Morning – Central Campus, Aetherion Academy
The bell tolled six times as a golden sunrise spilled across the courtyard of Aetherion Academy. Uniformed students flooded the marble-paved walkways, their chatter light and carefree—except for one name that was now spreading like wildfire:
"Riku Aoyama."
Unassuming. Quiet. Supposed dropout.
But now—a tournament specter who took down Shiba Kazeharu and survived the underground bracket.
And that made him...dangerous.
---
Main Lecture Hall – Advanced Theoretical Combat
Professor Valestria's class was normally dry. Today, though, it was unusually full—students squeezing in to catch a glimpse of the "masked genius" now attending her invite-only lecture.
Riku sat in the middle row, shoulders relaxed, eyes sharp.
Ayumi, seated just two rows behind, kept glancing forward.
Why is he suddenly acting like he belongs here?
He raised his hand before class started.
"Professor Valestria. May I request to challenge the next ranked theory candidate?"
A hush fell over the room.
What?
He wants to challenge Ayane?
He was a D-rank dropout a month ago!
The professor's eyes sparkled. "Granted. You'll face Ayane tomorrow in the Observation Dome. Topic: Advanced Magic Theory & Strategy."
Ayane, sitting across the room, smirked. "This'll be fun."
---
Later That Day – Library Courtyard
As Riku walked alone, reviewing theory notes, a trio of senior students stepped into his path.
"Yo, Masked Genius," the lead one said. "Name's Lance. We're part of the Silver Crown Circle. Wanna explain how a dropout suddenly became Valestria's favorite?"
Riku kept walking. "Not your business."
The second guy moved to block him. "We make the rules here. And rule one? Don't act like you're better than you are."
"Rule two," the third chimed in, "If you're gonna be a genius, prove it without protection."
Riku sighed.
Then the system chimed in his vision.
> [System Notification: Threat Detected – Duel Protocols Enabled]
> [Skill Unlocked: Blink Step (Lv.1) – 3,500 Credits]
[Skill Unlocked: Focused Counter (Lv.1) – 4,000 Credits]
[Skill Unlocked: Arcane Flow Disruptor (Lv.1) – 5,000 Credits
> Current Balance: 16,000 Credits
"System. Buy: Blink Step and Focused Counter."
> [Purchase confirmed.]
Before they even raised their fists, Riku vanished.
Blink Step.
He reappeared behind Lance, hand gripping his neck gently—but firmly.
"I don't need protection," Riku whispered in his ear, "I am the storm you idiots pretend to control."
He let go, walked away, and left them speechless.
---
Dorm Room – That Night
Ayumi stared at her textbook, the same paragraph unread for twenty minutes.
Her mind was reeling.
He's different now. Stronger. Smarter.
She remembered their last fight together… and the moment he offered his hand after helping her back up.
Was it admiration? Attraction? Curiosity?
It's more than that now.
She wanted to know everything.
And perhaps—she wanted him to notice her.
---
Elsewhere – Faculty Lounge (Restricted Zone)
Professor Valestria sipped her tea again, reviewing footage of Riku's Blink Step.
"So," murmured a figure beside her. A tall man in a cloak.
"You think he's the one?"
"I know he's the one," Valestria answered. "But whether he's a pawn, king, or rogue piece... remains to be seen."
The cloaked man left, leaving her with a whisper:
"Then train him well… before the Royal Delegates arrive."
---
Next Day – Observation Dome
The battle between Riku Aoyama and Ayane Tsubasa had begun.
Their topic: Tactical Disassembly of Large-Scale Magic Arrays.
But Ayane didn't plan on making it theoretical.
She activated a custom spell: "Array Field Projection: Storm Spiral"
Lightning crackled in the dome. The spell formed a web of magical mines.
"Try walking through that, fake genius," she grinned.
Riku calmly stepped forward, dodging each pulse with casual elegance.
Then his hand shot forward—
> [Skill Activated: Arcane Flow Disruptor Lv.1]
Every rune around them destabilized.
BOOM!
The entire dome blinked out for half a second—then recalibrated.
Ayane stared at him. "…What the hell was that?"
"Just a parlor trick."
But inside, Riku smiled. Thank you, system.
TL/N:
Riku is making bold moves now: public challenges, subtle dominance, and rapid progression.
Ayumi's romantic development continues slowly but surely.
Professor Valestria and hidden factions are preparing for a bigger threat—hinting at royal involvement soon.