I followed the instructor through the academy's grandeur. The vast halls, sporting lofty ceilings, were adorned with majestic knight armors and carpets of rich red that stretched across the expansive floors.

We climbed a staircase, and it led us to a smaller hall. This one had shorter walls with many doors. The instructor turned to me.

"You're a rare one," he said. "Winning like that."

I replied, "Thank you, but it wasn't that special. I just aimed for her neck, and she had to use her armor."

He nodded, saying, "That's true, but doing it in a fight is impressive. She's the Jewel Mage, you know."

I asked, "Jewel Mage?"

"Yes," he continued, "that's the title bestowed upon the headmaster during wartime. Back when the Vermillion Empire had yet to rise as an empire, the emperor faced numerous opponents from various kingdoms, but the headmaster was a unique adversary. She may have ultimately lost, but their battle raged on for hours. At the time, they were both nearly the same age, and the Jewel Mage was considered one of the century's prodigies. She achieved Diamond rank at the tender age of seventeen, which accounts for her youthful appearance."

Understanding dawned on me. "So she reached Diamond rank at seventeen... Now it makes sense."

The instructor offered his perspective. "I believe you possess the potential to become just as remarkable as the headmaster. Judging from your performance in the fight and your profile, it's evident that you are not an ordinary individual. 'Irregular' might be the most fitting word to describe you."

"Irregular..." I mused. "I suppose you could say that. But I don't consider myself all that amazing."

"Ah, well," he responded with wisdom, "when one is young, it's easy to underestimate or overestimate one's own potential. Growing up often reveals the true extent of one's talents. I'm confident that someday, you will come to realize your abilities as well."

We reached a door made of dark wood. The instructor gestured toward it.

"This is your room," he announced. "Rest well. Tomorrow and the day after there will be no classes, so you're free to do as you please. Breakfast is served from 6 to 9, lunch from 12 to 14, and dinner from 20 to 22—all in the dining hall. You can use the bathhouse at any time. If you require anything else, I'm always at your service. Good night."

With that, the instructor departed, leaving me to enter my room. It was spacious and furnished with a table, a large bed, a desk, and a closet. Another door within the room led to a small, separate chamber—the bathroom. It wasn't the typical primitive bathroom one might expect in such surroundings. Instead, it boasted an artifact designed for comfort and efficiency. This remarkable contraption resembled a throne with a hole in the seat and a button on top. After attending to one's needs, pressing the button activated a cleansing spell, efficiently disposing of waste and ensuring impeccable hygiene. Such an artifact, known as a toilet, was typically found only in noble or affluent households. To find one here was a testament to the rewards of my two years of diligent work.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

I reclined on the comfortable bed, deep in thought. My mind wandered to the appraisal results, the revelation of my status as an Improved Human, and the enigmatic masteries I had acquired. I couldn't help but ponder the mysterious circumstances that had bestowed these gifts upon me. One thing stood out—that dream I had two years ago, but no matter how hard I try, I couldn't remember any detail, only the man in the dream name.

"Grimm..."

I murmured the name aloud, trying to grasp onto elusive memories of that time. However, despite my efforts, I couldn't recall anything.

I strated to get tired, and after a while I fell asleep.

Suddenly, I found myself in a golden room. Before me stood a young man with light brown hair and piercing green eyes. He greeted me with a warm smile.

"Hello," he said, "it's been two years. How have you been?"

Confusion swept over me, and I asked, "Who are you?"

He introduced himself gently. "Oh, I suppose you don't remember. My name is Grimm. Does that name ring a bell?"

"Grimm... The dreams... man!"

"Yes," he confirmed, "you see, that wasn't a dream. This is a dream, but what happened back then wasn't."

"It wasn't a dream?" I inquired, curiosity piqued. "Then what was it?"

Grimm proceeded to unravel the mystery. "What was it? It was a conversation, a connection with your other half."

"My other half?"

"Yes, I understand this must be perplexing, so allow me to explain. Two years ago, I brought the soul of an extraordinary individual from another world and merged it with yours. The goal was for him to retain his knowledge and personality while acquiring your memories. However, that didn't unfold as planned. His knowledge and wisdom transferred successfully, but everything else didn't. That's what left me quite bored. Yet, I had anticipated the possibility. So, when I introduced the specs to upgrade your body and mana in his soul, I also added a dream bridge. This bridge allows me to communicate with you like this during your sleep once."

I absorbed this revelation, which helped make sense of the peculiar appraisal results. Still, one question loomed—why had Grimm incorporated this dream bridge?

"You see," Grimm continued, "I have no interest in witnessing a mundane life devoid of challenges. While you have indeed excelled in harnessing your talents, your personality comes across as uninspiring, predictable, and monotonous, basically you suck. I never had the desire to witness an orphaned boy simply ascending the social hierarchy. I longed to see the top magician from another world forging his name anew. Of course, he had his own boring desires—like starting a family, finding a girlfriend, and making friends—but that was acceptable as long as he provided me with some amusement."

I urged Grimm to get to the point. "Insulting me won't change anything."

"You're absolutely right," Grimm conceded. "But I am about to do something that will."

My curiosity piqued further. "What's that?"

"The only way to bring that person back," Grimm stated with a chilling tone, "kill you."

I was taken aback. "What...?"

Without warning, a green spear thrust through my chest from behind. My body began to grow numb, and then, sensation ceased altogether. I knew what was happening—I was dying.

"When you die," Grimm explained, "your body will awaken, but this time, it will be him in control. Thank you for the training you've undergone. It will save him some effort."

Grimm grinned at me, and then, I lost consciousness.

"With this, the orphan boy is gone. Welcome back, Mr. Magician."