(Alistair Vaelthorne's POV – ROYAL Dormitory, Morning)
The cold water hit my skin like needles, sending a sharp jolt through my body.
I let it wash over me, my breath steady as I leaned against the shower wall.
The cold had stopped bothering me a long time ago.
Ever since the fusion with Ethan's soul, my tolerance for discomfort had changed. Pain, temperature, exhaustion—it all felt distant, dulled as if my body no longer fully recognized human limits.
I turned the faucet off, the last drops of water trailing down my back as I stepped out.
Steam still clung to the mirror, but as I wiped it clean, my reflection stared back at me.
And just like every morning—something felt different.
****
At first, they were subtle. Small things.
Sharper vision. Faster reflexes. More efficient mana flow.
But now?
I ran a hand through my hair, noticing how it had grown slightly longer overnight.
It had always been neatly cut, just short enough to stay out of my eyes. But now, strands of black trailed past my ears, falling slightly over my forehead.
I studied it for a moment, considering whether to trim it or let it grow.
Long hair suited warriors in this world—many of the strongest figures in history kept it as a mark of their experience.
Maybe I should do the same.
Not just for appearance.
But to reflect what I was becoming.
Day by day, I felt the changes setting in deeper.
My body wasn't just growing stronger.
It was evolving.
And the more time passed—the less I felt like the person I used to be.
I exhaled slowly, stepping back from the mirror.
Dwelling on it wouldn't change anything.
For now, I had a class to attend.
As i left the dormitory the sun was high in sky.
The academy grounds were already bustling with life as I made my way through the main plaza.
Students moved in groups, chatting, laughing, discussing their plans for the day.
A few first-years were still adjusting, navigating the massive campus with maps displayed on their smartwatches.
Others were more at ease—already forming their cliques, alliances, or rivalries.
I overheard conversations as I passed.
"Did you see the rankings?"
"Yeah… Leon got second place."
"I heard he's furious about it."
"Not surprising. He probably thought he'd be first."
"Still, who the hell is Alistair Vaelthorne? No one knew his name before this."
I ignored the whispers.
It was expected.
Most of these students had never heard of me before the entrance exam. They knew noble families, prodigies, those born into power.
But me?
I always kept my distance from social events and friendly tournament for young prodigys.
They were waste of time. Instead i spent my time in dungeon and training.
Even some know about me most of them were people i know and commeners and media from my family territory.
On the other hand leon is attantion seeker.
He participated in every social gathering and events to show off.
Most of people thought leon was strongest in this generation and it will not be surprising to him taking first place in entrance exam .
To them, I was an anomaly. A nobody who had walked into the rankings and taken first place.
It didn't matter.
Let them talk.
Their opinions wouldn't change anything.
***
(Grand Arcanum Academy – First-Year Lecture Hall)
The classroom was massive—easily large enough to hold over a hundred students, yet still spacious.
The first-years who had passed the entrance exam were already seated, spread out across the room. Some sat in isolated corners, others gathered in groups.
The tension in the air was noticeable.
Everyone here had fought their way through the brutal exam.
Now, they were measuring their competition.
And the moment I stepped inside—
All eyes turned to me.
Whispers started.
Some tried to be subtle. Others didn't bother.
I didn't react.
I simply walked forward, my steps unhurried, my expression unreadable.
It was a familiar feeling—being watched, studied, analyzed.
Most of them were looking for weaknesses.
They wouldn't find any.
I scanned the room, quickly noting where the key players were seated.
Leon sat near the front, his expression unreadable, though his tightened grip on his smartwatch gave away his frustration.
Elaine was also their, composed as always.
But I can tell she was trying to not look my way.
Evelyn, Morganna, the Nightshade twins—every significant figure from the exam was present. Some major characters i didn't see in exam was also present.
Cassandra seem like she was holding herself back , her hand bearly holding back to her weopon. I ignored her.
And me?
I was the last one to arrive.
The doors shut behind me as I took a seat near the back, ignoring the continued stares.
The murmurs faded as footsteps approached the front of the room.
The instructor had arrived.
And with that—the first lesson of the Grand Arcanum Academy began.
TO BE CONTINUE...