...

Louis sat among the girls, their laughter ringing like melodious chimes around him. Playful teasing and humorous anecdotes flew freely—a delightful tapestry of camaraderie that wrapped him in warmth. He found himself smiling more than he had in years. 'I really am happy, aren't I?' he thought, a mix of confusion and joy swirling within him. The oppressive weight of life at the Rosé estate seemed to melt away, replaced by a budding hope for a future free from humiliation.

Once, he had been the epitome of arrogance—the cherished jewel of his parents' eyes. They had lavished him with every privilege the Rosé estate could offer, adored by servants and peers alike. Raised to believe he was destined for greatness, Louis had worn his self-importance like armor, oblivious to the world beyond his gilded cage.

'I was a frog in a well,' he mused, his body tensing as memories of his past arrogance flooded back, making him cringe. He recalled how dismissively he'd treated others, convinced of his superiority. That illusion gradually shattered when his brothers returned from their border schools. With them came a cycle of escalating abuse, culminating in a humiliating defeat during a sparring match. It was then he realized that nothing would change no matter what he did.

His brothers had secured their positions by marrying twins from a prestigious Marquise household, elevating their standing. On the other hand, Louis was pushed aside and forced to renounce any claim to inheritance. Once the favored son, he was now expected to become a lowly servant, swearing fealty to his siblings.

'I was lucky,' he thought bitterly, though the so-called luck felt like a crushing burden. The oath to serve his brothers had been postponed repeatedly, as he remained a perceived threat—a dangerous variable in their carefully plotted equations. They humiliated him at every turn, hoping to quash any flicker of ambition. But they crossed an unforgivable line when they decided to marry off Sherly, the woman who had captured his heart.

Sherly had been his maid, a confidante, and solace in the estate's stifling environment—their stolen moments together had been his only refuge. When they confessed their feelings to each other, desperation fueled their actions. Together, they seized a fleeting opportunity and fled into the night, leaving everything behind. The following months were a test of survival—camping under starlit skies, hunting for their meals, and relying solely on each other.

Yet, Louis noticed the shadows that crossed Sherly's eyes. She tried to mask her discomfort with the wilderness, but he could see its toll on her. Determined to find a better life for them both, he remembered hearing whispers of Alexander's new academy—a place that offered refuge and a fresh start. It was a slim chance, but he was willing to risk everything.

Looking out the window, Louis watched as the academy's grounds were illuminated by the golden hues of the setting sun, casting a warm glow over the sprawling campus. He imagined himself sitting on a bench in the garden, sharing a simple meal with Sherly while exchanging laughter and stories. Below, the girls he'd befriended laughed together, their voices rising like a harmonious chorus that filled the air with lightness.

But then, a shadow crossed his face as the weight of reality settled in. The understanding that all of this could be taken away struck him with alarming clarity. The freedom he'd found here, camaraderie, and a chance to reinvent himself could all be ripped away if his family had their way. The thought of being dragged back to the Rosé estate filled him with dread. The oppressive halls, the humiliation and degradation, the constant abuse—not just of himself but of Sherly as well—it was a life he couldn't bear to return to. He clenched his fists, a steely resolve hardening within him. 'I can't let this slip away,' he decided.

Louis glanced back at the lively scene before him. The girls' laughter seemed distant now, starkly contrasting the turmoil brewing inside him. The academy wasn't just a place of learning; it was a sanctuary, a beacon of hope for a future he desperately wanted. His old ambitions stirred within him, flickering to life like embers in a dying fire. Once, he had dreamed of greatness—a hollow prestige his family coveted, but it was no longer true—he wanted true accomplishment born of his own efforts.

'How can I convince Alexander to let me stay?' The question gnawed at him. He knew his family was petty and wouldn't hesitate to use their influence against him. Should he beg and grovel before Alexander, debase himself for the chance to remain? The thought made his stomach churn.

'No,' he resolved, shaking his head slightly. Alexander valued merit over lineage—honesty and determination were his best allies. He recalled their brief encounter earlier, how Alexander's eyes held a sharpness that saw through pretense. There was an air of boldness about him, an unwavering confidence that inspired both awe and envy.

'I decided,' a resolve flickered through Louis's eyes as he turned away from the window. He wouldn't let fear dictate his actions, waiting and cowering in fear, hoping and wishing. Instead, he would, no, must act, 'if I see him...'

His thoughts were interrupted by Yvonne's cheerful voice. "So, Louis, what brought you to the academy?" she asked, her eyes curious and inviting.

He hesitated for a moment before choosing candor. "A fresh start," he admitted, slightly nervous. "I ran away... in a manner of speaking." His voice held a hint of vulnerability as if peeling back a layer of his guarded self.

Clara's eyes softened with understanding. "I don't think we ever truly run away," she said gently. "We're always running toward something—freedom, peace, or perhaps love."

"How philosophical!" Matilda chimed in with a playful grin, lightly nudging Clara. "Next, you'll be quoting sages!" She feigned a dramatic pose, exclaiming, "Oh, fair maidens, should mine spring be vanquished, ne'er shall ye behold the golden hues of autu..."

Yvonne rolled her eyes, interrupting Matilda. "Do not quote Huxia right before she annihilated half a human kingdom, it's a bad omen. Forget all that deep stuff," she turned to Louis. "Did you, like, murder someone or rape your sister?" She wiggled her eyebrows mischievously. "Come on, spill the juicy details!"

Louis laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders. "No dark deeds here," he replied, his eyes meeting Clara's. "It's just as she said—freedom and peace." He paused, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "And maybe a little love."

"Ooh, mysterious!" Yvonne exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "We'll get the full story out of you yet."

They continued chatting, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Louis felt a newfound closeness with them, a camaraderie he hadn't known he needed. For the first time in a long while, he didn't regret opening up, even if just a little.

"Hey, you four—the gentleman with the harem—you're up next!" a teacher called out, her tone both authoritative and lighthearted.

"Harem?" Louis blinked in surprise, glancing around before realizing the teacher meant him and the girls. He chuckled softly. "Guess that's us."

Matilda smirked. "Looks like you're up." She quipped, "Dear husband."

He stood, giving the group a nod. "Time to see what they have in store for us."

Janina waved lazily. "We'll catch up later!"

"But she said four and..." Louis trailed off, confused by the number since he knew that Janina and Matilda already had mana skills. Then he noticed a petite cat-kin girl with vibrant orange hair standing nearby, her eyes wide and nervous.

"Who's this charming young lady?" he asked warmly, offering a gentle smile.

She blushed, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I-I'm Naza," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Janina nudged her gently toward them. "Don't be shy. They're much nicer than I am," she teased with a wink.

"Welcome aboard, Naza," Louis said reassuringly. "We are all friendly here." He looked around at their group, having the girls chime in to calm her.

After some reassuring words, they navigated through the bustling corridors; Louis couldn't shake a nagging feeling. A group of students stood off to the side, their gazes cold and disdainful. He recognized them—associates of his family, no doubt. His chest tightened, but he forced himself to focus on the present. 'I need to trust my gut,' he reminded himself. What Alexander said still rang in his mind, making him believe those words and ignore his past.

They were met by the teacher who had called them—a red panda-kin woman with sharp features and striking red streaks in her dark hair. Despite her stern demeanor, she had an undeniable charm, emitting innocence that made it hard to take her seriously. "Follow me," she instructed, her tone brisk yet not unkind.

They walked down corridors adorned with glowing enchantments, the air humming with latent energy. Naza gazed around in awe, momentarily forgetting her earlier nervousness. "It's like something out of a dream," she whispered.

"Yeah, I feel like we've stepped into a storybook," Yvonne added, her hands clasped behind her head in a relaxed manner.

Clara grinned, nudging Yvonne playfully. "Always trying to act so cool, aren't you? Trying to build a reputation for someone special? Your little blacksmith girlfriend when she joins, seeing that everyone knows you as—" she ceased her expression teasingly, "—stoic and non-caring?"

Yvonne blushed, giving Clara a gentle shove. "Oh, hush."

As the girls teased each other, Louis allowed himself a moment to enjoy their company. Their lighthearted banter was a balm to his worried mind.

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They continued through the Mage Tower, and Louis couldn't help but marvel at the generosity woven into its very fabric. 'What a peculiar child Alexander is,' he mused. He couldn't fathom how someone in Alexander's position would offer so much without demanding anything substantial in return. Any other noble would have seized the opportunity to extort wealth or favors from those seeking such an exceptional education—especially for access to mana skills.

He recalled stories he'd heard of other boarding schools—tales of grandeur and strict tradition, embellished to impress. Yet no tale could possibly compare to what he was witnessing now. Even the most prestigious institutions lacked the innovative spirit and openness that permeated this place. The magnificence of Alexander's academy stood above all others—a beacon of possibility that surpassed his wildest expectations.

They arrived at a classroom filled with peculiar devices—alchemical setups, tubes, and vials bubbling with mysterious liquids, gears turning within glass domes, and charts depicting complex magical theories. The air was thick with the scent of exotic herbs and a faint hum of mystifying energy. Chairs were arranged facing a blackboard at the front, where a collection of intriguing contraptions awaited.

"Wow," Naza breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings.

"It's like we've stepped into an alchemist's workshop," Clara remarked, her gaze roaming over the intricate equipment. "But a good one, not the crazy one you remember?" She started chatting about her experience, describing someone from her estate while they waited.

Once around fifty students had settled into their seats, a group of individuals stepped onto the stage. One was a scruffy-looking young man with a mischievous glint in his eye, while the other appeared every bit the model student, immaculate and composed.

A tall dragon-kin woman stepped forward, commanding immediate attention. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to hold ancient wisdom. One of her horns was cut short—a detail that hinted at a tumultuous past. Her tail's elegant sway and sparkling scale patches added to her formidable presence.

"Welcome to your safety briefing," she began, her voice resonating with authority yet tinged with an unexpected warmth. "Let me shortly introduce myself. My name is Dandeleine, and I work for Mr. Alexander. Though banished from my household, I've found a place where hard work and dedication are rewarded. In just a few months, I've gained mana skills and advanced further than I ever imagined."

She paused, allowing her words to settle. "I am not a teacher or instructor. My official title is TMA—Technical Magic Assistant. I am responsible for organizing, overseeing, and coordinating the laboratories focused on magic and spells. And," she added, her gaze sharpening, "I am responsible for your safety. When you enter the lab for experiments of any kind, I'll be there to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Louis glanced down at the pamphlet in his hands, filled with detailed safety protocols and procedures. 'This is a lot more structured than I imagined,' he mused, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Magic and alchemy had always seemed like mysterious arts shrouded in secrecy and danger. Yet here, Alexander had demystified them, turning the practice into something mundane and bureaucratic yet accessible.

"Before you begin your studies in magic, alchemy, and artificing, it's imperative that you understand the risks involved," Dandeleine continued, her tone growing stern.

A few students exchanged amused glances and stifling giggles. Sensing the shift in mood, Dandeleine's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I see some of you think this is trivial. Perhaps you believe magic is all grand gestures and spectacular results without consequence."

She gestured to the two young men beside her. "Allow me to introduce Nabil and Maximillian—my trainees. They'll help demonstrate the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Think of it as a... practical comedy."

The scruffy trainee, Nabil, gave an exaggerated bow, nearly tipping over as he did so. Maximillian rolled his eyes, adjusting his perfectly aligned glasses.

The lights slightly dimmed as everyone focused on the improvised state. Dandeleine stepped aside, allowing the trainees to take over.

Maximillian began by meticulously arranging alchemical ingredients, measuring each with precision. On the other hand, Nabil haphazardly tossed components into a bubbling flask, whistling a jaunty tune.

"Hey, Max, check this out!" Nabil exclaimed, holding up a vial of swirling purple liquid. "I bet if I mix this with that green stuff, it'll create something amazing!"

Maximillian looked horrified. "Nabil, that's an acid! First acid, then..."

But Nabil ignored him, pouring the contents into his concoction. The mixture began to hiss ominously, smoke billowing out in thick clouds. The students watched wide-eyed as Nabil's eyebrows shot up in exaggerated surprise.

"Uh-oh," Nabil said, taking a comically large step back.

With a dramatic explosion—accompanied by harmless sparks and an illusionary burst of flames—Nabil was engulfed in smoke. When it cleared, he stood there covered in soot, his hair sticking up in all directions. The class erupted into laughter.

Maximillian sighed heavily. "This is why we follow the safety guidelines," he intoned, retrieving a fire suppression orb and activating it. A gentle rain of sparkles descended upon Nabil, cleaning him up instantly and making him excessively wet.

Dandeleine stepped forward again. "So, class, can anyone tell me what Nabil did wrong?"

Hands shot up around the room. She pointed to a student in the front row.

"First the acid, then the water; otherwise, something terrible will happen," the student offered.

"Exactly," Dandeleine affirmed. "Even if you mix those substances, the order is as important. A simple mistake can lead to disastrous results."

The demonstration continued, with Nabil and Maximillian playing out various scenarios—each more exaggerated than the last. In one skit, Nabil pretended to ignore protective equipment, resulting in a humorous illusion of his clothes turning into frilly dresses. In another, he misread a spell incantation, causing his voice to squeak uncontrollably.

The room was filled with laughter, but the lessons were clear and impactful beneath the humor.

Louis found himself genuinely entertained. 'This is brilliant,' he thought. 'They're using comedy to teach us important safety measures. It's engaging.'

Beside him, Naza giggled softly, her earlier nervousness fading away. "They're really funny," she whispered.

Yvonne grinned. "I could watch this all day."

Clara, meanwhile, was diligently taking notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Aha, right," she murmured.

After about an hour of demonstrations, Dandeleine called the trainees to a close. Nabil and Maximillian took an exaggerated bow, earning enthusiastic applause from the students.

"Now that we've had our fun," Dandeleine said, her tone returning to its authoritative timbre, "let's see how much you've absorbed."

She began posing questions to the class, her gaze scanning the room. The students responded eagerly, the earlier demonstrations fresh in their minds.

When it was Naza's turn, Dandeleine asked, "If someone gets a mildly corrosive alchemical substance in their eyes, what should you do to help?"

Naza took a deep breath, her voice steady. "You should rinse their eyes with clean water for at least ten minutes and then take them to the Temple or infirmary for healing."

Dandeleine nodded approvingly. "Excellent. And don't forget to identify the substance if possible, as treatment may vary."

After the Q&A session, Dandeleine concluded the briefing. "Remember, magic is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility."

As they exited the classroom, the students were abuzz with chatter.

"That was the most entertaining lecture I've ever had," Clara remarked, tucking her notes into her satchel.

Yvonne nodded. "Yeah, it was pretty fun!" She remained calm even though she answered multiple questions incorrectly.

On this day, the terms' Nab' and 'Max' were coined among the students, representing the carefree and the meticulous—a lighthearted nod to their memorable lesson.

They were led to a large circular chamber in the basement—a vast space with metallic walls that shimmered under ethereal light. The room was lined with door-like openings along its edges, each leading to unknown destinations. Looking up, Louis noticed intricate patterns etched into the ceiling, pulsing with perplexing energy.

"Why does this place feel so... different?" he wondered aloud.

Clara nodded, "I know, it's like something is there, but I can't quite sense it."

Yvonne rubbed her arms. "Gives me goosebumps. In a good way, though."

They joined a larger group of students—about 250 in total. At the center of the chamber sat Alexander, engrossed in a book. As they gathered, he closed the book and stood, his presence commanding yet approachable.

"Welcome, everyone," he began, his gaze sharp yet warm. "Today, you'll take your first steps into the world of magic by acquiring the [Mana Sense] skill. Without it, further progress in magic is impossible."

A metallic liquid flowed from his hand, conjuring a miniature model of a labyrinth. The intricate design hovered in the air, rotating slowly—a mesmerizing display that held everyone's attention.

"You'll enter the rooms individually, following the instructions," he explained. "Relax, meditate if you can, and be open to sensing the mana around you."

Louis watched in awe. 'He's so casual about it,' he thought, clearly knowing that moving water in such a way was considered advanced, something mages and alchemists did to showcase their levels of control while he did it effortlessly.

"You'll spend thirty minutes in each room," Alexander continued, "moving through a series of environments to stimulate your senses. Listen to the subtle differences and feel the shifts in energy. This isn't just about gaining a skill—it's about beginning your journey into a deeper understanding of magic."

There was a palpable excitement in the air. Students exchanged eager glances, some bouncing on their toes in anticipation. After some more minutes of explanations and a magnificent display of his magic abilities, the first group prepared to enter.

As the first group prepared to enter, Louis saw an opportunity. Gathering his courage, he approached Alexander, who was thumbing through his book again.

"Excuse me, Mr. Alexander," he began.

Alexander glanced up, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "Yes? And you are?"

"Louis J. Rosé," he replied, steadying his voice.

"Is this about Nathalie?" Alexander sighed. "Look, I don't care about your reasons or indirect threats—the teacher stays."

Louis shook his head. "No, it's about me. I wanted to be upfront with you," he said, his heart pounding. "I've left my family—the Rosé household..." He stopped, clenching his fists, "No, I ran away. They may try to contact you, perhaps even pressure you to send me back."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "And you're telling me this because...?"

"Because I value what I've found here," Louis replied earnestly. "The academy, the city—it's given me hope for a future I want to build myself. I want to stay here," He wanted to bow, but some invisible power didn't let him, "Mr. Alexander?"

Looking again at Alexander, he smiled faintly, "I appreciate your honesty. But let me make one thing clear: here, merit matters more than lineage. Unless you've committed some heinous crime, which I doubt, your family's opinions hold no sway."

Relief washed over Louis like a gentle wave. "Thank you. I promise to work hard and prove my worth!"

"See that you do," Alexander replied, a hint of encouragement in his tone. Your journey is just beginning," he said, returning to his book and pointing at the entrance to the side.

He felt a surge of confidence—an affirmation that he was precisely where he needed to be. 'It was the right choice.' Joy and warmth filled him as if the pressure had gone.

Stepping into the chamber, he was enveloped by a tranquil atmosphere. Soft lights danced along the walls, and a gentle hum resonated through the air. Settling into a comfortable position, Louis closed his eyes, opening himself to the new sensations.

A smile spread across his face as he began to sense the faint threads of mana around him, 'at last.'

...

Back in his room that night, Louis collapsed onto his bed, a sense of joy bubbling within him. He opened his system window, marveling at the new skills he'd acquired. Not only had he gained [Mana Sense], he felt a deeper connection to the world around him—a resonance he couldn't quite put into words.

He thought of Sherly and how excited she'd be to hear about his day. The future felt bright, filled with possibilities he hadn't dared to dream of before.

Reveling in his newfound hope, a chilling voice cut through the silence. "I see you're feeling relaxed."

Louis's heart skipped a beat. He turned slowly to see a figure emerging from the shadows—a haunting presence he thought he'd left behind.

"Klepto..." he whispered, dread seeping into his veins.