“Man… I can’t believe we made it through that,” Seiji muttered, rubbing his temples. The memory of the White Shadowwolf still flickered in his mind—its chilling howl, the flash of its fangs, and the way they’d barely managed to outmaneuver its Spectral Rush.
Tatsuya grunted in reply, his voice muffled by the pillow. “I don’t even wanna think about it. Sleep now, talk later. Maybe forever.” He turned over, his breathing already slowing. Within minutes, soft snores filled the room.
Seiji smiled faintly, shaking his head. Typical Tatsuya—run headfirst into danger, give it your all, then crash like nothing happened. Seiji wasn’t quite ready to sleep, though. His mind was still buzzing with the possibilities of his Skill Card Book, and now that he had a moment of quiet, he wanted to dive into it.
Reaching over to his nightstand, Seiji picked up the ancient tome. The worn leather cover glimmered faintly in the dim lantern light, the sigils etched into it pulsing like a heartbeat. As his fingers brushed against the surface, a familiar warmth spread through him, soothing and inviting.
He opened the book, and the pages flipped on their own, stopping at the “Skill Overview” section. Neat rows of entries greeted him, each with intricate details about the abilities he’d acquired. Seiji’s eyes darted across the descriptions, taking in every bit of information.
Seiji's Skills
- Cooking (Passive) - Level 1
EXP: 20/50
"Grants the ability to prepare meals with slightly improved taste and restorative properties. Enhances stamina recovery when cooking is completed successfully. Progress unlocks advanced recipes." - Inscription (Passive) - Level 1
EXP: 35/50
"Allows the creation and enhancement of basic skill cards. Progress unlocks advanced inscriptions and customization options for cards." - Reinforce (Active) - Common - Level 2
EXP: 65/100
"Temporarily strengthens a chosen item or body part. Enhances durability and effectiveness for 60 seconds. Energy Cost: 20. Progress unlocks extended duration and additional effects." - First Aid (Active) - Common - Level 2
EXP: 15/100
"Restores minor injuries and stabilizes critical wounds. Can be applied to oneself or others. Energy Cost: 25. Progress unlocks greater healing and efficiency." - Shadow Pierce (Active) - Uncommon - Level 1
EXP: 40/50
"Launches a shadowy projectile that pierces an enemy’s defenses. Deals moderate damage and ignores basic armor. Energy Cost: 15. Progress unlocks increased damage and range."
Seiji lingered on Shadow Pierce. It had been the key to their victory against the White Shadowwolf. The sharp burst of energy and precision it granted felt natural to him, like it was meant to be his. And now, it was close to leveling up. Just 10 more experience points…
His attention shifted to the bottom of the page, where his own Book Owner Level was displayed.
Seiji’s Level
Level 2 - EXP: 80/100
"Unlocks additional abilities for the Skill Card Book. Grants minor bonuses to card efficiency and energy regeneration with each level. Progress unlocks hidden functions of the book."
“Eighty out of a hundred,” Seiji murmured, running his fingers over the glowing text. “Just twenty more until the next level… I wonder what’ll happen then.”
The thought filled him with excitement. The book clearly grew with him, and the more he used it, the more he discovered its potential. Tonight alone, he’d earned multiple skill cards and pushed his abilities to their limits. That had to count for something.
A small notification blinked in the corner of the page, drawing his attention. It was a subtle shimmer, almost like a beckoning light. Curious, Seiji tapped the page lightly, and the book responded, flipping to a new section labeled “Progress Log.”
Lines of glowing text scrolled across the page, detailing everything he had accomplished since he first awakened the book:
- Skill Card Acquired: Shadow Pierce
- Skill Card Upgrade: Reinforce Level 2
- Battle Assist: Defeated White Shadowwolf (E-Rank)
- Experience Earned: +20 EXP for Book Owner Level
“That’s it,” he whispered to himself, a grin spreading across his face. The book wasn’t just tracking his progress—it was rewarding him for every step he took.
Seiji closed the book and leaned back, letting out a breath. His exhaustion was still there, but now it was accompanied by a sense of purpose. He was getting stronger, little by little. For the first time since his Awakening, he felt like his abilities might actually be worth something.
As his eyes grew heavy, Seiji whispered a silent promise to himself: “Let’s see just how far we can take this.”
With that, he drifted into a dreamless sleep, the Skill Card Book resting by his side, still glowing faintly in the dark.
Morning sunlight bathed the classroom in a golden glow, highlighting the polished wood of the desks and the subtle engravings on the walls—symbols of mana that pulsed faintly, reminders of the school’s rich history in nurturing skilled mages and warriors. Seiji stifled a yawn, stretching his arms as he settled into his seat beside Tatsuya.
The room buzzed with quiet conversation as students exchanged tales of their previous day’s triumphs and struggles. For most, surviving the trial had been a rite of passage, and though they were battered and bruised, there was a distinct air of pride in the classroom.
“Another day, huh?” Tatsuya murmured, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin. “Wonder what they’re throwing at us this time.”
“Hopefully nothing like yesterday,” Seiji replied, glancing around. “I could use a break from fighting for my life.”
From the back of the room, a familiar voice chimed in, laced with amusement. “Come on, Seiji, where’s your sense of adventure?”
Seiji turned to see Hiroshi approaching, a smirk playing on his lips. He slid into the seat behind Seiji, propping his chin on his hand.
“You call almost getting mauled by a Shadowwolf an adventure?” Seiji shot back, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, it beats sitting here learning about... whatever Ms. Muraoka has planned for today,” Hiroshi quipped, shrugging.
“Careful what you wish for,” Tatsuya said with a grin. “Knowing her, we’re about to get hit with another ‘lesson’ that could very well involve more pain and suffering.”
Their chatter was cut short as Ms. Muraoka entered the room. Her presence commanded immediate attention, her sharp eyes scanning the students as if daring anyone to slack off. Dressed in her usual dark blazer and pencil skirt, she exuded authority.
“Good morning, class,” she began, her voice firm but not unkind. “I trust you’ve all recovered from yesterday’s trial.”
A few groans rippled through the room, but most of the students nodded or murmured their agreement.
“Good,” Ms. Muraoka said, adjusting her glasses. “Because today’s lesson is foundational. Many of you have already awakened your mana and know the basics of channeling it, but knowing isn’t enough. To truly master your craft, you must understand mana on a deeper level. That is what we will cover today.”
With a wave of her hand, glowing letters appeared on the blackboard behind her: “Advanced Basics of Mana: Flow, Capacity, and Resonance.”
“Mana is the lifeblood of our abilities,” she began, pacing slowly in front of the class. “Most of you are familiar with the basic act of channeling mana through your nodes and into your skills. But tell me this: How many of you have considered the efficiency of your flow?”
The room fell silent. A few students exchanged puzzled looks, while others furrowed their brows in thought.
Ms. Muraoka smirked, clearly pleased with the reaction. “I thought so. Let’s start with the first principle: Flow. Mana flow refers to how smoothly and consistently mana travels through your channels. A smooth flow allows for faster casting and reduces the strain on your body. Inconsistent flow, on the other hand, can lead to slower activation times, increased energy consumption, or, in severe cases, backlash.”
She turned to the board and drew a diagram of mana channels in the human body. “Most of you likely think that the key to stronger skills is simply pouring more mana into them. While that might work in the short term, it’s inefficient and can damage your channels over time.”
Seiji nodded slightly, recalling the slight sting he’d felt when overusing his Reinforce skill during the trial.
“Now,” Ms. Muraoka continued, “who here can tell me what determines your mana capacity?”
A hand shot up near the front of the room—Haruka, a studious girl with neatly tied braids.
“Your capacity is determined by the strength of your mana core and the size of your mana nodes,” she said confidently.
“Correct,” Ms. Muraoka replied, nodding. “But there’s more to it than that. Mana capacity is also influenced by training, diet, and even mental focus. A well-trained individual can expand their capacity over time, but overexertion without proper recovery can shrink it. Keep that in mind the next time you’re tempted to spam your skills.”
A few students chuckled, and Tatsuya leaned over to Seiji, whispering, “She’s totally talking about me, isn’t she?”
Seiji smirked but kept his eyes on Ms. Muraoka, who had moved on to the final topic.
“Lastly, we come to Resonance. This is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of mana use, yet it is crucial for those who wish to work with enchanted items, summon creatures, or form contracts. Resonance refers to how well your mana aligns with external forces—be it an artifact, a summoned beast, or even the environment.”
With another wave of her hand, the blackboard shifted to display a glowing crystal surrounded by waves of energy.
“Resonance is why some of you may find it easier to use certain enchanted weapons or spells than others. Each person’s mana carries a unique signature, much like a fingerprint. The better your mana resonates with a tool or technique, the more effective it becomes. However, poor resonance can lead to inefficiency or even rejection.”
Hiroshi raised his hand, a rare look of genuine curiosity crossing his face. “Ms. Muraoka, what about people whose mana signatures are... unstable? Like, it works sometimes, but other times it’s a total mess. Asking for a friend, of course.”
A ripple of laughter moved through the room, but Ms. Muraoka’s gaze didn’t waver. “Unstable mana signatures often indicate unresolved internal conflict—emotional, mental, or physical. To stabilize it, one must first identify the root cause and address it. Meditation and consistent practice can help. But...” She narrowed her eyes at Hiroshi. “...if your ‘friend’ is simply being careless, then they’ll need to put in the work to refine their control.”
Hiroshi nodded, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “Got it. I’ll let my ‘friend’ know.”
Seiji and Tatsuya exchanged amused glances as the class continued. By the end of the lesson, each student had experimented with their resonance crystals, gaining insight into their mana’s unique qualities. As the bell rang, Ms. Muraoka left them with a final piece of advice: “Mastering the basics is a lifelong journey. Never stop refining your craft.”
Walking out of the classroom, Hiroshi caught up with Seiji and Tatsuya. “So, silver ripples, huh?” he said, nodding toward Seiji. “Fancy. Guess you’re not as boring as you look.”
Seiji rolled his eyes. “Coming from the guy with the unstable mana signature?”
“Hey, I never said I was perfect,” Hiroshi replied with a laugh. “But at least I’m interesting.”
Tatsuya clapped a hand on Hiroshi’s shoulder. “You’re definitely something, that’s for sure.”
As the three walked to their next class, Seiji couldn’t help but feel a little more confident. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to figure things out.
The hallway buzzed with energy as students shuffled to their next classes, their voices blending into a dull roar. Seiji and Tatsuya stepped out of their classroom; backpacks slung over their shoulders. The two walked side by side, casually chatting about the morning’s lesson on mana resonance.
“Resonance, huh?” Hiroshi’s voice suddenly chimed in as he caught up to them from behind. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, and his trademark smirk was firmly in place. “I wonder if that’s why I couldn’t get that stupid enchanted dagger to work yesterday.”
Seiji raised an eyebrow. “You were struggling with an enchanted dagger? What happened?”
Hiroshi shrugged, falling in step with them. “Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly cooperating. My team managed to scrape through the trial, though, so no harm done.”
Before Seiji could reply, a small group of students approached from the opposite direction. Seiji immediately recognized them as three of the freshmen he and Tatsuya had helped during the trial. Their faces lit up as they spotted the duo, and they hurried over.
“Seiji! Tatsuya!” one of them called out—Yuji, a boy with short brown hair and a wide grin. “Wait up!”
Seiji paused, surprised. The group looked completely healed, their movements fluid and their expressions bright.
“Hey, you guys,” Seiji said with a smile. “How’s it going?”
“Better than we thought we’d be, thanks to you,” Yuji said, his grin turning sheepish. “Seriously, we owe you one.”
“Yeah, we really do,” Mai, the girl with the long black ponytail, chimed in as she gave a polite bow. “If it weren’t for your quick thinking, I don’t know how we’d have made it out of there.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The taller boy with glasses, Kenta, adjusted his frames and gave Seiji a nod of gratitude. “And your first aid skills were incredible, Seiji. You patched us up like a professional.”
Seiji waved his hands modestly, his face flushing slightly. “It was nothing, really. I’m just glad it helped.”
“Nothing?” Mai said incredulously, shaking her head. “You stopped Yuji from bleeding out after that Shadowwolf got him! And you stabilized my ankle so I could keep moving. That’s far from ‘nothing.’”
Yuji nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, man. That bandage you wrapped on my arm? It was perfect—held up the entire time. I don’t know what kind of first aid training you’ve got, but it’s next level.”
Tatsuya clapped Seiji on the back, grinning. “See, Seiji? You’ve got fans now. Maybe we should start charging for your services.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Seiji said quickly, shooting Tatsuya a glare. “I’m just glad you’re all okay. That’s what matters.”
Hiroshi, who had been quietly observing, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Wait, wait, wait. You guys were helping people yesterday? What exactly happened?”
Kenta turned to Hiroshi with a curious look. “You weren’t with them?”
“Nope,” Hiroshi replied casually. “I was with a different party. Sounds like these two were playing heroes, though.”
Mai smiled. “Heroes or not, they saved us. Seiji’s first aid skills and Tatsuya’s fighting made all the difference.”
Yuji grinned. “Yeah, and that plan you came up with, Seiji? It was genius. If we ever team up again, you’re definitely the leader.”
Mai nodded. “If there’s ever anything we can do to repay you, just let us know. You didn’t have to help us, but you did, and we’re really grateful.”
Seiji scratched the back of his neck, unsure how to respond. “You don’t owe us anything. Just focus on getting stronger so you won’t need help next time.”
Yuji laughed, clapping Seiji on the shoulder. “Deal. But if you ever need backup, you know who to call.”
“Same here,” Mai added with a smile. “We owe you guys big time.”
As the trio waved goodbye and headed down the hallway, Hiroshi smirked and nudged Seiji with his elbow. “Playing the hero, huh? Guess you’ve got a knack for it.”
Seiji rolled his eyes. “I just did what needed to be done.”
“Not everyone would’ve done it,” Hiroshi said, his tone a little more serious. “Most people were too busy looking out for themselves yesterday. What you did? That’s rare.”
Tatsuya grinned. “Hiroshi’s right. You might want to get used to people looking up to you, Seiji.”
Seiji shrugged, trying to downplay the attention. “I’m just glad they’re okay.”
As the bell rang, signaling the start of their next class, Seiji adjusted his bag. “Come on, let’s not be late.”
The three of them walked down the hall, Hiroshi continuing to tease Seiji while Tatsuya grinned at the exchange. Despite his modesty, Seiji couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Helping others had left a warmth in his chest, one that he wanted to carry with him through whatever challenges lay ahead.
The group made their way across the sprawling academy grounds toward the combat arena, where their next subject, Combat Conditioning, was scheduled to take place. The cool morning breeze carried with it the faint hum of mana-infused training equipment, the rhythmic clash of weapons, and occasional shouts of upperclassmen sparring in nearby fields. The sight was equal parts thrilling and intimidating.
Seiji adjusted the strap of his bag, casting a glance at Tatsuya, who was practically buzzing with excitement. “You’ve been grinning non-stop. What’s up?”
Tatsuya cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. “This is what I’ve been waiting for! Combat Conditioning. No lectures, no sitting around—it’s action time. I’ll finally get to show what I’m made of.”
Seiji raised an eyebrow. “Just don’t go overboard and embarrass yourself, alright?”
Behind them, Hiroshi chimed in, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. “I don’t think embarrassing himself is even possible for Tatsuya. The guy thrives on showing off.”
Tatsuya spun around, smirking at Hiroshi. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Hiroshi. You’ll see—you guys won’t be able to keep up once I start. This is my domain.”
Seiji sighed. “You haven’t even met the professor yet. What if they’re tougher than the wolf from yesterday?”
Hiroshi chuckled, his voice low. “Then he’s in for a reality check. That’s all I’m saying.”
The three of them fell into step with the rest of the class as they approached the combat arena—a colossal, dome-shaped structure that radiated an aura of intensity. Mana runes etched into the walls pulsed faintly, as though alive, and a faint hum of energy surrounded the building. The air here felt different—charged, like the calm before a storm.
Inside, the arena was even more impressive. The circular training ground was vast, with padded floors designed to absorb impact. Wooden weapon racks lined the walls, holding everything from swords and spears to shields and staves. Overhead, mana-infused crystals illuminated the space, casting a bright but soft glow over the students.
At the center of the arena stood a man who could only be their professor. Towering and broad-shouldered, with short-cropped silver hair and a jagged scar running down his left cheek, he exuded an air of authority. His sleeveless black tunic revealed arms thick with muscle, and an iron whistle dangled from his neck. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was an unmistakable air of refinement about him—a commanding presence that made it clear he was no ordinary instructor.
The murmurs of the students faded into silence as his sharp, piercing gaze swept over the group.
“All right, listen up!” His voice boomed across the arena, commanding immediate attention. “My name is Professor Goro Reinhardt, and I’ll be teaching Combat Conditioning. Welcome to your first session.”
Seiji’s eyes widened slightly. Reinhardt? As in the same family as Julius and Leon? He exchanged a quick glance with Tatsuya, who looked equally surprised.
Professor Reinhardt crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the class like a predator sizing up its prey. “Let me make one thing clear: this isn’t a subject where you sit and take notes. This is about building your body, mind, and mana to withstand anything the world throws at you. Today, we’re focusing on endurance. Combat isn’t just about strength or fancy moves—it’s about outlasting your opponent and pushing past your limits. Without endurance, even the most skilled fighter is useless. Understood?”
A chorus of hesitant nods and murmured agreements followed, but Professor Reinhardt’s sharp whistle silenced them.
“I said, understood?”
“Yes, sir!” the students shouted in unison.
“Good. Now, let’s see what you’re made of. We’ll start with a lap around the arena. Don’t slow down, don’t stop, and don’t complain. Move!”
The students scrambled to comply, breaking into a run. The arena’s size became painfully clear as they completed the first lap, their breaths already growing heavier.
Tatsuya kept a steady pace near the front, glancing back with a grin. “Come on, Seiji, don’t fall behind!”
Seiji, running in the middle of the pack, scowled. “I’m fine! You don’t have to keep checking!”
Hiroshi, trailing slightly behind them, muttered, “Who designed this arena, a sadist?”
As the laps continued, the strain began to show. Some students slowed, clutching their sides or stumbling. Professor Reinhardt strode along the edge of the track, his sharp eyes catching every faltering step.
“No slacking! Push through the pain. If you think this is hard, you’re not ready for the battlefield!”
After what felt like an eternity, the professor finally blew his whistle. “Stop! Line up!”
The students staggered into position, sweat dripping and breaths ragged. Professor Reinhardt paced in front of them, his expression unreadable.
“That was pathetic,” he declared. “Half of you couldn’t even finish without slowing down. Endurance isn’t just about physical stamina—it’s about mental toughness. Combat doesn’t end when you’re tired. It ends when your opponent is defeated, or when you’re dead. If you give up here, you won’t survive out there.”
Tatsuya, still catching his breath, whispered to Seiji, “He really doesn’t hold back, huh?”
Seiji nodded, too winded to reply.
Professor Reinhardt’s sharp gaze landed on Hiroshi, who was leaning on his knees for support. “Tired already? You’re not going to last long with that attitude.”
Hiroshi straightened, wiping sweat from his brow. “Just warming up, sir.”
The professor smirked. “We’ll see about that. Break’s over. Next, you’ll run the same laps—but this time, you’ll channel mana into your legs. For those who don’t know how, pay attention. This is the foundation of combat mobility. Master it, or get left behind.”
He demonstrated by focusing mana into his legs, the faint glow visible even through his boots. With a single step, he crossed the entire arena in a blur, landing with perfect control.
The class stared in awe, and a few groans of disbelief rippled through the group.
“Your turn,” Professor Reinhardt said, folding his arms. “If you don’t give it your all, you’ll regret it.”
As the students prepared to push their limits once again, the atmosphere grew tense. Despite the challenge ahead, there was a spark of determination in the air. This wasn’t just a class—it was a trial, and none of them wanted to be the one who faltered.
Seiji glanced at Tatsuya and Hiroshi, the three of them exchanging brief nods. They might be exhausted, but they weren’t about to back down.
The lesson was only beginning.
Professor Reinhardt’s sharp whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the next round. The students hesitated briefly before pushing themselves forward, trying to channel mana into their legs as instructed. For many, this was their first attempt at practical mana control, and the results varied wildly.
Seiji gritted his teeth as he focused on his legs, willing the energy to flow downward. His Skill Card Book’s passive ability to absorb and process techniques made the concept clearer in his mind, but execution was still a struggle. He managed to release a faint glow around his calves, and though his legs felt lighter, the control was shaky.
Tatsuya shot forward like a blur, his form noticeably faster and more refined than most of the class. He turned back to grin at Seiji as he ran. “You better keep up, Seiji! Don’t let me lap you!”
Seiji groaned. “Show-off.”
Meanwhile, Hiroshi struggled to produce even a spark of mana. He growled under his breath, his face a mix of frustration and determination. “Mana into my legs… easier said than done.”
Professor Reinhardt, pacing along the track, noticed Hiroshi’s struggle. “You’re overthinking it,” he barked. “Mana flows naturally if you stop clenching every muscle in your body. Relax your upper half and focus. The legs don’t need tension—they need fuel.”
Hiroshi nodded, trying to adjust his posture. He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before attempting again. This time, a faint shimmer of light surrounded his legs. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“Better,” Professor Reinhardt remarked. “Now maintain it. And move faster. This isn’t a casual jog.”
Hiroshi picked up his pace, catching up to Seiji. “How are you even managing this already?” he muttered.
Seiji panted. “Don’t look at me—I’m winging it. My legs feel like they’re going to explode.”
The laps continued, with some students adapting faster than others. A few stumbled as they lost focus, their mana dissipating mid-stride, while others visibly improved with each round.
As the lesson dragged on, fatigue set in, and the group’s once-steady pace began to waver. Even Tatsuya, who had been leading with confidence, began to slow, his breaths ragged.
Seiji could feel his legs trembling, the strain of maintaining both mana flow and physical movement pushing him to his limit. Still, he refused to stop. The memory of the trials from the previous day—the danger, the teamwork, the uncertainty—fueled his determination. He couldn’t afford to fall behind.
Professor Reinhardt’s voice boomed across the arena, cutting through the sound of labored breathing. “Endurance isn’t about how fast you start—it’s about how much you can take without breaking. Pain is temporary. Weakness is a choice. Push through it!”
Tatsuya glanced at Seiji, his grin replaced by a grimace. “You holding up?”
“Barely,” Seiji admitted, wiping sweat from his brow. “How are you still talking?”
Hiroshi, running slightly behind them, groaned. “How are you both still moving is the better question.”
Suddenly, one of the students ahead stumbled and fell, their mana dissipating entirely. Professor Reinhardt was there in an instant, pulling them to their feet with surprising gentleness despite his imposing demeanor.
“Out of mana already?” he asked, his tone firm but not unkind. “Good. That means you’ve hit your limit. Now push past it. The human body holds reserves you don’t even know exist. Tap into them.”
The student nodded shakily, determination returning to their eyes as they resumed running.
After what felt like hours—but was likely only another twenty minutes—the professor blew his whistle again, signaling the end of the exercise. The students collapsed onto the padded floor in heaps, gasping for air.
Professor Reinhardt strode to the center of the arena, arms crossed as he surveyed the exhausted group. Despite their state, there was no malice in his expression—only approval.
“Not bad for your first day,” he said. “You’ve got a long way to go, but I can see potential in this group. Remember, endurance is the foundation of everything. Without it, strength and skill mean nothing. With it, you can survive anything.”
Tatsuya sat up, wiping sweat from his forehead. “That was brutal,” he muttered, though there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Seiji flopped onto his back, staring up at the glowing crystals on the ceiling. “I can’t feel my legs. Is that normal?”
Hiroshi lay sprawled nearby, groaning. “If it isn’t, then I’m doomed.”
The professor’s voice cut through their complaints. “Class isn’t over yet.”
The students collectively groaned, but Professor Reinhardt smirked. “Relax. The hard part is done. Now we’ll cool down with stretches and mana recovery exercises. You’ll thank me later when you’re not sore tomorrow—though I wouldn’t expect to feel completely fine.”
Despite their exhaustion, the group followed his instructions, moving through a series of stretches that targeted their overworked muscles. Professor Reinhardt guided them through the process of regulating their mana flow, emphasizing control and balance.
By the end of the session, the students were still tired but noticeably steadier, their breathing more even.
As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, Professor Reinhardt’s voice stopped them at the door.
“Good work today,” he said, his tone softer than before. “But don’t get complacent. This was only the beginning.”
Seiji glanced at Tatsuya and Hiroshi as they exited the arena. Despite their complaints, all three of them were smiling.
“Day two,” Hiroshi muttered. “And it already feels like we’ve been here a month.”
“Endurance, right?” Seiji replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “We’ll get through it.”
Tatsuya threw an arm around both of them, grinning. “And next time, I’ll lap you both for real.”
“Keep dreaming,” Seiji and Hiroshi said in unison, shoving him off as they made their way to the cafeteria for lunch, the morning’s grueling classes finally behind them.
The cafeteria buzzed with the sound of chatter and clinking plates as students finished their meals. Seiji, Tatsuya, and Hiroshi sat at their usual spot near the corner, surrounded by the warm aroma of food. Their plates were empty now, and the exhaustion of the morning’s Combat Conditioning class still lingered in their limbs.
“I don’t think I’ve sweated that much since the trial,” Tatsuya groaned, stretching his arms behind his head.
“Well, you needed it,” Hiroshi quipped with a grin. “You were the one complaining about your stamina.”
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Tatsuya shot him a mock glare before turning to Seiji. “What do you think the afternoon will bring? Another round of lectures?”
Seiji shrugged. “No idea. But if it’s more running drills, I’m skipping.”
The three of them chuckled before gathering their trays and heading back to their main classroom. As they entered, the room was already buzzing with energy. Their classmates were spread out, some chatting in groups, others idly flipping through notebooks or fiddling with resonance crystals. Ms. Muraoka stood at the front, her usual sharp gaze sweeping over them as they settled into their seats.
“Good, everyone’s here,” she said, clapping her hands to grab their attention. “Listen up. For this afternoon, there will be no formal classes.”
A ripple of excitement swept through the room, and Tatsuya leaned over to Seiji, whispering, “Did she just say free time? Finally!”
Ms. Muraoka’s sharp eyes darted in their direction, making Tatsuya sit up straight. “Don’t get too comfortable,” she continued, smirking slightly. “While there are no formal classes, this time is reserved for an important aspect of your development here at Tenryu Academy—club activities.”
“Club activities?” Seiji echoed under his breath, glancing at Tatsuya and Hiroshi.
Ms. Muraoka gestured toward a stack of papers on her desk. “Clubs are an integral part of student life. They allow you to hone your skills, discover new interests, and build connections. Each of you is expected to join at least one club before the end of the week. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the clubs and find one that suits you.”
A few hands shot up, but Ms. Muraoka silenced the questions with a wave of her hand. “I’ll be distributing a list of clubs shortly, along with their locations. You’re free to explore them for the rest of the afternoon. Dismissed.”
The students filed out of the classroom in small groups, chattering excitedly about the clubs they might join. Seiji, Tatsuya, and Hiroshi lingered for a moment, examining the list Ms. Muraoka handed them.
“Let’s see,” Hiroshi muttered, scanning the paper. “Swordsmanship Club, Enchanters’ Guild, Elemental Studies Association... there’s a lot.”
Tatsuya’s eyes lit up. “Swordsmanship Club! That’s where I’m going. A whole club dedicated to sparring and mastering techniques? Count me in.”
Seiji chuckled. “Figures. What about you, Hiroshi?”
Hiroshi tapped the paper thoughtfully. “Hmm... School News Reporter Club sounds interesting. I mean, getting the scoop on all the action happening around Tenryu Academy could be fun. What about you, Seiji?”
Seiji scratched his head, unsure. None of the options immediately jumped out at him. “I guess I’ll look around first and see what catches my interest.”
“Well, let’s not waste time,” Tatsuya said, already heading toward the hallway. “I’ll catch you guys later—I’m off to the Swordsmanship Club.”
Hiroshi waved him off before turning to Seiji. “Want to check out the clubs together? Though, I already have an idea of what I might want to join.”
“Oh?” Seiji asked as they started walking.
“Yeah,” Hiroshi said, his tone casual but his eyes alight with interest. “The School News Reporter Club caught my eye. Can you imagine being the first to know what’s going on around Tenryu Academy? Plus, uncovering juicy stories sounds kind of fun.”
Seiji chuckled. “Didn’t peg you for the investigative type.”
Hiroshi shrugged. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep tabs on all the drama around here.”
The two wandered through the campus, stopping by various club rooms. The Enchanters’ Guild was filled with students meticulously crafting glowing talismans, while the Beast Tamers’ Circle had a small group demonstrating control over miniature creatures. Each club had its own energy, its own appeal, but Seiji still hadn’t found one that felt right.
As they passed a quiet room near the library, a faint hum of magic caught Seiji’s attention. He peeked inside and saw students experimenting with spells under the guidance of a senior member. The sign outside read Arcane Research Society.
“This looks... interesting,” Seiji said, stepping inside. Hiroshi followed but stood near the entrance, glancing around the room.
One of the senior members approached Seiji with a welcoming smile. “Interested in arcane research? We focus on uncovering new spells, understanding ancient magic, and experimenting with mana.”
Seiji’s eyes lit up. “That does sound interesting.”
Hiroshi nodded but then glanced at his watch. “I’ll leave you to it. I think I’ll go check out the School News Reporter Club before I decide. Keep me posted on what you end up doing.” He gave Seiji a thumbs-up and headed off.