One Day Until Opening
Only one day remained. The semester was about to begin. When I woke up, the room was empty. Kalen was already gone. He had likely headed out for his early morning training. Since I was alone, I took my time. I washed up slowly. I changed into my school uniform.
I had casual clothes. But I chose the uniform. It was comfortable enough. The jacket felt a bit stiff. I needed to get used to it. I adjusted my tie in the mirror. I smoothed my sleeves. I straightened the fabric. I looked decent. To be fair, my face did the heavy lifting. This body was truly a masterpiece.
<Adrian Rothschild de Repelheit>
Exiled Noble. Age 18. Second-year student at Imperial Salenium Academy.
His reputation is in the gutter. Two academic warnings have accumulated. Expulsion is imminent.
> Stats
【Str: 3】 【Mana: 4】 【Vit: 5】 【Int: 13】 【Will: 6】
> Skills
【Bloodline Dignity】 - Irresistible noble dignity in all actions.
【Martial God Unique】 - Guaranteed success once per day. Resets at midnight.
【???? (???)】 - Observe and perceive all.
> Magic Details
Elemental Affinity: 【Wind】 - Blessed by the wind. Fast casting and reduced mana for wind spells.
> Learned Magic
- Low-Tier Wind Magic 【Wind Blade】 LV 1
I checked my status. Something new had appeared. A magic details category. "...Wind affinity, huh." I hadn't learned magic before, so it hadn't shown up. Wind prioritized utility. It wasn't about high damage. Characters with wind affinity were fast. High intelligence made them better.
They were jack-of-all-trades. Master of none. Fire and ice were for damage. Earth was for tanking. Water was for support. My affinity made me mediocre. But that didn't matter. In the Salenium Saga, a mediocre character could fill any role. Mediocrity was king. Life is best lived moderately.
But moderate for me meant death. I had to train. I needed to grow. That was the plan. But an interloper arrived at breakfast.
"Adrian!"
Reina appeared. She was in the cafeteria. She had a stack of books. Her black hair swayed as she walked. Her jade eyes sparkled at me. She drew everyone's attention. Even I got stares while I was eating in my corner.
"...What now."
Reina thudded her books onto my table. "Adrian. Today we are going to the study room. Together." I let out a sigh. I gave her a casual rejection. "Reina von Wolfgang. Don't you know me? I don't study." I was the lazy scoundrel. She knew that better than anyone.
She smiled. "I do know you. Better than anyone. That is why I saw the change. You were at the lecture hall. I won't miss this chance." She had been shot down every time last year. She was persistent. It was almost pitiful. But I couldn't go. I needed distance from the main cast.
Reina was a main heroine. She was a core character. Getting tangled with her would ruin my script. I needed to stay off-radar. "I have prior commitments today. Work hard on your own."
"Yes! ...Wait? Adrian? What?"
Her eyes went wide. She was shocked. My having plans was that surprising? It hurt a little. "Didn't you hear? I have commitments."
"R-Really? Well... fine. But there is hope! Next time, we go together!" She left with a bright expression. I made no promises. I had mountains of work to do. None of it involved a library.
The clearing was peaceful. It was my private spot. No one ever came here. I could build a cabin and no one would care. It was a vast field with a gentle breeze. I removed my robe. Training came first. My mana was 4. Magic extras started at 13. I was pathetic.
Wind Blade ate 30% of my mana. Three casts and I was empty. I needed to spam it to grind. I needed to expand my pool. This world was brutal for a weakling. But it made me happy. A veteran thrives on difficulty. I extended my hand. I focused on the spell.
"【Low-Tier Wind Elemental Magic: Wind Blade】."
"Low-Tier Wind Elemental Magic: Wind Blade"
⟨ CAST ⟩
Mana drained. Wind swirled. A blue orb formed in my palm. It shredded the grass. Then it burst. Razor gusts cut the air. Sweat beaded on my forehead after just one cast. I rolled up my sleeves for more. Then a voice spoke from behind me.
"...Might I ask if you're Sub-Marquess Repelheit?"
I froze. I turned around. I forgot this was my private spot. "Melwood Elion...?"
"The sub-marquess knows me? I'm honored." He scratched his neck. He was smiling. I knew him. Every player knew him. He had neat hair and a friendly face. He was the "cool gamer next door." Melwood was the top fourth-year student. He was a genius mage.
But players called him the 'Gatekeeper.' Beneath that smile was hatred. He hated nobles. He felt inferior. The events of Act 1 were his doing. He was the mastermind. Erhan would gather proof. Lumen would corner him in Chapter 3. He would be expelled after a group assault.
He was the Act 1 boss. And he was standing right in front of me.