Chapter 38
I opened the classroom door.
Immediately, a girl I didn’t even know the name of yanked my hair. "Oh, the bitch’s already here?" she sneered.
A surge of annoyance flickered within me. I wanted to smack her head and make her kneel, but I held back. Retaliating would only invite more bullying.
Sure, they were just teenagers, but they were some of the most annoying living beings—second only to babies. I made a mental note to remember their faces. Well, joke’s on them: once I upgrade my stats, I’ll be able to kick their asses in the most humiliating way.
When the girl noticed I was giving her a death glare, she scoffed. "Ha? You have the nerve to glare at me? You bitch, say it—are you mad at me?"
I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I looked at her nameplate: Kimmy Gabriela. I committed her name to memory and kept my silence.
As I made my way past the other seats to sit down, I could feel their sneers and stares directed at me. Amidst the sea of hostile expressions, my eyes caught Angela’s. She looked at me with a hint of sympathy before quickly turning away, as if trying to hide her concern.
’Hah! She must have done something to make these brats start bullying me!’ I thought, frustration bubbling inside.
Just then, Christian entered as three large scrolls floated behind him. "Guys, settle down. I have the exam results for our subject, Domain Anomaly Analysis."
The academy adhered to a long-standing tradition: all exam results, whether big or small, were publicly posted on large posters. It was believed that this practice motivated cadets to aim higher in rank.
As Christian’s scrolls materialized and the posters appeared on the bulletin board, other students groaned, bracing themselves for the news.
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Domain Anomaly Analysis Exam Result
Rank 1. Remillia Lockhart 99.9%
Rank 2. Ezekiel Craine 98.2%
Rank 3. Cypher Knoxx 95.8%
Rank 4. Edge Killian 95.7%
...
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Suddenly, a sharp snap echoed through the room. I discreetly glanced behind me.
I saw two halves of a pen rolling across the table. Next to them sat Ezekiel Craine, staring blankly at the exam results in a daze. His mouth was slightly agape, as if he had just been hit with a shock so intense he couldn’t even process it.
"...Oh, right," I mumbled, a sudden realization dawning on me. It was then that I remembered a plot point I had nearly forgotten.
Throughout all the written exams, whether small tests or major assessments, Ezekiel Craine had never been pushed out of first place. No matter the challenge, he always held that top spot.
Ezekiel Craine was one of the minor characters—rarely mentioned in the early parts of the story until he suddenly disappeared in the next season. The only thing I knew for sure was that he never lost first place.
He was a foreign exchange student from Eldoria, a distant country known for its strong academic traditions. Despite being from a different land, Ezekiel was remarkably fluent in Aeonian. He could understand the professors perfectly and often wrote mostly correct answers on exams. It was clear he dedicated a significant amount of effort to studying, making him a formidable competitor.
Even though he was in a different country, Ezekiel was remarkably fluent in speaking Aeonian. He could understand what the professors were saying with ease and consistently produced mostly correct answers on exams. It was obvious how much effort he dedicated to studying.
He rarely slept more than three hours a day, spending countless hours reviewing material and pushing himself to the limit. His unwavering discipline and relentless dedication had allowed him to maintain an unbroken record—until today. The news of his unexpected setback on the exam seemed to hit him hard, shattering the very record he had carefully upheld through his relentless effort.
He wasn’t sad; instead, his expression was marked by regret and agitation. ’Domain Anomaly Analysis’ was a challenging topic, even for someone as diligent as him. The gap between him and the first-place student was unlikely to close anytime soon.
Suddenly, Ezekiel sensed a gaze fixed upon him. He looked up and saw a striking woman watching him intently. Although he didn’t know her name, he could feel the weight of her stare, along with the curious glances from other cadets directed at her. Instinctively, he recognized her—Remillia Lockhart. As the girl turned back to face the front of the classroom, Ezekiel made a mental note to remember her face.
That day, the room was alive with whispers and hushed conversations, all revolving around one thing: my first-place ranking on the notoriously difficult "Domain Anomaly Analysis" written exam. It was a subject that students from Glacial Sphere dreaded, and yet, I had managed to come out on top—something many hadn’t expected.
I caught Ezekiel staring at me, but he didn’t say a word. Instead, he nodded curtly in my direction before turning away. I wasn’t surprised—he wasn’t exactly known for his warm and fuzzy demeanor.
What truly surprised me, however, was the professor’s personal praise. As I gathered my belongings, he approached me with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. In a low, earnest tone, he spoke:
"I also double checked Remillia’s answer sheet," he said, his voice carrying genuine admiration. "Her knowledge and vision were impressive, to say the least. I hope other students can learn from her passion for studying."
After class ended, I quickly made my way out of the classroom, eager to leave behind the whispers and side glances that still lingered. There was a lot on my plate today—assignments, preparations, and plans for the points I needed to allocate.
I can’t keep my precious points any longer. I need to spend them all—to shield myself from the impending chaos. Now that the second season has begun, Glacial Sphere is no longer a safe haven. I remember hearing whispers about Rogues having already set traps within the academy’s walls, lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance.
After carefully modifying my stats, I felt a noticeable lightness in my body, as if a surge of power was flowing through my veins. It was invigorating. Eager to maximize my abilities, I focused on fusing Arcanum and Spectral Seal. At first, it was challenging; I struggled to reshape the forms while trying to conceive a new design. But gradually, I grasped the core idea—finding the right balance between function and form.
The Arcanum, originally a single dagger, could now transform into a dual karambit. The sleek blades gleamed in the soft light. I can’t believe that I can make my own weapon. Excited, I couldn’t wait to try it out.
"Macaron, open system shop," I commanded, glancing at the little creature who was busy munching on a piece of ham. It paused for a moment, then a holographic interface shimmered into view, floating in front of me.
My eyes immediately darted through the available items, scanning the options. After a moment, I found what I was looking for. ’Ah, there it is,’ I thought, a grin spreading across my face as I prepared to make my selection.
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Skill Name: Void Space
Description: A powerful skill that creates a temporary, localized area of empty space around the user, effectively isolating her from the outside world. The spherical bubble, about 10-15 feet in diameter, is invisible and intangible but exerts significant environmental effects.
Effects:
Blocks all sounds and vibrations from outside, preventing detection of movements or actions. Creates environmental distortion, making it difficult for outsiders to observe or interpret what’s happening inside. No one could escape once inside the bubble, only the user can remove the bubble at their own will.
Cost: 10,000 popularity points (permanent acquisition)
Confirmation: Do you wish to proceed with this purchase?
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I immediately confirmed it.
[Sorry, you are 12 popularity points short,] the system said.
’What?’ I stared at the message in disbelief. Only 12 popularity points short—just a tiny difference, yet it felt like an insurmountable gap.
"Oh come on," I muttered under my breath. "Can’t you just lend me those 12 points? I’ll pay them back later, I swear!"
But the system’s response was cold and firm.
[Sorry, I’m not a lending system. Go find something else to earn more points,] it replied simply.
12 points, do I need to make a fool of myself? I thought.
[Yes or be a clown instead, it’s much better,] the system quipped.
I froze, blinking in surprise. My mind lagged for a moment, like my brain was stuck in a glitch. Wait—was the system actually talking back to me?
[No. You’re having an illusion,] the system responded calmly.
"Oh that explains—" I blinked again, turning my gaze back to the hologram. Sure enough, the word "No" flickered clearly in the display, as if confirming what it just said.
’What the—’ I thought, my confusion deepening.
I already have a talking owl, now I’ve got a talking system too? What the hell is happening? Is this some kind of advanced AI, or am I losing my mind? I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the fog of disbelief swirling in my head.
[Don’t mind me. Just think of me as your inner thoughts,] the system chimed in again.
"Shut up!" I snapped, irritation flaring.
[So rude...] the system replied, sounding almost offended.
Macaron quickly glanced at me, giving me a questioning look. "Me? I was eating here silently; what did I do?"
"No, I’m talking to someone else," I clarified, trying to keep my frustration in check.
[That owl is suspicious of you,] the system interjected, as if it were enjoying the chaos.
"Someone... Else? Who, master?" Macaron tilted his head, blinking innocently.
"Uhhh, the system... It’s talking to me, can’t you hear?" I said, pointing to my head as if that would clarify everything.
Macaron just looked at me strangely before slowly moving away, slipping out of my line of sight.
[Now, he’s thinking that you’re going crazy,] the system remarked, its tone dripping with amusement.
"You, shut up!" I yelled, frustration bubbling over. "Macaron, come here!"
But my words seemed to backfire. Macaron, hearing the command to "shut up," must have thought I was talking to him, and he panicked. Without hesitation, he scrambled out of the room as fast as his tiny wings could carry him.
Great, just great. Now I was not only dealing with the system’s incessant commentary but also the fact that I might have scared off my only ally.
I needed to think of a way to earn the remaining points so that I could buy that ability.
[Before that, I have a notification for you. You received 1,008 points for being popular, making it first place in your written exam,] the system announced.
"Grrrr! Why are you telling me that now?!" I snapped, frustration bubbling over.
[You were busy getting angry,] the system replied, its tone annoyingly nonchalant.
In a fit of irritation, I punched the screen in front of me, but my fist only passed through, as if I were striking at thin air.
[Stupid,] the system said, its voice dripping with sarcasm.
My face heated up once again with frustration and anger. "Whatever! Just open the System Shop so I can buy the skill," I demanded, voice edged with impatience.
[Alright!] the system responded cheerfully.
Without wasting any more time, I navigated through the shop and confirmed my purchase of Void Space. A devious smile spread across my face as I finally gained a new skill—something I desperately needed.
[Congrats on adding Void Space as your new skill. What are you gonna do with it?] the system asked, its curiosity seemingly genuine.
"Why do you care?" I shot back, my voice sharp.
[...] there was a pause, the system silent for a moment.
"That’s good! At least you know how to shut up," I said, smirking at my small victory over the system.
[Devil...] the system muttered before its window disappeared, leaving me with a sense of triumph.
I excitedly called out to Macaron, needing him to act as my sparring partner. "Come here on my shoulder."
Macaron peeked his head in first, and when he saw that I was alright, he perched on my shoulder, looking both curious and cautious.
I took a deep breath, centering myself as I focused on shaping the Void Space I had just created. My eyes snapped open, and I gazed around at the separate realm I had conjured. It felt surreal, as if I had stepped into a different realm altogether, a place where I could train without distractions.
"Oooh... Is this your new skill?" Macaron asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Of course! Anyway, are you ready?" I replied, excitement bubbling within me.
"Ready for what?" Macaron asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"To be my sparring partner," I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
Macaron flapped his wings and fluttered away from me, a look of protest on his face. "You’re crazy, master! I didn’t agree to this!"
"Don’t you think this is also nice for you to train?" I countered, trying to convince him.
"Yes, but it’s too early for me to train," Macaron protested, his eyes wide with concern.
"That’s okay. You just need to defend yourself from me. So, run away if you want—just stay alert," I said, voice calm but commanding.
Macaron whined, clearly reluctant. "Oh, come on!"
"Ready or not, here I come!" I grinned, holding up my karambit and preparing for a strike.
Without warning, I lunged at him with a swift, silent attack, the blade of my karambit flashing dangerously in the light. Sensing my intent, Macaron spread his wings wide and took to the air, effortlessly evading my strike.
"Nice dodge!" I called out, exhilaration coursing through me.
I whooped with excitement, quickly retreating to my starting position. I repeated my attack, this time attempting to strike from a different angle. Macaron, anticipating my move, swooped down and veered to the side just in time, avoiding the blade by a hair’s breadth.
"Macaron! You’re good!" I panted, a grin spreading across my face.
Macaron squawked and flapped his wings, looking a bit frustrated. "Is this really training? Or are you planning to kill me?!"
I chuckled, still catching my breath. "Impressive reflexes. You’re a natural at dodging."
We continued the sparring, trying different techniques and maneuvers, pushing my agility and quick thinking to the limit. Macaron expertly evaded each attack, his movements sharp and precise, making me realize how much I still had to learn.
The surroundings outside the Void Space were faded into a blurry haze, and I lost track of time. After what felt like hours, I finally called a break. I collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air, muscles aching from the exertion.
Macaron flapped his wings and landed softly on my stomach, looking at me with a mixture of pride and exhaustion. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the calm after the intense session.
"You’re a great sparring partner," I said, scratching Macaron behind the ears. "I never would have thought that an owl could be so fast and agile."
Hmph! I would’ve been faster if you didn’t surprise me with that sudden sparring!" Macaron retorted, puffing up his feathers proudly.
I chuckled at his response, but suddenly, I began to feel dizzy as the Void Space slowly disappeared. In an instant, we were back in my room again.
I tried to move, but my body felt heavy and unresponsive. The system’s familiar message popped up in front of my eyes.
[You have reached your limit in using your Spectral Seal in creating Arcanum and Void Space. As a result, you can’t use your body and energy for 10 hours,] the system announced.
What? So I still need to use Spectral Seal to create Void Space? Why didn’t I know this before?
[You were too busy training,] the system replied, sounding almost smug.
’And so what if I’m training? I train all the time but I never once fell down?’ I thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Macaron seemed to be worried about me, his eyes darting back and forth as he kept questioning me, but I could only mumble incoherently in response.
[Since you were training, I couldn’t just disturb you. If you use the skill ’Void Space,’ it requires Spectral Seal to activate it,] the system explained.
"Yeou phakfing ushlesh shistem!!! *"$-#!" I tried to shout, but my lips felt paralyzed, and the words came out as a garbled mess.
[User, please stop it. You’re embarrassing yourself,] the system said, its tone slightly condescending.
"Aaahhhhmmm!!!" A muffled scream escaped my lips, turning into a barely audible mumble as I struggled to speak.
After what felt like an hour of complete paralysis, I finally regained control of my lips only.
"Macaron? Can you turn into a giant—just big enough—to carry me to my bed?" I requested weakly.
"Of course," Macaron chirped, swiftly transforming into a larger version of himself, just big enough to carry me comfortably. He gently lifted me and flew me to my bed, his wings flapping softly as he navigated the room.
Once I was settled in bed, I let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Macaron. You’re the best."
"Just get some rest, master. You need it," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.
With that, I closed my eyes, finally allowing myself to drift off into a deep sleep.