The hum of morning energy returned to Ashford Academy with a subtle shift.
Not the kind bred from routine, but from rising tension—curiosity, admiration… and envy. Where once students passed each other with distant politeness, they now cast frequent glances down the hall. Especially when he appeared.
Riku Aoyama had quickly become a storm center in the academy's social weather.
He had risen like a phantom genius from the ashes of obscurity, a dropout reborn as a dazzling figure who solved academic puzzles in seconds, sparred with elites like Serika Vandis, and charmed both his peers and professors. But unlike the arrogant noble-borns or the textbook prodigies, Riku's brilliance carried an enigmatic weight—like he knew something none of them ever could.
And that was exactly how he wanted it.
---
Classroom 4-D, Afternoon Theory Lecture
The chalk clicked softly against the board as Professor Kaguya Fushimi drew out a complex spell configuration, her elegant fingers trailing golden chalk lines that shimmered with residual magic.
Kaguya was one of the younger professors—early thirties, beautiful, poised, and intimidatingly intelligent. Her presence had always commanded silence, but even she paused today as her eyes flicked toward the back row.
Riku sat there, posture relaxed, arms crossed, his sharp gaze flicking from her spellwork to the notes on his desk. Next to him, Ayumi sat more quietly than usual, occasionally glancing his way when she thought he wouldn't notice.
"Mr. Aoyama," Kaguya called smoothly. "What would happen if the fifth anchor glyph collapsed during channeling?"
Riku leaned forward.
"The array would destabilize in 0.3 seconds," he replied. "The feedback would loop through the fourth and sixth glyphs, causing a minor rupture, unless the casting unit initiates a mana sink or reverses the glyph spin mid-flow."
The room went still.
Even Kaguya blinked.
"…Correct," she said, a small, impressed smile tugging at her lips. "You continue to surprise me."
Whispers broke out.
"Did he just say glyph spin reversal? That's master-level stuff…"
"Kaguya-sensei smiled. She never smiles."
"He's like a walking textbook with fists…"
Riku ignored the buzz. The notification in the corner of his vision was far more interesting.
> [System Notice: Target "Professor Kaguya Fushimi" – Affection Level +1 (Professional Admiration)]
[New Passive Unlocked: The Charismatic Scholar – Temporary boost to interaction-based checks with intelligent targets.]
---
Cafeteria – Midday
The academy cafeteria was abuzz with activity. Students from all divisions—magic, tech, martial, and theoretical—gathered to eat, gossip, and observe.
Riku's table, once nearly deserted, now attracted a revolving presence of classmates. Mostly girls.
Ayumi sat to his right, quietly eating her salad but subtly leaning closer than usual. Across from him was Mikasa Tenjou, a third-year healer-in-training with twin braids and glasses who'd invited herself over just to "hear his thoughts on aura transference theory."
To the side stood Lira Moonvale, a transfer student with feline features and a curious gaze, watching him like prey turned predator.
"Did you really optimize the battle simulator algorithms?" Mikasa asked, eyes gleaming.
Riku nodded, sipping his tea. "They were miscalculating aggression output by 4.2%. The damage values didn't account for ambient field magic."
"Unreal…" Mikasa murmured. "You even sound like a researcher."
> [System Notice: Mikasa Tenjou – Affection Level +2 (Admiration, Curious Flirtation)]
[Charisma Event: You're currently being observed by 11 students.]
Ayumi frowned slightly.
"You know," she said, nudging him with her elbow, "some of us knew you before all this attention."
Riku smiled. "I haven't forgotten."
Ayumi looked away, cheeks pink.
---
After Classes – Rooftop Garden
Riku leaned against the railing, alone for once. The sky was a canvas of oranges and purples, the wind carrying the scent of flowers.
> [System Overview: Skill Efficiency Upgraded]
[Wallet Balance: 27,450 WC]
[Voucher Available: Skill Expansion Scroll – Rare]
[Suggested Skill Tree: Genius Archetype Lv.2]
He opened the menu.
> [New Skill Available: Conceptual Linkage Lv.1 – Allows intuitive understanding and combination of two unrelated theories to form hybrid knowledge. Cost: 22,000 WC.]
"Buy it," he whispered.
> [Skill Purchased. Installed.]
His mind reeled slightly, then calmed. Information slotted together in strange but useful patterns. It was like gaining a third perspective on problems he didn't know existed.
Behind him, a voice broke the stillness.
"Riku."
He turned to find Ayumi, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
She stepped closer.
"I've been thinking," she began, her voice quieter now. "Back at Verdant Hollow… and since we returned… you've changed. You're stronger. Smarter. But also… lonelier."
Riku blinked.
Ayumi stepped in front of him.
"I don't know how you're doing all this. And maybe you'll never tell me. But I want to… be closer. I want to understand you."
A pause.
"Would you let me try?"
Riku's breath caught.
She looked away, blushing, but not stepping back.
> [System Notice: Ayumi Kirisawa – Affection Level Raised to "Developing Feelings"]
[New Interaction Unlocked: Hidden Bond – If nurtured, Ayumi may become a key ally.]
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"You already are," he said softly.
---
Later That Night – Underground Message Received
> [System Ping – Encrypted Message Detected.]
[Sender: Unknown. Origin: Internal Academy Network.]
[Message: "We know what you are. Join us—or we'll expose you."]
Riku's eyes narrowed.
So the game had truly begun.
And he was ready to play.