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Day-to-Day Life at Astraea
The weeks following the trials were marked by a steady rhythm of training, classes, and social tension. Astraea Academy, with its grand halls and vast training grounds, teemed with activity. Students from noble and commoner backgrounds mingled uneasily, their differing statuses often creating friction.
For Kaito and the misfit class, the divide was particularly glaring. The higher-ranked students frequently cast disdainful looks their way, though some showed outright hostility.
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Rivals in the Making
One such rival emerged during a practical magic session. Alaric von Rothen, a noble with a striking air of superiority and a mastery of fire magic, made no effort to hide his disdain for Kaito.
“All attributes, huh?” Alaric said with a sneer, watching Kaito manipulate basic water and wind during a sparring drill. “It’s a shame your mana reserves are so pitiful. What’s the point of having access to everything if you can’t use any of it properly?”
Kaito didn’t rise to the bait, keeping his focus on his training.
But Alaric wasn’t finished. “Aren’t you embarrassed? Standing here with the rest of the failures while pretending you’re special?”
Yumi stepped forward, her eyes blazing. “At least he doesn’t waste time picking fights to hide his own insecurities.”
The comment drew a few laughs from the surrounding students, but Alaric’s expression darkened. “You’ll regret that,” he said, turning away with a dismissive wave.
Kaito glanced at Yumi, his expression unreadable. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Yumi crossed her arms. “Someone had to.”
---
Yumi’s former mentor continued his petty attempts to undermine her, spreading false rumors about her performance and sabotaging her assignments. But with Kaito’s sharp mind and Appraisal skill, his schemes were easily unraveled.
During one incident, the mentor tampered with Yumi’s results in a high-stakes magical examination, altering her scores to make it appear as though she had failed.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Kaito stepped forward, presenting the unaltered data he had gleaned with Appraisal. “These discrepancies are obvious,” he said coolly. “Do you expect anyone to believe such poorly concealed sabotage?”
The room fell silent as the head instructor, a strict but fair woman named Arabelle, examined the evidence. Her gaze shifted to the mentor, who had gone pale.
“This is unacceptable,” Arabelle declared. “You’re dismissed from your duties immediately. The principal will give you your dismissal letter you've been acting this way for the past few weeks and you were forgiven because of your reputation and influence but not this time.”
The mentor stammered, but her decision was final.
Later, Yumi approached Kaito, her expression a mix of gratitude and disbelief. “You didn’t have to go that far,” she said softly.
Kaito shrugged. “I told you before. I don’t tolerate incompetence.”
Yumi smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
---
Academy Life
The days passed with Kaito steadily mastering the complexities of the world’s magic. From the basics of fire, water, wind, and earth to the more intricate disciplines of space, time, and healing, his progress was nothing short of extraordinary.
Time Magic: Limited to slowing or accelerating time within a three-meter radius by one second.
Space Magic: Creation of a 20 cubic centimeter subspace where time is non-existent.
Teleportation: Instant travel to locations marked by his essence.
Healing: Effective only on small wounds and cuts.
Though his mastery was remarkable, Kaito remained humble, his near-death experience when his essence had been depleted still haunting him.
Meanwhile, the misfit class grew closer, their camaraderie solidifying as they trained together. Toru often sparred with Kaito, his skills as a swordsman honed by the mid-grade blade Kaito had crafted for him. Elara’s healing magic became a vital asset, while Damon and Rian complemented the group with their defensive and offensive capabilities.
Despite their bond, Kaito maintained his aloof demeanor, rarely engaging beyond what was necessary.
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Hints of a Growing Threat
During a strategy class, rumors of demon activity reached the academy. A student from a noble family shared whispers of villages near the continent's borders being attacked and burned.
“They’re moving differently now,” the student said, his voice low. “It’s like they’re avoiding the royal capital altogether. No one knows where they’re heading.”
Yumi turned to Kaito, her expression uneasy. “What do you think?”
Kaito tapped his chin thoughtfully. “It’s strategic. If they’re bypassing the capital, it’s either a diversion or they’re targeting something else entirely.”
Yumi nodded slowly. “And if they come here?”
“We’ll deal with it when the time comes,” Kaito said simply.
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A Quiet Confession
One evening, as the misfit class gathered near the dormitories, Yumi and Kaito found themselves alone by the fire. The others had retired early, leaving the two in rare solitude.
“Kaito,” Yumi began hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the flames.
“Hm?”
“I just… I wanted to say thank you. For everything. You’ve done so much for me, even when you didn’t have to.”
Kaito looked at her, his expression softening ever so slightly. “You don’t need to thank me. You’re not a burden, Yumi.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she glanced away. “Still… I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
Kaito’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. “You’ve survived worse. You’re stronger than you think.”
The warmth of his words lingered in the air, and for a moment, the weight of their respective pasts felt lighter.
---
As the academy prepared for another day, a council announcement rang through the halls.
“All students are to gather in the Grand Hall immediately for an emergency address. Attendance is mandatory.”
Kaito and Yumi exchanged a glance, their expressions tense.
“This can’t be good,” Yumi muttered.
The headmaster’s voice echoed across the hall as the students gathered. “We have received troubling news,” he began gravely. “The demons have ceased their advance toward the royal capital. Instead, they are converging on an unknown location at the heart of the continent.”
The hall erupted into murmurs, but the headmaster raised a hand for silence.
“We must prepare for the possibility that Astraea itself will become their target. All senior students and selected teams will soon be mobilized to assist the allied kingdoms. Until then, training will intensify.”
Kaito’s gaze hardened as he listened. He could feel the tension rising among his classmates, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
If they’re heading here, he thought grimly, then everything we’ve done so far has been meaningless.
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End of Chapter 7: Part IV