Four days before the Academy Entrance Examination.
Deep within a mountain range where thunderclouds eternally blanketed the sky, lightning continuously crashed against towering peaks, illuminating the world in flashes of blue-white light.
Nestled among those mountains stood one of humanity’s greatest strongholds.
The Dominion of Storms.
Home of the Thunder Queen.
At the foot of a colossal stone fortress, a massive gate slowly opened with a deafening rumble.
A young man calmly walked out.
His light-blue hair shone brilliantly beneath the sunlight, cleaner and more vibrant than before.
His lightning-blue eyes glowed faintly, occasionally releasing tiny arcs of electricity that disappeared into the air.
His clothes bore countless tears from battle.
Yet…
His body was spotless.
Not a single wound remained.
Instead, an invisible pressure lingered around him.
The soldiers guarding the entrance instinctively straightened.
“He really cleared it…”
“Alone.”
“A C-Rank Dungeon…”
“As expected of Young Master Lucien.”
None dared raise their voices.
Because the young man standing before them wasn’t merely a noble.
He was Lucien Veyrith.
The only son of the Thunder Queen.
The greatest lightning genius of his generation.
Or…
At least…
That was what everyone believed.
Lucien stretched lazily.
“That dungeon was disappointing.”
He had expected a challenge.
Instead, the monsters had barely survived long enough to entertain him.
Just then…
A familiar translucent screen materialized before his eyes.
Only he could see it.
[Quest Issued]
Objective: Obtain First Place in the Academy Entrance Examination.
Reward: Divine Beast Egg
Lucien’s lips slowly curved upward.
“Finally…”
“Now we’re talking.”
Even in his previous life…
He had never heard of anyone obtaining a Divine Beast Egg.
Such treasures were beyond kingdoms.
They were objects that could change history.
His smile widened.
“So…”
“It really begins now.”
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“In the original story…”
“The Hero took first place.”
His smile became colder.
“Not this time.”
“I didn’t reincarnate just to become another background character.”
He stepped into an elegant black carriage.
An elderly butler bowed respectfully.
“Welcome back, Young Master.”
Lucien leaned comfortably against the seat.
“Anything interesting happen while I was gone?”
“There have been many rumors.”
“Oh?”
“The Hero has begun attracting considerable attention.”
“As expected.”
“The Church has already begun proclaiming him as humanity’s future.”
Lucien chuckled.
“They aren’t wrong.”
Then the butler continued.
“There are also rumors concerning Lady Verona Valeris.”
Lucien looked over.
“Verona?”
“Yes.”
“They say she personally handled the auction of a revolutionary new generation of Spatial Rings.”
Lucien became mildly interested.
“Spatial Rings?”
“They possess several times the storage capacity of existing models.”
“The creator remains anonymous.”
Lucien frowned.
That…
Shouldn’t have happened yet.
Storage technology wouldn’t improve for several more years.
Not according to the novel.
His fingers tapped against the armrest.
“Interesting…”
“Lady Verona doesn’t personally involve herself in commerce.”
“Exactly.”
“The nobles believe she may be protecting the inventor.”
Lucien closed his eyes.
Had history already changed?
Someone besides him…
Had altered the timeline?
His expression remained calm.
Yet…
A dangerous thought surfaced.
If another variable existed…
Someone possessing knowledge similar to his…
Then that person had to disappear.
Future knowledge belonged to him alone.
Anyone capable of disrupting that advantage…
Would eventually become an obstacle.
“And obstacles…”
Lucien smiled softly.
“Should be removed.”
The carriage departed.
Neither the butler nor the coachman noticed the chilling smile lingering upon their young master’s face.
The Holy Cathedral stood at the very heart of the Holy Kingdom, its countless ivory spires piercing the heavens like spears of light.
Every wall was carved from pristine white stone that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, while enormous stained-glass windows depicted the exploits of Heroes from ages long past.
Golden bells chimed softly in the distance, their melodious echoes spreading throughout the sacred city.
Streams of holy mana drifted through the cathedral like an invisible mist, nourishing every living thing within its walls.
To countless believers, this was the closest place to the realm of the gods.
Deep within the cathedral rested a lavish chamber reserved for only one person.
The Hero.
Kael lazily reclined across an ornate sofa, one arm resting behind his head as he stared at the painted ceiling.
His golden-blonde hair reflected the sunlight pouring through the windows, while his striking amber eyes carried an almost unnatural brilliance.
Blessed by the gods themselves, every feature of his face seemed sculpted to perfection.
A silver plate filled with pastries sat on the table beside him.
Only half remained.
The door opened quietly.
A young girl entered with graceful steps.
Although only fifteen years old, she already possessed breathtaking beauty.
Her silver-white robes embroidered with golden threads marked her as one of the youngest Saintesses of the Holy Church.
Long platinum hair cascaded down her back like flowing silk, while her silver eyes held a mixture of elegance and exasperation.
“Kael.”
The Hero glanced toward her.
“Oh.
Seraphina.”
She folded her arms.
“There you are.
His Holiness has been looking for you.”
“I’m sure he found me eventually.”
“He did.”
“And?”
“He told me to tell you that you should be preparing for the Academy Entrance Examination instead of…
whatever this is.”
Kael looked at the half-eaten pastries.
“I’m gathering energy.”
Seraphina pinched the bridge of her nose.
“By eating?”
“Exactly.”
“…”
“The Hero requires proper nutrition.”
“You’ve had four desserts.”
“Five.”
“…”
“The fifth one was excellent.”
Seraphina released a weary sigh.
Sometimes she genuinely wondered how this carefree boy had been chosen by the gods.
Yet…
Whenever he picked up a sword…
Whenever he stepped onto a battlefield…
He became someone entirely different.
Confident.
Overwhelming.
Unmatched.
No one beneath his generation had ever defeated him.
Not once.
“No one at the Academy should be able to challenge you,” Seraphina admitted.
Kael flashed a confident grin.
“Exactly.”
“That confidence borders on arrogance.”
“It stopped bordering years ago.”
She couldn’t even argue with that.
The Hero had earned his confidence through victory after victory.
Still…
“The Thunder Queen’s son will be attending.”
Kael’s expression shifted ever so slightly.
“Lucien Veyrith.”
Seraphina nodded.
“The nobles won’t stop talking about him.”
“They say his lightning affinity rivals Lady Astria herself.”
“They also say he conquered a C-Rank Dungeon alone.”
“They say a lot of things.”
Kael shrugged.
“If half of them are true…”
A grin slowly spread across his face.
“…then maybe this academy won’t be boring.”
Before Seraphina could respond…
A translucent blue screen materialized before Kael’s eyes.
Only he could see it.
[Quest Issued]
Objective: Achieve First Place in the Academy Entrance Examination.
Reward: Unique Passive — Hero’s Fate
Kael blinked.
“…Hero’s Fate?”
Curiosity replaced his usual laziness.
He tapped the reward description.
[Hero’s Fate]
The world recognizes you as its destined Hero.
Fortune subtly bends in your favor.
Rare opportunities become more likely to appear.
Powerful allies and destined rivals are naturally drawn to you.
In moments of overwhelming danger, fate may create a path where none should exist.
The greater the challenge overcome, the greater the blessings received.
Kael’s smile widened.
“…Now this…”
“…this is interesting.”
Unlike weapons…
Unlike techniques…
Unlike treasures…
This was something far greater.
A blessing that would accompany him for life.
His amber eyes gleamed with excitement.
“So all I have to do is take first place.”
He chuckled.
“I was planning to do that anyway.”
Then another thought crossed his mind.
“I heard there are quite a few beautiful girls attending the Academy too.”
His grin somehow became even wider.
“Maybe I’ll make some new friends.”
Seraphina, watching him from across the room, noticed the unmistakable expression on his face.
“…Why are you smiling like that?”
Kael coughed.
“For no particular reason.”
“You were thinking about women again.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She stared silently.
“…”
“…”
“…Definitely women.”
Kael laughed shamelessly.
“What can I say?
A Hero should appreciate beauty.”
Seraphina sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
His strength…
His talent…
His kindness…
Those truly were worthy of the Hero.
Unfortunately…
So was his hopelessly lustful personality.
Somewhere far above the cathedral, beyond mortal sight…
It almost seemed as though destiny itself had begun to shift.
Not because the Hero had taken another step toward greatness.
But because another existence…
One who remembered a future that no longer existed…
Had already begun changing the world’s fate.
And soon…
The Academy would become the stage where those two destinies first collided.
Far to the east of the Holy Kingdom, beyond endless mountain ranges and ancient rivers, stood the Evergreen Dominion.
A kingdom where nature itself seemed alive.
Towering trees stretched into the heavens, their emerald canopies blotting out the sun while rivers of crystal-clear water flowed peacefully beneath their roots.
Countless flowers bloomed year-round, filling the air with a sweet fragrance carried by gentle winds.
At the center of the dominion stood the World Tree.
Its colossal trunk was wider than entire cities, its branches disappearing beyond the clouds.
Every elf believed the World Tree to be the blessing of the spirits themselves, and around its roots flourished the magnificent royal capital.
Palaces carved directly into living wood spiraled gracefully around the ancient tree.
Bridges woven from glowing vines connected towering structures, while spirit beasts wandered freely alongside citizens with elegant features and long pointed ears.
Within one of the royal training grounds…
A beautiful young elf swung her sword.
Golden-green mana wrapped around the blade as dozens of razor-sharp leaves materialized from thin air, dancing gracefully before exploding toward a distant mountain.
Boom!
The cliff face shattered.
The leaves continued flying, slicing clean through countless ancient trees before finally dissipating.
King Alaric Everleaf watched from a nearby pavilion.
A smile tugged at his lips.
“Your control has improved.”
The young girl lowered her sword.
Long emerald hair swayed gently behind her while her bright jade eyes reflected the surrounding forest.
Princess Elara Everleaf.
The greatest genius the elves had produced in over a century.
She sheathed her blade before bowing respectfully.
“Father.”
“The Academy invitation has arrived.”
“I know.”
King Alaric nodded.
“The Hero has begun making waves among humanity.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“And recently…”
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“Another name has begun spreading.”
“Lucien Veyrith.”
Elara had heard the rumors.
The only son of the legendary Thunder Queen.
A lightning genius whose talent supposedly rivaled the Hero himself.
Rumors claimed he had already conquered a C-Rank Dungeon alone despite his age.
Whether they were exaggerated or not…
She intended to find out.
“I’ll be attending.”
King Alaric smiled.
“I expected no less.”
“The younger generation of every great race will gather there.”
“A Hero.”
“A thunder prodigy.”
“And countless monsters hidden from the public eye.”
He looked toward the distant World Tree.
“The world is changing.”
Elara followed his gaze.
“And I intend to stand at its peak.”
Far beyond the northern mountains lay the Dragon Empire.
Volcanoes painted the horizon crimson while rivers of molten lava flowed like blazing arteries across the land.
Gigantic dragons soared proudly through the skies, their roars shaking the heavens themselves.
The imperial palace rested atop the largest volcano in existence.
Forged from black obsidian and crimson crystal, it overlooked the empire like an eternal king.
Within the palace courtyard…
Two identical young women sparred.
Boom!
Scarlet flames exploded outward.
Moments later…
Blue flames collided against them.
Instead of melting the stone…
The azure fire froze it solid before reducing the ice to glittering dust.
The twins separated gracefully.
Both possessed long crimson hair that flowed like living fire.
Both had flawless porcelain skin.
Both carried the proud horns unique to the imperial dragon bloodline.
The only difference…
Their eyes.
The elder twin’s glowed a brilliant ruby red.
The younger’s shimmered with icy sapphire.
Emperor Ignis Drakos observed the battle with folded arms.
“Enough.”
The flames vanished instantly.
The twins turned simultaneously.
“Father.”
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction.
“Aurelia.”
The ruby-eyed princess stepped forward.
“You’ll represent the empire.”
She smiled confidently.
“I won’t disappoint you.”
His gaze shifted.
“Aurora.”
The sapphire-eyed twin grinned.
“I know.”
“Try not to start an international incident.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“…That wasn’t reassuring.”
Aurora laughed.
Rumors had already reached the Dragon Empire.
The Hero.
Kael.
Humanity’s chosen champion.
And another…
Lucien Veyrith.
The Thunder Queen’s son.
Aurora cracked her knuckles excitedly.
“They say this Lucien defeated a dungeon already.”
“They also say the Hero has never lost.”
Her grin widened.
“I wonder which one breaks first.”
Aurelia shook her head.
“You think only about fighting.”
“And you don’t?”
“…”
“…Fair point.”
The Emperor smiled faintly.
“Do not underestimate humanity.”
“The Hero carries destiny itself.”
“And Lucien…”
Even he couldn’t ignore the reports.
A genius born from one of humanity’s strongest women.
“If the rumors are true…”
“…then the Academy will be more entertaining than expected.”
Deep beneath the Iron Mountains rested the Ironhold Kingdom.
An underground civilization illuminated by rivers of molten metal.
The rhythmic sounds of hammers echoed endlessly through enormous caverns as master blacksmiths forged weapons destined to become legends.
Inside the Royal Forge…
A teenage boy brought his hammer down one final time.
Clang!
The metallic ingot glowed brilliantly.
Unlike most dwarves…
He stood nearly as tall as a human.
Metallic-gray hair framed a stern face while his unusual silver eyes reflected light like polished steel.
Prince Duran Ironforge.
The future king.
King Borin Ironforge examined the finished weapon.
“Excellent.”
Duran nodded.
“I can do better.”
“You always say that.”
“Because it’s always true.”
His father laughed heartily.
“Good.”
He tossed a sealed letter toward his son.
“The Academy.”
Duran caught it effortlessly.
“The Hero?”
“Among others.”
“The Thunder Queen’s son as well.”
Duran’s eyes sharpened.
“A genius, huh?”
He looked toward the countless legendary weapons lining the forge.
“I’ll become the greatest blacksmith to ever live.”
“But first…”
“I’ll prove that a dwarf’s hammer can surpass any Hero’s sword.”
Far across the western seas…
The Crimson Night Empire slept beneath an eternal moon.
Black castles rose from crimson forests where blood-red flowers bloomed beneath silver light.
Within the imperial palace…
A young woman calmly closed the book resting in her lap.
Long pitch-black hair cascaded over an elegant crimson dress.
Her blood-red eyes glowed faintly in the darkness.
Princess Lilith Crimsonvale.
Pureblood royalty.
A true vampire.
A servant knelt respectfully.
“Your Highness.”
“The preparations are complete.”
Lilith stood gracefully.
“I’ve heard fascinating rumors.”
“The Hero.”
“And another.”
She smiled ever so slightly.
“Lucien Veyrith.”
“They say he’s quite handsome.”
The servant blinked.
“…Your Highness?”
“They also say he’s exceptionally talented.”
She walked toward the balcony overlooking the moonlit empire.
“I wonder…”
“…which rumor is true.”
To the south stretched the endless Golden Savannah.
The homeland of the Beastkin.
Countless tribes roamed the vast plains where enormous spirit beasts hunted beneath blazing suns.
A young man sprinted through the grasslands faster than the wind itself.
Golden-brown hair danced wildly behind him while amber eyes gleamed with fierce determination.
Wolf ears stood proudly atop his head.
His tail swayed excitedly as he leaped onto a massive boulder.
Ronan Fang.
The greatest young warrior of the Wolf Tribe.
His father crossed his arms.
“The Academy.”
“I know.”
“The Hero will be there.”
“I know.”
“The Thunder Queen’s son too.”
Ronan grinned.
“Even better.”
His claws extended.
“I’ll defeat both.”
On the outskirts of a small human village…
A pink-haired girl carefully repaired the wooden handle of her old sword.
Her clothes were simple.
Her hands rough from years of work.
Dark green eyes reflected unwavering determination.
Mira.
Just Mira.
No noble family.
No legendary bloodline.
No divine blessing.
Only talent.
Her mother smiled gently.
“You don’t have to go.”
“I do.”
“It’s dangerous.”
“I know.”
“But if I succeed…”
She looked toward the distant capital.
“…our lives will finally change.”
She had heard the stories too.
The Hero.
Lucien Veyrith.
Dragon princesses.
Elven royalty.
Children blessed by heaven itself.
They all seemed impossibly distant.
But she didn’t intend to lose before the competition had even begun.
She stood, slinging the worn sword over her shoulder.
“I’ll show them.”
“Commoners can become legends too.”
And as ambitions burned across every corner of the continent…
Destiny quietly counted down.
Four days later…
The greatest Academy Entrance Examination in history would begin.
We are getting into the Academy arc soon!
I always get excited when I read this in a webnovel, so I hope y’all are excited.
See you next chapter