The academy grounds glistened in the early morning dew, with golden sunlight streaming through the tall stained-glass windows of the main building. The calm after the flurry of the previous day set a strange tone—uneasy silence mixed with murmured gossip and the occasional stolen glance at the boy who had now become something of a legend.
Riku Aoyama sat at his usual seat in the back of Class 2-B, his head resting on his hand as he gazed out the window. Students shuffled in, chattering about their morning routines, recent lectures, and upcoming assessments. But Riku barely heard any of it. His mind was deep in thought, filtering through the flood of notifications he had received from the system.
> [Daily Login Bonus Received: 1x Skill Draw Ticket | 5,000 Yen Voucher]
[New Quest Unlocked: Shadow of the Underground - Investigate the rumors of an illicit power broker in the Eastern Ward]
The timing was suspicious. He had only just begun to settle back into his academy life, and now the system was nudging him into dangerous territory again. Yet, he couldn't ignore the gut feeling that this wasn't just another side quest.
"You look like you're miles away," a soft voice said beside him.
Riku turned slightly and met Ayumi's eyes. She wore a reserved expression, but the way her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve betrayed her curiosity.
"Just thinking," he replied. "Too many things happening all at once."
Ayumi tilted her head. "Does it have to do with what happened in Verdant Hollow? You changed there. I mean, a lot. People are noticing."
He gave a small chuckle. "It's hard not to change when you're surrounded by weirdos, killers, and... whatever that tree was."
She smiled at that but quickly grew serious. "You know, I—I asked around. About you. You weren't this... capable before. Not that you were weak. Just... normal."
"Maybe I was just hiding my brilliance all this time," Riku said, giving her a wink. "A genius lies dormant until the world needs him."
Ayumi laughed, a little too quickly, then looked away. "I'm serious though. You feel different. And I don't think I'm the only one starting to notice."
Before he could answer, the door slid open and a voice called out, "Aoyama, you're needed in the staff hall. Principal wants a word."
Whispers shot through the class like wildfire.
"Did he do something again?" "Is it about the fight yesterday?" "I heard he beat a third-year in under ten seconds."
Riku stood, brushing off the curious stares as he exited. Ayumi looked after him, her fingers frozen in place.
---
The principal's office was a grand, high-ceilinged chamber lined with bookshelves and floating projection scrolls. Principal Igarashi stood with her back to him, staring out through a pane of enchanted glass showing an overview of the academy.
"Riku Aoyama," she said without turning. "You're making quite the name for yourself."
"Trying not to," he muttered.
She turned, her expression unreadable. "Normally, I'd commend a student with your progress. But brilliance attracts attention. Dangerous attention."
Riku's eyes narrowed. "You mean the rumors. Underground betting, strange crowds during sparring matches."
"Not just that. A broker is recruiting talented students for something illicit. You might be a target. Or worse, a candidate."
The system pinged again in his mind.
> [Quest Updated: The Shadow of the Underground – Principal's Warning acknowledged. Track the broker's movements during the upcoming Combat Exhibition.]
"You're assigning me a mission?"
"I'm asking you to be cautious. But if you discover anything... don't confront them alone."
He nodded. As he turned to leave, Igarashi added, "You're not the only genius in this academy. Remember that."
---
Back in the classroom, a new buzz had replaced the previous gossip. A flyer had been posted on the bulletin board.
> ACADEMY COMBAT EXHIBITION WEEK
Open duels, class team battles, and skill demonstrations. Show your brilliance to academy scouts and elite sponsors!
Ayumi approached him as he returned. "I guess you're going to enter?"
"Why not? It's a good stage to show off a little."
She hesitated. "Be careful, Riku. I feel like something is coming. And not everything can be solved by power alone."
Her gaze lingered a little too long this time.
He gave her a lopsided grin. "I'll keep that in mind. But a little power doesn't hurt, right?"
In his mind, he activated the system again and tapped the Skill Draw Ticket.
> [Skill Acquired: Shadowstep Mirage (Rare) – Create afterimages to disorient enemies and evade attacks. Scales with Agility.]
Riku smirked. It was time to prepare. Whispers and warnings be damned. The game had just begun.