The day after their first academy lessons was a holiday, allowing the students time to explore the vast institution.

Exploring the Academy

Nether, Ivan, Rean, and Arther wandered through the massive academy grounds. They checked out the training halls, sparring arenas, and gymnasium, each filled with students practicing various martial techniques. They also visited the library, where scholars and magic users were deeply engrossed in books on combat arts, history, and strategy.

Each faction had specialized training areas. The Ivansia faction’s dojo was elegant and structured, focusing on discipline and technical precision. The Sylpiette faction’s archery range was vast, designed for long-range combat, with enchantments to enhance accuracy. The Flintlock faction’s firearm range echoed with the sound of bullets, and the Luthiel faction’s mage tower shimmered with arcane energy.

During their exploration, Rean made sure to memorize useful locations for the future, while Arther admired the massive sparring arenas, eager for battle. Ivan took note of the political dynamics, while Nether? He was mostly looking for where the best food was served.

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The Welcome Party at the Academy Hall

The grand Academy Hall was lavishly decorated, shimmering with magical chandeliers and lined with elegant banners representing each noble faction. Students dressed in formal attire, the atmosphere filled with elegance and intrigue.

Ivan’s POV

As Ivan stepped into the hall, his gaze immediately locked onto Ivansia. She stood in a deep blue dress, embroidered with silver, exuding grace and authority. Her usual sharp demeanor was softened by the dim candlelight, making her appear even more captivating.

For a brief moment, Ivan was frozen, captivated by her presence.

Then—

Nether smirked. “What? Can’t take your eyes off her?”

Ivan immediately regained his composure, his expression neutral. “Shut up. I was just thinking about how to approach her politically.”

Of course, that was a lie.

Taking a breath, he approached Ivansia with confidence.

“Ivansia,” he greeted her smoothly, “you look lovely tonight.”

Ivansia turned to him, her expression unreadable—but there was a faint softness in her gaze. “You look handsome as well.”

They exchanged formal pleasantries before subtly shifting into political conversation—discussing faction alliances, academy expectations, and their future standings. Though their words were strategic, the underlying tension between them was something neither acknowledged openly.

---

Nether’s POV

The moment Nether entered the hall, his attention was immediately drawn to the banquet tables. A glorious feast of roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and exotic delicacies spread across the hall.

Then he saw Ivan. Frozen. Staring.

Nether smirked. “What? Can’t take your eyes off her?”

Ivan snapped out of it with a glare, but Nether had already walked off to enjoy the food.

Just as he was stuffing his mouth with a large piece of roasted meat, someone approached him.

Sylpiette Vaelora.

The high elf archer stood before him, arms crossed, her expression cool and unreadable. Her long silver-white hair cascaded over her shoulders, her emerald eyes sharp.

“You’re Nether, right?”

Nether, mouth still full, blinked. “Yea.”

Before he could react, she grabbed his wrist. “Come with me.”

“Wait, huh?!”

She dragged him toward a quieter corner of the hall, his free hand still clutching a plate of food.

Sylpiette’s voice was serious. “You used aura in your swordplay during the duel.”

Nether raised an eyebrow. “Yeah…?” He continued chewing.

Sylpiette’s gaze sharpened. “Teach me how to enhance my arrows with aura.”

Nether nearly choked. “Hah? You’re an archer. Doesn’t Sylpiette already have its own archery training?”

Sylpiette huffed, crossing her arms. “I want to enhance my arrows with Aura, not just magic. If you can do it with a sword, then it should work with arrows too.”

Nether blinked at her. She was serious.

He knew high elves were naturally gifted with magic, but Sylpiette’s words suggested she wanted to refine aura the same way a swordsman would.

He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. “It’s not that easy, but I can give you some pointers.”

Sylpiette’s face lit up slightly—before she quickly masked it with a cold expression.

“Good,” she said, trying to sound serious, but there was a hint of satisfaction.

Nether just sighed. What had he gotten himself into?

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The Nature of Aura

Aura is a refined energy that exists within warriors, drawn from the body and surroundings. It enhances physical and weapon-based combat, strengthening attacks and defenses.

Types of Aura Usage

1. Sword Aura – Enhances sharpness, speed, and cutting power.

2. Bow Aura – Strengthens arrows, increasing range, accuracy, and penetration.

3. Physical Aura – Boosts strength, speed, and endurance.

4. Defensive Aura – Reinforces the body or armor against attacks.

5. Elemental Aura (Advanced Users Only) – Infuses attacks with elemental properties.

Sylpiette wanted to apply Aura to her arrows the way a swordsman infused their blade. If she mastered it, her archery would become even deadlier.

And now, Nether was somehow roped into teaching her.

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End of the Party

As the welcome party continued, Ivan and Ivansia’s political conversation had a subtle undercurrent of interest beyond mere strategy.

Meanwhile, Sylpiette secretly enjoyed Nether’s company, despite her usual cold demeanor.

And Nether?

He just wanted to eat.

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To be continue