Chapter 15: Blue Eagle Academy
[Legacy Skill: ???]
Status: Dormant
Classification: Unknown
Signature Type: Tier 6 (Degraded Binding)
Origin:??? – Verdant Gate
Description: A fragmented skill once wielded by an Immortal.
To awaken this skill, the bearer must absorb the Essence of Binding—a rare crystallized remnant of ancient sealing magic. Only fragments remain in the modern era, often buried in forgotten ruins or guarded by legacy vaults.
Mike stared at the glowing line on his panel, the words etched in mana light.
"Essence of Binding...?"
He tapped the symbol again. The description shimmered, then faded.
"Degraded Binding... a Tier 6 legacy skill. Origin unknown. Why me?"
He rolled over in bed, unable to sleep. The legacy skill sat like a seed in his soul—waiting. Silent. Heavy.
"Guess this academy really is the only place I'll find answers."
Before closing his panel, he glanced at his status once more.
…
— Data Panel —
Name: Mike
Race: Human
Realm: Tier 2 [Level 15: 32/100]
Mana Heart: Crystalline Mana Heart (Hidden Water Branch)
Strength: 169 | Physique: 158 | Agility: 152 | Mana: 160
Native Skill: Crystallization
Legacy Skill: ??? (Essence of Binding required)
Skills: Mana Sensing, Current Surge, Crystalline Sword, Wave of Lotus
…
The Next Morning
Mike arrived early at the town plaza, the rising sun painting golden streaks across the sky.
"Nice weather today," he murmured, stretching.
Just then, a hand slapped the back of his neck.
SMACK!!
"Morning, sleepyhead!" Jek's familiar voice rang out.
In a flash, Mike summoned his Crystalline Sword, pointing it at Jek's throat.
"Woah, hey! I was just joking!" Jek held up his hands, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead.
Mike lowered the blade, smirking. "You need better timing."
"I need better friends," Jek grumbled, rubbing his neck. "Anyway, why're you here?"
"Waiting for Eira," Mike replied casually.
"Ohhh~ waiting for your princess, huh?" Jek teased, grinning. "Don't tell me you guys are already—"
"Want me to test this sword on your mouth?"
Before Jek could reply, a voice as soft as the morning breeze echoed behind them.
"Mike."
Both turned. Eira approached, her steps light, her hair fluttering in the wind. She looked slightly annoyed as she brushed strands from her eyes.
Mike stepped forward, pulling something from his pocket—a crimson butterfly hairpin.
"Your hair's in the way." He gently clipped it into place. "This should help."
Eira blinked. "A… hairpin?"
"It's a gift."
Her cheeks flushed bright red. "T-Thank you. It's… beautiful."
"Awwwwww!" Jek groaned dramatically. "Can someone get me a bucket for all this sugar?"
Mike unsheathed his sword again.
"Okay, okay, I'll shut up!"
…
Blue Eagle Academy
Nestled high in the Misty Mountains of the Paman Province, Blue Eagle Academy stood like a floating fortress among the clouds. Two massive statues of sapphire eagles flanked its gates, wings spread in eternal vigilance.
"This place is insane," Jek whispered as their train pulled in. "It's like a palace for gods."
Mike and Eira stood silently, taking in the grandeur.
Blue Eagle Academy wasn't just a school—it was one of the Three Great Colleges in the Great South Empire, known for producing elite mages and cultivating rare legacy wielders.
Inside, banners fluttered with house symbols, elemental currents glowed across training fields, and towering spires disappeared into the clouds.
After the welcome ceremony, the announcement came:
…
Freshman Contest – Begins in One Week
All new students get one week of free access to resources.
After the contest, the ranking will determine monthly points, the academy's currency.
Points grant access to training gates, relic vaults, medicinal herbs, and advanced tutors.
…
"That's enough for me," Mike whispered.
"Most new students barely hit Level 10," Jek said. "You're already 15. Just crush the contest and you'll rise fast."
Mike nodded. "That's the plan."
"I've got normal class orientation," Jek added, walking off. "But you… good luck. The Special Class kids are monsters."
…
Special Class – Room 1-S
Eira and Mike walked toward the elite classroom. Just before they entered, Eira hesitated. "Mike... try to stay calm, okay?"
He gave her a puzzled look. "Why?"
The door swung open.
"EIRA!! Who is that?" a harsh voice barked from inside. "Why is he here?"
Standing in the center of the room was a tall, broad-shouldered student with golden hair and burning eyes. Flames danced across his fingertips as he stepped forward.
"James," Eira muttered, rolling her eyes.
James scoffed. "This is Special Class. It's for early awakeners, not some commoner who got lucky in an exam."
Mike said nothing.
Eira's mana surged.
"He's the top scorer of the Inter-Academy Exam," she said firmly. "He earned his place. Got a problem with that?"
Mike's heart thudded. She… she stood up for me?
James clenched his fists. "So, he's the reason you stopped replying to me? You picked him over me?"
"Yes. So what?" Eira crossed her arms. "I told you I wasn't interested. Get over it."
Gasps echoed across the room.
Mike's ears turned red. He didn't know if it was embarrassment or joy.
Before James could lash out again, a calm but authoritative voice sliced through the tension.
"Enough."
The students turned. Professor Linda had entered the room, her robes laced with water and light runes.
"This is a classroom, not a drama stage. James, sit down. Mike, welcome."
James growled but obeyed.
…
First Theory Class: Elemental Manipulation
Professor Linda paced in front of a floating mana board. "Today's lesson: Understanding the soul of your element."
She drew six glowing runes in the air—wind, fire, earth, water, light, darkness.
"Power is meaningless without comprehension," she began. "At Tier 2, you must learn to manipulate, not just cast. That's what separates mages from spell-flingers."
She turned to Mike. "You, Mike. What is the nature of water?"
Mike stood up, thoughtful. "It's… adaptable. It flows, freezes, drowns, heals, or cuts depending on how you shape it."
Linda smiled faintly. "Correct. And what does crystalized water—your unique branch—represent?"
Mike paused. "Clarity... control... permanence."
"Good," Linda nodded. "Crystalline Water is rare. It blends fluidity with form. To wield it, you must be both flexible and precise."
"Even those with rare branches, like the Crystalline Water Type, must understand fluidity, reflection, and condensation. Not just brute force.
Eira leaned over and whispered, "Show off."
Mike smirked. "Did I impress you?"
"A little."
They need to understand the concept of manipulation. Yes, they can gain experience and even skill through hunting, but the essence of proficiency and comprehending new skills is also important.
The difference between a tier 2 that only has skills earned in hunting or drops crystals to the awakener of tier 2 that masters its skills. The quality of skills varies according to your understanding.
…
That Night – Blue Eagle Library
Mike asked Eira to Join him to look an information regarding to the legacy skills he obtained.
"Why not ask the instructor? maybe they know about this." Eira said.
"We can't I think, this skills is more than just a skill, we have to search for information", Mike answered.
Mike and Eira sat beneath a tall mana lamp, books spread around them. The library's shelves stretched into the heavens, holding secrets most students would never see.
"I found something," Eira whispered, sliding a book titled "Ancient Sealing Techniques of the Verdant Era" across the table.
Mike skimmed the text.
"...Essence of Binding: crystallized remains of ancient sealing spells used by Immortals. These relics contain compressed law fragments. Absorbing them may awaken legacy fragments tied to sealing arts."
His eyes widened.
"That's it," he said. "That's what I need to awaken my legacy skill."
"But it says only fragments exist. Most were lost during the fall of the Verdant Gate."
Mike clenched his fist. "Then I'll find one."
Eira leaned closer. "I'll help."
"Let's just continue our study, if there is a chance in the future or a clue about this, we can have a try." Mike said.
They stared at each other for a heartbeat too long. Her hand rested against his. Neither moved.
"You're really serious about this, huh?" she whispered.
"I have to be."
"Then I'll be by your side."
Suddenly, a strange glow shimmered across the page of one of the older books.
"When essence sleeps, and the fragment binds, only truth can break the chain. Seek the ruin where the echoes of the past still cry…"
Mike and Eira exchanged a look.
There's more to this than just power.
Far above them, in the rafters, a hooded figure watched. A communication crystal glowed in their palm.
"Target confirmed. A Legacy skill user has been located. Essence legacy identified. Prepare to report to the Elder Circle..."