The following morning, Ashford Academy was anything but normal.
Word of the late-night incident spread like wildfire. Whispers echoed in the halls, students speculated with wild theories, and rumors about Riku Aoyama clashed in every corner. Some praised him as a hero who survived a coordinated ambush. Others called him dangerous, a ticking bomb with too much power.
But Riku? Riku walked the halls calmly, as if nothing had happened.
> [System Notice: "Academy Fame" increased. Reputation: Rising Star → Academy Enigma.]
---
Inside the Faculty Meeting Room
A long wooden table, twelve professors seated. At the head sat Headmistress Veloria, her lavender eyes cold as ice.
"Three students in the infirmary. One graduate student re-admitted without permission. Unauthorized combat. Spell damage to restricted archive zones."
She glanced at the glowing security crystal hovering in front of her.
"And Riku Aoyama was in the center of it. Again."
Professor Rhyde, head of Advanced Magic Theory, crossed his arms. "But he was the victim. The footage shows he was lured."
Professor Kella, head of Enchantments, narrowed her eyes. "No. The footage shows skill. Systematic skill. Too perfect. Too fast. That kind of execution isn't just talent."
A silence fell.
Veloria tapped her fingers. "Whether by system, artifact, or training, he outclassed them. And that makes him dangerous. But also... interesting."
---
Elsewhere: Student Dorms
Ayumi leaned against the hallway wall, glancing toward Riku's door.
She hadn't stopped thinking about what she saw.
His calm. His silence. The injuries he brushed off like dust. The overwhelming power.
"He's hiding something," she whispered to herself. "But he's not evil. Just... alone."
Her cheeks flushed. And for the first time in a long while, Ayumi found herself wishing she could be someone he relied on.
---
In Class: Combat Simulation Room
Instructor Vash stood with arms crossed, overseeing the duel simulations.
When Riku stepped into the ring, a wave of silence followed. Everyone watched.
His opponent, a second-year named Keiji, gulped.
The bell rang.
Keiji charged. Riku didn't move.
> [Skill: Echo Counter – Activated]
Keiji's firebolt was knocked back, doubled in force. The entire training field lit up. Instructors intervened before it spiraled out of control.
"Sorry," Riku said, brushing his sleeve. "Reflex."
The entire class stared at him in awe—and fear.
---
Later That Evening: Academy Garden
Riku sat beneath the shade of a tree, eyes scanning a holo-manual on magical architecture.
A voice interrupted his peace.
"Riku Aoyama."
He looked up. A woman stood in a dark uniform. Golden eyes. Faculty badge.
"I'm Professor Elira. I teach Artifact Symbiosis. Headmistress wants to see you. Now."
He stood without hesitation. Not that he had a choice.
As they walked, Elira glanced at him.
"You know, most students wouldn't survive that kind of ambush. You not only survived, you countered, overwhelmed, and crippled three attackers."
"I'm efficient."
"You're something."
---
Headmistress Veloria's Office
The room smelled of incense and parchment. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a massive window overlooked the training grounds.
"Sit, Riku."
He did.
"Do you know why I called you here?"
He nodded. "To ask what happened."
"No," she replied. "To ask what you are."
Riku's eyes narrowed.
"You're not just talented. You're beyond that. You learn too fast. You adapt faster. And after today, my staff is divided. Some want you gone. Some want to put you on a pedestal."
She leaned forward.
"But I want to know the truth. Not because I fear you. But because you might be exactly what we need."
> [System Alert: High Authority Scan Initiated. Mental Resistance: Holding... Success.]
Riku's voice remained calm.
"I was just a dropout who got lucky. That's all."
Veloria smiled. Not believing him for a second.
"Then prove that luck. Survive what's coming. Because whether you like it or not, Riku Aoyama, you've become a player in a much bigger game."