The hallways of Yamato Academy felt different.
The return from Verdant Hollow, Riku Aoyama's first claimed territory, hadn't just changed him internally—it had shifted the atmosphere around him. The murmurs that used to carry mild curiosity now echoed with awe, admiration, and... envy.
Word traveled fast.
Teachers whispered about the prodigy whose grades skyrocketed overnight. Students gawked at the boy who'd mastered martial arts and theoretical magic in mere weeks. Some even speculated he was from a hidden clan, while others believed he was a reincarnated genius.
Riku walked through the corridors, his posture calm and confident. Clad in a clean uniform, sleeves rolled slightly, his eyes scanned ahead with sharp intent. A few girls huddled near the lockers, giggling and stealing glances.
"Is that him? Riku Aoyama?"
"They say even Professor Anzu gave him personal lessons. And she never gives anyone one-on-one time."
