Orion ignored the whispered speculations and gossip around him, calmly maintaining his stride.
His expression remained serene, eyes focused ahead, entirely unfazed by the inquisitive gazes following his every move. After all, he was accustod to attracting attention wherever he went by now, and petty rumors hardly bothered him.
Without stopping, he continued straight toward the serene gardens near the western side of the academy grounds, knowing exactly where he would find Arya and Emilia.
The gentle fragrance of blooming flowers drifted soothingly through the crisp morning air, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere as he approached.
Ahead, amidst the lush greenery, Arya and Emilia were quietly chatting near a beautifully sculpted marble bench beneath a grand cherry blossom tree.
Arya’s usually bright and energetic deanor seed noticeably calr, almost subdued compared to her usual exuberance. Emilia stood beside her with the sa composed and graceful presence Orion had grown accustod to.
Sensing his presence, both girls turned their heads simultaneously. Arya’s violet eyes instantly widened, her calm deanor vanishing imdiately as excitent flooded her expression.
"Brother Orion!" Arya exclaid joyfully, jumping swiftly to her feet, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You’re finally back! We were both really worried!"
Orion chuckled softly, approaching calmly as he warmly greeted them, "Good morning, Arya, Emilia. Sorry for worrying you both."
Arya stepped forward eagerly, clearly bursting with curiosity and concern. "Are you feeling okay now? What exactly happened that day? Instructor Viren carried you out unconscious due to so complication at the Origin Mana Pool, and after that, we couldn’t get any information from anyone!"
Just as Orion opened his mouth to respond, Emilia’s composed expression shifted into one of shock and disbelief. Her steel-blue eyes widened dramatically as she sharply inhaled, sensing the subtle but strong changes in Orion’s mana.
"Wait a mont..." Emilia’s usually calm voice trembled faintly, clearly not believing what she had sensed. "Your mana... Orion, just what level have you reached now? This is—"
Orion laughed gently, raising both hands in a calming gesture to ease their excitent and curiosity. "Calm down, calm down, both of you. Give a chance to explain properly, alright?"
Arya and Emilia exchanged eager, impatient glances before quickly settling down onto the marble bench, their eyes fixated intensely upon Orion, clearly eager for answers.
Orion smiled gently, sitting across from them, and began to explain patiently. "As you both know, I went to the Origin Mana Pool that day."
"My intention was only to stabilize my foundation before breaking through to the Second Level, but once I began absorbing mana, my body and mana channels resonated strongly with the mana there. Without realizing it, I broke through multiple levels simultaneously."
He paused montarily, letting them absorb the incredible revelation before continuing calmly, "By the end of it all, I had already reached the peak of the Third Level—not only in Mana Cultivation but also in my Physique Path."
Arya’s jaw dropped, and Emilia sat frozen in shock, staring at Orion in disbelief. Both girls remained speechless for several seconds, clearly overwheld by the unprecedented feat Orion had just casually described.
Arya finally broke the silence, voice faintly trembling with worry and concern, "Brother Orion, isn’t such rapid climb in ranks dangerous? Aren’t there severe side effects from advancing multiple levels so quickly?"
Orion gently shook his head reassuringly, smiling warmly to ease her worries. "You don’t have to worry about that. After the incident, my grandparents carefully examined my body and mana channels multiple tis."
"Everything is stable, and there are no hidden injuries or side effects. I’ve spent the past few days resting and consolidating my breakthroughs."
Emilia exhaled softly, finally regaining her composure as she spoke slowly, "This... truly goes beyond anything we’ve ever heard of, Orion. Reaching the Third Level simultaneously in both cultivation paths within re days... You’re redefining what it ans to be a prodigy."
[Truly, girl, even I have never heard of such a talent even in the distant lands, much less this kingdom.]
The spear spirit said with slight disbelief in her tone.
Arya eagerly nodded her head in agreent, eyes sparkling with newfound admiration and excitent. "Brother Orion, you’re really incredible. The academy will be thrown into absolute chaos once they find out!"
Orion chuckled lightly, gently shaking his head in amusent at their enthusiastic reactions. "I don’t think others would be able to tell unless they focus on like you guys. And how many will dare to check so closely?"
Arya giggled playfully, eyes still shining brightly, "You’re definitely going to cause quite a commotion either way. Anyway, what’s your plan now? Do you intend to challenge the Tower of Myths again or start a new training routine?"
Orion thoughtfully considered her question briefly, then calmly replied, "Actually, there’s a few questions regarding the Wood Elent that I want to get sorted. I plan to take Instructor Lysandra’s class again today to clarify those questions. Then I should be able to set for creating my second Affinity Rune."
Emilia nodded approvingly, her expression becoming calm again. "That’s a good choice. Instructor Lysandra should be able to clear most of your doubts, especially when it cos to advanced elental theory or runes regarding it."
Arya sighed exaggeratedly but smiled understandingly, teasing gently, "You really never take breaks, do you, Brother Orion? You’ve just recovered and imdiately throw yourself back into studying and training."
Orion laughed softly, standing calmly and stretching his limbs comfortably. "Well, I already rested like 3–4 days. Now there’s no more ti to waste if I want to stay ahead of others. I can’t let any opportunities pass by."
Arya nodded cheerfully, standing up alongside Emilia. "In that case, Brother Orion, we’ll part ways here for now. Emilia and I have our Thunder Elent class shortly. Let’s et up later!"
Emilia nodded her head without saying much.
Orion waved warmly as the two girls departed, leaving him standing alone in the peaceful garden once more.
’...I should head to class now as well.’ Saying so, he stood up and walked toward the class.
***
The bustling streets of the Fourth Ring were filled with rchants energetically calling out their wares, shoppers bustling from stall to stall, and elegant carriages gliding along smoothly.
Amidst this lively morning activity, an adult man leisurely strode through the crowded street, easily standing out with his long dirty-blond hair, striking blue eyes, and carefree deanor.
A small, pure-white bunny sat perched comfortably upon his shoulder, calmly observing the surroundings with serene red eyes.
Magi Alzareth, forrly known as a prodigious rchant prodigy and recently infamous as the Fourth Ring’s most notorious wastrel, confidently moved through the crowd.
Behind him, several imposing guards clad in the prestigious armor of the Helstorm Estate marched solemnly, their disciplined steps in sharp contrast to Magi’s casual swagger.
He abruptly stopped before a large, moderately prosperous establishnt—a luxurious-looking tavern frequented by wealthy rchants and minor nobles.
Without hesitation, Magi lifted one foot and kicked open the elegantly carved wooden door, causing it to slam loudly against the wall.
All conversation inside ceased instantly. Patrons turned in surprise and confusion, their eyes widening further in recognition and curiosity as they saw Magi’s infamous figure frad dramatically within the doorway.
Magi smiled lazily, eyes flashing mischievously as he dramatically raised his voice, drawing attention from every corner of the tavern. "Debt Collector Magi is here! Pay up, bitches!"
His voice echoed boldly throughout the tavern, eliciting shocked gasps and nervous murmurs among the patrons.
His carefree attitude was utterly unapologetic, clearly unconcerned about any potential repercussions.
The establishnt’s owner, a plump middle-aged man, turned pale, visibly trembling as he recognized Magi and the authoritative Helstorm guards standing quietly behind him.
He hurriedly approached, stamring anxiously, "M-Master Magi, surely we can discuss this matter privately, can’t we? Please, there’s no need for such—"
Magi cheerfully interrupted, placing a firm, playful hand on the man’s shoulder. "Relax, old friend. As long as you settle your debts today, there won’t be any problems. But if you delay even one more day..."
Magi’s playful smile deepened, becoming subtly threatening, "Then these fine gentlen from the Helstorm Estate might not be as forgiving as ."
The terrified owner nodded vigorously, imdiately turning to fetch the owed Mana Crystals as Magi chuckled softly, his sharp eyes surveying the rest of the market through the window for his next target.
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