Grand Arcanum Academy –
Week after the beast taming class .
The Mana Infusion Chamber was completely silent, save for the soft hum of the magic-infused air swirling around Leon Valerius.
He stood at the center of the circular stone room, his breathing controlled, his golden eyes fixed on the glowing sigils inscribed into the walls. The runes pulsed, drawing in ambient mana and channeling it into his body, enhancing the natural flow of energy within him.
Leon gritted his teeth. His body felt like it was on fire.
A burning sensation surged through his veins as his mana core expanded, pushing against its current limits. Every fiber of his being strained under the overwhelming pressure.
This was it.
The moment of breakthrough.
A sharp notification flashed across his vision.
---
[ System Alert ]
[ Your mana core has reached the threshold of advancement.]
[ Breaking past current limits…]
[Rank E+ → D- Achieved!]
---
The surge of energy reached its peak—then exploded outward.
Golden lightning crackled around Leon's body, dancing across his skin before settling into a controlled hum beneath the surface. His breathing evened out, and his muscles relaxed as his newfound strength settled into place.
And then—
The voices of the gods came.
---
[ Ares, God of War, is pleased with your growth. ]
[ Zeus, King of Gods, watches you with interest. ]
[ Hermes, God of Speed, laughs in approval. ]
[ Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, nods approvingly. ]
Leon exhaled, the divine messages fading as quickly as they arrived.
It was a reminder.
He wasn't just any student at Grand Arcanum Academy.
He was chosen.
Destined for greatness.
Leon stretched, rolling his shoulders as he adjusted to the increased flow of mana within him. His body felt lighter, stronger. Every movement carried more speed, more precision.
Stepping out of the chamber, he was met with the cool afternoon air. The academy grounds stretched before him, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows over the ancient stone pathways.
His stomach growled.
Tch. He had been in there for hours.
Time for food.
Without hesitation, Leon headed toward the cafeteria, eager to refuel.
*****
The academy's cafeteria was already packed with students when Leon arrived. The scent of grilled meats, fresh bread, and exotic dishes filled the air, making his hunger even worse.
Scanning the room, his eyes immediately landed on a familiar figure sitting at one of the center tables—Rael Thunderfang.
The Beastkin Prince sat casually, his golden wolf-like eyes sharp as ever, fangs slightly visible as he tore into a roasted piece of meat. His Stormfang Wolf pup, now slightly larger than before, lay curled up beside him.
Rael spotted Leon and smirked.
"Took you long enough," Rael said, waving him over. "Thought you died in that chamber."
Leon chuckled, grabbing a plate of roasted meat, fresh fruits, and buttered bread before taking a seat.
"I broke through," Leon said simply, biting into his meal.
Rael's eyes gleamed with interest. "D- Rank now?"
Leon nodded. "Yeah. The difference is huge."
Rael leaned back, crossing his arms. "Hah. Guess I should've known. You always push through first."
Leon smirked. "Getting jealous, Thunderfang?"
Rael let out a short laugh. "Not jealous. Just motivated. I'm close too. Another few days, and I'll break through."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "That soon?"
Rael grinned, flashing his sharp canines. "Beastkin advance fast, especially in combat-related stats. My body's already at the limit—just need a final push."
Leon nodded. It made sense.
Rael might not have divine blessings like him, but his natural instincts and physical prowess were nearly unmatched.
"Want to test out your new strength?" Rael suddenly asked, eyes gleaming.
Leon paused mid-bite, then grinned.
"You're asking for a spar, aren't you?"
Rael leaned forward. "Obviously."
Leon finished his meal, cracking his neck.
"Fine." He smirked. "Let's do this."
*****
The two stood opposite each other in the designated sparring arena, surrounded by students who had gathered to watch.
Leon unsheathed his sword, electricity crackling faintly around the blade.
Rael rolled his shoulders, stepping into an unarmed combat stance, his claws slightly extended.
Despite the contrast in fighting styles, both radiated intensity.
Then—
Ignatius Pyros, the Combat Instructor, arrived.
The towering Dragonkin Warlord crossed his arms, watching with sharp, golden reptilian eyes.
"Fight."
****
Leon moved first—a burst of golden lightning propelling him forward in a blur of speed.
Rael reacted instantly, dodging to the side, his instincts razor-sharp.
Leon's sword slashed through the air, meeting nothing but wind—Rael had already sidestepped, his beastkin reflexes pushing him beyond human speed.
But Leon wasn't just any swordsman.
He pivoted, adjusting mid-motion, his blade redirecting toward Rael's new position.
Rael barely dodged, but Leon followed through, pressing the attack.
"Tch," Rael clicked his tongue, leaping backward.
Then—he lunged.
His claws lashed out, aiming for Leon's exposed side.
Leon barely managed to parry, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena floor.
Rael's raw physical power was insane.
But Leon had technique.
Using the momentum, Leon twisted, his sword sweeping in a controlled arc—Rael barely had time to raise his forearm, the flat of the blade slamming into him and sending him skidding backward.
Leon didn't let up.
Lightning surged around his sword as he closed the gap, his movement blurring.
Rael went to block—
But Leon's attack feinted.
A sudden shift—a half-step to the left, a redirection of force.
Rael's guard broke.
And in the next second—
Leon's blade stopped just inches from Rael's neck.
Silence.
Then—
"Match over," Ignatius said.
Leon smirked. "You're still too predictable, Thunderfang."
Rael clicked his tongue. "Tch. That damn feint."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Fine. You win."
But his golden eyes burned with determination.
"Next time, it'll be different."
*****
As Leon and Rael left the sparring ring, several elite students gathered around, murmuring.
One of them, a tall beastkin with dark fur and yellow eyes, smirked at Rael.
"Looks like you're going to break through, huh?"
Rael grinned. "Damn right. Give me a few more days."
Another student—a mage from noble House —chimed in.
"Not just you. A lot of us are on the verge. A week from now, the entire Class will be hitting new heights."
Leon overheard this and smiled faintly.
The competition was about to get even tougher.
And that just made things more interesting.
---
(To Be Continued…)