The sun filtered gently through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the Academy of Elarith. Students bustled in the hallways, preparing for another demanding day. Inside Classroom B-2, all eyes discreetly shifted to the same person—Riku Aoyama.
He didn't stand out in appearance per se. Dressed in the standard black and silver uniform, he seemed to blend in. Yet there was a subtle presence about him—sharp eyes, a calm posture, a quiet confidence—that made it hard to look away. Especially after Verdant Hollow, word about him had spread like wildfire.
Rumors flew: "He took down a high-rank beast solo," "He's got a secret technique," "Even Ayaka from Class A acknowledged him."
Riku tapped his pen on his desk absentmindedly, scanning through the class schedule.
[Daily Reward Claimed: 1x System Voucher]
[Balance: 2,104 Credits | 1 Unused Skill Coupon | 3 Bronze Vouchers]
"Another voucher... I should find time to optimize my skill loadout," he thought.
As he flipped through his notebook, Ayumi watched him from a row behind. Her usual aloof expression was softened with curiosity. Since their return from the Verdant Hollow vacation, something about Riku had changed. She couldn't deny the flutter in her chest when he spoke so calmly, when he solved complex problems effortlessly, or how he had stood up against the monsters without hesitation.
"Ayumi?"
She snapped back to reality as the professor called her.
"Y-Yes?"
"Your solution to the second equation, please."
Riku shifted slightly, sensing her nervousness. As Ayumi began scribbling the solution on the board, he activated a low-tier observational skill.
[Skill: Mind Focus - Lv1 Activated (Duration: 10 seconds)]
Within moments, Ayumi's panic steadied. Her hand glided smoothly, completing the formula. She turned back, surprised by her own calmness.
"Correct," the professor nodded. "Impressive."
As she sat down, she gave Riku a small, uncertain glance. He smiled faintly and returned to his notes.
---
Later That Day - Training Hall B
Instructor Reina, one of the youngest and most brilliant combat trainers in the Academy, had her eyes on Riku. Not just out of curiosity, but professional interest.
"Pair up for sparring. Riku, you'll go against Allen from Class B-3."
Allen was no pushover. A proud spear-user with decent mana control. He grinned confidently.
"Try not to embarrass yourself, newbie genius."
Riku didn't reply. He stepped into the ring, rolling his shoulders.
[Skill Activated: Combat Sense Lv2] [Passive Bonus Applied: Enhanced Reflex Lv1]
The match began. Allen lunged forward with precise thrusts, but Riku's footwork was fluid—almost unnatural. He weaved through the attacks, not wasting a single movement.
Then, Riku raised his hand slightly.
[New Skill Used: Shadow Pulse - Lv1]
A wave of compressed energy surged from his palm, catching Allen off guard and knocking him backward.
Gasps echoed around the hall. Reina narrowed her eyes in interest.
"Where did he learn that technique...? It's not in the Academy archives."
Allen groaned as he got up. "That was cheating... what kind of move was that?"
Riku remained silent.
---
After Class - Academy Courtyard
Ayumi approached him cautiously.
"Hey... Riku. That was impressive back there."
He looked at her. "Thanks. You were pretty solid in math today."
She blushed faintly. "Well... thanks. I think I did better because I wasn't panicking."
Riku considered telling her about the skill use, but held back.
"Maybe you've just grown stronger."
She smiled, sitting beside him on the stone bench.
"You know, everyone's been talking about you. Even Professor Erich mentioned your analytical essay last week."
"I just wrote what made sense."
Ayumi leaned slightly forward, tucking hair behind her ear.
"Still... you're different now. Like, sharper. Smarter. More confident. Did something happen during the vacation?"
Riku looked at her, thoughtful.
"Maybe I just realized it's time to stop hiding what I can do."
[System Message: Affection Level with Ayumi increased.]
She nodded, standing up.
"I'll see you around, genius."
He watched her go, a faint smirk forming.
---
Evening - Dormitory Room
Riku opened his interface, scanning his current setup.
[Available Vouchers: 3 Bronze, 1 Unused Skill Coupon]
"Let's buy something subtle but useful."
He browsed the system shop, eyes scanning keywords: 'analysis', 'support', 'perception'.
[Purchase Confirmed: Skill - Perception Lens (Lv1)]
[Effect: Temporarily enhances visual processing to detect mana traces and micro-expressions. Duration: 1 minute. Cooldown: 10 minutes.]
"Perfect for reading opponents or even... people."
He leaned back in his chair.
Everything was moving now. Students were watching him, instructors were noticing him, and Ayumi—
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
Something was brewing within the Academy. His Perception Lens had picked up a faint mana ripple earlier in the training hall—too precise, too focused to be random.
"A spy? Or someone watching me?"
His smirk deepened.
"Let them watch. I'll give them something worth fearing."