-Ring!

The final school bell rings, signaling the end of the day. I quickly pack my things. Information Technology, our last class, was straightforward enough.

I glance at Lumi's desk and see her preparing to leave. This is the perfect opportunity for Arthur and me to make a swift exit without crossing paths with her.

Turning to Arthur, I see him tidying up his belongings. "Arthur, let's make a move," I urge, tugging at his sleeve.

"Just a second, Doms. Let me get my stuff together."

I glance back at Lumi and confirm that she's leaving the classroom. Relief washes over me; I won't have to dodge her.

"Alright, Doms, ready to go," Arthur announces, having packed up.

"Great, let's head out."

As we make our way to the exit, Maurice surprises us.

"Ah, Dominic, can we have a word?"

"Sure, Professor." I look at Arthur. "You go ahead to the gate; I'll catch up."

"Okay, see you there."

After Arthur leaves, I turn to Maurice, curious about what he wants to discuss.

"Congratulations on the [E] ranked Stargate raid."

"Did Dad tell you about it?"

Maurice sighs, a look of mild annoyance crossing his face. "Yes, your father wouldn't stop bragging about it. Quite frankly, it was irritating."

"Oh."

I feel a bit awkward at Maurice's candidness. "Seriously, how did he get my number..." Maurice muses, then fixes me with a stern look. "You didn't give it to him, did you?"

I shake my head. "No, Professor."

Maurice sighs once more, his expression softening. "Anyway, we've got training tomorrow after school. I'm expecting a better performance than last time."

Recalling the challenging training session, complete with floating terrain and spells, sends a shiver down my spine.

"I-I'll do my best, Professor."

"Good. See you tomorrow. Stay safe," Maurice concludes, then walks away.

"Thanks, professor."

As I turn to head to the school gate, I almost jump out of my skin. Lumi is unexpectedly standing right in front of me.

"AH!"

"Why did you scream?"

Her voice is as cold as ever.

"You caught me by surprise, that's all."

I hope this encounter will be brief.

"What do you want?"

"How did you manage it?"

"Manage what?"

"Raiding a [E] ranked Stargate."

So, that's her question. I'm not surprised she wants to ask that, given that I'm Manaless, and raiding a Stargate is rare. But I can't reveal the truth about the System boosting me. I decide to keep that secret and opt for a half-truth instead.

"My father helped me train with Aether-Powered guns. That's how I did it."

I hope this explanation will satisfy her curiosity without revealing too much. The last thing I need is to get entangled in a lengthy conversation or draw more attention from her.

Lumi's icy gaze lingers on me momentarily, her cold red eyes shivering down my spine.

"I see..." she finally says before turning to leave. Yet, she pauses, giving me one final glance over her shoulder. "Let's have a duel on Wednesday after school."

Then, without waiting for my response, she walks away.

I let out a heavy sigh.

"Great, just what I needed. I hoped to avoid this, but she's set on the duel."

NEW QUEST! Quest: Beat Lumi in Wednesday's duel.

Reward: 50 Stat points.

The new quest is daunting. Defeating Lumi in a duel this coming Wednesday seems like a Herculean task.

Remembering Lumi's background from the Web Novel, I know the challenge ahead. Given her lineage, she was a [C-] ranked Magician at her enrollment in Verdant Arcanum, a testament to her strength.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As the daughter of Louise Everheart, an [S] ranked Magician and guild master of "Les Pilleurs de Portails," she has received rigorous training from a young age. Her prowess in her long-ranged spells, especially her adeptness with ice magic, makes her a formidable opponent.

"Can I beat her?"

Doubt clouds my thoughts. Lumi's abilities far surpass my own, at least on paper. I'd stand no chance if she manages to trap me with her ice spells.

Yet, there is a sliver of hope. I know her weakness—rapid assaults can bypass her defenses, and she's not good at close combat. This is what I know from the web novel.

"I have the 'Chrono Pendant,' but is that enough?"

The 'Chrono Pendant,' while powerful, might not guarantee victory. I sigh, trying to steady my nerves. The duel looms ahead, but panicking now will serve no purpose.

Master, you forgot to use the 20 Stat Points you received from yesterday's side quest.

The stat points from yesterday's side quest had slipped my mind, overshadowed by the shock of the luxurious shopping experience.

Considering Lumi's weakness, the best course of action seems to be to focus on enhancing my speed and agility.

"System, add 10 Stat Points each to Speed and Agility."

Agility: 108 > 118 (E+)

Speed: 119 > 129(E+)

When I allocate the points, my legs feel lighter, a promising sign.

"I hope the System has more quests for me before Wednesday. Every bit of advantage will help."

Resolved, I walk towards the school gates, where Arthur is likely waiting, his patience thin.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

As I approach the gate, Arthur, leaning casually against the wall, catches my attention. A group of girls nearby are also fixed on him.

"Y'all, who is that hot guy?"

"That's Arthur Lyon, son of Uther Lyon!"

"Wait, THE Uther Lyon? A [S] ranked Magician and guild master of 'Les Arcanes Éternels'?!"

This is news to me. The web novel mentioned 'Les Arcanes Éternels' as a major Stargate Raiding Guild, a fierce rival to "Les Pilleurs de Portails." Still, it had never disclosed its guild master.

I pass by the group, feigning disinterest, and call out, "Arthur!"

He turns, stepping away from the gate with a look of curiosity.

"Doms, what did you and Professor Maurice talk about?"

"Congratulations on the Stargate raid, and a heads-up about more training tomorrow."

"I see," Arthur nods, then, with a hint of excitement, adds, "Alright, let's head off to our celebration spot."

Anticipation bubbles within me, and I am curious about Arthur's plans.

-Vroom!

Just then, a sleek limousine pulls up beside us, alone drawing envious glances. Arthur's butler emerges from the driver's seat, opening the door with a flourish.

"Welcome, Young Master Dominic and Monsieur Dominic."

I hesitate, slightly thrown off by the formal address.

"Uh, hello."

Arthur doesn't skip a beat, diving into the limo with ease. "Thanks, Butler Max."

Grateful yet still slightly awkward, I smile and say, "Thank you," before sliding into the seat beside Arthur.

The limo's interior is as fancy as possible—spacious, luxurious, and unbelievably comfortable. I can't help but marvel at the elegance surrounding us.

Butler Max returns to the driver's seat and glances back through the divider.

"Where to, Young Master?"

"Galerie des Trésors,'" Arthur declares with a sense of purpose.

My eyes widen at the mention of 'Galerie des Trésors,' the famed auction house known for its rare magical items. According to the web novel, Célestin, Violette, and Lumi visited the auction house. However, they left empty-handed, unimpressed by the offerings.

"I like that look, Doms. Bet you weren't expecting this, huh?" Arthur catches my expression, a teasing glint in his eye.

"To be honest... no, I wasn't."

Arthur playfully punches my shoulder. "Well, consider this a treat. Buy whatever you find interesting, and I'll cover it."

His generosity is overwhelming, especially considering the potential to find something that could aid in my upcoming duel with Lumi.

However, is this okay? I know Arthur's family is rich since he's the son of the guild master of 'Les Arcanes Éternels.' Still, I don't want to shamelessly spend their money.

"Is it really okay for me to spend your money?"

Arthur grins. "Of course, Doms. It's no big deal."

As someone who struggled with poor socioeconomic status in my previous life, this kind of generosity feels overwhelming. I remember the days when every penny counted when even the smallest luxuries were out of reach. Accepting help feels like stepping into a dream, especially on this scale. In this dream, I must be careful not to overstep my bounds.

Yet, here is Arthur, offering this opportunity without hesitation.

I hesitate, the weight of my past pulling at me. But maybe this is a chance to experience something different, something extraordinary. If Arthur doesn't mind, perhaps it's okay to embrace this moment and accept his kindness with gratitude.

"Thanks…Arthur, I appreciate it."

"No problem, Doms."

Max starts the engine, and we begin moving. I watch the world slide through the window; the transition is smooth and almost serene. The cityscape blurs past, its vibrant colors and bustling streets contrasting with the calm and quiet inside the limo.

Arthur opens the mini-fridge built into the limo and retrieves two cans of grape juice.

"Here, grape juice, your favorite."

"Thanks."

Accepting the can, I can't help but smile. I drink the juice, and it is exceptionally good. The rich flavor surpasses any I have tasted before. Each sip feels like a sweet nostalgia, bringing back memories of simpler times when such pleasures were rare.

"You know, those cost about 1000 Camilliums each."

Arthur suddenly dropped a bombshell, and I nearly choked on my next sip.

1000 Camilliums for a single can of juice? The extravagance of it all is astounding. I set the can down and give Arthur a bewildered look. The notion that something as simple as juice could cost so much is beyond my comprehension.

"You're joking, right?"

Arthur chuckles, shaking his head. "No joke, Doms. It's the finest grape juice money can buy."

I stare at the can, expecting it to reveal some hidden secret that justifies its price. The sheer luxury of this life never ceases to amaze me. Even the simplest things come with a price tag that boggles the mind. I feel a mix of disbelief and curiosity about the world I now find myself in—a world where even grape juice is a statement of wealth.

Shaking my head slightly, I set the can down.

"That's quite the luxury, Arthur. Thanks for sharing it with me."

"It's just grape juice, Doms. Enjoy it." Arthur shrugs casually.

His nonchalance highlights the gap between our worlds. For Arthur, this is normal, a part of everyday life. For me, it's a reminder of the stark contrast between my past and present. Still, I can't deny the sense of wonder of experiencing such extravagance.

I take another sip, savoring the exquisite taste, letting it remind me of the journey I've embarked on and the opportunities that await. It's a strange feeling, being caught between two worlds—one of humble beginnings and another of unimaginable luxury. Yet, amidst the luxury, I'm reminded of the true wealth: friendship, generosity, and the adventures ahead.

As we continue our journey, I silently vow to appreciate every moment, every kindness, and every experience this new life offers. The world beyond the window beckons, filled with possibilities. I find myself eager to explore them, armed with a can of the finest grape juice and the unwavering support of a friend like Arthur.