunlight filters through the curtains as Kaiser slowly opens his eyes and stretches before getting out of bed. After a restful night¡¯s sleep, he feels full of energy


    He walks over to the corner of the room where a full-length mirror stands and picks out a more polished outfit for the day ahead. First, he selects a pair of brown trousers - simple yet neat, giving off an air of tidiness and elegance. Standing in front of the mirror, Kaiser pauses briefly, observing his reflection


    Under the thin fabric of his sleepwear, the toned contours of his upper body are clearly visible. His shoulders are broad and firm, with thick, defined muscles shaped by years of diligent training. His chest exudes strength, while his abdominal muscles are distinctly arranged in tight, chiseled blocks. Even his arms, relaxed at his sides, show veins running along their length


    Kaiser stands still for a moment, letting himself unwind in the quiet. Then, slowly, a faint black mark begins to emerge around his neck - his Stigma


    ''Much better'' he thinks, his gaze softening as he looks at the familiar mark in the mirror. Thanks to Myreni''s patient guidance, Kaiser has learned how to conceal it, a task that requires some concentration. Not having to maintain the disguise now feels like a mental burden lifted, bringing a quiet sense of relief


    After a few moments of stillness, Kaiser picks up a black turtleneck sweater from a nearby chair. The thick, soft fabric fits perfectly on his body. He pulls it on, the high neckline completely covering the Stigma. The sweater hugs his broad shoulders, accentuating his strong yet refined appearance


    Adjusting the collar and slipping on his Mana bracelet, Kaiser heads toward the door, ready to leave his room. He makes his way out of the dormitory


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kaiser notices a letter in the mailbox for room 3-2 and walks over to pick it up


    On the envelope, the name "Zani" is written clearly and neatly, making Kaiser pause for a moment


    ''They replied to my letter this quickly?'' he wonders, feeling a mix of surprise and anticipation.


    With the letter in hand, Kaiser steps outside and finds a bench beneath a tree. He sits down, the gentle morning sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating soft patches of light on the ground. Carefully, he opens the envelope and pulls out the letter


    Zani¡¯s handwriting is neat and sharp yet familiar. Kaiser¡¯s eyes scan the words quickly, and a warm feeling rises in his chest


    ¡°Dear Kaiser


    Farah, Myreni, and I all miss you very much. Even though we can¡¯t meet often, I want you to know that everyone is so proud of you - especially after hearing about your impressive performance in the school¡¯s aptitude test. You¡¯ve done really well¡±


    Kaiser smiles faintly. He can almost hear Zani¡¯s gentle yet firm tone in every word.


    ¡°However, I want to remind you not to let success make you arrogant. Talent is important, but humility and continuous effort are what will take you far. There are many strong individuals out there, and you¡¯ll need to learn how to adapt to every challenge¡±


    ¡°Near your school, there are areas designed to simulate monster dungeons, where creatures tend to make their lairs. These places are not only great for practicing combat skills, but you can also collect drops from the monsters and sell them to earn some extra income. It¡¯s an effective way to learn, train, and prepare for real-life battles¡±


    Kaiser¡¯s eyes light up at this suggestion


    ¡°Whatever you do, please be careful, Kaiser. Your safety is always the most important thing. Write to us whenever you want, and don¡¯t forget that you always have people supporting you from behind¡±


    Zani ends the letter with a brief but heartfelt note, like an older sister¡¯s gentle reminder of care


    Kaiser folds the letter, holding it in his hands for a while as his gaze drifts to the clear blue sky


    ¡°Thank you, Zani¡± he murmurs softly, a smile forming on his lips. Placing the letter into his coat pocket

 Chapter 41: Not A Peaceful Morning

    Kaiser strolls around the school campus, his eyes idly taking in the scenery. The gentle morning breeze brushes past, rustling the leaves and carrying the soft, pleasant scent of flowers and grass. As he walks, he raises his right hand and channels his Mana into the silver bracelet on his wrist. A faint light flickers across a small portion of the bracelet''s surface before quickly fading away


    Suddenly, a loud voice echoes from a distance, shattering the peaceful atmosphere


    "You think you''re better than me?"


    The words make Kaiser stop in his tracks. He turns toward the source of the sound and sees three male students standing around a young girl. The scene immediately catches his attention


    ¡®Such an arrogant tone... Bullying?¡¯ Kaiser thinks to himself, narrowing his eyes


    The three boys, exuding an air of arrogance, have surrounded the pink-haired girl. One of them, seemingly the leader, stands directly in front of her, shouting


    "You think beating me in a duel is something to be proud of? That was just because I wasn¡¯t prepared, and you simply got lucky! A commoner like you could never compare to us nobles!"


    The girl, her eyes cast downward, meekly responds in a trembling voice


    "I... I''m sorry... it was my fault..."


    Her weak response only fuels Kaiser¡¯s irritation. He observes the scene more closely and quickly recognizes something


    ''Are they talking about Lily¡¯s duel?'' Kaiser wonders, his eyes landing on the pink-haired girl ''Looking closer, yeah, that¡¯s her. I¡¯ve seen her before'' His gaze shifts to the three boys ''As for them¡­ no idea. I didn¡¯t pay much attention''


    The girl remains still, her shoulders trembling under the weight of their harsh words. The boys continue their verbal assault, using their noble status to intimidate her


    "Your illusion magic is nothing but a cheap trick" the leader sneers "If I had been properly prepared, do you really think you¡¯d stand a chance? What a joke!"


    The girl clenches her hands tightly but says nothing more, simply repeating


    "I''m... sorry..."


    Kaiser watches the scene unfold, his sharp eyes flashing with dissatisfaction


    ¡®This is so aggravating¡¯ he thinks silently, his frustration building


    Without hesitation, Kaiser steps forward with a casual yet confident demeanor. The sound of his footsteps on the stone pavement draws the group''s attention


    ¡°What¡¯s all the noise about?¡± Kaiser asks, his deep, steady voice carrying an unmistakable weight


    The three boys turn around, their expressions briefly showing surprise at the sight of Kaiser. The leader frowns, trying to appear calm, but his voice betrays his lack of confidenceThis book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°This has nothing to do with you. It¡¯s just a matter between us and this girl¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Kaiser raises an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the three boys before landing on the pink-haired girl


    ¡°I don¡¯t think bullying someone just because she beat you in a duel is the right thing to do, especially when you¡¯re using your noble status to intimidate others¡±


    ¡°You...!¡± The leader clenches his fists, his face turning red with anger and embarrassment. ¡°This isn¡¯t your business! Stay out of it!¡±


    Kaiser smiles faintly, unfazed by the boy¡¯s defiant words. He steps closer to the group, his confidence radiating with every step


    ¡°Oh, but I think I¡¯m perfectly suited to get involved in this situation¡± Kaiser says, his voice calm yet sharp


    The leader swallows hard as Kaiser draws nearer


    ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°Just a commoner¡± Kaiser replies, stopping right in front of him. He places a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder - gentle but firm, carrying an undeniable weight


    ¡°My life has been pretty lucky... And,¡± Kaiser leans in slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto the boy¡¯s wavering gaze


    ¡°I¡¯m absolutely certain I can beat you¡±


    Kaiser¡¯s smile widens, but the sharpness in his eyes makes the boy feel an overwhelming pressure. The proximity and Kaiser¡¯s taller frame further emphasize the difference in their presence


    The leader freezes for a moment, hesitation filling his eyes. He¡¯s already seen Kaiser¡¯s combat abilities when he faced Lily, so he¡¯s well aware of the vast gap in their skills


    Kaiser chuckles softly, his gaze growing even more intense


    ¡°I don¡¯t like seeing people bully the weak, especially when you¡¯re clearly using your numbers to act tough. If you want, we can settle this another way¡±


    Hearing Kaiser¡¯s challenging tone, the three boys falter. They exchange uncertain glances before turning back to Kaiser with awkward expressions


    ¡°Fine! We don¡¯t need to waste our time with someone like you¡± the leader mutters, then looks at the pink-haired girl ¡°This time, we¡¯ll let it go, but don¡¯t think this is over!¡±


    The three boys quickly turn and walk away, their hurried steps betraying their eagerness to leave the scene, leaving the pink-haired girl standing there, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion


    ¡°Typical nobles¡± Kaiser murmurs, his eyes following their retreating figures


    ¡°Arrogant, entitled, rude...¡± Memories of unpleasant encounters with noble children at the palace flash through his mind.


    He pauses for a moment, then shrugs and smiles slightly


    ¡°Though I suppose that¡¯s not all of them¡±


    Turning back, Kaiser¡¯s gaze softens as he looks at the girl in front of him. Now, up close, he can see her more clearly. She¡¯s petite and slightly frail, her long, pale pink hair slightly messy, with loose strands partially obscuring her eyes


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kaiser asks gently, his voice no longer cold as before


    The girl lifts her head, her eyes flickering with a mix of surprise and gratitude


    ¡°I¡­ thank you so much¡­¡± Her voice is soft and trembling


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± Kaiser replies, a faint smile tugging at his lips ¡°But next time, don¡¯t bow and apologize to people like that. You defeated them fairly, and you have nothing to be sorry for¡±


    The girl nods slightly, her lips pressing together as she tries to muster a smile, though it¡¯s still a bit shy. Kaiser watches her for a moment, unsure how to comfort her further. He lightly pats her shoulder


    ¡°I¡¯ll go now. See you tomorrow¡± He then turns and walks away


    The pink-haired girl remains rooted in place, her eyes following Kaiser¡¯s retreating figure until he disappears from view. After a moment, she slowly raises her hand to her shoulder, gently touching the spot where he had placed his hand. Her lips move as if to say something, but the words never come. Instead, a faint smile graces her tired face

 Chapter 42: Lily’s Class

    Kaiser and Amelia are attending the course of Symbolism and Ancient Magical Runes


    The professor for this class is an elderly woman with silver hair neatly tied back. She has a deep, steady voice and a composed demeanor, making the lecture far more engaging than Kaiser had expected. On the board, she uses colored chalk to draw intricate, winding ancient runes, carefully explaining how they were used in ancient magical matrices


    "These symbols" she gestures toward a row of complex characters "are not just mere writings. They carry specific magical vibrations. If understood and applied correctly, they can enhance magical circles and even activate ancient relics"


    Kaiser stares at the board, his brows slightly furrowed. These runes... they look like a puzzle waiting to be solved. He flips through his textbook, trying to match them with the professor¡¯s explanations


    Beside him, Amelia diligently takes notes, occasionally pausing to think. When she notices Kaiser¡¯s puzzled expression, she chuckles softly


    "You look like you''re struggling" She nudges his arm playfully


    "It¡¯s not that bad" Kaiser turns a few more pages


    "It¡¯s just¡­ some of these runes seem familiar. I feel like I¡¯ve seen them somewhere before"


    Amelia leans in slightly, her eyes scanning his book


    "Really? Maybe you came across them in some ancient ruins?"


    Kaiser glances at her with a helpless expression


    "I haven''t even left the city"


    Amelia just laughs awkwardly, unsure how to respond.


    Kaiser ponders for a moment but decides to set aside his thoughts as the professor assigns a practical exercise. The class splits into small groups, attempting to draw simple magic circles using enchanted chalk on wooden desks, then channeling mana to activate them. Some circles emit a faint glow, while others show no reaction at all


    After class ends, Kaiser spends the rest of his day in the academy¡¯s training hall


    ¡ª


    The next morning, Kaiser steps into Class 1-C, preparing for Lily¡¯s lesson. The classroom is still filled with lively chatter, but the moment the door opens and Lily appears, the atmosphere shifts instantlyIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Silence engulfs the room


    As always, Lily carries an invisible pressure that compels everyone to be serious at once. She wears a neatly fitted black suit over a gray dress shirt. Her black hair and sharp, piercing eyes exude an icy presence


    ¡­.


    "As I mentioned in the last lesson, today we will go over the key elements needed for our upcoming practical training"


    Lily places one hand on the desk, leaning forward slightly. Her voice is not loud, but it is clear and authoritative


    "First and foremost, in combat, you must know how to read the situation and react quickly. Observing the battle, assessing the terrain, and evaluating the number and capabilities of your opponents are crucial. A single mistake can be costly..."


    ¡­.


    "Utilizing the environment and flexible tactics is the key to gaining an advantage. Do not rely solely on brute force - using the terrain, obstacles, and even the weather can shift the tide of battle. When facing a stronger opponent, look for openings instead of charging in recklessly. A well-placed strike is worth more than a hundred meaningless attacks"


    She steps aside, crossing her arms over her chest, her sharp gaze sweeping across the classroom as if evaluating each student


    "Psychological control and teamwork are also essential. Keeping calm in battle prevents unnecessary mistakes, and effective coordination can turn the tide of a fight. Assign roles wisely between offense, defense, and support"


    Lily walks to the board and writes in bold letters: Combat is intelligence, not just strength


    "Lastly, know how to manage your energy. Overuse will leave you drained and an easy target. Allocate your energy wisely - only use it when truly necessary. Fight smart, not recklessly."


    She sets the chalk down on the desk, her eyes scanning the class one last time before speaking again


    "A great warrior is not the strongest - but the one who stands the longest"


    She pauses, allowing her words to sink in, then continues


    "That concludes today¡¯s lesson. Starting next week, we will move on to practical training, beginning with energy control and regulation"


    She heads toward the door but stops briefly before leaving, adding one final remark:


    "If you want to prepare in advance, start by reinforcing your Mana shield - a strong shield that does not drain your Mana unnecessarily"


    Without waiting for a response, Lily leaves the room, leaving behind a brief silence before the chatter resumes


    Amelia rests her chin on her hand, absentmindedly saying


    "Isn''t everything she said just common sense?"


    Kaiser glances at her and shrugs slightly


    "It may sound simple, but in real combat, you might not realize or apply it correctly"He says then flicks Amelia¡¯s forehead, making her flinch


    "You fool, think back to your last match. If you had considered what she said, would you have done any better?"


    Amelia rubs her forehead, mumbling


    "Now that you mention it... Although I won, I did make quite a few mistakes"


    As they continue their conversation, a hesitant voice speaks up from behind them


    "Kaiser, are you free later?"


    Both turn around. Kaiser squints, taking a second to recognize the speaker


    ''Isn''t that the pink-haired girl from yesterday?''


    Standing before them is the girl with long, messy pink hair and pale skin. There''s one noticeable difference from yesterday - her bangs have been neatly tucked to the side, revealing a red eye with faint dark circles beneath it


    "Can you come with me? There''s something I need to talk to you about" Her voice is soft, carrying a hint of urgency

 Chapter 43: An Simple Request

    "Can you come with me? There''s something I need to talk to you about"


    Standing right next to Kaiser, Amelia furrowed her brows in suspicion. She glanced at Kaiser before quickly turning her gaze back to the unfamiliar girl standing before them


    "Who is she?" Amelia tilted her head as she asked


    Kaiser glanced at Amelia and answered simply


    "I just met her yesterd-"


    He hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when the pink-haired girl suddenly stepped forward with an urgent look


    A thin yet cold hand grabbed onto Kaiser¡¯s wrist


    The unexpected touch made his body tense for a brief moment. But his reflexes were faster - before the situation could escalate, he immediately withdrew his hand, took a step back, and maintained some distance


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing?!"


    Amelia¡¯s voice rang out, sharper than usual. She quickly moved in front of Kaiser, standing like an unwavering shield. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto the pink-haired girl, filled with caution


    The girl flinched at the reaction, like a small animal cornered against a wall. She clutched the fabric of her clothes tightly, lowering her head


    "I-I just wanted to talk to him¡­" Her voice trembled, as if it could break at any moment.


    Kaiser silently observed her for a few seconds. Then, he took a deep breath and gently placed a reassuring hand on Amelia¡¯s shoulder


    "It¡¯s okay"


    Amelia didn¡¯t take her eyes off the girl, but after a moment, she reluctantly stepped back a little. However, she shot Mary a sharp glare before turning away, still keeping a close watch


    Kaiser took a small step forward but maintained a careful distance


    "What do you want to talk about?"This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The girl looked up at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. A faint smile flickered across her lips - so brief it was almost imperceptible.


    "Somewhere else¡­ just the two of us¡­"


    "What?"


    "Come with me. I have a few things I want to ask you."


    Her voice remained gentle, but there was something in her gaze that made Kaiser uneasy


    She stepped closer, as if trying to erase the distance between them, her eyes never leaving his for even a second.


    Amelia¡¯s frown deepened. Something felt off


    "Kaiser, you don¡¯t have to-"


    But before Amelia could finish her protest, Kaiser nodded


    "Alright"


    He turned to Amelia, his hand resting on her shoulder once again, his voice calm


    "It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll be back soon"


    Amelia bit her lip but said nothing more. She stepped back, though her eyes remained locked on Mary with wary vigilance


    Kaiser followed Mary to a secluded corner of the classroom, where most of the students had already left


    Once they arrived, Kaiser stopped and crossed his arms over his chest


    "Alright, what is it you wanted to talk about?"


    The pink-haired girl pressed her lips together


    "Um¡­"


    She hesitated, her gaze flickering, hands clutching the hem of her clothes as if struggling internally


    "¡­"


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, waiting


    "Umm¡­"


    "¡­"


    Kaiser exhaled slightly, about to speak when Mary suddenly lifted her head. A strange glimmer flashed in her red eyes


    "C-Can you teach me how to make my Mana Shield stronger?"


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow, staring at her


    ''Teach her?'' he thought


    He crossed his arms and studied the girl standing before him. He remained silent for a moment before responding


    "If you want to improve your Mana Shield, there are plenty of books on the subject. It¡¯s a common skill, so you should be able to learn by reading a few instruction manuals."


    Mary blinked, her small hands unconsciously tightening their grip on her clothes. A brief hesitation flashed across her face before she lowered her head, her voice shrinking.


    "I¡­ I''m not good at self-studying"


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow slightly. That excuse sounded simple enough, yet something about it didn¡¯t sit right. If she truly wanted to improve, wouldn¡¯t she have at least tried reading books first? Asking a complete stranger like him for help seemed¡­ strange.


    Why was she asking him?


    Kaiser observed her more closely


    Despite her disheveled appearance, there was no mistaking the anticipation gleaming in her red eyes. Or at least, that¡¯s what it appeared to be on the surface.


    "What¡¯s your name?" he asked instead of giving an immediate answer


    "M-Mary¡­ Mary Blossom" she responded hesitantly


    "Blossom?" Kaiser furrowed his brows


    "I thought you weren¡¯t a noble?"


    Mary lowered her head slightly, her fingers gripping her clothes even tighter


    "I¡¯m¡­ a Illegitimate child"


    Silence stretched between them for a few seconds


    Kaiser could see the tension in her shoulders, as if every word she spoke was reopening an old wound. Yet, even so, Mary still lifted her head, forcing herself to meet his gaze, as if waiting for something


    After a brief pause, Kaiser sighed lightly


    "Alright, I¡¯ll help you"


    Mary blinked, as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she had just heard


    A faint, almost imperceptible smile crossed her lips

 Chapter 44: A Day

    "But I''m busy at noon, so I probably won''t be able to train with you then"


    "So, would you rather train in the evening or on the weekend?" Kaiser asks


    "Tonight" Mary replies quickly, her warm voice tinged with anticipation


    "Alright then. Let''s meet at 7 PM at the training area in the east wing"


    "I''ll remember that" Mary says with a slight smirk, her red eyes fixed intently on Kaiser


    Kaiser studied Mary for a moment, sensing both expectation and a hint of nervousness in her gaze


    "I''ll be going now" he says before turning back toward Amelia


    Mary remained standing in place, watching his retreating figure. Her eyes didn''t blink, as if she was trying to memorize every small movement of Kaiser. A gentle breeze swept through, causing a few strands of her pink hair to flutter in the air


    "7 PM tonight..."


    ¡ª-


    As soon as Kaiser returned to Amelia, she crossed her arms over her chest, her sharp gaze scrutinizing him


    "What did she say to you?" Amelia''s tone was a bit blunt, clearly displeased about his conversation with the pink-haired girl


    "Mary asked me to teach her how to strengthen her Mana Shield" Kaiser calmly replied


    "Her name is Mary?" Amelia raised an eyebrow as if committing the name to memory


    "Mary Blossom. That¡¯s her full name"


    Upon hearing that, Amelia immediately fell into thought, mumbling as if trying to deduce something


    "The Blossom family is a Marquess household, so their descendants must attend a lot of noble gatherings. But¡­" She tilted her head, suspicion flashing in her eyes "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen her at any of those events"


    Kaiser slowly nodded before speaking softly


    "She¡¯s an illegitimate child"


    " :0 " Amelia was caught off guard by his words.


    "¡­That makes sense" She finally spoke cautiously, as if not wanting to say anything too sensitiveStolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    But she quickly changed the subject


    "So, how do you plan to train her?"


    Kaiser thought for a moment before answering


    "I was thinking of training with her tonight, after visiting Helen"


    "Tonight?" Amelia frowned slightly


    Kaiser nodded. He could tell Amelia wasn¡¯t thrilled about the idea, but in the end, she just sighed and didn¡¯t say anything more


    Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Kaiser flashed a light smile


    "Anyway, let¡¯s go eat now."


    Amelia blinked, then nodded


    "Yeah, it¡¯s about time"


    "But I don¡¯t want to eat in the cafeteria"


    Kaiser turned to her, surprised "Why not?"


    "Merias" Amelia crossed her arms, her expression clearly showing displeasure


    Kaiser chuckled


    "You really don¡¯t like her, huh?"


    "Of course not! That blonde girl is way too friendly - it makes me feel like an introvert just standing next to her!" Amelia pouted


    The sight made Kaiser unable to resist, he reached out and ruffled her hair


    But the moment he touched Amelia¡¯s head, she immediately reacted. First, she was caught off guard, but within seconds, she grabbed his wrist with both hands and glared at him


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    "Don¡¯t blame me. It¡¯s your fault for being too cute" Kaiser laughs


    Hearing that, Amelia froze for a second before suddenly turning away, trying to hide her face, which had turned bright red


    "You always act like I¡¯m younger than you! We¡¯re the same age!" she stammered


    Then, to cover up her embarrassment, Amelia lightly punched Kaiser¡¯s chest


    Kaiser chuckled at her reaction, then walked with Amelia toward the cafeteria for lunch. And, of course, in the end, their meal still included Merias


    After lunch, Kaiser and Amelia went to visit Helen and her father. The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere


    After spending a peaceful afternoon, Kaiser and Amelia left to return to campus


    On the way back, Amelia suddenly spoke up


    "Hey, Kaiser, now that I think about it, why did Mary ask you to teach her how to strengthen her Mana Shield?"


    "Couldn¡¯t she just read a book?"


    "She said she¡¯s not good at learning from books, so she wanted me to help her" He replies


    Amelia remained silent for a few seconds, then stole a glance at Kaiser, a small trace of doubt surfacing in her mind. But in the end, she kept her thoughts to herself


    ¡­


    After parting ways with Kaiser and returning to the girls'' dormitory, Amelia didn''t go straight to her room. Instead, she turned into a secluded corner where no one else was around


    Her voice became noticeably more serious as she spoke softly


    "One, come here"


    Immediately, a shadowy figure appeared - dressed entirely in black. A calm, steady voice belonging to a woman echoed


    "What are your orders, Princess?"


    Amelia stared directly at the figure before her, her sharp gaze a stark contrast to the adorable girl from earlier that day


    "Have someone investigate Mary Blossom. It seems she¡¯s an illegitimate child of that family"


    "Understood, Your Highness" The black-clad figure bowed before vanishing into the darkness


    Amelia remained still for a moment before turning back toward the girls'' dormitory, as if nothing had happened


    ¡­


    At that moment, Kaiser was on his way back to the male dormitory. But as he neared the building, a familiar figure caught his eye.


    ''Mary?''


    He was surprised to see her sitting on a bench near the dormitory. Her messy pink hair still covered one of her eyes, while the remaining crimson eye stared blankly into the distance


    As Kaiser approached, Mary turned to look at him


    "Oh, Kaiser!" Her face lit up


    "Hey, Mary" Kaiser smiled


    "What are you doing here? Didn¡¯t we agree to meet at the training area?"


    Mary hesitated, lowering her head as her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her shirt


    "I-I just¡­ didn¡¯t have anything to do today, so I thought¡­ I¡¯d just wait for you here."

 Chapter 45: Helping Mary

    Kaiser raised a hand to his face, letting out a quiet sigh, feeling helpless by the pink-haired girl standing before him. Mary still had that shy expression, her crimson eyes flickering slightly, as if she was nervous about something


    ''Had she really been sitting here waiting for him all afternoon?''


    Kaiser studied Mary for a moment before frowning, sensing that something was off. Slowly, he asked


    "What about your friends? Why didn¡¯t you hang out with them?"


    Mary flinched slightly at the question. She lowered her gaze, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt


    "I¡­ I haven¡¯t made any friends yet" Her voice grew quieter, tinged with embarrassment


    Kaiser fell silent, feeling even more helpless


    ''Of course. He sighed inwardly, rubbing his temple. If she had friends, she wouldn¡¯t be sitting here alone just to wait for me''


    Kaiser observed her for a while, and then a thought crossed his mind.


    Mary had no friends, which meant he was probably the closest person to her right now. On top of that, considering their previous encounter - when he had helped her fend off those bullies - it was likely that she saw him as someone reliable.


    Besides¡­ even though it sounded a bit arrogant, Kaiser was well aware that he was quite good-looking


    ''Could she actually like me?''


    He sneaked a glance at Mary, who stood there looking both flustered and expectant


    ''But then again, maybe she just wanted to make a friend''


    Either way, he needed to be sure


    Clearing his throat, he pushed aside his swirling thoughts and said


    "Wait here for a bit"


    Mary lifted her head, tilting it slightly


    "I''m going to go get ready, and then we¡¯ll head to the training hall like we planned" Kaiser said with a faint smile


    Mary blinked before nodding, her face seemingly brightening a little


    "Okay! I¡¯ll wait for you"


    Giving her one last nod, Kaiser turned and walked into the male dormitory


    Mary watched his back as he disappeared inside, then let out a quiet breath. She lowered her head, clasping her hands together on her lap, her palms slightly damp with nervous sweat. She wasn¡¯t even sure if she was anxious or excited anymore - all she knew was that her heart was beating faster than usual.


    By now, the sky had begun to take on a soft shade of orange as the sun set. The golden light bathed the academy¡¯s courtyard, casting everything in a warm glow


    Not long after, the dormitory door opened again


    Kaiser stepped outside, no longer dressed in his usual uniform. He now wore a simple white tank top, revealing his toned arms and well-proportioned physique. A small towel was draped over his shoulder, likely to wipe off sweat during training


    Mary¡¯s eyes widened slightly, and for some reason, her face felt a little warm


    Kaiser approached her with his usual relaxed demeanor. His dark hair was slightly tousled from changing clothes, but that only made him look even more effortless and natural. He isn''t wearing his glasses because they would be quite clunky during practice


    "I''m ready" he said, his voice calm yet gentle


    Mary quickly shot up from her seat the moment she heard him, nearly tripping over the bench in her haste


    "O-okay" she stammered, her voice a little softer than usual


    Kaiser chuckled at her reaction but didn¡¯t tease her. Instead, he gave a slight nod and started walking ahead. Mary quickly followed, keeping just close enough to stay by his side


    Together, they headed toward the training hall


    The atmosphere between them wasn¡¯t exactly silent, but neither of them rushed to speak. Mary felt as if all the surrounding sounds had faded away, leaving only the rhythm of their footsteps on the stone-paved path


    That was until they arrived


    The academy¡¯s training hall was a vast space, specifically designed to withstand powerful magical attacks. Because of that, it was always bustling with students training, whether it was day or night


    The moment Kaiser and Mary stepped inside, numerous eyes immediately turned toward them


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Kaiser attracted attention. Not only did he have a striking appearance, but he was also one of the most talented students in the academy. However, this time, the gazes around them weren¡¯t just focused on him but also on the girl walking beside him


    Mary could feel the scrutiny from all directions, and her hands instinctively tightened around the hem of her shirt


    Kaiser glanced at her briefly, quickly noticing the tension on her face. Without saying anything, he quietly scanned the area and soon spotted a more secluded corner where fewer people would pay attention to them


    ¡°Let¡¯s go over there¡± he said softly, stepping forward to lead the way


    Mary flinched slightly but quickly nodded and followed closely behind himThis story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Once they reached the quieter spot, the surrounding atmosphere became a little more comfortable


    Kaiser set his towel aside before turning back to Mary


    ¡°All right, first, create your Mana shield as you normally would¡± he instructed


    Mary nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her crimson eye glowed faintly, and tiny blue particles of light appeared around her, quickly forming a thin protective layer around her body


    Kaiser observed for a moment before calmly commenting


    ¡°Your Mana shield is too thin and seems unstable. If you take a strong hit, it will break easily¡±


    ¡°I thought so too¡­ But I don¡¯t know how to improve it¡±


    ¡°The problem lies in your control over the Mana flow¡± Kaiser said, crossing his arms as he considered his words


    ¡°Think of Mana as a stream of water flowing around your body. If the flow is too weak, the shield will be thin and fragile. If it¡¯s too strong and uncontrolled, it will become unstable. The key is maintaining balance¡±


    Mary listened intently, her crimson eye reflecting deep concentration


    Kaiser raised his hand in front of him, and a soft blue wave of Mana spread from his palm, quickly forming a protective layer around his body


    ¡°Watch closely¡± he said, deliberately slowing down the process so Mary could follow. ¡°My shield isn¡¯t just standing still. The Mana forming it circulates continuously, like a flowing stream¡±


    Mary focused on the Mana shield surrounding Kaiser. Unlike hers, his was thicker, clearer, and showed no signs of instability


    ¡°You see how your Mana isn¡¯t staying still?¡± Kaiser asked.


    Mary nodded


    ¡°Yeah¡­ It¡¯s like it¡¯s moving slightly, like a small river¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡± Kaiser said with a faint smile


    ¡°Now, try again. Imagine it as a continuous flow¡±


    Mary took a deep breath, her crimson eye glowing once more


    She tried to imagine the Mana flowing within her body as a small stream, letting it move naturally instead of simply forming a static barrier


    Once again, faint blue light particles appeared, gradually covering her. But this time, instead of being thin and unstable, the Mana shield began to circulate slightly


    Seeing that her shield was more stable than before, her eyes lit up with joy


    ¡°I¡­ I did it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still not perfect¡± Kaiser shook his head, though his tone carried a hint of praise


    ¡°Now, you need to reinforce it. Increase the flow speed slightly, but don¡¯t let it get out of control¡±


    Kaiser crossed his arms, watching Mary take steady breaths after her first attempt. He nodded in approval at her progress


    ¡°You did well, but I¡¯ll show you another thing you can do¡± he said


    ¡°You can layer the Mana¡±


    Mary blinked, looking a bit confused


    ¡°Layer it?¡±


    Kaiser nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. Instead of forming a single large shield, you can fold it into multiple overlapping layers. This increases its durability, making it harder to break. But¡­ it¡¯s also much more difficult because it requires complete control¡±


    Mary bit her lip


    ¡°That sounds¡­ complicated¡±


    Kaiser smiled


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny that. But if you want to get stronger, it¡¯s necessary"


    He raised his hand again, activating his Mana shield once more. But this time, Mary noticed something different - rather than just a simple protective layer, Kaiser¡¯s Mana shield had faint ripples, multiple layers stacked seamlessly over one another


    ¡°See?¡± Kaiser explained


    ¡°I don¡¯t just stop at one layer. By folding and layering Mana, each layer reinforces the others¡±


    Mary watched closely, admiration shining in her eyes


    ¡°How do you keep it stable?¡±


    ¡°It takes a lot of control¡± Kaiser deactivated his shield and looked directly at Mary


    ¡°But more importantly, you need to understand your Mana flow. If you can control it well like I showed you earlier, you¡¯re already halfway there"


    Mary took a deep breath and nodded


    "All right¡­ I¡¯ll try!¡±


    She closed her eyes, focusing on the Mana flow in her body. The blue shield gradually formed around her again. This time, she attempted to fold it, trying to create a second layer.


    However, the moment it took shape, her Mana shield wavered violently, losing stability and nearly shattering


    Mary opened her eyes, panting


    ¡°This is hard¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone struggles at first¡± Kaiser reassured her gently


    ¡°Your problem is that the layers aren¡¯t even. You need to concentrate on the folds - if they¡¯re too unstable, the entire shield will collapse¡±


    Mary looked up and saw the encouragement in Kaiser¡¯s eyes, feeling a warmth rise within her


    She clenched her fists, her gaze turning determined


    ¡°I¡¯ll try again!¡±


    Kaiser chuckled softly, sensing the resolve in her voice. However, as he observed her more closely, he noticed an issue, Mary¡¯s long pink hair kept falling over her face whenever she channeled Mana, making it harder for her to focus


    Stepping closer, he said gently


    "Mary, your hair is getting in the way¡±


    Mary blinked and awkwardly tucked her hair behind her ear


    ¡°Yeah¡­ But I didn¡¯t bring a hair tie¡±


    Kaiser thought for a moment, then smiled lightly


    ¡°You won¡¯t need one. I¡¯ll help¡±


    Mary was startled, but before she could react, Kaiser had already moved behind her. With careful hands, he gathered her silky pink hair and used a long strand to tie it into a simple yet secure ponytail, revealing both of her crimson eyes. He is very skilled at this since he had tied Amelia''s hair many times


    Mary stiffened slightly, feeling a bit flustered at the warmth of Kaiser¡¯s hands on her hair


    ¡°Done¡± He stepped back, inspecting his handiwork


    ¡°This should be less distracting now¡±


    Mary reached up, touching her neatly tied hair, feeling how much more convenient it was


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± she murmured, her face slightly flushed


    Kaiser simply shrugged


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get back to training¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Mary refocused on strengthening her Mana shield . Meanwhile, Kaiser stepped aside and began practicing his own Mana techniques


    After some time, when he finished his exercises, Kaiser turned back and was surprised to see that Mary had managed to maintain two layers of Mana shield simultaneously


    The blue glow of her shield surrounded her steadily, with visible Mana ripples stacked on top of each other. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, but she held her form, keeping the shield from collapsing


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow before a satisfied smile appeared on his lips


    ¡°Not bad. You did it¡±


    Mary opened her eyes and realized her shield was still intact, no longer trembling like before. She grinned brightly


    ¡°I really did it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡± Kaiser nodded


    ¡°You¡¯re improving faster than I expected¡±


    Mary laughed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. But before she could say more, Kaiser glanced at the clock on the wall and noticed how much time had passed


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late. We should head back¡± He stretched slightly


    Mary looked around and finally realized that the training hall had become much emptier. She nodded in agreement and left with Kaiser


    As they stepped outside, Kaiser pulled out the small towel he had brought earlier and used it to wipe the sweat from his neck and arms


    Mary walked beside him, quietly watching


    The sweat glistened under the lights, trailing down Kaiser¡¯s toned skin as he casually wiped it away. The unintentional yet natural motion made Mary feel¡­ strangely unsettled in her chest

 Chapter 46: Morning Outing

    "Kaiser, look!"


    Helen''s clear voice rings out with excitement, her amethyst eyes shimmering like a gemstone reflecting the sunlight. She raises her hand, pointing towards a small street stall selling golden, toasted pastries, their melted cream filling enticingly visible from the inside


    Kaiser quirks a small smile, following her gaze. The sweet aroma wafting from the stall is tempting, and even he feels drawn to it


    This morning, at Helen¡¯s suggestion, the two of them decided to take a stroll through the city¡¯s morning market. With no particular plans in mind, he agreed without hesitation. And now, seeing the radiant expression on her face, he quietly thinks that this decision wasn¡¯t a bad one at all


    Kaiser is wearing a cream-colored turtleneck sweater paired with simple black trousers, subtly emphasizing his tall frame. His dark hair falls gently around his refined features, and the round glasses perched on his nose give him a softer appearance than usual


    But what captures his attention the most is not the lively scenery of the market, it¡¯s Helen


    Today, she looks different. No longer the small girl with slightly messy hair and simple clothes, Helen now wears a soft lilac dress, its flowing fabric. Her short purple hair is neatly brushed, with strands gently framing her delicate face, accentuating her fair skin and vibrant eyes


    Even though she is still seated in her familiar wheelchair, today she carries a brighter aura, eager to explore everything new


    ¡°Do you want to try one?¡± Kaiser asks, his tone subtly gentle as he notices her focused gaze on the pastry stall


    Helen nods immediately


    ¡°I can have one, right?¡±


    Kaiser chuckles, bending slightly to meet her eyes


    ¡°Of course. Wait here for a moment¡±


    He steps toward the stall, quickly purchasing two pastries before returning and handing one to Helen. She takes it with both hands, cradling the warm treat as if it were a treasure


    Taking her first bite, her eyes widen with delight


    ¡°It¡¯s so good!¡±


    Kaiser leans slightly against the handle of her wheelchair, arms crossed, watching her enjoy the pastry. The sight amuses him, and he lets out a soft laugh


    Helen looks up at him, her cheeks puffed slightly from the food still in her mouth. The image makes her resemble a little squirrel nibbling on a nut.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    They continue strolling through the market, with Helen unable to hide her excitement. She curiously observes everything around her, from the vibrant flower stalls to the fresh fruit vendors. Occasionally, she points out something interesting, her eyes sparkling as if she has discovered a hidden treasure. Kaiser simply listens, smiling patiently at her small but enthusiastic stories


    However, as he slowly pushes Helen¡¯s wheelchair down a quieter street, a familiar figure catches his eye amid the bustling crowd


    ''Merias? ''


    His gaze lands on a person wearing a long black cloak, the hood pulled low as if to conceal their identity. But despite the disguise, the strands of golden hair peeking out from beneath the fabric are far too distinct. And those sharp golden eyes - Kaiser could never mistake them, even in passing.


    Merias Goldwyn


    As if sensing his gaze, Merias glances up. For a brief moment, her golden eyes meet his. Surprise flickers across her face, but it vanishes almost instantly, replaced by a sly smile


    She lifts a single finger to her lips, tilting her head slightly - a playful yet enigmatic gesture "Keep this a secret for me, okay?"


    Kaiser raises an eyebrow, but before he can say anything, Merias turns away, quickly disappearing into the crowd


    He exhales, shaking his head


    ''Why do noble girls love sneaking out so much?'' he muses, before resuming his stroll with Helen


    But as it turns out, this unexpected encounter isn¡¯t the last surprise of the morning


    ¡°K-Kaiser, hello¡±


    A soft, slightly hesitant voice calls from behind them


    Both Kaiser and Helen turn around at the same time


    ¡°Mary?¡±


    Standing before them is a familiar girl with violet hair, but today, she looks a little different


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kaiser asks, mild surprise flickering in his eyes


    Mary lowers her head slightly, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress. Her voice is tinged with a hint of shyness


    ¡°I¡­ I just got a haircut¡±


    Hearing that, Kaiser finally notices the clear change


    Her once long, slightly unkempt hair is now trimmed shorter, tied neatly into a small ponytail, revealing her striking crimson eyes. Her face appears brighter, carrying a fresh vitality absent before


    Kaiser observes her for a moment before smiling


    ¡°This hairstyle suits you¡±


    The moment he says it, Mary immediately ducks her head lower. Her small hands clutch the fabric of her dress tightly, and no matter how much she tries to hide it, the tips of her ears are turning visibly red


    ¡°Th-Thank you¡­¡±


    She quickly changes the subject


    ¡°Um, what are you two doing here?¡±


    Kaiser replies casually


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a morning walk with Helen.


    Mary nods slightly, her gaze briefly lingering on Helen before offering a small smile


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t keep you two any longer.¡±


    She bows her head slightly. ¡°See you later.¡±


    Helen beams and waves


    ¡°Goodbye¡±


    Kaiser nods as well


    "Take care.¡±


    Mary turns and walks away, her small figure gradually disappearing into the flow of people. Kaiser watches her for a moment before glancing back at Helen, continuing their peaceful morning outing

 Chapter 47: Team Fight

    The second week of the semester had officially begun, which meant that Lily''s practice sessions would now take place


    Kaiser was currently standing in a corner of the training ground, fully prepared with his gear on. He wore a tight-fitting black training shirt that allowed for easy movement, paired with flexible long pants


    He simply stood there quietly, observing his surroundings, until a small figure with familiar pink hair approached him


    He immediately recognized her


    "Oh, good morning, Mary"


    The petite girl stopped in front of him, her sparkling red eyes showing a hint of shyness


    "G-good morning, Kaiser"


    Since she had cut her hair, Kaiser had noticed a clear change in her appearance. Today, she looked much more refreshed. Her pink hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail, revealing her delicate face, which appeared rosier than before. Her red eyes also seemed brighter than they had in the past. In her hands, she held a rather long magic staff


    Kaiser gave a slight smile


    "You seem full of energy today"


    Mary instinctively reached up to touch the end of her ponytail, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment


    "I think I should prepare properly"


    He nodded in agreement


    "A good idea. Practical combat isn''t the same as theory - being well-prepared is always an advantage"


    Hearing this, Mary furrowed her brows slightly


    "I''m just worried that I''m still not good enough. Yesterday, I practiced controlling my Mana Shield some more, but I still don''t feel like it''s quite right..."


    Just as the two were talking, another voice suddenly interrupted them


    "Good morning, Kaiser"


    Both Kaiser and Mary turned around at the same time


    A girl with soft platinum hair and sharp blue eyes was approaching them. It was none other than Amelia


    When she saw Kaiser talking with Mary, Amelia''s eyes narrowed slightly for a brief moment. But she quickly regained her usual calm demeanor and continued walking forward


    "Good morning, Amelia" Kaiser responded naturally


    Amelia stopped right between the two, as if unintentionally, but in doing so, she subtly increased the distance between Mary and Kaiser


    She glanced at Mary briefly before turning to Kaiser, her tone seemingly casual but carrying an undertone that was hard to read


    "What were you two talking about?"


    Mary blinked hesitantly but eventually answered


    "We were just discussing today''s practice session"


    "Is that so?" Amelia replied


    While Kaiser, Mary, and Amelia were still talking, a familiar voice rang out, drawing everyone''s attention


    "Alright, everyone, gather around!"


    The voice, both authoritative and gentle, belonged to Lily


    She stepped onto the training ground with a calm demeanor, yet she radiated an overwhelming sharpness. As always, her black hair and sharp black eyes gave off an air of confidence


    "Today, we will be learning about teamwork in combat"


    Her voice was clear and filled with certainty


    "Not all battles are one-on-one. In reality, teamwork is often the key to victory. So, today''s training will focus on how well you can work together with your teammates"


    She paused briefly, her sharp gaze sweeping across the students who were listening intently


    "We will form teams of three. And your challenge for today¡­ is to fight me"


    For a brief moment, silence enveloped the training ground before murmurs broke out among the students.


    "Going up against Miss Lily?"


    "Three of us against just her?"


    "That doesn''t seem fair¡­ but in the opposite direction"


    Lily merely gave a slight smile, unfazed by their reactions


    "Once you''ve formed a team of three, come to me to begin your training.


    Right after she spoke, Kaiser quickly noticed a subtle change in the air - a quiet surge of energy spreading across the training ground, carrying an invisible sense of pressure


    ''This energy? Is she using Aspect again?''


    Kaiser narrowed his eyes slightly, deep in thought


    And just as he had expected, in the blink of an eye, an unbelievable scene unfolded before everyone''s eyes


    Dozens of Lilys appeared simultaneously around the original Lily


    ''What a perfect ability for teaching'' Kaiser thought to himself in admiration


    Kaiser glanced around briefly before turning his eyes to the two people standing nearbyStolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Since we''re already here, why don''t we form a team?" he suggested with a smile


    Mary froze for a moment but quickly nodded


    "I-I''d be happy to!"


    Amelia crossed her arms, thinking for a moment before nodding as well


    "Alright"


    After the three had reached an agreement, Kaiser turned to Mary, his gaze thoughtful


    "I didn''t pay much attention to your previous battle. What kind of abilities do you use to fight?"


    Mary blinked, tilting her head slightly as if considering her answer.


    "I can use basic Mana techniques quite well¡­ and I can also use illusions in combat"


    Kaiser pondered for a moment


    "Illusions? Can you explain further?"


    Mary nodded


    "I can create false images to distract the opponent. They have no physical form, but if used correctly, they can make the enemy lower their guard"


    Kaiser thinks for a moment, then nods slightly


    "Good. In the battle later, I''ll be the one engaging Lily directly. Amelia and Mary, you''ll fight from a distance. Mary, you can try using illusions to distract her"


    "As for you, Amelia, can you join me in close combat? Use Mana to enhance your punches. You must have had some self-defense training, right? I''ll need your support to face Lily"


    He looked at both of them before concluding "Let''s start with a simple strategy first"


    Amelia raised an eyebrow, evaluating the plan for a moment before smiling


    "Sounds decent"


    Mary clenched her hands slightly and nodded


    "I''ll do my best"


    Kaiser smiled in satisfaction


    "Good, then let''s begin"


    The three quickly stepped toward Lily


    Facing Lily, the atmosphere grew more intense than ever. A gentle breeze swept across the training ground, stirring their hair


    "Begin" Lily said, her voice calm yet carrying an indescribable authority


    Immediately, Kaiser, Mary, and Amelia''s eyes lit up brilliantly as they activated their Mana. A surge of energy spread throughout the area, signaling the true start of the battle


    Mary swiftly traced a Mana circle in the air with her magic staff, ancient runes glowing brightly. A series of magical beams shot out from the circle, heading straight for Lily


    Amelia didn''t hesitate either. Raising her high-grade gloves, she formed a Mana circle in front of her palms. A barrage of blue energy bullets fired continuously, racing toward Lily at an astonishing speed


    Kaiser, however, didn''t use ranged magic. Instead, he dashed straight toward Lily, his massive scythe slicing through the air in a sharp arc


    Yet, Lily remained still, her black eyes gleaming brightly. As the attacks closed in, she moved - not with hasty dodges, but with perfectly calculated steps


    The spear in her hand spun gracefully, deflecting Amelia and Mary''s magic bullets with minimal effort. As Kaiser''s scythe neared her, she swiftly tilted her body, evading with breathtaking speed before counterattacking with a sweeping strike


    "Too slow"


    Kaiser leaped backward just in time to dodge, but he could still feel the immense pressure from her attack


    "Your coordination is terrible" Lily stated calmly as she effortlessly fended off all three of them.


    She spoke while moving like the wind. Just as Mary was preparing another spell, Lily suddenly appeared right in front of her


    "Mary, you''re standing too close to the front line. You''re a mage - keeping your distance is more important."


    With that, she delivered a light tap with the shaft of her spear, forcing Mary to stumble backward


    Amelia lunged in from the right, throwing a punch cloaked in Mana. Lily effortlessly sidestepped, then swiftly spun around, placing the shaft of her spear right in front of Amelia.


    "Amelia, you''re attacking without paying attention to where your teammates are. If Kaiser were positioned here, you would''ve blocked his path"


    Amelia bit her lip and took a step back while Kaiser rushed in from behind Lily, swinging his scythe with great force


    Lily didn''t turn around. She simply tilted her head slightly, then spun her spear, deflecting Kaiser''s attack with fluid ease.


    "Kaiser, you charged in without signaling your teammates. In a real team, they need to know when you''re attacking so they can support you"


    Kaiser gritted his teeth. She was right - the three of them were making too many coordination mistakes. But now wasn''t the time to give up


    "Fix your mistakes and try again" Lily ordered, as if this weren''t a battle but just another routine training session


    And this time, the three of them started to understand each other better


    Mary moved further back, creating a safe distance to cast spells. Amelia held the middle ground, supporting with mid-range attacks. Kaiser remained the primary attacker, but he started synchronizing his pace with his teammates


    The battle continued, but Lily still completely dominated


    After a while, Kaiser realized they couldn''t keep fighting like this. He glanced at Mary and Amelia before quickly whispering something to them


    Both of them immediately nodded, their eyes flashing with determination


    Amelia formed a small Mana circle, and a towering earthen wall rose, shielding all three of them


    "Oh?" Lily raised an eyebrow, observing the situation


    Suddenly, a bright golden energy sphere shot out from Kaiser - straight into the wall


    BOOM!


    Dust and smoke filled the training ground


    From the misty haze, two figures burst forth at high speed - Kaiser and Amelia


    Both of them charged at Lily from opposite directions


    Kaiser''s scythe slashed downward, Mana crackling around the blade, while Amelia rushed in from the other side, her gauntlets glowing brilliantly


    By logic, Lily should have prioritized blocking Kaiser, as he was the more dangerous threat. But instead, she simply smiled


    "If you want to deceive an opponent, at least make it look convincing"


    Without hesitation, she ignored Kaiser and dashed straight toward Amelia, sweeping her spear in a precise arc


    Just as the spear was about to strike Amelia


    Her form began to shift


    From Amelia''s figure, it transformed into¡­ Kaiser


    Without missing a beat, Lily adjusted her attack, directing her spear toward the real Kaiser


    Realizing their counterattack had failed, he attempted to retaliate, but he was a fraction of a second too late


    THUD!


    A precise kick from Lily struck his side, sending him flying backward


    Kaiser flipped midair before landing, breathing heavily


    Mary and Amelia, despite their best efforts, still couldn''t surpass Lily


    The battle dragged on for a few more minutes, but the result remained unchanged


    In the end, all three were defeated


    Lily stood at the center of the training ground, casually twirling her spear before planting it into the ground


    "Not bad, but there''s still plenty to improve" she said, her gaze a mix of satisfaction and strictness.


    After the battle ended, all three of them were panting, sweat trickling down their foreheads. Kaiser sat down on a nearby stone, while Amelia crossed her arms, seemingly analyzing their mistakes


    Mary was different. She stood frozen in place, her head lowered, crimson eyes filled with unmistakable disappointment. Her grip on her staff tightened, knuckles turning white


    She felt guilty


    From start to finish, she had been the one targeted by Lily the most. Even when she followed the plan, Lily had seen through her every move. The illusion she had created¡ªthe one meant to be the deciding trick - had been broken far too easily


    If she had done better, maybe their team wouldn''t have lost so quickly


    "I... I''m sorry" Her voice was small, nearly swallowed by the vast training grounds


    Amelia glanced at Mary but didn''t say anything. She simply sighed and turned to Kaiser


    "Well, at least it was a good fight" Amelia said, trying to lighten the mood


    "We didn''t get wiped out in the first minute"


    Kaiser lifted his head and looked at Mary, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of her expression. He sighed before standing up and approaching her


    "Mary, you think we lost because of you, don''t you?" he asked, his voice calm


    Mary didn''t answer right away. She bit her lip, gripping her staff even tighter


    "I made mistakes¡­" she murmured


    "My illusion was seen through immediately. If I had done better, maybe we could''ve won"


    Kaiser blinked, then let out a short chuckle


    "Mary, you''re not the reason we lost. Actually, if it weren''t for your illusion, we wouldn''t have had even a small chance to create an advantage"


    Mary looked up at him, doubt still lingering in her eyes


    "But¡­ it didn''t work¡­"


    "The problem isn''t with your illusion - It''s with how we used it" Kaiser interrupted


    "Lily has far more experience than us. She''s a master strategist, so don''t blame yourself just because she was able to read our plan"


    Mary still couldn''t fully accept his words. She looked down at her hands, recalling how Lily had figured out the trick in just a second


    "But if I were stronger, maybe our plan would have worked"


    Kaiser remained silent for a moment before suddenly placing a hand on her shoulder, making her flinch slightly


    "I can help you train your illusions" he said.


    "I''m not a master illusionist, but I''ve dealt with them enough to know how to counter them. If you practice with me, you''ll gradually improve how you use illusions in battle"

 Chapter 48: To Calystria?

    Mary stood still, her eyes wide with surprise as Kaiser offered to help her train her illusions. She hadn''t expected him to be so willing to assist her, especially since they hadn''t known each other for long


    Amelia stood beside them, arms crossed, a flicker of irritation passing through her expression. She didn''t say anything right away, but her demeanor made it clear that she wasn''t entirely pleased with Kaiser spending his time helping Mary


    "Sounds good, right?" Kaiser turned to Amelia with a slight smile.


    Amelia stared at him for a moment before sighing


    "Do whatever you want"


    Seeing that Amelia had no objections, Kaiser turned back to Mary, his gaze firm with determination


    "Then there''s no problem. I''ll help you train"


    Mary blinked, still struggling to believe his offer


    "You''re really willing to help me?"


    "It''s not that difficult" He smiled, his voice brimming with confidence.


    Mary clenched her hands, the lingering shame from their earlier defeat still weighing on her. If she had the chance to improve, she definitely didn''t want to waste it


    Suddenly, Kaiser clapped his hands together


    "But hey, let''s save the training for later. Right now, the more important thing is refueling. Let''s go eat"


    Mary flinched slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected suggestion


    "I¡­ can come along?"


    Kaiser tilted his head, as if he couldn''t understand why she would even ask that


    "Of course. Why wouldn''t you?"


    Mary hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod


    "Then¡­ I''ll go."


    ¡ª


    As the group sat down for their meal, the atmosphere subtly shifted. Even though there was an additional person, that person was Mary - someone even quieter than both Kaiser and Amelia. If their meals had never been particularly lively before, the silence now felt even more pronounced


    Mary kept her head down, unsure of what to say. Even though she had decided to join them, she still felt out of place, like an uninvited guest intruding on a group that was already familiar with each other


    Fortunately, Merias didn''t let the awkwardness dampen the group''s mood. As the most outgoing of them, she always knew how to liven up the atmosphere, and today was no exception


    "Mary, what''s your favorite food?" Merias asked with a bright smile, her eyes gleaming with curiosity


    Mary flinched slightly, caught off guard by the question


    "Uh¡­ I don''t really have a favorite¡­"


    "Really? But if you had to choose?"


    Mary fell silent, thinking for a moment before softly replyingIf you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Maybe¡­ sweet things?"


    Merias clapped her hands together


    "Oh! Then we should visit the bakery in town next time. They have an amazing strawberry shortcake!"


    Mary was a bit surprised by Merias''s enthusiasm. Not many people had ever taken the initiative to talk to her like this, let alone invite her somewhere. Although a little flustered, she could sense the sincerity in Merias''s words


    "Um¡­ That sounds nice¡­" She gave a small nod


    Merias beamed and continued chatting with everyone about various topics. Thanks to her, the tension at the table gradually eased, and the atmosphere became much more natural, no longer distant or awkward like before.


    As everyone enjoyed their meal, Merias lowered her voice slightly, as if she was about to share an important secret


    "Guys, I heard something really interesting."


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow


    "What is it?"


    Merias leaned in slightly, her tone filled with excitement


    "We''re going on a field trip to the Calystria continent"


    This time, the entire table was surprised. Amelia set her chopsticks down, her gaze sharpening


    "Calystria? Why there?" Kaiser asks


    Merias shrugged


    "I don''t know, but I heard that the royal family of Calystria personally sent an invitation to our academy"


    Kaiser narrowed his eyes slightly


    "The royal family of Calystria?"


    Calystria wasn''t just any continent. It was known for its complex politics and hidden factions lurking in the shadows. For its royal family to directly invite their academy was highly unusual


    Kaiser turned to Amelia


    "Do you know anything about this?"


    Amelia crossed her arms, thinking for a moment before shaking her head


    "No. But I''ll ask my father"


    Everyone knew that Amelia''s family held significant influence in the noble circles, and her father had close ties to various governments across different continents. If anyone could uncover the true reason behind Calystria''s invitation, it was him


    Mary silently listened to the conversation. She didn''t know much about Calystria beyond what she had read in books, but she could already sense that this wasn''t going to be an ordinary field trip


    "I don''t know if this rumor is true, but it sounds like it''ll be fun" Kaiser said, leaning back in his chair


    ¡ª


    Two people - a man and a woman - walking down a vast hallway, the sound of their shoes echoing against the marble floor. Towering pillars lined both sides, engraved with ancient depictions of a long-lost era


    The woman, her long hair neatly tied back, glanced at the man beside her. Her voice was low yet filled with anticipation


    "When will we meet him, brother?"


    The man, tall and exuding an air of quiet authority, responded calmly


    "In about a month. The invitation has already been sent"


    "Good" She smiled slightly, a sharp gleam of interest flashing in her eyes "I''m looking forward to it"


    They continued walking, following the seemingly endless hallway toward a massive door intricately crafted with gold and silver. As they approached, the guards standing before it swiftly moved aside, pushing the doors open for them. The light from within spilled outward, reflecting off the delicate carvings on the door''s surface


    Without hesitation, they stepped inside. Rows of people stood in formation, each one lowering their heads in deep bows, making way for the two figures advancing toward the center


    The man resumed speaking, his tone as composed as if he were discussing something completely mundane


    "What do you think I should give him when we meet?"


    The woman paused, considering his words before replying


    "I''m not sure. But if you choose something too valuable, he might feel pressured. The best gift would be something simple yet meaningful"


    A man hurried past them, his presence brief and unnoticed by either of them. They remained unfazed, continuing their steady stride forward.


    Finally, they came to a stop before a golden throne, its intricate engravings a symbol of absolute power. The man lowered himself onto the seat, leaning back with a composed yet piercing gaze


    "That makes sense" He gave a small nod


    "Then I''ll give him the Aoz necklace. I have no use for it anymore, and leaving it in storage would be a waste"


    The woman stood beside him, arms crossed, her expression filled with observation and calculation


    At the base of the throne, the man from before knelt, his head bowed low. A silver crown gleamed atop his hair, yet despite its grandeur, he bore the posture of absolute submission


    The ember-colored eyes of the two figures on the throne bore down on him - eyes belonging to those who stood at the very pinnacle of power

 Chapter 49: Random Thoughts

    Sometimes, in those rare moments of quiet, the human mind gets swept away by deep thoughts, questions that no one usually has the time to ponder


    Kaiser sat quietly on a wooden bench while the sun was slowly sinking behind the trees, dyeing the sky with a brilliant red-orange hue


    At this point, Kaiser¡¯s school life was quite busy. Every day of the week had a nearly packed schedule. After classes, he often spent time with his friends: sometimes taking a walk around the school with Amelia, other times helping Helen care for the flower garden. When he had some free time, he didn¡¯t forget to continue working on his physical training and his mana control


    But now, when reflecting on everything, he suddenly realized that there was one thing that was never in his daily plan - revising theoretical subjects


    Kaiser understood what the professors taught in class. He picked up the material quickly enough to pass exams without much trouble. But just ¡°understanding¡± wasn¡¯t enough. If he wanted to truly master the knowledge, to dive deep into its essence, he would need to invest more time and effort


    He could rearrange his schedule to study more, if he really wanted to. But then, a question unexpectedly popped into his mind-


    ¡°Why do I have to do that?¡±


    Indeed, he didn¡¯t see any reason why he should try harder


    His future... he didn¡¯t know where he was heading


    Kaiser wasn¡¯t the ambitious type. He had never craved power or fame. A simple life, enough for him to feel at peace, was all he needed. If possible, he wanted to open a small shop, maybe a tea house, a bookstore, or a place selling small useful items. Each day passing in stability, without too much worry, without getting caught up in power struggles or complicated schemes - that was the future he longed for.


    ''Sounds great...'' he thought to himself


    But then, his gaze fell on his left wrist - where the Master-level Mana bracelet emitted a faint glow under the sunset


    His talent was too remarkable to live an ordinary life


    Carrying a Stigma, his fate had long ceased to be something he could easily control. His past training wasn¡¯t for himself, but for Myreni - the one who had given him a better life. If there was a path he should follow, it was probably the one that helped Myreni with her work


    But the problem was... Myreni had never revealed anything about her work to him.


    Leaving him unable to know if that was truly his pathThis story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Thinking about the future, he instinctively remembered Amelia


    The two of them had so much in common. They understood each other, harmonized in a way that not everyone could. But when imagining a longer-term future, a life together, Kaiser felt an invisible distance between them


    He only needed a simple life, but what about Amelia?


    She was a princess. From the moment she was born, she belonged to a world of luxury, where power and status were essentials. If she wanted to continue down that path, could he be the one to walk alongside her?


    Maybe... he was worrying too much. Amelia had never said she needed that kind of life. But whether she said it or not, the truth remained - their worlds were too different.


    What would the future hold for the two of them?


    Kaiser sighed, leaning back against the backrest of the bench, his eyes quietly watching the sky


    A soft sound pulled him from his thoughts


    Kaiser turned his head and caught sight of a familiar figure walking toward him.


    Mary, in simple training clothes, her hand gripping a wrist guard, her gaze serious yet unable to hide a hint of nervousness


    "Hi, Mary" Kaiser¡¯s smile brightened when he saw her


    "Good afternoon, Kaiser" Mary replied, her voice a little deeper but still calm as usual


    After lunch the day before, they had agreed that Kaiser would notify Mary in advance about the training schedule so she could prepare well. Today was the first session.


    The two of them then went together to the academy¡¯s training hall


    "Shall we start right away?" Kaiser stretched a little before stepping out into the open area of the training ground


    Mary took a deep breath and nodded firmly


    "Sure"


    Kaiser had been thinking about how he could help her. Illusion magic was a field that required persistence and a long time to master. He didn¡¯t have much experience in this type of magic, so he couldn¡¯t directly guide her in advanced techniques. Instead, he decided to observe and point out mistakes during her casting, helping her improve step by step.


    "Let¡¯s start quickly" Kaiser said.


    ¡°Try creating a copy of me¡± he instructed


    Mary nodded, took a deep breath, and raised her hand. The air shimmered slightly as mana flowed through her body, weaving an illusion - a second Kaiser appeared in front of them.


    At first glance, it looked similar, but Kaiser immediately noticed something off


    "The height¡¯s a little off" he pointed out.


    Mary looked back, realizing the illusion was slightly shorter than the real Kaiser. She tried to adjust but couldn¡¯t get it quite right


    "Maybe you should try a different approach?" Kaiser suggested.


    Mary pondered for a moment, then tried creating a simple frame before applying the illusion on top. This time, the height was perfect


    "That¡¯s good" Kaiser nodded, then pointed at the illusion¡¯s eyes "But the gaze is too empty"


    Mary frowned. She continued experimenting, over and over again. Each time she fixed one mistake, Kaiser pointed out another - posture, color, expression


    The training session lasted until evening. By the time they stopped, Mary was exhausted, but her eyes still shone with determination


    "You¡¯re progressing pretty quickly, Mary" Kaiser smiled.


    She gently replied


    "Thank you, Kaiser"

 Chapter 50: Start Of A Busy Journey

    Just as Merias had said, the trip to Calystria finally became a reality


    An official notice had been posted on the bulletin board in the academy square, attracting the attention of many students


    Kaiser and Amelia walked over, blending into the crowd that was gathering to read its contents


    The highlighted text on the notice quickly caught their eyes:


    ¡°The royal family of Calyst, located on the continent of Calystria, has extended an invitation to all students of the academy, offering an opportunity to visit this continent. During the trip, you will have the chance to explore famous landmarks and experience the unique culture of Calystria. In particular, some students will be selected to visit the Calyst royal castle - the symbol of the continent''s supreme power¡±


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow with interest


    ¡°Invited to the royal castle, huh? Quite generous¡±


    He continued reading further down


    ¡°This is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two continents. We hope you will participate. The trip is scheduled to take place in a month, with all travel expenses covered by the royal family of Calyst¡±


    ¡°They really seem to be generous, huh? I¡¯m starting to consider joining the Calyst royal family. They¡¯ll probably pay me a lot¡± Kaiser laughed, turning to Amelia, his voice teasing


    Upon hearing that, Amelia immediately furrowed her brows, a few lines forming on her forehead. She crossed her arms and huffed lightly before turning her face away


    ¡°Go ahead, try it. There¡¯s no Amelia Zephis in Calystria¡±


    Kaiser chuckled at her reaction


    ¡°Good point, I didn¡¯t think of that¡± Kaiser chuckled at her reaction


    The atmosphere lightened for a moment. After a while, Kaiser suddenly tilted his head, looking at Amelia


    ¡°By the way, have you heard anything from your family? How is it that something so good just came out of nowhere?¡±


    Amelia sighed softly, her expression turning a little more somber


    "Actually... there is something good like that can come out of nowhere¡±


    She hesitated a little before continuing


    ¡°I went to visit my father and older brother the other day. They both seemed very tense. They spent a lot of time looking for any inconsistencies in the royal family¡¯s offer, but in the end... they couldn¡¯t find anything suspicious¡±


    She turned her gaze back to the notice, her eyes filled with thought


    ¡°It seems like, this time, they really don¡¯t have any hidden motives¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Kaiser was silent for a moment before nodding


    ¡°Hmm, that makes sense¡±


    After that, the two of them left the square together, heading towards the lecture hall to prepare for the next class


    ¡ª


    After their first training session, Kaiser and Mary continued to maintain their habit of training together. Kaiser pointed out mistakes, and Mary listened, trying to improve


    Over time, Mary became more proactive in their training sessions. Where she had once silently absorbed his feedback, she now asked questions and sometimes even challenged his views if she didn¡¯t find them convincing. Occasionally, she would tease him when he made mistakes in identifying illusions - a thing Kaiser never imagined Mary would do before


    One afternoon, as the sun began to set behind the academy¡¯s buildings, the two finished their training as usual. Mary sat down on the grass, taking a light breath and stretching her arms in a relaxed manner


    ¡°I think I did better than last time, right?¡± she asked, her sharp eyes shining with anticipation


    Kaiser stood with his arms crossed, observing the illusion Mary had just created - a version of himself. The way she shaped it had improved significantly, from the posture to the details on the face. At a quick glance, it would be easy to mistake it for the real thing


    ¡°You did a lot better today¡± he said, his voice calm but sincere


    Mary lowered her head slightly


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she replied softly. But after a brief hesitation, she added


    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to your help that I was able to spot my mistakes¡±


    Kaiser smiled lightly


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m not an illusion expert, though. I just point out what I see¡±


    A gentle breeze swept through, carrying the scent of grass from the academy¡¯s garden. Mary remained silent for a moment, as if deep in thought. Finally, she spoke slowly


    ¡°Kaiser¡­ do you like taking care of flowers?¡±


    The question was somewhat sudden, and Kaiser paused for a moment. He wondered how she knew he took care of flowers


    ¡°Huh? Not exactly¡± he replied after a few seconds


    ¡°I just help Helen. She¡¯s the one who really enjoys it¡±


    ¡°The girl from before¡­¡± Mary said, her eyes quietly looking down at her hands. A brief moment of contemplation appeared on her face


    ¡°And what about you?¡± Kaiser suddenly asked


    ¡°Do you have any hobbies?¡±


    Mary hesitated for a moment but then answered


    ¡°I like observing the sky¡­ especially the stars at night¡±


    Kaiser was a bit surprised by this answer


    ¡°Stars, huh?¡± He tilted his head


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that. I thought you¡¯d like something more practical¡±


    Mary shrugged lightly


    ¡°It¡¯s practical, too. If you know how to observe, you can find directions, forecast the weather¡­ plus, some astronomical phenomena are even related to magic¡±


    Kaiser nodded


    ¡°That does sound interesting. Do you stargaze often?¡±


    Mary was silent for a moment before softly saying


    ¡°Not too much¡­ but recently, I¡¯ve started paying more attention to it. There¡¯s a place at the academy where I think you can see the sky most clearly¡±


    She looked up, her eyes thoughtful, then gently added


    ¡°Tomorrow, if you¡¯re free¡­ could we go there?¡±


    Kaiser was a bit surprised by this invitation. Mary wasn¡¯t the type to ask anyone to go anywhere. But looking at her eyes, which held a bit of hope, he simply smiled and nodded


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m not too busy¡±


    Mary blinked, then smiled faintly, a very light smile, but not hard to notice


    ¡°See you tomorrow¡±


    She stood up, adjusted the hem of her coat, and turned to leave, leaving Kaiser sitting there, watching her figure disappear into the sunset


    He leaned back and mumbled to himself


    ¡°Maybe I should learn about the stars before I go¡±

 Chapter 51: Weird Silents

    In a vast chamber deep within the administrative sector of Vesillian Academy, a tense meeting was taking place. The most esteemed professors of the academy sat around a long table, their expressions hardened with doubt and concern


    "Are we really going to let the students go there?" A middle-aged professor spoke up, his voice filled with skepticism "This invitation is far too good to be trusted"


    "Exactly!" Another nodded in agreement "The excuse of ¡®strengthening ties between the two continents¡¯ sounds noble, but in reality, it¡¯s far too naive. Do any of you actually believe it?"


    A female professor crossed her arms, her gaze sharp


    "I propose we decline the invitation. While there are no clear signs of danger, history has shown that anything too good to be true often comes with a price"


    Her words were like a spark, igniting a heated debate. Voices overlapped as professors began arguing - some agreeing, others opposing. The room quickly descended into chaos


    Amid the escalating tension, a deep, commanding voice cut through the noise


    "Enough"


    Silence fell instantly. All eyes turned toward the man seated at the head of the table


    Murek Bovet, the most influential figures in the academy¡¯s council, calmly set his pen down on the table. His sharp gaze swept across the room before he spoke in a measured tone


    "I understand your concerns. Indeed, we have no clear explanation as to why the Calyst Royal Family is being so generous toward us." He paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful


    "However, on the other hand, we also have no evidence that they intend to do us harm"


    Murek¡¯s gaze moved across the room, his voice carrying a sharper edge


    "Calystria, ever since the Ragnarok Catastrophe, has maintained a composed and methodical approach - steadily rebuilding and strengthening itself. We all understand how they managed to rise from the ashes and become the most dominant continent in the world-"


    He stopped briefly before continuing, his tone heavier


    "The forces that hold power in Calystria¡­ do not need to resort to petty schemes against us"


    A subtle shift passed through the room. No one could argue against that fact; they all understood the vast difference in power between the two sides


    "In fact, if we outright reject their invitation without a justifiable reason, that would be the true foolish act"


    A few professors exchanged glances, hesitation creeping into their expressions. Seeing this, Murek pressed further


    "Besides, the Royal Family has already agreed to let a Nova accompany our students on this trip. We are not sending them off unprotected"


    A heavy silence settled over the room. No one could find a strong enough reason to object anymore


    Murek Bovet scanned the faces before him one last time, then firmly declared


    "The field trip will proceed as planned"


    ¡ª


    After finishing his class, Kaiser sat back, relaxing as he reread a book related to the lesson


    A familiar voice called out from beside him


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    "Take a walk with me"


    Kaiser looked up to see Amelia standing with her arms crossed, tilting her head slightly as she gazed down at him with expectant eyes


    He let out a small chuckle, closing the book in his hands


    "Reason?"


    Amelia shrugged, her tone casual, as if the answer was obvious


    "Just felt like going outside. Will you come with me?"


    Kaiser pretended to think deeply, as if weighing an important decision "Hmmm¡­ let''s see¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, Amelia grabbed his sleeve, half urging, half commanding


    "Come on, stop stalling"


    Kaiser laughed, standing up


    "Alright, alright. You¡¯re pretty determined, huh?"


    "Of course." Amelia smirked, crossing her arms confidently


    "Who would ever turn down a walk with me?"


    Kaiser glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, who knows"


    Without waiting another second, Amelia turned on her heel and started walking ahead, prompting Kaiser to quickly follow


    ¡ª


    Although they had been here many times before, every time they were free to stroll outside the academy, both of them felt a lot more at ease. The main street was bustling with colorful stalls, the smell of freshly baked bread mingling with the fragrance of flowers from the shops along the road. The locals chatted lively, and the sound of children laughing filled the air, making the atmosphere even more vibrant


    Under the gentle sunlight, Amelia walked with a relaxed demeanor, but her eyes were still carefully observing everything around her. She wasn¡¯t the type to often show her delight, but Kaiser knew well - she enjoyed places like this. The crowded streets but not suffocating, the modest stalls that weren¡¯t too extravagant... They made her feel more at ease than the lavish parties of the aristocracy


    Stopping in front of a grilled skewer stall, Kaiser bought two skewers and naturally handed one to Amelia without asking first. She took it, took a small bite, and chewed slowly


    "Not bad" she murmured


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow


    "You seem quite pleased"


    Amelia just smiled lightly, not responding


    They continued to stroll, until Amelia suddenly stopped in front of a small jewelry shop by the road


    Without saying a word, she pushed the door open and walked in, and Kaiser had no choice but to follow


    Inside the shop, the light reflected off precious stones and metals, sparkling around them. But instead of eyeing the luxurious jewelry, Amelia stopped in front of a display of simpler designs - small silver bracelets and pendants with intricate engravings


    She picked up a silver bracelet with an embossed floral pattern and gently traced her fingers along the lines


    "Do you like this one?" Kaiser asked, folding his arms and leaning against the display case nearby


    Amelia nodded, her gaze still fixed on the item


    "Yeah. It''s simple, understated, not too flashy"


    Kaiser raised an eyebrow


    "Interesting choice. I remember when you were younger, you liked more complex things"


    Amelia chuckled softly


    "Who hasn¡¯t gone through a phase of wanting to show off?" She brought the bracelet to the counter, paid, and then turned to Kaiser.


    "Let¡¯s go"


    The two of them left the store together


    Just as they stepped out, a group of young aristocrats appeared in front of them


    Although they weren¡¯t dressed in overly extravagant clothes, their aura still radiated wealth and power. One of them, seemingly the leader, stepped forward with a polite smile


    "Princess Amelia, what a coincidence to run into you here"


    Immediately, Amelia''s expression turned cold. The comfort in her eyes disappeared, replaced by the usual indifference she showed when facing such situations


    She didn¡¯t respond, only quickly took a step forward, grabbing Kaiser¡¯s sleeve and pulling him through them without offering an explanation


    The sudden action left the group of aristocrats frozen in place, looking both surprised and awkward


    Once they had left the central area, Amelia finally released Kaiser¡¯s sleeve. She didn¡¯t say anything, only slowed her pace, her gaze distant


    "Who were they?" Kaiser asked, his voice not overly curious but still with a hint of concern


    Amelia sighed


    "Just people always trying to connect with the royal family for their own benefit"


    Kaiser wasn¡¯t surprised. This wasn¡¯t the first time Amelia had been bothered like this, but what caught his attention more was how she reacted¡ªshe chose to walk away rather than face them


    He glanced at Amelia, noticing her shoulders were slightly tense, her eyes forward but with a hint of emptiness


    "I don¡¯t need them" Amelia murmured, almost as if talking to herself


    Kaiser stayed silent


    If it had been before, he might have dismissed it as just a temporary complaint. But now, it carried a deeper meaning


    Suddenly, Kaiser remembered his plans for the evening


    "I am going to stargaze with Mary tonight"


    Amelia hesitated for a moment but quickly regained her composure


    "Why are you telling me that?"


    "Do you want to come with us?"


    "Stargazing?"


    "Yeah. No need to say anything, just sit quietly and look at the sky. No politics, no responsibilities. Just the stars"


    Amelia stared at him for a moment, then the corners of her lips curved slightly


    "...No, you and Mary go ahead" She turned her face away "I don¡¯t want to ruin the atmosphere for you two"


    "You¡¯re overthinking it" Kaiser said


    Amelia didn¡¯t reply, only continued walking, a feeling she couldn¡¯t quite express stirring inside her


    They silently made their way back to the academy

 Chapter 52: Blossom In The Night

    Under the quiet night sky, Kaiser walks along the narrow path leading to the hills behind Vesillian Academy


    From a distance, he sees Mary sitting on a large rock, her still form seeming to blend into the endless night. The deep green dress hugs her slender figure, and her flowing pink hair, tied into a ponytail, gently sways with each light gust of wind. Mary''s red eyes reflect the stars above, like two hidden gems holding their own unique light


    Hearing his footsteps, Mary turns. Her eyes meet Kaiser¡¯s for a moment, and she smiles


    ¡°You¡¯re early¡± Kaiser says


    Kaiser walks over, sits beside her, leans back, and tilts his head to look up at the vast sky. Thousands of stars stretch out, like sparkling crystals scattered across the dark canvas. Some stars shine brightly, while others fade as if about to disappear


    ¡°Do you like stargazing?¡± he asks, his voice calm, as though simply filling the silence between them


    Mary doesn¡¯t answer immediately. She just quietly gazes upward, her eyes distant, as if searching for something among the galaxies


    ¡°Not really¡­¡± Her voice softly echoes, like a breath


    ¡°But I like the quiet of it¡±


    A comfortable silence falls between them. Only the sound of the wind moving through the trees and the occasional chirp of insects in the vast meadow can be heard


    The night sky is beautiful tonight. The constellations intertwine, forming shapes that humans have named since ancient times


    Mary suddenly raises her hand, as if reaching for a faraway star. The movement is light, but it carries an indescribable sense of fragility


    ¡°Do you think those stars are watching over us?¡± she asks, her voice carrying a hint of contemplation


    Kaiser tilts his head to look at her


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Mary doesn¡¯t take her eyes off the sky


    ¡°We keep looking up and admiring them, but in reality, most of the stars we see have already burned out a long time ago¡±


    Mary smiles softly, but it¡¯s not a cheerful smile


    ¡°I think¡­ even if they no longer exist, they still mean something to someone¡±


    Kaiser looks at her, her eyes reflecting the twinkling stars, but there¡¯s something hard to grasp about it. He¡¯s not sure if she¡¯s talking about the stars or not


    Mary¡¯s voice rises again


    ¡°Kaiser, what do you think about your family?¡±


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    He flinches slightly at the unexpected question


    ¡°My family?¡± He pauses for a moment


    ¡°My family is small, so it¡¯s very cozy. Everyone in my family really cares for each other¡±


    Mary listens, then softly replies


    ¡°My family... isn¡¯t as simple as that.¡±


    Kaiser turns to look at her, noticing a distant look in her eyes


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Mary doesn¡¯t answer immediately, instead, she slowly asks


    ¡°Have you ever seen a cherry blossom tree in full bloom?¡±


    Kaiser is momentarily surprised by the unexpected question, but he nods


    ¡°Yes. Every spring, My places has a few trees that bloom¡±


    Mary tilts her head slightly, her soft pink hair fluttering gently with the wind


    ¡°Cherry blossoms are very beautiful, aren¡¯t they? But did you ever notice that they only bloom for a very short time?¡±


    Kaiser thinks for a moment


    ¡°Yeah¡­ they bloom, drawing everyone¡¯s attention, but with just one strong gust of wind, the petals fall¡±


    Mary chuckles softly, but there¡¯s a hint of something distant in her laugh


    ¡°Yes, just one strong wind¡­¡± She says gently, her voice carrying a depth that¡¯s hard to describe


    ¡°And then, when the flowers have withered, no one remembers them anymore¡±


    Kaiser looks at her for a long time. Her words, the way she speaks them... there¡¯s something about it that makes him feel this isn¡¯t just a simple story about flowers


    But he doesn¡¯t ask


    Mary doesn¡¯t speak directly, and he understands that she probably doesn¡¯t want anyone to ask directly


    The night wind sweeps through, carrying the scent of wild grass through the air. And in the midst of this stillness, Kaiser suddenly realizes something - Mary no longer keeps her distance like before


    Mary still sits quietly beside him, her eyes watching the distant sky. Her fingers gently trace the edge of her dress, a habit when she¡¯s lost in thought. Perhaps she doesn¡¯t even realize it, but Kaiser has always noticed those small actions of hers


    He recalls the times they¡¯ve crossed paths in the academy¡¯s hallways - moments when Mary would silently look at him before walking away, sometimes leaving behind a casual remark he never thought to analyze deeply. Sometimes, they¡¯d meet by chance in the library, where she always chose a quiet corner, yet her eyes would quietly follow him whenever he walked in. He remembers the brief conversations they had, where Mary rarely expressed her feelings openly, but there was always something unsaid in her words


    And now, in this quiet night, under the starry sky, those fragments are slowly coming together in his mind


    The way she looks at him - no longer with the hesitation or distance from before. The way she listens to him speak - more attentively than usual. The way she chooses her words - gentle, yet carrying something deeper than what she actually says


    Mary likes him.


    That realization strikes Kaiser¡¯s mind strongly, making it impossible for him to ignore any longer


    But at the same time, another feeling rises within him - a nameless heaviness.


    Because he... is still drawn to Amelia


    Someone who has been acting strangely recently, occupying his thoughts relentlessly


    The space falls into silence, but this time, it is no longer a comfortable silence. It¡¯s a heavy silence, filled with unspoken thoughts


    Finally, Kaiser decides to speak


    ¡°Mary, I think I understand your feelings about me¡±


    Mary doesn¡¯t seem surprised. She simply waits for what comes next


    He takes a deep breath, then speaks honestly


    ¡°But I... have someone I¡¯m always drawn to¡±


    A light breeze sweeps by


    Mary doesn¡¯t turn away, nor does she show any sign of pain or anger. She just gives a faint smile - a smile so soft, but tinged with a quiet sadness


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to say that, Kaiser. I understand¡±


    He opens his mouth, about to say something, but then he doesn''t know what to say


    Mary stands up, brushing off her dress lightly


    ¡°We should head back, it¡¯s starting to get cold¡±


    Kaiser nods and stands up to follow


    As they prepare to leave, Mary suddenly stops, looking up at the star - filled sky one more time


    ¡°Kaiser¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    She pauses for a moment, then gently says


    ¡°Thank you for being with me tonight¡±


    Kaiser looks at her but doesn¡¯t respond


    Mary turns and walks ahead, her steps slow but steady


    He stands there, watching her silhouette fade into the night


    Under the brilliant starry sky, Kaiser quietly stands there, lost in his own thoughts

 Chapter 53: Club Signing (1)

    A week later, Vesillian Academy''s Club Festival officially begins. Lanterns line the walkways, casting a warm glow that reflects off the wooden signboards of various booths. Students gather in the main square, where different clubs showcase their achievements and signature activities


    Kaiser strolls through the lively streets alongside Merias and Amelia. The crowd around them buzzes with excitement, everyone eagerly discussing which club they want to join


    "Pretty impressive" Kaiser comments as they pass by a booth with a large sign reading Cooking Club. A group of students is busy baking, the sweet aroma filling the air


    Amelia, on the other hand, seems far more excited


    "I heard the Magic Research Club is putting on a special performance tonight! We absolutely have to check it out!"


    As they continue walking, one particular booth catches their attention - the Fishing Club. In front of the display stands a massive fish, at least twice Kaiser''s size, with rows of razor-sharp teeth lining its mouth


    "¡­What the hell is that?" Kaiser frowns, staring at the terrifying creature before him


    The student in charge, a third-year with a bright grin, enthusiastically introduces it


    "This is our greatest trophy! A Leviath Fang, caught from the southern deep lake!"


    Merias crosses his arms, observing silently. "The southern lake? Isn''t it banned because it''s too dangerous?"


    " Our club isn''t just about relaxation - it''s about honing survival skills!"


    Kaiser takes one last glance at the fish before shaking his head


    "No way"


    As the three continue walking, they come across a familiar face standing in front of the Weapon Development Club''s booth - Lancy Fairchild, heir to the Fairchild family


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    With his red hair and brown eyes, Lancy is well-known as a total bookworm. He spends most of his time in the library or the lab, rarely engaging in social activities


    After browsing through various booths, both Amelia and Merias eventually decide on clubs that suit them best


    Amelia chooses the Magic Research Club, which focuses on studying and experimenting with various spells. Just as she had mentioned earlier, the club hosts special magic performances and provides students with opportunities to test new magical theories


    Merias, on the other hand, opts for a quieter club - the Classical Swordsmanship Club. This club not only trains in traditional sword techniques but also studies the history and fighting styles of various schools. For someone like Merias, who values discipline and refinement in combat, this club seems to be the perfect fit


    Leaving the two behind to complete their registrations, Kaiser continues wandering through the bustling festival, searching for the club he had already decided to join.


    Farah once mentioned a club with an unusually long and unappealing name - the Wilderness Exploration Club. As the name suggests, it''s meant for students who enjoy exploring the wild landscapes beyond the academy


    However, according to Farah, the academy doesn''t pay much attention to the club''s activities. As long as their budget is used reasonably and no serious incidents occur, the administration doesn''t bother monitoring their whereabouts. This means that club members can easily bend the rules - instead of venturing into dangerous wilderness, they could secretly leave the academy, spend time relaxing in a nearby city, and return unnoticed


    With such benefits, this club is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a little freedom without tight supervision. And that is precisely why Kaiser is looking for it


    After searching for a while, he finally spots the Wilderness Exploration Club''s booth. Unlike the other energetic and flashy displays, this one is surprisingly plain and quiet. No grand banners, no eye-catching posters - just a wooden table with a single sign bearing the club''s name


    Inside the booth, only a few people are present, none of whom seem particularly interested in recruiting new members


    Just as Farah described, they don''t really care about attracting newcomers


    As Kaiser approaches, he gets a clearer look at the person sitting inside the booth - a third-year student, judging by the golden badge pinned to her uniform


    The girl has a bold, confident appearance - short, light blonde hair, tanned skin, and sharp gray eyes. But the most eye-catching feature¡­ is something else entirely


    ''¡­Melons''


    No matter how hard he tries to be polite, Kaiser can''t help but notice just how "prominent" she is in the upper-body department


    As he''s lost in thought, the girl stirs, waking up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Her gray eyes quickly focus after her nap, then lazily shift to Kaiser.


    "Oh, young man" She gives a drowsy smile


    "Here to sign up for my club?"

 Chapter 54: Club Signing (2) - Feicy

    Kaiser nods and pulls out a chair, sitting down across from her


    The girl silently observes him for a moment, her eyes scanning from his neatly combed black hair, fair skin, to the glasses resting on his face


    "Are you sure you want to join, Pretty Boy?" She squints teasingly. "With glasses like that and such smooth skin, I think you''d fit better in a book club"


    Kaiser smirks slightly


    "I heard that if I joined this club, I''d get to meet a beautiful girl. I was really looking forward to seeing her" He glances around the booth, pretending to search for someone


    A small crease forms on the girl''s forehead, as if his joke has managed to irritate her


    "You''ve got a sense of humor, huh?" she says, sounding a little annoyed


    Kaiser chuckles lightly before responding more seriously, "Actually, I heard that this club allows its members a lot of freedom, so I wanted to sign up. And you are beautiful, Short-haired big sis"


    His words bring a smile back to the girl''s face


    "I like the way you talk" she says, resting her elbow on the table, an amused expression on her face


    "By the way, who told you about this club?" she asks


    "I heard about it from Farah" he replies


    As soon as he says that, her eyes widen in shock


    "Farah? Did you just say you heard about this club from Farah?"


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    Kaiser nods "That''s right"


    The girl falls silent for a moment, her gray eyes studying him carefully. Then, she places a finger on her chin, thinking for a moment, before suddenly clapping her hands as if remembering something


    "Ah! You''re Farah and Zani''s little brother, aren''t you?"


    Kaiser pauses slightly but keeps his tone calm


    "Yes¡­ You know my sister?"


    She grins


    "Not just know - she was my senior. When I first joined this club, she was already the vice leader"


    Kaiser frowns slightly ''Farah was the vice leader? That doesn''t sound good¡­''


    She continues, a nostalgic tone in her voice


    "Farah and Zani used to talk about you a lot. They always said they had a cute little brother at home."


    She claps her hands together "That''s great, then! If you''re Farah''s little brother, I''ll take care of you in this club from now on"


    For some reason, the way she emphasized "take care" makes Kaiser feel a little uneasy


    "Farah helped me a lot back then, so I''ll treat you like my junior" she says, quickly pulling out a sheet of paper and sliding it toward Kaiser


    "Here''s the registration form. Fill it out"


    Kaiser picks up the pen, but a slight hesitation lingers in his mind. Something about this¡­ feels a little off


    As he fills out the form, she continues chatting


    "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, didn''t I?" She grins


    "I''m Feicy, the vice leader of this club"


    Kaiser raises an eyebrow.


    "Vice leader? That sounds pretty impressive"


    Feicy smirks proudly "Yup. All thanks to the motivation that Farah gave me."


    She props her chin up with one hand, her eyes glinting mischievously


    "It''s really satisfying to boss people around"


    Kaiser freezes for a second


    That¡­ was not something that should be said with a smile


    Quickly finishing the form, he hands it back to Feicy, deciding not to question it further


    Feicy takes the paper, skims through it, then swiftly folds it and tucks it away as if afraid he might change his mind


    "Alright, all done" She extends a hand toward Kaiser "Welcome to the Wilderness Exploration Club, Pretty Boy"


    Kaiser shakes her hand, Feicy continues


    "The club will officially start activities after the field trip to Calystria" Feicy says, taking out a small slip of paper and handing it to Kaiser


    "Once you''re back, you can come to this location. It''s our clubroom"


    Kaiser takes the paper and nods


    "Thanks, Feicy"


    "No problem~" Feicy winks playfully, a smirk on her lips


    Kaiser decides not to overthink things. He nods in farewell and turns away, making his way back to Amelia and Merias