Miss Edna gave us a break after an hour. Even after she left, I sat still on my chair and focused on the loss I received. I was thinking about what to do with this list of girls then started reading it. Even eunuchs would be interested in them, let alone me.

After a while, I got a general idea about my classmates. Wood, Water, and Light- these 3 elements were the most common among them. And based on properties, wood focused on vitality, light focused on anti curse while water focused on cleansing. I also saw a fire element user named Samantha, who had a cool property called -Sacred Fire.

But, I was utterly shocked to find a dark element user in the healing department. Her property was named "Limiter" as her dark element could reduce any healing factor. But, I couldn't understand - what's the use of this property in the healing department?

"Is too much healing energy also bad for the human body? Could it produce cancer cells? If so, her ability acted like a limiter for other inexperienced students who can't control their energy masterfully." I murmured.

As my thoughts drifted in the same direction as my current dilemma, an idea hit me, "If she helps me, I could discover a way to control my lighting's healing properties. Sadly, not to heal my enemies by beating, I have to use my elemental energy cautiously. And that reduces my battle capability significantly. But, if I can limit only the healing factor, not the strengthening of energy, speed, senses- I will be a beast on the battlefield."

Feeling motivated, I searched for her in the classroom. Although I acted as if I was not interested in my classmates, I was constantly focused when everyone was going through basic introductions. So, I easily spotted her.

Even while surrounded by beautiful classmates, she was too noticeable. Her figure was tall yet slender. Dark hair fell down like spring all the way to her waist. She was chatting with another classmate while maintaining a polite curve on her lips.

I gulped in a little nervousness and headed toward her.

'Don't be afraid, Aryan. Girls aren't scary. You have talked to Nadia before.'

"Hello, Erika Grimaldy," I called out.

She was a little startled as I suddenly called but got her composure back. Nobles are good at putting poker faces.

"I am Aryan Indra…"

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She raised her hand and stopped me.

"I know who you are. How may I help you?"

Seeing her cold response, I hesitated. It seemed like she wasn't someone easy to get along with. But I decided to ask for help anyway, as increasing my battle prowess was my top priority.

"Ummm, I am having some difficulties in controlling the healing factor of my element while fighting. But your elemental property can specifically reduce this property. So, I was wondering if you can help me with this."

She stared at me with her deep dark eyes before replying, "Sure, I can. But what would I get out of helping you?"

I was dumbfounded. Yeah, I would receive Erica's help but, what would she get? There is no free lunch in this world.

And I am asking for an unfamiliar lady's time for free! Baka! But, what can I give her? Money? She was probably a noble and was richer than me.

'Help with strength? We are both in the Real core stage. So, nothing that I can help with. Gifts? A poor ass boy's gift will only make her frown. Service that Emma was talking about?' F**k! I kicked that idea out of my head.

I went silent for a moment, then answered cautiously, "I don't have anything particular to give you. What about my olive branch of friendship?"

Hearing my answer, classmates around her started making noises as if they were watching some kind of drama.

"Oooooo."

But Erika kept staring at me. Like a goat sniffing the grass blade before eating, she was scanning me with her deep eyes before started talking while extending her arm,

"The jewel of the Healing department is asking for friendship. I can't just reject him, right?"

'Why is she highlighting this? Would she tell me if something happens in the future, like- 'You are the one who asked for my hand, not me?' And what's up with the nickname?'

"Jewel of the department?" Just as I was about to ask, she grabbed my stretched hand and had a good handshake.

"Thanks in advance for your help." I could only forget my question and say words of gratitude.

She smiled, "No need to mention it. We classmates ought to help each other." There was excitement in her tone but, I shoved it off as my imagination and directly went to my seat.

But Erica's friend complained, "What a self-centered man. He left without even looking at us, much less exchanging some greetings."

A girl voices out her mind,

"Maybe he is only after Erica."

But another girl hit the bingo,

"No, he is only after her elemental property. And Erica happens to be the perfect sparring partner for him."

Self-centered or selfish, whatever they called me, I didn't care. As one of the life principles I inherited-

"Don't make unnecessary human relationships. It will only drag you down in the future. Just make some and nurture them properly.''- Dad's book of wisdom.

It's a battle academy, so it was natural to have a Sparring hall in every department. So, just after Edna's lesson ended, I walked to Erica and then went to the sparring hall together,

"To receive - her help."