"Ohh… is that bad?" Sam asked, a trace of concern in his voice.
"Very," Riena replied bluntly.
"Then… aside from getting stronger, what's the best thing I can do to protect myself?"
"Adapt, Samuel Wildheart. Especially around nobles. They can be… difficult."
Sam nodded, taking in every word carefully. He understood now—this wasn't going to be a story of sunshine and glory. Not here. Not in a place where power dictated everything.
I need support, he thought. Someone powerful to stand behind—or beside—me. Whether that person would be the Headmaster or someone else, he didn't know yet. But he understood one truth: support always came at a price.
"You'll be giving a speech tomorrow," Riena continued, shifting the tone of the conversation. "The entire Academy is eager to see you. It's important to make a strong first impression. Burot will take you to your room shortly."
"Wait… you mean I'll be staying here? In the mansion?"
Riena let out a soft sigh. "Yes. Special instruction from the Goddess herself."
The conversation lightened as they discussed the preparations Sam would need to make for his speech.
"But first," she said, gesturing to a mirror on the far side of the room, "stand there for a moment."
Sam approached the ornate mirror. As he stood before it, the glass pulsed with soft mana light, and glowing letters began to appear.
Name: Samuel WildheartStrength: 10Will: 11Stamina: 9Vitality: 9Mana: 119Charm: 8
Sam's jaw dropped slightly. "Woahhhhh," he whispered, mesmerized by the display.
Riena chuckled softly at his reaction. "Fascinated by something so simple?"
"I mean… yes! This is awesome!"
"You're already stronger than most awakened students," she said. "Your mana level alone is exceptional. You really are something special."
"I'll take that as a compliment, Headmaster."
"You should. Now that I know where you stand, I'm less concerned about how you'll fare among the others."
"Thank you, Headmaster. But you don't need to worry. I don't plan on causing trouble. My goal is simple—to become strong. Everything else comes later. I promise to take this seriously."
Riena gave him a small nod. "Good. That's what I expect from you."
She turned to her assistant. "Burot, take Samuel to his room and give him his schedule."
Burot nodded and gestured for Sam to follow. But before leaving, Sam turned to Riena.
"Thank you, Headmaster. Truly," he said, with a smile sincere and pure.
She nodded in return. After he left the room, Riena sat down, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips. He's quite interesting, she thought. And with that, she began her preparations for the following day.
Later, in the corridors of the mansion…
Burot led Sam through the long, grand hallways, pointing out important rooms and areas as they walked. Soon, they reached a large wooden door.
"This is your room," Burot said, opening it with a soft push.
Sam stepped inside—and froze.
"This is bigger than my entire house," he muttered in disbelief.
The room was spacious and elegant, but not overly flashy. A grand bed stood by the wall, a polished wooden wardrobe beside it. A study desk with glowing paper-lanterns stood by the window, and an attached bathroom lay behind a carved door.
"This is your schedule for tomorrow, including classes," Burot said, handing him a sealed scroll.
"Thank you, Mister Burot. I'll be on time."
With a nod, Burot bowed slightly and left the room, closing the door behind him.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue through the window. Sam walked to the desk and took a seat. He let out a long breath.
Everything changes now.
He opened the scroll, scanned the schedule, and then began drafting his speech. For the next two hours, he worked with focus and determination, understanding the importance of the moment ahead.
When he was finally satisfied, he placed the speech neatly on the desk, stood, and stretched. Fatigue was setting in.
He pulled clothes from his bag and took a warm shower. Clean and refreshed, he lay on the soft bed—his body finally at rest.
And in moments, he drifted off into a deep sleep.