[Alden's POV]

The mana in the clearing pulsed faintly, like the steady rhythm of a heart.

My breathing slowed.

For the first time since last night, my thoughts weren't racing.

Instead, I focused on the sensation of mana circulating through my body—the way it strengthened my limbs, sharpened my senses, and settled my emotions.

Then, suddenly…

I felt another presence.

Not a beast. Not a monster.

A person.

And they weren't even trying to hide.

---

An Unexpected Meeting

I opened my eyes.

Standing a few meters away, just beyond the treeline, was a girl.

She had light pink hair cascading past her shoulders and striking red eyes that glowed faintly, as if reflecting some unseen fire.

She wasn't wearing the academy's uniform. Instead, she wore a dark indigo robe with silver embroidery, giving her an air of elegance and mystery.

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A small white spirit-like wisp floated lazily near her shoulder.

A Spirit Sorcerer.

And judging by her mana signature, a strong one.

She tilted her head slightly, studying me.

Then, she spoke.

"…You're strange."

---

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

She stepped closer, crossing her arms. "Your mana feels… unnatural. It's not bad, just different."

Shiranui perked up from my shoulder. "Huh. That's a first."

Kurenai hummed. "Spirit Sorcerers are sensitive to mana. If she says something is strange, she's probably not wrong."

The girl's eyes flickered toward Shiranui. Her gaze sharpened.

"You have a contract beast."

I remained silent.

Then, she glanced at Kurenai, still strapped to my back.

"And that sword… it's alive, isn't it?"

…She was sharp.

No wonder she was a second-year.

I exhaled. "And who are you exactly?"

The girl smirked. "You don't recognize me? That's refreshing."

She walked closer, folding her hands behind her back.

"Selene Astraea. Second-year, Spirit Sorcerer, and unofficially… the person who now wants to know what your deal is."

---

A Hidden Genius

Selene Astraea.

Now that I heard her name, I remembered her.

She was mentioned in the game—a prodigy in spirit magic, but someone who kept a low profile.

A hidden ally, or maybe even a hidden heroine depending on the choices made.

Or an event boss.

Unlike most mages who wielded mana externally, Spirit Sorcerers formed contracts with spirits, allowing them to channel mana in unique ways.

And she wasn't just any sorcerer.

She was a genius.

In the game's lore, she had the potential to become one of the most powerful Spirit Sorcerers of her generation.

But there was a problem.

She never took the spotlight.

Always in the background, never getting involved unless necessary.

So why was she here now?

---

"Are you just going to stare at me all day?" Selene asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "I was just wondering why a second-year genius is wandering the academy's forest."

She smirked. "Genius, huh? I like the sound of that. But I could ask you the same thing, you know. You're a first-year, right?"

I nodded. "Alden Blackwood."

She hummed, tapping her chin. "Blackwood? Never heard of that name."

"That's because there's nothing to hear," I replied smoothly.

Selene's eyes glowed faintly, as if trying to see through me.

Then, she chuckled. "You're hiding something."

I stayed silent.

She grinned. "I like that."

I frowned. "…What?"

She stretched lazily, then looked at the mana-filled clearing.

"This place is a good meditation spot," she mused. "Didn't expect to find someone else here."

Then, she glanced at me.

"You don't seem surprised to see a Spirit Sorcerer."

"I've read about them."

"Reading about us and meeting one are two different things," she said, tilting her head.

Her red eyes flickered with curiosity.

"Let's make a deal."

I narrowed my eyes. "What kind of deal?"

Selene smirked.

"You answer a few of my questions… and in return, I'll answer yours."

…Interesting.

---

To Be Continued…