After returning to the male dorms, I found Miles and Douglas already back, both of them drenched in sweat. They headed straight for the showers while I passed the time mulling over what came next.
The written and physical assessments were behind us, but things were only going to get more intense. Soon, we'd receive our rankings. After that, formal training would begin: basic combat magic, advanced weapon mastery, and even specialized disciplines like alchemy.
When my roommates reemerged, we decided to hit the dining hall together—it had been a while since the three of us sat down for a proper meal. For once, it felt normal. Just friends eating and talking.
Of course, our conversation quickly turned to rankings—how they'd affect point allowances, dorm assignments, and status.
The top five students of each year got to live in a special three-floor residence hall. First-years on the ground level, third-years at the top. Five rooms per floor, all equipped with spatially enhanced luxuries—private kitchens, a gym, even a personal library. The rest of us stayed in standard dorms, tiered according to rank:
Rank 6–25: single rooms on the top floor.
Rank 26–75: doubles on the middle floor.
Rank 76–105: triples on the ground floor.
That last category? That's where we were stuck for now.
I shared the story of my run-in with Lina and her offer to work as a library assistant.
Miles perks up "No way, that's perfect for you. Makes sense though—you always look like you're about to devour a book."
I shrug as I say "Better than wasting time, right?"
Miles follows up saying "Actually, I've been thinking about the alchemy labs. Liam said first-years mostly tend the botanical gardens, which explains why I've been buried in plant cycles lately."
Douglas stares at both of us like we are crazy "You guys haven't even gotten your first point allowance yet, and you're already planning side jobs?"
I grin saying "Why not? Gotta think ahead."
Miles nods supporting me "Exactly. You can't rely on allowances forever."
Douglas sighs, shaking his head
"Sometimes I wonder if you two realize how proactive you are, just chill a little and enjoy your first semester"
We laughed it off, but soon the conversation shifted again.
Me: "First thing I want? A custom dagger and bow. Maybe even a soulbound storage—or, if I'm lucky, a proper storage ring."
Miles gapes "You're insane. Do you know how expensive those are?"
Douglas frowns "Wait—you don't already have one?"
Together we stare at him "What?"
Douglas responds saying "Yeah, Back home, that's normal. My family—"
Miles cuts in "Yeah, your family. The rest of us aren't swimming in money."
I drew their attention back before the conversation ran too far.
"Inside the academy, they cost fifteen to twenty-five thousand points. Even ranking first overall this year wouldn't be enough."
That sobered them. Miles leaned back, eyes narrowing in thought.
"Second year is when things change," he said quietly. "Bigger risks, bigger rewards. Black Hearts from the graveyard…"
The words trailed off, leaving a silence between us. The thought lingered, heavy and unspoken.
Eventually, fatigue got the better of me. Douglas had already passed out, and Miles was still chatting with Liam on his terminal when I drifted into sleep.
I woke Tuesday morning with a yawn. The terminal read 6:16 AM. With assessments over, classes were on break for the week, which left me with no plans.
After a quick shower and early breakfast, I wandered into the gym. I wasn't even sure why—just a need to move.
I hopped onto a treadmill and pushed myself. Hard. I kept running until my body begged me to stop. When I finally did, five hours had passed. My legs burned, but I was grinning.
The treadmill stats flashed:
1 hr – 51 km/h
2 hrs – 53 km/h
3 hrs – 52 km/h
4 hrs – 51 km/h
5 hrs – 50 km/h
Unbelievable. A few weeks ago, jogging for two hours had been torture.
Checking my terminal, I saw the announcement: rankings would be released at 12 PM. Only an hour left.
I messaged Lina about the assistant position. She replied quickly—she'd be free at the library after three.
With time to kill, I returned to the dorm. By the time I walked in, the clock struck noon.