—Flames Beneath the Surface
Crownshade Academy – Outside the Principal’s Office
The heavy wooden doors of Principal Deran Vastrik’s chamber creaked shut.
Renholt stood still, back rigid, his fists clenched tight at his sides.
Duke Vernin Virein—his father—stood before him, tall and imposing, dressed in noble black robes embroidered with golden leaves, the Virein crest etched across his chest.
His eyes were sharp, lips thinned with restrained fury.
“You humiliated yourself,” the duke said coldly.
“And more importantly—you humiliated me and the Virein’s name.”
Renholt didn’t reply.
His pride burned hotter than his shame.
“You were warned about that Blackthorn boy.
You were told not to act rashly.
Even though his house is in dust now.
”
Renholt’s fingers twitched.
“You are the heir of House Virein.
Not some street brawler.”
Then, a pause.
His father leaned forward, voice dropping.
“Renholt Virein.
No more scandals or you will be banished from the family.”
With that, the duke turned and walked away, leaving his son outside the headmaster’s chamber.
Renholt stood alone, jaw tight.
It’s all because of him.
Blackthorn.
His knuckles whitened.
His pride stung.
He wouldn’t forget.
And the one responsible for all of this is sitting in his room with a problem of his own.
.
.
.
Crownshade Academy – Dorm C, Room Eleven
Aeron sat cross-legged on his bed, a screen hovering faintly before him.
[QUEST – Hidden Identity] Objective: Uncover the true nature of Professor Synthia Moonlight.
Reward: ???
The screen flickered out.
He sighed, leaning back onto the soft mattress.
He wasn’t tired from exhaustion—not physically.
No, this was mental.
Theory classes drained him in a way battles never could.
He sat up again, rubbing his forehead.
Theory.
Spells.
Magical constructs.
Historical timelines.
Alchemical principles.
All swam through his head like chaotic waves.
“Even after two lives, I’m still bad at theories…”
He made his way to the study desk, pulled out a neatly bound academy guidebook, and flipped it open.
“…Alright, focus.”
Lines and charts blurred together after just a few pages.
“I really am not cut out for this,” Aeron muttered, lighting a small flicker of flame at the tip of his finger out of frustration.
The soft ember danced, offering a sliver of calm.
Why all this theory?
he thought.
Can’t I just train and learn by doing?
Then a thought flicked into his mind—his professor’s words:
“Low grades in theory?
Compensate in practicals.
Excel there, and doors still open.”
“…Right.”
Without hesitation, he stood, stripped off the academy uniform, and changed into his training gear—black, breathable fabric hugging his frame perfectly.
He stepped out into the early evening breeze.
Crownshade Academy Grounds – Evening
The skies above were stained a warm gold, turning orange as twilight settled over the campus.
Students milled about, some returning from lessons, others simply relaxing.
The laughter of small friend groups echoed down stone paths.
But Aeron walked alone.
He reached Division C’s training ground—a modest, open field, familiar and sparse with simple non-enhanced dummies.
His eyes flicked to the sides.
Far across, Division B’s facility gleamed—rows of enchanted targets, training dummies that simulated real battle conditions, padded arenas, spellcraft rings.
And further still, Division A’s training ground—a marvel.
White-marble flooring, levitating stones for movement training, elemental resistance pools, mana density thrice that of Division C.
Aeron’s eyes narrowed.
If no one’s there…
He turned on his heel and moved silently across the stone walkways.
His footsteps made no sound as he crossed into the territory of the elites.
Division A Training Grounds
The gate stood open, and no guards or teachers seemed to patrol.
With one step, Aeron entered the Division A training field.
Instantly, the air changed.
Mana clung to the wind.
Thick.
Potent.
Charged.
He inhaled, and his entire body buzzed faintly.
“…Better,” he murmured.
He began his routine.
Push-ups.
Pull-ups.
Precision movement drills.
Breath control.
Then came mana cycling—flowing the fire element through his limbs while maintaining equilibrium with his core.
Sweat dripped from his temple.
An hour passed, then another.
Finally, he collapsed onto the cool grass.
Chest rising and falling.
A cold pressure touched his cheek.
“Thirsty?”
A melodic voice.
He opened one eye.
Kaelin Draes stood above him, holding a water bottle to his cheek.
She giggled softly.
“You look very different when you’re not glaring or brooding.”
Aeron blinked.
Then smirked faintly, sitting up.
“Didn’t expect company.”
“I came for my own training,” Kaelin said, brushing a strand of black hair behind her ear.
“Didn’t expect a Division C student to be using our grounds.”
“Just… act like I’m not here.”
He took the bottle and drank.
Cool water slid down his throat.
Sweat clung to his sharp jawline.
His shirt clung to his chest.
Kaelin stared.
Then looked away.
Then peeked again.
He cheeks turning pink slowly…
She mentally cursed herself.
What’s wrong with me…
“Are you okay?” Aeron asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m—fine!” she squeaked, eyes darting away.
He stood and handed back the bottle.
“I drank directly.
Hope that’s alright.”
Kaelin blinked, then tilted her head, not understanding.
“Oh, yeah!
That’s fine!” she said too quickly.
A deep, guttural growl.
With enhanced senses after their awakening, both heard it.
Clearly.
“…Wild animals?” Aeron asked, scanning the horizon.
Kaelin shook her head.
“No.
The academy doesn’t allow any beasts inside…”
She turned and pointed southeast.
“It’s from the Emberwood Groves.
That direction.”
Aeron followed her finger.
A thick canopy loomed in the far distance, veiled in violet fog.
“I’ve never heard of that place,” he muttered.
Kaelin nodded.
“It’s a deep and dangerous magical forest.
Full of mutated beasts, magical plants, and rare materials.
Off-limits to first years unless supervised.
It is under the Academy’s jurisdiction for years by now..”
Before she could speak more—
[DING!]
[QUEST UNLOCKED – Into the Emberwood] Objective: Investigate the magical anomaly in the Emberwood Groves.
Requirements: Preparation Level – Adequate.
Authorization Level – Pending.
Reward: ???
Aeron’s eyes flicked to the screen.
“Hm?
What are you staring at?” Kaelin asked.
“oh, Nothing,” he replied smoothly, dismissing the screen.
“Thanks for the water.
I’ll head back.”
“You sure?
You can stay—”
“Some other time,” Aeron said politely.
Kaelin nodded, a little too quickly.
She watched him walk away.
Unbeknownst to either of them—a shadow moved.
A silent observer, hidden in the evening light.
Watching Aeron since the cafeteria.
And still… watching.
Crownshade Academy – Dorm C, Room Eleven
Aeron returned, his hair damp from a quick rinse, clad in simple loose clothes.
He sat on the bed, eyes thoughtful.
With a flick of thought—
[DING!]
[QUEST – Emberwood Anomaly] Objective: Investigate the magical disturbance reported within the Emberwood Groves.
Time Limit: 48 Days.
Conditions: Prepare sufficiently.
Ensure survivability.
Reward: 4,500 EXP, 50 stats points, ???
(Hidden) Risk: HIGH
Aeron stared at the screen.
“This is… too good.” He murmured.
4,500 EXP, more than anything he got till now and the main thing is the 50 stats points.
He can just allot them to his strength and he will be too strong in a blink of an eye!
“But the risks are high too… it really needs preparation.
Even though I’m with 2 magic circles, I still didn’t have much mana to even get close to those deep forest magical beasts…”
“
Gotta prepare… and also a plan to cross the Academy’s boundary without anyone noticing.”
His lips curved into a small, dangerous smile.
Training.
Advancement.
Mystery.
Magic.
This place might be even more interesting than he thought.
And the game?
Just beginning.