As class neared its end, Aria paused mid-sentence, as if she had just remembered something important. "Ah. Before I dismiss you, there's one more matter."
She raised her hand, and two soldiers stepped into the room carrying a black case. They set it down on her desk and opened it, revealing rows of sleek silver wristwatches lined neatly inside.
"These," Aria said, lifting one up for the class to see, "will be your companions for as long as you remain in this academy. They're not just timekeepers. Each one is connected to your personal file and will display your level, ranging from 1 to 7+. Consider them both a tool… and a leash."
The students exchanged curious, uneasy glances as the soldiers began handing them out row by row.
Aria continued, "These devices allow soldiers and faculty to track your location at all times. If you're not in your dorm by curfew, which is 9:00 p.m., we'll know. Don't test the system. Punishments for breaking curfew are… severe."
A few of the students visibly gulped. Felix, however, smirked as if the idea amused him. "Guess they don't trust us much," he muttered under his breath.
When Raze received his wristwatch, he turned it over in his hand. It was surprisingly light, smooth to the touch, and its glass face flickered, waiting for activation. 'So this thing is going to track me down no matter where I go… just great,' he thought.
Aria wasn't finished. "Your watch also connects to the academy's credit system. Each of you will receive seventy credits every week. You may use them for food, clothing, or to order supplies and equipment online. Think of it as your allowance, though don't expect it to last if you spend recklessly."
That made a few of the students sit up straighter, whispers breaking out.
"Seventy credits a week? That's actually not bad."
"Do you think we can buy beast gear with it?"
"Food first, idiot."
Aria silenced them with a single sharp look. "Credits can also be transferred. If you want to support a teammate, or if someone decides to buy your silence, the choice is yours. Just remember… every decision you make reflects who you are as soldiers."
The room went quiet again.
Felix adjusted the watch on his wrist, testing the fit with a grin. "Not bad at all," he whispered, already imagining what he could spend the credits on.
Raze strapped his on, his eyes staring at the glowing face as it synced with his information. This isn't just a tool. It's surveillance. Every move we make, every coin we spend… they'll know.
Aria clasped her hands behind her back once more. "That concludes today's session. Tomorrow, your training begins."
As the last student received their watch, Aria spoke again. "Activate them now. Place your finger on the glass face. It will sync with your file in the academy system and display your current level. Levels range from 1 to 7+, so don't be surprised if the results vary."
A ripple of anticipation spread through the room.
One by one, the students pressed their fingers against their new watches. The devices lit up, glowing softly before flashing a number across the screen.
"Level 3!" a boy shouted proudly, grinning wide.
"Level 2," another muttered with clear disappointment.
The room filled with excited chatter, students comparing numbers like trophies.
Beatrix calmly raised her hand to her watch. The device hummed before the face of her device glowed Level 7 in bold, steady light.
Gasps erupted from the students nearby.
"Level 7 already?!"
"That explains why she was so calm during the tests."
Beatrix didn't say a word. She only allowed herself a faint, confident smile before lowering her wrist again.
Not far from her, Felix grinned as he tapped his watch. The glow erupted into a violent red before flashing Level 7+
The entire class erupted into chaos.
"Level 7+?! He's definitely from an original bloodline!" a boy shouted
"Yeah! Only originals have level 7+!" Another replied.
Even Selene's calm expression shifted, her violet eyes narrowing slightly as she looked back at Felix with quiet intrigue.
Felix, of course, only leaned back in his chair with a smug look. "What can I say? Some of us are just built differently," he said, his grin stretching wider.
Meanwhile, Liam hesitated before nervously pressing his finger on his watch. The glow was faint before settling on Level 2. He lowered his gaze immediately, his small frame shrinking even further as whispers of pity broke out around him.
Then it was Raze's turn.
He pressed his finger against the watch, watching as the glass flickered. A soft hum vibrated through the air but instead of flashing a number, the screen glitched. It flickered between "???" and a blank screen before finally settling on… Level 1.
The students burst into laughter almost instantly.
"Level 1? After all that?!"
"There's no way—that has to be wrong."
"He destroyed robots with his fist."
Felix frowned, looking genuinely confused for the first time. 'That doesn't make sense… he destroyed those robots with his bare-hands. Awakening or not he should've gotten a level 2.'
Aria glanced at his watch but didn't comment. She only said, "Levels are merely a foundation. What you build on them is what matters. Remember that."
Her eyes lingered on Raze for a moment longer before she dismissed the class.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Chairs scraped against the floor as students began to shuffle out in groups, still buzzing with talk about levels. Most were still going on about Felix's shocking Level 7+, while others whispered about Selene's calm display of Level 5
But almost everyone had something to say about Raze.
"Level 1… what a joke."
"Guess he's just lucky in combat."
"I thought he'd be different, but he's probably nothing special after all."
Raze ignored the whispers, slipping his hands into his pockets as he followed Felix and Liam toward the door. Still, his mind was far from calm.
'System… What's going on? Why did my watch show Level 1? I thought I'd be a level 2 since I destroyed those robots without an awakening.'
A familiar ding echoed in his head.
[Your level has been masked.]
[Reason: The God Slayer System does not allow external devices to read your true strength. Revealing your real level would only draw unnecessary attention at this stage.]
[Do not concern yourself. Continue to grow stronger, and the mask will remain until it is no longer necessary.]
Raze's lips curved into a faint, almost bitter smirk. 'So it was the system's doing… great. Now I'm stuck as a level 1 until the mask is no longer necessary.' Raze thought.
Felix walked beside him, hands behind his head, acting casual but sneaking glances at him. "Hey… I don't buy that level nonsense. I saw what you did out there. Level 1 or not, I know you're not normal." He smirked lightly. "You're interesting, Raze. I told you already."
Liam, trailing behind, stayed quiet. His eyes shifted between the two of them, uncertainty clear on his nervous face.
Meanwhile, Beatrix walked ahead of them, her red hair catching the faint glow of the corridor lights. She didn't say a word, but her gaze flicked back once, locking on Raze before she faced forward again.
As the group reached the end of the corridor, a soldier's voice echoed down the hall. "All students! Currently, there will be no other activities until tomorrow! Enjoy your time and don't cause trouble!"
The students buzzed in excitement, many already talking to their friends, and some exploring the academy.
Felix stretched his arms, grinning wide. "Guess it's time to explore the academy. Hope you're ready to keep up, Raze."
Raze let out a small laugh, "Keep up? I'm sure I'll be able to keep up."