"We're here—the magic academy," Angel said, his voice calm but firm as the towering gates came into view.
A faint hum filled the air. The mana density was incredible—thick and tangible, like a subtle mist swirling under the skin.
[The qi in this place… it's more than enough. Sofia should be able to reach the Soul Wandering Realm here.]
As they neared the entrance, a ripple distorted the air. In an instant, a figure materialized before them with practiced grace. Ferdinand Reias, Headmaster of the academy, emerged without warning, as if space itself had welcomed him.
[Teleportation? No, something different… but why now?]
"Sir Angel," Reias greeted with a diplomatic smile. "Have you given thought to my offer?"
Angel's eyes sharpened. "I'll accept your offer—on one condition." He placed a hand on Sofia's shoulder. "You take this child in as a student as well."
Reias tilted his head slightly. "Shall we discuss the matter further in my office?"
As they entered the main hall, a symphony of life and learning surrounded them—students shouting spells, laughter echoing through arched corridors, instructors lecturing passionately. Glowing bulbs lined the ceiling, pulsing faintly with mana. No flame, no oil—only invisible strands of power fed by a central source buried somewhere in the academy's heart.
"Hey, isn't that the guy who beat Professor Clementine?"
"No way, that's him?"
[They still remember that duel?] Angel mused with a quiet sigh.
"You've become something of a celebrity," Reias said with amusement. "Ever since your duel with Ms. Clementine, the students have been abuzz with curiosity."
Angel chuckled. "Curiosity isn't a bad thing. It's the seed of exploration. Let them be curious—it may drive them to learn."
They entered Reias's office, an elegant room lined with floating bookshelves and enchanted maps of magical domains. The three took their seats.
"Now then," Reias said, glancing at the small elf girl beside Angel, "is she your daughter?"
"No," Angel replied calmly. "I took her under my care recently. Her talent needs the right environment—one that you can offer."
"So, she's your disciple then?" Reias mused. "Naturally, we'll have to test her aptitude like all other applicants."
"Test her," Angel said without hesitation.
They moved to a smaller chamber containing a large crystalline orb seated on a marble pedestal. The Mana Evaluation Chamber was still and cold, lit only by the faint glow of the mana orb.
[A mana capacity test… just like the guild trial.]
"I didn't catch her name earlier," Reias said.
"S-Sofia Prena!" she squeaked nervously, bowing slightly.
"Good. Sofia, place your hand on the orb and channel some of your mana into it," Reias instructed.
Sofia looked back at Angel, uncertainty in her eyes.
Angel leaned down and whispered softly, "Just like I taught you. Imagine separating a thread of energy from your body—the way we practiced qi flow."
She nodded. "Okay."
Sofia touched the orb. A moment passed—and then light surged outward. The orb glowed bright white, pulsing with energy. Gasps filled the room.
"This…!" Reias leaned forward. "Third Circle? Already?"
"Circles?" Angel asked, his brow arching.
Reias explained, "Mana Circles are rings of concentrated magical energy that revolve around a mage's heart. The more circles one forms, the stronger their magical capabilities become. Most average mages form two or three. The highest ever recorded was nine—by an ancestor of mine."
"How many have you reached, Headmaster?"
"I've reached the seventh. The eighth requires decades of training and rare resources. But this girl… she's already begun forming her third. At her age, it's extraordinary."
Angel nodded. "So? Is she accepted?"
"With talent like this, it would be a crime not to. She will begin classes tomorrow—Fifth Class, with others of her level."
Angel exhaled. "Good. I've accepted your offer too. When do I begin?"
"You'll teach Sixth Class tomorrow, with the newcomers—including that noble girl you escorted. Use the guest room you stayed in as your office. Sofia will stay in the female dormitories."
Angel turned to Sofia. "Go with the Headmaster. I'll come check on you later."
As they left, Angel readied himself for the next day. He changed into a white hanfu embroidered with a coiled dragon on one side, fastened with a red sash and golden chains at his waist. He wore black trousers and polished black shoes—a formal yet traditional appearance.
The classroom buzzed with noise—students casting spells, chattering, laughing. It was chaos, but the energy was alive.
[Magic… martial arts… this world's blend still amazes me. Just like in Martial Road—murim, ninjutsu, Taoist arts, and magic all combined.]
"Okay, everyone, settle down," Angel called out.
"Hey! You're the guy who beat Ms. Clementine with just finger signs, right?"
"Yes, that's me," Angel replied. "I'm your new instructor, starting today."
"Heh. As if," a student scoffed. A tall boy with platinum hair and an arrogant grin leaned back in his chair. "You're a fraud."
"Oh?" Angel raised a brow. "And why's that?"
"No noble aura. No house crest. You must've used some trick—artifacts or illusions."
"And your name?"
"Ahren. Ahren Von Ascania. Remember it, commoner."
"You think nobility defines power?" Angel asked.
"We're rich. Educated. Born superior. You're nothing but a peasant with parlor tricks."
Angel smirked. "Without your parents or the peasants who pay taxes, do you think you'd have any wealth?"
"Taxes?" Ahren blinked. "What's that?"
"Ask your father."
[This brat… reminds me of some sect kids I used to teach.]
Angel scanned the room. [Where's Lyla? This is her class, isn't it?]
"I'll take attendance," he announced. As he read down the list, he spread his qi—subtle, invisible—and swept it through the academy grounds. His expression darkened.
[Found her… at the base of the dormitory stairs. Bleeding? Damn it.]
Without another word, Angel vanished from the room, his steps swift and silent.
He found her sprawled near the staircase. Blood trickled from her temple.
"She's not the type to fall like this…"
"[Angel's Origin: Blessing of the Heavens!]"
A golden glow enveloped Lyla. Her wounds closed rapidly, color returning to her face.
"Angel-sama…?" she murmured.
"You're awake. Good. Class isn't over yet."
As they walked back, Angel explained his role as instructor.
Back in class, he apologized. "One student was missing—I was gone only ten minutes."
"Did you enjoy your nap?" a girl snickered. "Hahaha!"
"You cast ice on the stairs!" Lyla shouted at her.
Angel's eyes narrowed.
"Is that true, Miss Delia North?"
"Shut up, commoner. Just start the class," she sneered.
[You've crossed the line.]
"Very well," Angel said coolly. "Let's begin with light magic. A simple demonstration."
"What, you'll light up the room?" Ahren jeered.
Angel raised a hand.
"[Light Magic: Star Gazer]."
Above them, a constellation of glowing orbs ignited. They moved slowly, like planets orbiting stars, casting ethereal light across the stunned faces of the students.
Silence. Total awe.
Class had officially begun.