The academy halls humd with whispers. Not the usual idle chatter of students, but reverent murmurs.
"Did you hear? He solved Professor Tetsuo’s unsolvable riddle."
"They say he did it while fighting off a third-year in sparring class!"
"No way... is Riku Aoyama even human?"
At the center of it all, Riku walked with calm poise, his blazer crisp, his eyes sharp, and a ghost of a smirk dancing on his lips. His re presence commanded silence as if the very air adjusted itself to accommodate him.
Inside, he was grinning.
[System Log: ’Heroic Aura - Interdiate’ activated.]
[Passive effect: 15% Charisma in public settings. Duration: Permanent while observed by five or more individuals.]
It had been three days since he returned from Verdant Hollow. His status in the academy had done more than just bounce back. It had skyrocketed.
The underground duels, the performance at the Hollow, and the viral footage of him dismantling Professor Gendo’s illusions during a surprise evaluation? All of it ford the perfect storm.
And today, he was ready to capitalize on it.
---
Second Period – Tactical Theory Class
Professor Tetsuo’s voice carried through the stone-clad lecture hall. "The concept of ’ntal chess’ in battle strategy isn’t just theoretical. Those of you aiming for military or royal advisor positions must learn to think seven steps ahead. Let’s test that."
He snapped his fingers. A projection of two squads facing off shimred into view.
"Now," Tetsuo turned, eyeing the rows of seated students. "Who can tell what Squad A’s commander should do when their flank is being compressed but their vanguard has captured enemy ground?"
Silence.
Even the third-year elites sat with furrowed brows, fingers twitching with hesitation.
Then Riku raised his hand.
Tetsuo grinned. "Mr. Aoyama. Let’s hear your thoughts."
"The commander should feint a retreat on the left flank to pull enemy units deeper, then collapse the vanguard inward for a pincer from inside their territory. Simultaneously, preemptively set a mana minefield on the right in case the enemy over-commits to flank collapse."
Tetsuo blinked.
Not just because it was correct—but because it was exactly what he would’ve done.
"...You’ve been studying actual warti scrolls, haven’t you?"
Riku tilted his head modestly. "I find history quite telling, sir."
The class buzzed. Several female students were visibly impressed. Among them, Ayumi—once skeptical, now undeniably intrigued—bit her lip unconsciously.
This guy... it’s like he sees through battlefields.
---
Third Period – Interdiate Spell Theory
Riku’s desk partner for the day was Nami Yukishiro, one of the top elentalists of the second-year. Known for her cold deanor and icy spellwork, Nami rarely associated with anyone.
But today?
She leaned slightly toward him.
"I saw your fire spell dismantle Professor Gendo’s mirror illusion the other day."
Riku smiled slightly. "It wasn’t the fire that mattered. It was the angle."
"Angle?"
Riku tapped the desk twice. "The mirror matrix folds around mana trajectories. Send a spell at the right refracted pattern, and you nullify the illusion without brute force."
Nami blinked. For the first ti in months, she genuinely looked impressed.
"Would you... like to test theory applications later?"
He didn’t miss the hesitation in her voice.
"Of course," Riku replied smoothly. "Theory always benefits from practice."
---
System Log – Notifications
[System Notice: Attraction Points gained – Nami Yukishiro: 3 | Ayumi Sakuragi: 4]
[New Trait Unlocked: "Charming Strategist"]
Description: 10% to charisma when discussing theory, tactics, or spellwork with academically gifted won.
Riku nearly chuckled aloud.
---
Lunchti – Courtyard
He had barely stepped into the open garden when a trio of professors walked by. The eldest, a battle-scarred woman with a lightning-shaped scar down her jawline, muttered to her peers.
"That kid... he’s operating on a level we don’t see until graduation year."
"I heard a duke’s son challenged him to a duel," the other murmured, "and left with a broken pride and a sprained ego."
"I want to make him my apprentice," the third said bluntly.
They thought he couldn’t hear.
He could.
He savored every word.
---
Flashback – The System’s Purchase Log (2 Days Prior)
[You have purchased: "Mana Mind: Advanced Battle Instincts" - 1500 Points]
[You have purchased: "Heroic Aura – Interdiate" - 700 Points]
[You have purchased: "Charm Enhancer – Scholar’s Edition" - 500 Points]
Each purchase was intentional.
Riku wasn’t just trying to win battles anymore.
He was crafting an image.
A legend.
And the academy had taken the bait.
---
Fifth Period – Sparring Hall
"Next match: Riku Aoyama vs. Eiji Kamizato!"
A chorus of gasps echoed across the dueling coliseum. Eiji was a third-year, known for his "Force Weaving" technique—imbuing raw mana into physical blows to create concussive waves.
Students gathered in droves.
Even instructors sat up straighter.
Eiji cracked his knuckles. "Ready to be humbled, little prodigy?"
Riku stood calmly, loosening his cuffs. "I don’t do humility on Tuesdays."
And it’s Tuesday.
DING!
The bell rang.
Eiji charged forward, fists glowing with dense mana.
"Force Weave: Hamrfall!"
A thunderclap echoed as Eiji’s fist collided with the floor—an explosive wave launched toward Riku.
But Riku was already in motion.
"Flash Step – Shadow Bloom."
He reappeared behind Eiji, palm raised.
"Fla Shard Array: Lotus Spiral."
A circle of fla petals spiraled outward, locking Eiji in a rotating heat trap.
Eiji growled, pushing through. "You’ll need more than tricks—!"
"Mimic Echo – Force Weave: Rebound Palm!"
The very sa concussive force Eiji had used was now reflected back at him. Riku’s palm surged with stolen mana resonance.
BOOM!
Eiji flew backward, smashing into the training wall.
Silence.
Then—
Cheers. Roars. Applause.
---
System Log:
[Skill Used: Mimic Echo – Rank B]
[New Combination Unlocked: "Adaptive Duelist" Style]
[Temporary Boost Activated: 10% learning rate in live combat]
Riku stood tall as the referee announced him the winner.
Ayumi watched from the stands, heart racing.
That confidence... that intelligence...
She didn’t want to admit it.
But she was undeniably falling.
---
Evening – Dormitory Rooftop
Riku sat on the ledge, watching the moon rise. Beside him, Ayumi hesitated before sitting down, leaving only a hand’s width between them.
"You’re making a lot of noise lately," she said.
He glanced at her. "Good noise or bad noise?"
"...Loud enough that I started dreaming about catching up."
He chuckled. "You already were ahead. I just used a cheat code."
"Cheat code?"
He smiled without elaboration.
Ayumi studied his face.
"Whatever you’re hiding... I hope it doesn’t destroy you."
Her voice was soft. Not accusatory, not suspicious—just concerned.
Riku’s smile faded for a mont.
"... too."
For once, he let the silence linger.
And for once, he didn’t feel alone.
TL/N:
"Mimic Echo" is a new skill Riku unlocked to reflect or copy enemy techniques briefly.
"Adaptive Duelist" is a system-generated fighting style that will evolve as Riku fights different kinds of opponents.
Ayumi’s romantic tension is now canonically blossoming. Expect more developnts in future Chapters.
Reviews
All reviews (0)