《The Daily Life of a Genius Necromancer》 Chapter 1: Reincarnation When I opened my eyes in this world, I wasn¡¯t born into wealth or power. I was born as the son of a farmer in a quiet village surrounded by endless fields and distant mountains. My parents were simple folk, kind and hardworking. We weren¡¯t rich, but we were happy. My name is Kaiser, and while I didn¡¯t know it at the time, my life would be anything but simple. At the age of four, I discovered something no farmer¡¯s child should have. It started with a warmth in my chest, a strange, rhythmic pulse that didn¡¯t feel natural. That was when I formed my first mana circle¡ªright in my heart. I didn¡¯t know what it meant or how it had happened, but the surge of energy was real. Curious and restless, I experimented with this newfound power. One afternoon, sitting behind the barn, I stretched out my hand and focused. To my shock, bones began to emerge from the earth, clattering together until they formed a humanoid figure. A skeleton. He was clumsy, his movements awkward and jerky, but he stood tall, awaiting my command. I grinned, unable to contain my excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll call you Skelly.¡± The skeleton tilted its skull slightly, as if acknowledging the name. From that day on, Skelly became part of our family. My parents were startled at first, but they couldn¡¯t deny his usefulness. He worked tirelessly in the fields, carrying tools, planting seeds, and even helping with the harvest. My father, however, had other plans for me. One evening, after a long day of work, he called me over. ¡°Kaiser,¡± he said, his voice serious, ¡°you¡¯re not like the other kids. That power of yours¡ªit¡¯s a gift. But a strong body is just as important as a strong heart. If you want to protect yourself and this family, you need to learn how to fight.¡± I nodded without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± That¡¯s how I found myself standing in front of the village dojo. The man who owned it, Raven, was a one-armed swordsman with a reputation as a strict and ruthless teacher. He didn¡¯t tolerate weakness, and his methods were known to be brutal. The moment he saw me, he frowned. ¡°You? A scrawny little brat like you wants to learn swordsmanship?¡± I clenched my fists. ¡°Yes.¡± He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Go home, kid. You¡¯ll just waste my time.¡± But I stood my ground. ¡°I won¡¯t leave until you teach me.¡± Raven smirked, amused by my determination. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t cry when you regret it.¡± Training began the next day. He taught me the basics¡ªhow to hold a sword, how to stand, how to move. At first, it seemed simple. Then he threw a wooden sword at me and said, ¡°Defend yourself.¡±Stolen novel; please report. Before I could even lift my weapon properly, he was already on me. His strikes were relentless, leaving bruises on my arms and legs. ¡°You¡¯re pathetic,¡± he spat. ¡°Swinging a sword isn¡¯t child¡¯s play. Go home.¡± I didn¡¯t go home. I came back every day, bruised and battered but determined. Slowly, Raven¡¯s attitude shifted. He began to correct my form, teach me new techniques, and even praise me¡ªrarely, but it was there. A year passed, and by the time I turned five, I had mastered the basics of swordsmanship. But Raven wasn¡¯t done with me. ¡°You¡¯re too soft,¡± he said one morning, his voice sharp. ¡°If you want to get better, you need to strengthen your body.¡± And so began the real training. He sent me to the mountains, where I climbed steep cliffs and carried boulders twice my size. He made me stand under freezing waterfalls to train my endurance and fight wild boars with nothing but a wooden sword. Every day was a struggle. ¡°That old man is insane,¡± I muttered one evening, collapsing onto the grass. My muscles burned, my hands were blistered, and every inch of my body ached. But I couldn¡¯t deny the results. I was stronger, faster, and sharper than ever before. ¡°Not bad, brat,¡± Raven said with a smirk, watching me from a distance. ¡°You might actually have talent in the sword.¡± One thing was certain¡ªthe hellish training had just begun. By the time I was six, my days began and ended in exhaustion. Every morning, I strapped 20 kilograms of weight to each wrist, shoulder, leg, and chest, then ran up and down the mountains. The air was thin, the terrain unforgiving, and my legs burned with every step. But Raven¡¯s voice always boomed behind me. ¡°Faster, brat! Or I¡¯ll double the weight!¡± Swordsmanship wasn¡¯t any easier. One day, with his one arm crossed over his chest, he said, ¡°Swing your sword ten thousand times before noon. If you don¡¯t, no dinner for you.¡± I swung until my hands bled, until my arms felt like they would fall off. But I finished. Hunger wasn¡¯t something I could endure twice. Then came the wolves. Red-maned wolves, huge beasts with sharp fangs and glowing eyes. One day, I found myself being chased by a pack¡ªhundreds, maybe even a thousand of them. ¡°You call that running?¡± Raven yelled from a nearby cliff, grinning like a lunatic. That crazy bastard didn¡¯t lift a finger to help. He just watched as I ran for my life, laughing as if it was all some grand joke. The turning point came when I saw him take down a Cerberus with his bare hands. The massive, three-headed beast was a nightmare given form, but Raven didn¡¯t flinch. His mana surged around him, an intense and blinding force that seemed to pierce the heavens. With a single punch, he crushed its middle head. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± I asked, staring at him in disbelief. ¡°Aura,¡± he said, dusting off his hands like it was nothing. ¡°It¡¯s what separates warriors from amateurs. A manifestation of will and spirit. Someday, you¡¯ll use it too.¡± Of course, he didn¡¯t stop there. He rambled for hours about aura, mana, and the path of the sword. Most of it went over my head, but one thing stuck: if I wanted to survive in this world, I had to master it. Ten Years Later. At the age of fifteen, I had become a different person. My body, once small and frail, was now honed to its peak. I had mastered the swordsmanship Raven taught me, reaching a level even he grudgingly acknowledged. ¡°You¡¯re still a brat,¡± he said one day, his tone gruff. ¡°But a talented swordsman.¡± I was now an aura user, my movements enhanced by the mana that flowed through me. My mana circle had reached the third stage, and I could summon a hundred skeletons with ease. Skelly, my first summon, had even become a capable swordsman under Raven¡¯s harsh training. But despite my growth, there was one thing missing. ¡°Father,¡± I said one evening as we sat around the dinner table, ¡°I want to learn to read and write. Can I go to the northern city of Abbadon?¡± My father looked up from his plate, his brow furrowed. ¡°Abbadon is a big city, son. It¡¯s dangerous out there. Are you sure you want to leave?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it for a while,¡± I replied. ¡°I want to learn more¡ªabout the world, about everything. I can¡¯t do that here.¡± He sighed, looking at my mother, who had been silently listening. My mother¡¯s eyes softened as she placed a hand on my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, Kaiser,¡± she said, her voice filled with pride. ¡°But remember, it¡¯s not just about learning to read and write. It¡¯s about survival out there. Promise me you¡¯ll come back.¡± ¡°I promise, Mom,¡± I said, giving her a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll come back stronger, I swear.¡± My father finally nodded. ¡°Alright, you can go. But you¡¯ll need to be careful. Abbadon is a long way from here.¡± When I told Raven, he shouted at me in fury. ¡°You¡¯re leaving after all this training?¡± he bellowed, his one arm waving wildly. ¡°Are you insane?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll come back,¡± I said calmly. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m leaving Skelly here. You can teach him while I¡¯m gone.¡± Raven¡¯s glare could¡¯ve killed a lesser man, but after a long silence, he grumbled, ¡°Fine. But if you die out there, don¡¯t expect me to visit you.¡± After days of preparation, I stood at the edge of the farm, ready to leave. My mother hugged me tightly, her eyes filled with tears. My father placed a hand on my shoulder, his pride unspoken but clear. Raven, as always, scowled. ¡°Here,¡± he said, tossing me a sword. ¡°It was the same blade I had trained with for years. Don¡¯t lose it.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I said, gripping the hilt tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I taught you,¡± Raven added with a rare, serious tone. ¡°The world out there won¡¯t treat you kindly. But if you survive, you¡¯ll be called a monster.¡± I nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t forget. Thank you, Master.¡± As the carriage ride to Abbadon began, I watched the farm grow smaller in the distance, the life I had known slipping away with each mile. The journey ahead was uncertain, but there was one thing I was sure of¡ªI was ready. The ride was long and uneventful at first. The passengers were mostly women and children, their conversations a constant hum in the background. Exhausted, I let myself drift to sleep. I woke to the sound of shouting. The carriage had stopped, and outside, a group of mountain bandits stood waiting. ¡°Come out, all of you!¡± one of them barked, his voice rough and menacing. ¡°Hand over your valuables, and no one gets hurt.¡± The passengers trembled in fear, their faces pale. I glanced around. None of them could fight. ¡°Tch,¡± I muttered, grabbing my sword. Stepping out, I faced the bandits. They sneered, their eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°Well, look at this one,¡± one of them said, smirking. ¡°Pretty boy, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯d fetch a high price in the black market.¡± I tightened my grip on the hilt, my voice cold. ¡°Shut up.¡± The bandit laughed, raising his axe. ¡°Oh? What are you going to do about it?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. My blade flashed, and a second later, his arm hit the ground. Blood sprayed, his screams filling the air. It was my first kill, but I felt nothing. No guilt, no hesitation. These men were scum. ¡°If you don¡¯t surrender,¡± I said, my voice cold, ¡°you¡¯ll end up like him.¡± The remaining bandits didn¡¯t take me seriously. ¡°Kill him!¡± one of them shouted, and they all charged. Axes, swords, and bows came at me, but they were no match. My mana surged through my body, and my sword danced in the air. With every strike, I took them down one by one, moving faster than they could react. When it was over, the bandits lay scattered on the ground, dead or groaning in pain. I sheathed my sword and turned to the passengers, their faces pale with shock. ¡°It¡¯s safe now,¡± I said simply. As the car riage resumed its journey, I stared out at the passing landscape. This world was dangerous, filled with people who wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill or enslave. But one thing was certain¡ªthe hellish training with Raven had just begun to pay off. Chapter 2: Arrival in Abbadon After defeating the mountain bandits, the rest of the journey was quiet. The passengers thanked me for protecting them, and one woman gently said, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault this happened.¡± I nodded, but I wasn¡¯t thinking about it anymore. As the gates of Abbadon appeared in the distance, I remembered a conversation between my father and Master Raven. ¡°Even though he¡¯s just a boy, he¡¯s more mature than his age,¡± Raven had said one evening, sipping a cup of steaming coffee in our yard. His sharp eyes softened, something that rarely happened. ¡°When he decides to act, he doesn¡¯t hesitate. He¡¯s not like the other children who are unsure of themselves. He¡¯s different.¡± Raven, the one-armed swordsman, Sword Demon, was one of the ten greatest swordsmen on the continent. A man whose name inspired both fear and admiration. But when I trained under him, I learned he was more than just a legend. One night, as we rested by a campfire after training, he told me his story. ¡°I wasn¡¯t always this way,¡± he said, his eyes fixed on the fire. ¡°There was a time when I was lost in the darkness. Then I met her.¡± He spoke of a beautiful blonde-haired woman¡ªhis first and only love. She was kind but strong-willed, and somehow, she had seen something in him worth saving. For two years, he courted Lisa, and eventually, they married. They built a life together, raising children while enduring life¡¯s hardships. ¡°She saved me,¡± he said with a small smile. ¡°Without her, I would¡¯ve stayed a cold, bloodthirsty man. Now I¡¯m here, an old man, teaching brats like you.¡± It was hard to believe that this ruthless Sword Demon was once a devoted husband and father. But when I thought of him sipping coffee and smiling, it made sense. As the carriage rolled through the gates of Abbadon, I left those memories behind. Abbadon was nothing like my village. The outer walls were massive, built from dark gray stone to defend against enemies. Guards stood at the gates, watching everyone carefully. Inside, the city was alive and full of people. Wide streets made of stone stretched out in all directions, filled with stalls selling everything you could imagine¡ªfresh fruits, clothes, tools, and even exotic animals. Merchants shouted to attract customers, and blacksmiths hammered loudly as they worked. The buildings were sturdy and built to last, made of stone and wood. Some had carvings of animals or strange symbols, while others had bright banners hanging from them, showing which family or guild owned them. Adventurers wearing armor and carrying swords walked alongside merchants pulling carts. Children ran through the streets, laughing and playing. The whole city felt alive, as though everyone was chasing after their dreams. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. This was Abbadon, the northern city ruled by Duke Gaius Dragonia, a man known as the Divine Swordmaster¡ªone of the four heavens. After making my way through the crowded streets, I finally arrived at the White Tiger Academy. The academy¡¯s gates were tall and made of black iron, with statues of white tigers on either side. The tigers looked fierce and regal, their eyes carved to seem as though they were watching anyone who approached. Beyond the gates, a wide cobblestone path led to the main building. The campus was enormous, with neatly trimmed gardens and tall white stone buildings with blue-tiled roofs. Each structure seemed to have a purpose¡ªlibraries, lecture halls, dormitories, and training grounds. The sound of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clash of weapons filled the air. Students in neat uniforms moved through the ground, some carrying books while others practiced in the open fields. Unlike the adventurers I had seen in the city, these were students with bright futures, their faces filled with focus and determination. The White Tiger Academy wasn¡¯t just about mastering swordsmanship or martial prowess. It was a place for nurturing gifted individuals in various fields¡ªmagic, swordsmanship, alchemy, and academics. Here, students honed their skills under the guidance of some of the finest teachers in the northern region. Today was the annual entrance exam at White Tiger Academy. I had signed up, submitted all my documents, and now, here I was, heading to the stadium where students from all over had gathered. Most of them were from noble families, and some even had connections to the academy. I, on the other hand, was here thanks to a recommendation letter from my master. It wasn¡¯t the traditional path, but I had made it nonetheless. I took a seat at the farthest corner of the stadium and settled in. That¡¯s when I noticed her¡ªa beautiful crimson-haired woman sitting alone. Her icy cold presence was clear from the way she held herself. She gave off a strong ¡°don¡¯t talk to me¡± vibe. But, as always, my curiosity got the better of me. ¡°Excuse me, is this seat available?¡± I asked. She barely glanced at me before turning away, completely ignoring me. Ah, one of those typical ojousamas, huh? I thought, a small smirk forming on my face. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me,¡± I said, and without waiting for a response, I sat beside her. She turned to look at me, clearly taken aback. ¡°Did I give you permission to sit here?¡± I shrugged, completely unbothered. ¡°No, did I do something wrong?¡± She let out a heavy sigh, pouting. This was the first time someone had acted so casually toward her. Normally, people would bow and apologize profusely just for being in her presence. But I wasn¡¯t one of those people, and she seemed to let it slide. Still, I wasn¡¯t too focused on her. The entrance exam was coming up, and that¡¯s what had my attention. A few moments later, the academy¡¯s dean appeared. With a simple gesture, he teleported onto the stage. He looked young but had the laid-back demeanor of someone much older. Despite his relaxed attitude, every student immediately fell silent, as if the very air had changed. His presence was overwhelming. ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s get this over with,¡± the dean said, his tone casual but with a hint of seriousness. "I know you¡¯re all excited, but here¡¯s something important for you to know¡ªthis is White Tiger Academy. Only the strongest survive here. It doesn¡¯t matter who you are, what your family name is. What matters is your talent and your skills. That¡¯s the only thing that will get you through here." He paused, then added with a smile, "Some of you will make it, and some of you won¡¯t. It¡¯s that simple. So don¡¯t expect any hand-holding or easy passes. Prove that you¡¯re worthy of being here.¡± He smiled faintly, giving off the vibe of someone who had seen it all. ¡°Alright, enough of that. Go ahead and get to your rooms. The real test is about to begin.¡± With that, he waved his hand and teleported away, leaving the students to digest his words. The students remained silent for a moment, still processing the dean¡¯s speech. I, however, was more concerned with what came next. The voice of the speaker echoed through the stadium, announcing the next steps. [Attention all students! Please gather in your respective blocks according to the announcements. The first groupings are now being made. Block A, Block B, and so on. Please make your way to your assigned rooms immediately.] Kaiser was called for Block A. Block A? I thought, surprised. ¡°A commoner like me, in Block A? I had expected to be in Block E at best. But with the recommendation from my master and my abilities, it seemed like I had earned a spot in the Block A.¡± Well, as long as I passed, I didn¡¯t mind. I followed the crowd to the designated room for Block A. Inside, various students had already gathered. I noticed a pair of twin girls with horns sticking out of their heads, their sharp features giving them a demon-like appearance. Nearby stood a prince and princess from some far-off country, their noble presence impossible to ignore. An elegant elf stood next to them, while a petite dwarf woman, much smaller than the typical dwarves I¡¯d seen, was chatting with some of the others. A lizardman, his scales glistening like polished stones, leaned against the wall, and a few demi-humans mingled around. I raised an eyebrow. Is this block just for humans, or is it a mix? I wondered. There seemed to be a variety of races here, which only proved that the academy valued talent over everything else. I was still getting used to the idea of sharing a space with so many different races, but it didn¡¯t matter much. What mattered now was performing well in the upcoming exam. The combat instructor entered the room, and his presence was terrifying. He looked more like a Yakuza boss of the underworld than a human. He wore an eyepatch¡ªwas he cosplaying? He cleared his throat. "Ehem! Silence!" With just a single word, the room fell dead silent. His aura was overwhelming and strong. He glanced at the students, his expression cold and serious. ¡°I am Darius Vorn, your combat instructor. I don¡¯t care where you came from or who you are. What matters here is your talent and skills. You¡¯ll prove yourself in this test.¡± He handed out the test papers. ¡°Answer carefully. Your survival depends on how well you perform here.¡± I frowned when I looked at the test. It wasn¡¯t what I expected. It wasn¡¯t academic at all. Instead, it was full of basic knowledge and trick questions. How would you defeat a troll? What would you do if stranded alone in the wilderness? Could you survive if the demon king resurrected? I couldn¡¯t help but curse under my breath. ¡°Damn it! I never studied in my whole life. You¡¯re asking me to answer this? I learned a bit from my parents, but they were commoners, and my master was a battle-crazy maniac.¡± Still, surprisingly, the test wasn¡¯t that difficult. It was just basic knowledge¡ªstuff my master probably drilled into me without me even realizing it. I finished the test well before the time ran out. Afterward, I left the room, my mind still racing. The professor, however, stayed behind, grading the papers with a cold expression. When he got to mine, his eyes widened slightly. To think that a student would answer the questions I intentionally left... the hardest ones that no one else has solved yet. Darius Vorn smirked, a hint of amusement crossing his face. ¡°Hmph. Interesting.¡± Chapter 3: The Combat Practical Exam The next task was simple¡ªcombat, to test our strength and prowess. The professor for this exam was an ogre. Yes, an ogre. But this wasn¡¯t just any ogre. He was intelligent, well-mannered, and spoke with a calm, kind voice. It was strange, but the students were left stupefied. Yet the ogre ignored their reactions and focused on the task at hand. "Choose your weapons," he said, his voice deep and imposing. "We will be sparring. I want to see your combat prowess." The exam was straightforward: a sparring match. The first pair to fight were the eldest sister of that demoness girl and the dwarf girl, who was carrying a hammer bigger than herself. It was an interesting pair of match. The fight began, and it was immediately one-sided. The dwarf girl swung her massive hammer with all her might, but the demoness girl danced around her, evading every blow with ease. She used her armament weapons, which was definitely an advantage¡ªwasn¡¯t that cheating? As I watched their fight, it became clear that while the dwarf girl had the sheer power of the hammer on her side, the demoness girl was playing it smart. Every time she swung that hammer, she was expending energy, while the demoness girl conserved her strength, avoiding the attacks with precise movements. They didn¡¯t just fight, though. They exchanged words as well. ¡°You¡¯re slower than I thought, little dwarf,¡± the demoness girl taunted, dodging yet another strike. ¡°I don¡¯t need to be fast, demon,¡± the dwarf girl retorted, gritting her teeth. ¡°This hammer packs a punch.¡± ¡°Then I suppose I¡¯ll just keep dodging until you tire yourself out,¡± she said with a smirk. And that was exactly what happened. The dwarf girl soon lost her stamina. Sweat poured from her face as she tried to keep up with the relentless swings of her hammer. She let her guard down for a moment, and that was all the demoness girl needed. With a swift punch using her armament weapons, she struck her in the stomach. She flew backward, and the ogre professor immediately announced her as the winner. He then turned to me and instructed, ¡°Take her to the nearest clinic.¡± I immediately refuted, but he insisted I do it since I was the closest. Begrudgingly, I carried her to the nearest clinic. She was unconscious, and I couldn¡¯t help but think she might misunderstand the situation. Carrying her on my back, I could feel her large chest pressed against me¡ªthose two big mountains were touching my back. After helping her, she finally woke up. Surprised, she looked at me. "Thank you," she said, flustered. I nodded silently and left the clinic. Now, I was the last one left to fight. My opponent was the crimson-haired girl I had met earlier. She was an elemental mage, capable of wielding four elements¡ª fire, earth, water, and air. A genius mage. The fight began. As a swordsman, I asked for permission to use the anti-magic sword given to me by my master. The ogre nodded in approval. She immediately chanted a spell, and multiple magic circles formed around her. ¡°Consecutive Strike Fire Arrows!¡± she commanded. The fire arrows were like homing missiles, following me wherever I went. I could only dodge as they chased me down. She was smarter than I expected. I had thought nobles were arrogant and prone to mistakes, but Elysia was calm and rational, with a sharp tongue and a cold gaze.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got? As expected from a commoner who doesn¡¯t know his place,¡± she sneered. When the fire arrows closed in on me, I used my sword to sever the mana surrounding them. Normally, it was impossible to sever mana like this and not hurt the user, but after training for ten years, I had developed a skill called mana perception. It allowed me to see the mana in the surroundings when I activated my aura. I slashed through the fire arrow, and it vanished into thin air. Elysia was shocked. ¡°Impossible,¡± she muttered. She let her guard down for just a moment, and I saw my opportunity. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare underestimate me!¡± she shouted, summoning a golem. It was a spirit¡ªa golem summoned with her magic. Not only was Elysia an elemental mage, but she was also a summoner. I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I was at a disadvantage. But even though the golem was large and powerful, it was still just a construct. Compared to the hell I¡¯d been through, this was nothing. I¡¯d used my swordsmanship technique, the one I had learned from my master. ¡°Reverse Heaven,¡± I muttered under my breath. It was a powerful thrust specialized to kill. Since my opponent wasn¡¯t human, I didn¡¯t need to hold back. Boom! The golem was destroyed in a single thrust. Lucia was sent flying backward, crashing into the wall. ¡°Keurgh!¡± she groaned. The ogre smirked and declared, ¡°The winner of the fight is Kaiser.¡± Everyone was stunned. A commoner had won against Elysia Dragonia? Isn''t she the daughter of a Duke? Who the hell was this guy? Elysia POV I slowly woke up in the clinic, my head heavy from the impact. The first thing I saw was a woman standing beside me, a gentle smile on her face. She had kind eyes, and her presence was soothing, as if she radiated a calming aura. Her name was Irene, a saintess. She was widely admired for her skills and grace and worked as a doctor at the academy after graduating from White Tiger Academy. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate you lost,¡± she said softly, her tone full of sympathy. I blinked slowly, trying to process what had happened. The words finally registered in my mind. I lost. It felt like a punch to the gut. All my life, I had been considered a genius. My parents always praised me, saying I would be the next Archmage. Everyone fawned over me, and I worked tirelessly to meet those expectations. But despite all my effort, reality had a cruel way of reminding me of my limitations. "I see. I lost," I murmured, accepting my defeat with a heavy heart. My eyes wandered to the ceiling as I spoke, lost in thought. The weight of my circumstances pressed on my chest. Ever since I was born, I had been destined for greatness. The higher I climbed, the more I realized how far from normal my life was. I was always expected to be perfect, to carry the weight of my family¡¯s name, to fulfill the duties of a noble. I worked harder than anyone else, determined to never disappoint my parents. But no matter how much effort I put in, there was always something more I was expected to give. In the quiet of the clinic, I could feel the despair I had kept at bay for so long. I wanted to live a normal life¡ªto fall in love, marry, have children, and experience the simple joys everyone else took for granted. However, reality didn¡¯t work that way. I was bound by my responsibilities, trapped by the expectations of others. At my lowest, I had resigned myself to doing anything¡ªanything at all¡ªto achieve the life I wanted. Even if it meant trampling over others. But then, I met Kaiser. He was different from anyone I had ever known. He was more matured than his age, unwavering in the face of my taunts. No matter how much I ridiculed him, he simply smiled back. It made my heart flutter, something I hadn¡¯t felt in years. Maybe I¡¯m sick, I thought with a wry smile. But the realization hit me¡ªperhaps it wasn¡¯t sickness. Maybe it was something else entirely. Kaiser POV After the events of the day, I made my way to the library. I had to learn more about this world. So much had happened, and there was still so much I didn¡¯t understand. But I was determined to figure it out. When I entered the library, I was greeted by the librarian. She was a peculiar girl, petite, with violet hair that fluttered around her face as though it had a life of its own. She wore a small hat perched atop her head, and her ruby eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence. She looked more like a doll than a person, delicate and perfect in every way. As soon as she noticed me, she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You! Did you think something rude about me?" she asked suddenly, her voice laced with suspicion. I froze in surprise. Did she just¡­ read my mind? I thought, my eyes wide with astonishment. This librarian wasn¡¯t just some ordinary girl. "Miss librarian, do you have information about this world?" She looked at me and then answered, "Yes. What kind of book?" I calmly replied, "World history." The only thing I needed to learn was the current era and the past. After all, history is a foundation of knowledge in any world. "Nothing comes from nothing," as the famous ancient Greek philosopher Parmenides once said. In other words, everything that exists or happens must have a cause, an origin, or a source. Take the path of swordsmanship written by Ellen Keller. It was a book written by a famous author who learned about swordsmanship. Why does it exist? For what purpose? What is it used for? I recall reading it when I borrowed the book from my master. He always said that book was for amateurs. True swordsmanship should be learned through experience, not from textbooks. She then smiled slightly. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was my imagination. She used spatial magic to summon a mirror, from which runes scattered like lines. Then, a book emerged from the mirror, and she handed it to me. "This book is what you''re looking for. I don''t know what you''re planning to do with it, nor do I care, but you''ve caught my attention." Before I could answer, she disappeared. Am I talking to a ghost? I thought to myself. I began reading the book on the table. It contained a lot of information. I learned that there are at least eight kingdoms, four major academies, and multiple factions (nobility faction, military faction, and neutral factions like the adventure guild and merchant association). Currently, eight kingdoms ruled the continent. The first was the Human Empire, the Holy Empire. The emperor of this empire was none other than the eldest brother of Duke Gaius Dragonia, the only demigod-knight rank, and the current IX Emperor, Arthur Pendragon. Next, the Elven Empire, the Elfrieden Empire, was home to the elves. They lived in the mountains and near rivers, with their main land being where the Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, resided within. Their rulers were the high elves. Some of the information in the book was outdated, though. I sighed. Then there was the Dwargon Empire, known for their unparalleled craftsmanship and work ethic. The dwarves were a proud race and workaholics who loved drinking alcohol as much as they loved crafting. Their kingdom was ruled by the Council of Elder Smiths, with the most influential of them all being the current Emperor XIII, Julius Dwargon. The Eastern Union was a federation of demi-human tribes, including beastmen, lizardmen, cat tribes, and many more. Their warriors were famous for their martial arts, a testament to the strength and discipline of their people. The Eastern Union was ruled by the royalty, with the current emperor being the White Flame King, Sirius. The Holy Land of Dragons, Azhagarath, was the land where dragons resided. It was protected by their Dragon God, and many revered this sacred place. Those who sought to enter had to prove their worth. As I read further, I came across information about the other races of the continent: the Sentinels, Sirens, and Flugels. The Sentinels were a mysterious race, more akin to spirits or phantoms. They existed in the space between the physical and spiritual realms. Often seen as guardians of forgotten places or hidden realms, they were known for their ethereal forms, making them almost invisible or intangible to the living. Sentinels could phase in and out of reality, and many were revered for their wisdom and ability to sense disturbances in the balance of the world. Their presence often signified a warning or an omen, and their role was to protect ancient knowledge and forgotten histories. The Sirens, or mermaids, were an aquatic race known for their beauty and enchanting songs. They lived in the oceans and rivers, often luring sailors to their doom with their voices. However, some mermaids were peaceful and acted as protectors of the seas. Their kingdom was an underwater realm, with cities made of coral and pearls. Finally, the Flugels were a race of winged beings, known for their intelligence and advanced magic. They were often aloof and distanced themselves from the affairs of other races. However, they were revered for their knowledge and mastery over the elements. Their kingdom was high in the skies, with cities floating among the clouds. Chapter 4: A New Beginning I left the library and headed toward the cafeteria. As I walked through the hallway, I sighed heavily. The cafeteria was crowded, filled with students chatting and eating. There was no way I¡¯d get a seat in this chaos. Reluctantly, I turned to leave, my stomach growling from hunger. ¡°Damn it.¡± I turned around and returned to the room. After arriving, I sat at the farthest seat. I walked past the tables, observing the students around me. Groups of them were talking, forming their own circles. The prince and princess had already built connections with others. As expected from nobles, I thought. The demoness twin girls were in their own small world, as if no one else existed. They rarely, if ever, conversed with others. The dwarven girl, on the other hand, was chatting away with her friends. She hasn¡¯t changed. Then, my eyes landed on the crimson-haired girl. She sat by herself, just like before. Does she really not have any friends? I wondered. Well, I¡¯m not much different from her, anyway. Meanwhile, Elysia noticed me briefly. She quickly looked away, unsure of herself. Her mind was a mess. What¡¯s wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? He¡¯s just a commoner, but... She shook her head, unable to figure out why her heart felt uneasy. After a few moments, the first bell rang for the afternoon class. Every student returned to their seats while I was feeling sluggish because I hadn''t eaten yet. After that, a person suddenly came in, and he was none other than the strict professor who had handed out the test paper earlier. "So, it¡¯s you," he said with a cold and sharp voice. "I am Professor Darius Vorn, a combat instructor and now your homeroom teacher for Block A. Before the class starts, whoever''s name I mention will step forward. Those whose names are not called will be expelled. That¡¯s all." Darius said this while holding the results of the entrance exam. He activated a magic circle in the mid-air, and runes began to rearrange themselves, forming two lists. One list displayed the names of the students who passed, while the other was labeled Failed. Currently, there were 50 students in Block A, but only 21 had passed. The rest would either be expelled or transferred to other blocks. Darius began calling names, his voice cold and sharp. ¡°Elysia Dragonia.¡± Elysia walked to the front, calm and composed. ¡°Lilith and Liliana.¡± The demoness twins moved forward, their hands clasped, their expressions unreadable.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Seraphina Velmont. Isaac Velmont.¡± The princess, Seraphina, moved first, followed by the prince, Isaac. Both advanced naturally, as if used to being the center of attention. ¡°Raiden Jovar.¡± Raiden moved forward. ¡°Cain Ashford.¡± Cain walked ahead without hesitation. ¡°Raon.¡± Raon stepped forward. ¡°Finnian Storm.¡± Finnian walked to the front. ¡°Leonis Dragonov.¡± Leonis advanced. ¡°Kaiden Voss.¡± Kaiden walked up silently. ¡°William Hawke.¡± William walked to the front, casually pulling out his revolver, spinning it once before tucking it into his pocket. ¡°Brunhilde.¡± Brunhilde stepped ahead confidently. ¡°Mirella Calen.¡± Mirella moved to the front. ¡°Katherine White.¡± Katherine walked up. ¡°Claire Fairytale.¡± Claire stepped forward. ¡°Sylvia.¡± Sylvia moved up, her movements subtle yet graceful. ¡°Kaiser.¡± Hearing my name, I walked up, never expecting to pass the entrance exam on the first try. ¡°That¡¯s all. For those whose names were not called, better luck next time,¡± Darius said. The students who weren¡¯t called left in silence, frustration and regret clear on their faces. For them, it felt like the end of the world. For those of us who passed, it was just the beginning. After passing the entrance exam, I was called into the office to receive my school uniform. It was neatly folded, coated in plastic¡ªvery convenient, if you ask me. Professor Darius handed me the room number and the keys. ¡°This is your key and room number. The dormitory is a single room with a personal bathroom and kitchen. Use it responsibly. If I hear a complaint about your misdeeds, I¡¯ll personally punish you. Understand, Kaiser?¡± Damn, he¡¯s terrifying. He¡¯d fit better as a gangster than a teacher. But there was no hostility¡ªjust the stern reprimands of an adult. I nodded and replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡± After leaving the room, a blonde professor in a white coat approached Darius. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being too kind, Mr. Darius? First time I¡¯ve seen you agitated. What¡¯s so special about that student of yours?¡± Darius shot him a disgusted glance and shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, Lucas. I still don¡¯t like those brats who don¡¯t know their place. It¡¯s better to teach them now, so they¡¯ll regret it later.¡± ¡°Ah, scary as always. Your temper hasn¡¯t changed. As expected from the demon professor who expelled all the students five years ago. I pity Block A for having a monster teaching them,¡± Lucas said with a smirk. ¡°But I don¡¯t care if they live or die. In the end, only the talented have the right to live. Isn¡¯t that right, Professor Darius?¡± He clicked his tongue and spat at him. ¡°As usual, your antics are as disgusting as your rotten personality. I warned you, don¡¯t touch my students. I¡¯m the one who¡¯ll teach them what¡¯s right and wrong, Lucas, the Thousand-Faced.¡± ¡°Tch, still the same as before, Darius. As boring as always.¡± Meanwhile, I asked a few students for directions and learned the dormitory was located south of the academy, just past the exit. I turned left and walked for about 15 minutes until I reached it. At the gates, knights were stationed. As I approached, one of them stepped forward, blocking my path. ¡°Who are you? State your business.¡± I let out a heavy sigh and showed them the insignia of the White Tiger Academy. The moment they saw it, they quickly bowed their heads and apologized. ¡°I-I''m sorry, esteemed guess. You may proceed.¡± Before heading inside, I asked, ¡°Where is Room 104?¡± One of the knights answered, ¡°It¡¯s on the top floor. You¡¯ll need to use the stairs.¡± I entered the dormitory and saw many students staring at me. Their whispers weren¡¯t exactly quiet. ¡°Hey! Look. Isn¡¯t that the freshman student who got a perfect score in the written exam and the one who won the fight against that monster?¡± ¡°Monster? Ah, you¡¯re talking about Elysia Dragonia, the next successor of the Dragonia Family and the future Archmage.¡± ¡°Indeed. I pity him. I wonder how the Duke will react after hearing his precious daughter was defeated by some nobody.¡± ¡°Tch, acting like some big shot who doesn¡¯t know his place. A commoner is still a commoner. A filthy rat like him should be kicked out of the academy.¡± I didn¡¯t pay them any mind as I made my way up the stairs. After walking for a while, I finally reached Room 104. I opened the door and entered. After entering, I noticed the room was divided into three sections: the bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom. There was an open window letting in a fresh breeze, and a personal desk with closets and drawers. For the past six years, this would be my personal space, a place where no one could invade my privacy. Not bad, I thought. I lay down on the soft, fluffy bed. After a long day, exhaustion hit me, and I soon felt drowsy. The last thing I remembered was losing consciousness and drifting off to sleep. The next day, I woke up early in the morning and fixed my bedsheet. I went directly to the bathroom and took a cold shower. I felt refreshed, and after that, I changed into my school uniform. The uniform was white with gold trim, featuring an insignia of a white tiger on the brooch. The robe was pure white, simple but elegant. I walked for 15 minutes and arrived at the academy exit, where I was greeted by the guards. I headed to the cafeteria. It wasn¡¯t crowded, as it was still 7:30 AM, and the class would start at 8:00 AM. I had 30 minutes left to eat breakfast. I went to the counter and ordered everything on the menu, along with a cup of cold water. After receiving my order, I found an empty table and began eating. As I took my first bite, I mumbled to myself, "Damn, this is so delicious. I¡¯ve never eaten anything like this before. As expected from one of the top 4 major academies on the continent." The students around me stared, some shocked by the sheer amount of food I was eating. "Is he¡­ even human?" one whispered. "Did you see how much he ate?" another murmured, eyes wide in disbelief. "How can someone eat like that without exploding?" "There¡¯s no way¡­" I continued to eat, oblivious to the stares and whispers around me. After finishing every bit of food on my plate, I gathered the empty dishes and returned them to the counter. I pulled out a pouch of coins, ready to pay for the meal, but the lady at the counter shook her head with a polite smile. ¡°We don¡¯t accept money here,¡± she said calmly. I furrowed my brow, confused. ¡°Huh? What do you mean? How am I supposed to pay for the food, then?¡± She gestured to a small device on the counter. ¡°Here at White Tiger Academy, we operate on the R-Point system. Every student is given a personal account tied to their academy ID, and points are added based on their achievements and merits. These points can be used to pay for everything¡ªmeals, access to facilities, obtaining limited resources, and more.¡± I stared at her, trying to process the information. ¡°So... everything here is based on points?¡± She nodded. ¡°Exactly. The academy values talents and results above all else. Students who perform well in written exams, combat practical exams, and missions are rewarded with points, which are far more valuable than money. And since you¡¯re a freshman who ranked at the top in both the written exam and the combat practical exam, your account should already be credited with a large amount of points.¡± I leaned back slightly, surprised but impressed. ¡°I see... so it¡¯s a system of high risk and high reward.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied. ¡°The dean and professors believe this system motivates students to perform their best while maintaining fairness. But, keep in mind, points are limited, so you¡¯ll need to learn how to use them wisely.¡± I nodded thoughtfully, tucking my pouch of coins back into my bag. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Chapter 5: The Combat Training (1) The hellish day began. We gathered in the lecture hall, and Professor Darius stood in front of the class, his stern face the same as usual. Despite being the combat instructor, today he was teaching us the foundation of magic. ¡°Now, some of you might think learning the basics is a waste of time, but it¡¯s essential. Even as swordsmen, understanding magic is crucial,¡± Professor Darius said. ¡°First, let¡¯s talk about the three basic types of magic. The first is the mental realm, or imaginary realm. This is where you memorize incantations, spells, and visualize them. Take a simple spell like ¡®flame¡¯¡ªif you can imagine its heat, structure, and purpose, you¡¯re already halfway there. When you chant ¡®Ignis,¡¯ the spell takes form.¡± ¡°Next is the magic circle, the foundation of magic. It enhances efficiency and shortens casting time. Normally, you¡¯d chant a full incantation, but with a magic circle, simply saying ¡®Ignis¡¯ is enough.¡± Some students murmured as they took notes. ¡°Next is the inscription of runes, the language of magic. Mastering it allows you to read ancient texts written by scholars who documented a system called ¡®Numbers.¡¯ These scholars recorded history, but those who changed it were the Apostles¡ªthose who wielded magic beyond human limits.¡± Professor Darius¡¯ voice lowered slightly. ¡°The Apostles were incredibly powerful, their mana nearly infinite. They were seen as demigods, their magic shaping the world itself. But let me warn you¡ªNumbers are forbidden. If you¡¯re ever found to have a connection to them, the Imperial Knights will arrest you for treason.¡± The room fell silent. Some students glanced at each other, as if wondering, Then why even tell us about them?If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Professor Darius smirked slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t get any stupid ideas. You¡¯re not ready for that kind of magic. Now, back to the lesson.¡± ¡°The last thing you need to remember is the manifestation of magic, or the ¡®code sequence.¡¯ This ensures your magic remains stable and efficient when cast. Without it, spells can become unstable, and in battle, that could cost you your life.¡± He paused for a moment, then looked around at us. ¡°Any questions?¡± Elysia raised her hand, and Professor Darius called out her name. "Elysia." After being called, Elysia stood up from her seat and asked, "What is the difference between mana and aura?" Professor Darius sighed, shaking his head. "You don¡¯t know the basics?" he muttered, then cleared his throat and turned to the class. "Mana," he began, "is a form of energy that exists in all living beings and the world around us¡ªthe source of all magic. Just as blood circulates through the body, mana flows through every living creature¡ªhuman, monster, or plant¡ªallowing mages to cast spells." He gave the class a moment to think. "Every human has mana. The amount one possesses is called ''mana capacity.'' Think of it as a reservoir. The larger it is, the more mana you can store and use. More mana means stronger spells and longer sustain." "Mana isn¡¯t just within you. It flows through nature. That¡¯s why anyone can use a little magic. The problem is learning how to harness and control it." He leaned forward. "Aura, however, is different. While mana is the source of magic, aura is the manifestation of a person¡¯s will and spirit. It is used by knights and warriors to enhance their physical capabilities. When a knight channels their aura, it strengthens their body and allows them to surpass the limits of the human body." Professor Darius continued, "Unlike mana, aura requires concentration to manipulate its own will. It¡¯s an external force that surrounds and strengthens the body. Mages use mana for spells, while knights use aura to fight." "Any other questions?" Professor Darius asked. The bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. Professor Darius left the room, and the students made their way to the training ground. As we gathered at the training ground, everyone stretched and chatted while waiting for instructions. I walked over to the weapon racks and picked up a massive two-handed greatsword. Gripping the hilt with both hands, I felt its weight. "This thing is heavier than I expected," I mumbled, struggling a little to get used to the weight. I tightened my grip on the sword, adjusting to its weight. I swung the two-handed greatsword with one hand. SWOOSH! Lilith approached him, twirling her sword with ease. "Don¡¯t worry, Kaiser. You¡¯ll get the hang of it." How did she know my name? I wondered, watching Lilith skillfully handle her weapon. We¡¯ve barely talked... Liliana remained behind Lilith, offering a quiet, encouraging nod. Seraphina crossed her arms and glanced at me. "Have you ever used a sword before?" "Not really," I calmly said. "But I learned from my master." Then, heavy footsteps approached. A large, muscular figure stepped onto the field, his reddish skin and sharp tusks. Grimgar, the academy''s infamous ogre instructor, let out a deep grunt. "Enough chatter. Pick up your weapons." Chapter 6: The Combat Training (2) With Elysia on my team, I needed one more member. Most groups were already full. I sighed, knowing that being a commoner probably made this harder. Even as a top student, there was always some resentment¡ªjealousy or hostility, it didn''t matter. What mattered now was finding the last member. Maybe a demi-human? This world might claim equality, but old grudges were not so easily forgotten. I had no other option. Professor Grimgar''s voice rang out. "Only 45 seconds left! If you don''t have a team, be ready for the consequences!" I spotted a high elf with a fencing sword and bow. Her platinum white hair and ocean-blue eyes stood out¡ªunusual for her kind. I walked up to her. "Are you still looking for a team?" The high elf glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "I am. And you?" "I need one last member. If you don''t have a group, we can team up." She looked at me for a moment. "Why ask me? Surely there are others." "Not anymore." I looked around the room. "And even if there were, I don''t have time to be picky." She let out a soft hum. "A human teaming up with an elf? You don''t mind?" "I don''t mind. What matters is if they can contribute to the team. That''s all." She chuckled lightly. "Interesting. Very well, I''ll join you. But don''t expect me to follow orders blindly." I nodded. "I understand." Professor Grimgar''s words echoed in the room, his voice harsh. "Now that everyone has teamed up, the combat training starts now. But, before that, I''d like to remind you that the person you chose to be your teammate will remain your squad until graduation. If I hear any talk of disbanding, I''ll kill you myself! Do you understand, brats!" The room went silent. Some students grumbled, but a single look from Professor Grimgar silenced them instantly. For me, though, nothing had changed¡ªit seemed like I''d be working with Sylvia and Elysia for the next six years. Elysia crossed her arms and looked at me, clearly annoyed. "You really chose her as your teammate?" I raised an eyebrow. "What''s wrong with that? Sylvia''s strong." "She''s a high elf, and you know it," Elysia said. "You could''ve chosen someone else." A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Sylvia, leaning casually against the wall, spoke up with a relaxed tone. "I''m strong enough. You should worry about yourself more than me." I sighed. "Complaining won''t change anything. Professor Grimgar made it clear¡ªwe''re a team now." Elysia hesitated, then sighed as well. "Fine... I''ll deal with it. But only because I trust you, Kaiser." Sylvia nodded calmly. "Same here. I''ll do my part." And with that, we reluctantly accepted the reality of the situation. Professor Grimgar explained the rules for today''s combat training: a battle royale combined with capture the flag. The objective was simple¡ªsteal the enemy''s flag to win. Any method could be used to defeat the opponent, but killing was strictly prohibited. Anyone who crossed that line would be expelled from the academy. "This is an ancient relic used by the academy to train students like you," Professor Grimgar said, activating the cube-like relic. The scene shifted instantly, the training ground transforming into a dense, sprawling forest. The air smelled of earth and pine, and the sound of leaves rustling beneath our feet felt real, even though we knew it was all just an illusion. "Listen up, brats. The forest is your battlefield. Once you step in, the training begins. The one with the most points wins. That''s all." Professor Grimgar''s voice echoed as the students split into groups. He watched silently, his gaze sharp and cold. "Where are we? Is this even possible? I''ve heard White Tiger Academy has ancient relics, but I never thought this could happen." Elysia muttered, her expression filled with disbelief. "This place... it looks familiar. I feel like I''ve seen this forest before, but I can''t remember when." Sylvia murmured, her brows furrowing in thought. "..." Relic. A relic can be an object, a person, or an entity from legend, history, or folklore. Its existence depends on remembrance¡ªso long as stories, records, and myths persist, the relic continues to exist. The higher a relic''s rank, the greater its status and influence in the world of relics. Its power strengthens as its origin becomes more widely known. But if left forgotten, a relic fades. Without recognition, it eventually becomes nothing more than an ordinary antique. "Are you paying attention, Kaiser? What''s the plan?" Elysia asked. Sylvia nodded with a smirk, readying her bow as she waited for my orders. I grabbed a stick and a few rocks, arranging them into an X and O in a triangle formation on the ground. "I''ll be X at the front. You two are O, covering my sides." I pointed to Elysia. "You''ll act as the decoy¡ªmages are usually the first targets." Then, I turned to Sylvia. "You''ll stay hidden and eliminate any threats that come our way." "If either of you senses danger, respond immediately. Professor Grimgar is monitoring this forest, so at least no real harm will come to us." Kaiser moved toward the forest, scouting the area while concealing himself in the bushes. Sylvia stood behind me, waiting patiently for the prey to appear. Elysia remained still, activating her magic detection. A magic circle formed, and the mana dispersed into the surrounding area. Moments later, Elysia detected three members of the same team¡ªRaiden, Cain, and Finnian¡ªmoving cautiously through the forest. "That commoner truly doesn''t know his place. First, the academy acknowledges him, and now he has the audacity to stand beside Elysia and Sylvia as if he is their equal? It''s laughable," Raiden scoffed. "A stray dog clinging to nobles¡ªpathetic. No matter how much favor he gains, he''ll never be more than an outsider," Finnian chuckled. "If he''s weak, he''ll fall like the rest," Cain smirked. "It''s infuriating. Elysia should have rejected him like before, but instead, she accepted his invitation. He''s stolen her from me," Raiden muttered, clenching his fists. "Still obsessing over her? Even after she embarrassed you?" Cain raised an eyebrow. "That was then. I wasn''t strong enough. But now, things will be different. If I defeat that commoner in front of her, she''ll have no choice but to acknowledge me," Raiden gritted his teeth. "There''s nothing special about him. He''ll break the moment you step in front of him," Finnian scoffed. Just as they were speaking, they spotted Elysia¡ªalone. "Perfect. This time, I''ll prove myself to her," Raiden sneered. The three of them immediately moved to attack. Then, in an instant¡ª The ground beneath them collapsed. Dust filled the air as the three plummeted into a pitfall trap. "What¡ª?! Damn that bastard!" Raiden shouted. "A trap? Tch¡­ That commoner dares resort to such cowardice?" Cain scowled. "You wretched¡ª!" Finnian gritted his teeth. Elysia looked down at them, her expression cold. Without a word, she raised her hand. A magic circle flared to life. "Tier 2 spell¡ªConsecutive Strike: Fire Arrow," Elysia said calmly. Flames burst forth, raining down toward them. At the same time, Sylvia whispered an incantation. A gentle breeze turned into a violent gale, and within moments¡ª A tornado descended upon them. The last thing Raiden saw before being swept away was Elysia''s indifferent gaze. I picked up the red flag and smirked. I never expected my plan to work, though I didn''t think those three would be weaker than I had anticipated. I handed the flag to Elysia, and she looked at me, confused. "Why did you give it to me? Aren''t you the leader?" I replied calmly, "Because I trust you, Elysia." Elysia was flustered, her cheeks flushing faintly. Is he stupid? Flirting at a time like this¡­ This is why I can''t stand commoners, she thought. Sylvia, who had been watching, leaned in curiously and whispered, "Is that the only reason?" "If I hold the flag, everyone will target me. It''s better for Elysia to hold it. She''s the greatest decoy. Now that she holds something important, everyone will probably think she''s the leader. And that''s when I strike. While they''re focused on her, I''ll take the enemy''s flag," I answered.