I walked around the academy with nothing in mind—just letting my legs take me wherever they pleased.
Towers of white marble. Sword training grounds echoing with the clash of steel. Spellcasting circles inscribed with intricate runes. Everything looked so… polished. Grand. Luxurious.
Compared to where I trained before, this place felt like a palace. I found a garden tucked between two halls. Then a library. Then a small lake reflecting the afternoon sun.
Before I knew it, the day had slipped by.
Back in my dorm, I leaned on the window frame. The sky had turned a soft orange. The sun slowly dipped behind the hills. I waited for the moon. And when it finally showed up, pale and round, I just… stood there.
There was a certain peace in that silence. One I didn't want to break.
Eventually, I fell asleep without realizing it.
It was the deepest sleep I'd had in years.
The next morning, I woke up early. Old habits die hard.
I went for a run—same as I always did under Lunareth's training. After that, a few swings of the sword just to stay sharp. My body remembered the motions even when my mind hadn't fully caught up.
Shower. Fresh uniform. First day of class.
When I arrived, the room was nearly empty.
"Huh… too early, I guess," I muttered, taking a seat near the window. "Not that it matters."
A few minutes passed before someone approached.
"Hey, Ren, right?" The guy grinned, extending his hand. "I'm Nix. Mind if we're friends?"
He was average height, maybe around 165—170 cm? Brown hair, brown eyes. The type who would blend in easily in a crowd, yet there was a strange, almost magnetic trustworthiness about him.
"Doesn't sound too bad. Hey, Nix," I replied, shaking his hand.
He plopped down next to me like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You know," he leaned closer, lowering his voice, "this year's class has the highest number of demigod candidates in over a century."
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"You're just realizing that now? Akito's basically a national hero already. Elysian is literally a Saint. And then there's Iris... and Sage."
I'd read up on them earlier, just to be prepared, but hearing it out loud again made my stomach knot slightly.
And then my eyes landed on the name listed under "Sage Candidate."
Aetheria Nume.
"…Haaah." I exhaled slowly. "So my hunch was right... She really is the girl from that night. Damn it—I went and said something embarrassing again."
Of course, I didn't mention that I knew the Sage. I was trying to keep a low profile.
Nix chuckled softly. "Still, none of them are true demigods yet. They have to earn it—the fragments won't acknowledge just anyone."
I frowned slightly. "Fragments, huh..."
"Yeah," Nix whispered, "only those who survive the trials and gain recognition can ascend. It'll happen during the final year. Two years from now."
I stared at him, a bit taken aback. "You're way too relaxed about this, you know that?"
He just laughed. The sound was light and easy, and somehow, I found myself relaxing.
We kept chatting, and before long, the classroom began to fill up. Nix returned to his seat just as more students streamed in.
Then the door opened.
Gaius stepped in, same presence as ever—commanding, serious, slightly pissed off for no reason.
"As you all know," he began, "this class holds several demigod candidates. This will be the year history remembers—or forgets."
The room immediately exploded with chatter.
Gaius silenced them with a single burst of magic—heavy pressure that made the windows rattle.
"Haaah… This is why I didn't want to be your homeroom teacher."
He glared at the class.
"Listen carefully. You have two years. Two years to prove you're worthy of a fragment. Until then, you're nothing."
His voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Train, fight, bleed—I don't care. Just survive. If you want to stand before the fragments when the time comes... you'd better start acting like it now."
He swept his gaze over the room, daring anyone to speak.
No one did.
"Anyway, There are three mandatory classes. First: Magic Theory. Second: Physical Training—and yes, that one's mandatory for everyone, no exceptions. Third: Mana Control. For the idiots who still don't know whether mana's useful for knights or not—yes, it is. If used properly, it strengthens your physical power immensely. The same goes for magic. Any questions?"
No one spoke.
"Good. Then get moving to the training grounds. You'll meet Instructor Miyo there."
Of course.
We all made our way back to the field, where Instructor Miyo was already waiting for us—hands on hips, posture straight, and that same unsettlingly bright smile on her face.
"Alright, my lovely students! Everyone's here now, right? Good!" Her voice echoed across the open field. "Today, we start simple—run. This field. Full lap. No exceptions. Stamina is important!"
There were a few groans, but no one dared to complain loudly.
I raised a hand, a bit hesitant. "Instructor, does that mean… we're not forming groups yet?"
She turned to me with a grin that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Smart question, Ren! No, not yet. You'll be solo for now. After all…" She twirled a strand of her hair, then pointed toward the track. "What good is a team if you can't even carry your own weight? Run first, think later."
'Just like Master taught me.'
I started running with the others. My breathing stayed steady. Legs didn't burn yet. Not bad. Still had some leftover strength.
Honestly, this part was familiar. Comfortable, even.
I didn't mind running. I didn't mind training. What I did mind was the tension in the air—the weight of hundreds of eyes silently comparing each other. Every step felt like it came with a judgmental stare. And something told me, this was just the beginning.
—Akito POV
Alright… this is it. One of my chances to get closer to Elysian. I have to make it count. That damn NPC better not ruin it again.
Akito kept running, his steps steady, his eyes subtly glancing around.
As expected, students were beginning to slow down. Breathing heavy. Legs wobbling. And there—Elysian. Even she was starting to falter.
Now.
Just as the Saint lost her balance, Akito moved. A perfectly timed catch.
Yes. Nailed it.
He put on his best concerned expression.
"Ah, are you alright, Elysian?"
She looked surprised to be caught, but offered him a grateful smile.
Perfect.
Then she tried to stand—only to stumble slightly. Her ankle twisted. Akito knew it would happen. That's why he was ready.
"Elysian, you should rest. Let me take you to the infirmary," he offered gently, almost too gently.
"I'm fine, I can heal it," she said with a small smile.
"No need to use holy magic for something like this. It's just a small sprain. Let me carry you—"
"Hey, you. Don't go anywhere."
Instructor Miyo's voice cut through the air like a blade. Cold. Sharp.
"Let Ren take her."
Ren, who was already sitting at the side, having finished his laps early, looked up, startled.
"…Me?"
Akito's eyes twitched.
"But Instructor—"
"No buts! You're not even halfway done! Run!"
Akito gritted his teeth, but turned and started running again.
Damn it. That NPC again. I was so close. So damn close to gaining her trust…
"Faster!" Miyo barked again.
Akito clenched his fists mid-run.
Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn!
—Ren POV
As I walked toward Elysian, a sudden chill ran down my spine.
It felt like someone was silently cursing me from behind.
I ignored it and stopped in front of her, kneeling slightly. "I'll carry you."
She hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding, her cheeks faintly pink. Without a word, she climbed onto my back, her arms wrapping lightly around my shoulders.
It was… awkward. Of course it was. How could it not be?
Having a Saint clinging to my back wasn't exactly something that happened every day.
But before I could say anything—
"Ren… why didn't you respond to my greeting yesterday?"
I flinched.
"…Ah. Sorry," I muttered. "I already got judged just for being near Iris yesterday. If I talked to you too, it'd only make things worse."
Elysian gave a small pout, then pinched my side—not hard, but enough to make me yelp.
"Ow—what was that for?!"
"A punishment," she said coolly, "for ignoring a Saint."
"That's totally unfair, you know?! I could file a complaint."
"You wouldn't dare," she teased, her breath brushing against my ear.
I nearly stumbled.
Gods, she was dangerous in ways she probably didn't even realize.
Still chuckling softly, she rested her chin lightly against my shoulder. Somehow, the awkwardness eased, replaced by a strange, almost pleasant tension.
We continued walking, the world around us fading into the background. I could feel countless eyes on us—jealous, curious, judgmental—but right now, none of it mattered.
Before long, we reached the infirmary.
I carefully set her down onto the bed, taking an extra second to steady her before stepping back. She looked up at me, her silver hair slightly messy from the walk, and for a second, I found it hard to look away.
"I'll head back to training," I said, clearing my throat a little too loudly.
As I turned to leave, her voice caught me mid-step.
"Let's eat together again sometime," she said, smiling faintly. "My treat."
I paused at the door, glancing back over my shoulder. "Careful, Lady Saint. If you spoil me too much, I might get attached."
Her eyes widened slightly, and a vivid blush bloomed across her cheeks—and her ears.
I grinned, half amused, half something else.
"See you later, Elysian."
This time, I didn't shake the thought away as I left.
Maybe... just maybe, I wouldn't mind getting spoiled by her.
The moment I arrived, I felt it.
Every gaze locked onto me.
"Incredible work getting this far," Miyo clapped once, her tone far too cheerful. "For those of you sitting, I'll be adding extra laps later."
The students who were slouching immediately shot up. I chuckled softly and got a bunch of dagger-like stares for it.
Okay. Noted.
I quickly straightened up.
Miyo appeared beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You've made quite the impression, Ren."
She turned to the class. "Alright! Time for a sparring match. Pick whoever you want. Don't worry—I'll make sure no one dies."
Excitement stirred. Naturally, I knew who they'd pick. The weirdo with no magic.
Me.
But Miyo raised a hand. "We'll start with our top-ranked student. Akito, choose your opponent."
Akito stepped forward with that confident, polished smile. "Nix."
There were snickers. Nix tensed beside me.
"Akito versus…" Miyo paused. "What's your name?"
"N-Nix," he stuttered.
Laughter erupted again.
I stayed quiet, fists clenched. Not funny.
The two moved into the center of the training ground, students forming a wide circle around them. Even some upperclassmen leaned out from the second-floor windows to watch.
The match began.
Of course, Akito had the upper hand. But to Nix's credit, he managed to block a few strikes.
Akito didn't like that.
His movements became harsher, faster. Each blow heavier than the last.
Then he started going all out.
I stepped forward, instinctively—but Miyo held me back. "Just a little more," she said.
Nix can't take much more.
And then Nix fell.
Akito raised his sword again.
He was going to strike.
That blow—it'll kill him.
I moved.
Steel clashed as I caught Akito's sword with mine.
"Are you trying to kill him?!!"
My voice was louder than I expected. Full of anger.
"With that much power, you could've killed him! What the hell is wrong with—"
"He's just an NPC," Akito snapped. "Just like you."
…NPC?
"What the hell are you even talki—"
Behind me, Nix coughed up blood and collapsed completely.
Without another word, I turned and lifted him.
I reached the infirmary hoping for two things: a conscious Nix and the Saint's healing glow. Only one of them was there.
"Where's Elysian?" I asked while lowering Nix onto the cot.
The academy doctor—a thin man with dark circles and permanent mana stains on his gloves—didn't look up from the spell he was weaving. "I sent her back to rest," he said, voice steady. Pale‑green light spread under his palms, suturing torn tissue.
The procedure took minutes that felt like hours. Runes hovered over Nix's chest, knitting flesh and vessel; torn muscle re‑grew with the faint scent of ozone. Finally, the doctor exhaled—a ragged, spent sound—and sagged onto a stool.
"It's enough," he murmured, wiping sweat. "No internal bleeding left. He'll wake by dawn."
Nix's breathing was slow, but even.
I released a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Thank you, sir."
Relief should have followed. It didn't.
All I felt was anger—sharp, senseless anger.
'Why am I this furious over a guy I met this morning? Because he's kind? Because he called me a "good person"?
No—something else. Those eyes when he stood up to Akito… they reminded me of—'
A voice cut through my thoughts.
"Ren!"
Akito. Of course. Behind him hovered a handful of sycophants.
He put on that flawless, respectable‑young‑lord smile.
"I want to apologize," he said, bowing just enough to satisfy etiquette. "It seems I… went too far."
I studied his eyes—polite, empty. Plastic.
"If you're sorry," I said quietly, "apologize to Nix. Not to me."
I brushed past him, shoulders stiff, refusing to glance back.
I needed air.
I found an abandoned practice yard—no witnesses. Perfect.
Then I swung. Again and again. No forms, no footwork—just raw muscle and frustration. Sparks skittered off the blade; frost‑crisp grass flew in clumps. Minutes bled away until my lungs burned and the anger drained out with each breath.
'Why do I keep caring about everyone else's lives? They're practically strangers.
Why wasn't I strong enough to stop it sooner?'
Master's voice echoed in memory—"Strength without restraint is just another beast." I exhaled.
"I wish you were here, Master…"
The training field was empty now—late‑afternoon sun stretching long, lonely shadows across trampled grass. I sat in the center, arms draped over my knees, replaying every swing of Akito's sword and every ragged breath Nix had taken.
A bell rang in the distance. Lunch break
I grabbed the quickest thing in the cafeteria—a plain sandwich—and escaped to the oak‑lined garden behind the dorms. A single massive tree guarded the pond; its shade felt like neutral territory.
Maybe I overreacted.
The thought tasted bitter, but it was there.