A month had passed since the ranking duels had begun, and the academy was more alive than ever. With the new system in place, students constantly challenged each other to rise in class rankings, creating an atmosphere of relentless competition.

For me, the past few weeks had been a series of small victories and relentless training. My control over telekinesis had improved—I could now make my dagger hover and maneuver it with greater accuracy, though I was still far from true mastery. My aura control had also advanced, allowing me to coat my body for almost six minutes now, a small but significant improvement. And most importantly, my mana stat had increased enough to officially push me into D- Rank.

Despite these strides, there was no time to relax. The next stage of my journey was already upon me.

---

It was early morning when I found myself heading toward the academy's central courtyard. The summons had been abrupt—a message delivered by a floating mana wisp, instructing me to report to Instructor Magnus immediately.

I wasn't the only one. As I arrived, I saw familiar figures gathering as well.

Leonhardt Valerian stood near one of the stone pillars, his emerald-green eyes glinting with curiosity. Alicia von Rosenheim and Seraphina Everfrost were engaged in quiet conversation, the contrast between Alicia's fiery hair and Seraphina's icy silver locks making them stand out. Luca Ashenpaw, the wild beastkin, cracked his knuckles impatiently. Reynard Faulkner stood off to the side, his fox-like golden eyes gleaming mischievously as he exchanged whispers with Sylvara Nightwhisper. And Elena Brightwind, the saintess candidate, stood with a serene expression, hands clasped together and lot of other students.

Clearly, this wasn't an ordinary summons.

Instructor Magnus arrived a few moments later, his heavy boots echoing against the stone floor. The man was a walking fortress, his massive frame radiating an aura of authority. He wasted no time in getting to the point.

"You've all been summoned here because you've been selected for a special training program," Magnus announced, his voice like rolling thunder. "The ranking duels are only the beginning. The real test of strength comes from experience in battle, and that's exactly what you'll be facing soon."

A murmur passed through the gathered students.

"Training program?" Leonhardt asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean outside the academy?"

Magnus nodded. "Yes. In two weeks, you will participate in an Expedition Trial—a practical combat test that takes place outside academy grounds. You'll be sent to the Verdant Shadow Woods, a region known for its dangerous magical beasts. Your objective will be simple: survive and complete the assigned tasks."

Survive. That word alone told me all I needed to know. This wasn't going to be a simple test.

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"Students from all classes will be participating," Magnus continued. "It's an opportunity to prove yourselves, earn merit points, and further cement your place in the rankings."

Alicia smirked. "Sounds fun."

Seraphina, however, narrowed her ice-blue eyes. "And what exactly are these tasks?"

"There will be multiple objectives," Magnus said. "Some will involve collecting rare magical herbs and materials, while others will require eliminating specific beasts that have been deemed a threat. There may also be encounters with rogue elements—mercenaries, bandits, or worse."

A chill passed through the group at that last statement. This was no mere field trip.

I remained silent, absorbing the information. A survival expedition meant a true test of combat ability. No academy rules. No controlled environment. Just real, unforgiving battles.

Magnus folded his arms. "You have two weeks to prepare. I suggest you use your time wisely. Dismissed."

As we walked away from the courtyard, the conversation naturally turned to the upcoming trial.

"This is an opportunity," Leonhardt said, his tone confident. "Not just for ranking, but to test our actual combat skills."

Luca Ashenpaw grinned, his beastkin fangs flashing. "About time we did something exciting. I was getting tired of classroom lectures."

Elena Brightwind, however, looked more concerned. "This won't be as simple as duels. Injuries—possibly even fatalities—are a real risk."

I could see her point. The academy wasn't sending us into a controlled setting. There would be no instructors to step in if things got too dangerous.

"True," Reynard said, his fox-like grin never fading. "But that's what makes it interesting."

I finally spoke. "It means we have to be prepared for anything."

Sylvara Nightwhisper nodded in agreement. "Then let's train together."

The suggestion was well-received. Over the next two weeks, we would push ourselves beyond our current limits.

---

The days that followed were grueling.

We spent mornings in combat drills. Leonhardt focused on refining his swordsmanship, Alicia worked on her fire magic, and Seraphina honed her ice spells. Reynard practiced his illusion magic, often tricking us into attacking shadows rather than himself. Luca worked on his beastkin instincts, increasing his reflexes and agility. Elena and Sylvara combined healing and support magic, ensuring that we wouldn't be caught off guard in battle.

As for me?

I had two primary goals.

1. Improve my telekinetic control.

2. Extend my aura-cloaking duration.

For telekinesis, I increased the weight of objects I practiced with, moving from small coins to full-sized weapons. My control was getting sharper—I could lift, spin, and even redirect daggers mid-flight, though it wasn't yet perfect.

For aura control, I forced myself to maintain my mana-cloaking state for longer periods. By the end of the first week, I had pushed my limit from six minutes to nearly eight.

But it wasn't enough.

I needed something more—something to bridge the gap between merely wielding telekinesis as a throwing tool and fully integrating it into my fighting style.

---

A Key Breakthrough

One night, after a particularly exhausting training session, I remained behind in the empty training grounds. The sky was painted in hues of deep purple and silver as the academy's torches flickered in the distance.

I stared at my dagger, hovering in the air before me.

I had thrown it before. Controlled its movements remotely. Redirected it in mid-flight.

But I still couldn't feel it as an extension of myself.

What was I missing?

I focused. Reached out—not just with mana, but with will.

And for the first time… I felt something different.

The dagger shifted, responding not to direct force, but to intent. It wasn't just moving—it was resonating with me.

This… this was new.

I inhaled deeply and made a decision.

For the next week, I would abandon all normal weapon practice. No physical contact. No direct grip.

Only telekinetic control.

If I wanted to truly master this ability, I had to fully rely on it.

---

As the trial date drew closer, the academy buzzed with energy. Students gathered in training halls, sparring with newfound intensity.

The main cast and I had grown significantly closer. We trained together, ate together, and even strategized late into the night.

On the last evening before the expedition, we gathered at Cefa Café near the academy.

Leonhardt raised his cup. "To the upcoming trial."

"To victory," Alicia added, smirking.

"To survival," Seraphina corrected.

I merely nodded, fingers tapping against my dagger as I felt the invisible connection humming beneath my fingertips.

Tomorrow, we would step into the real battlefield.

And I was ready.