The next morning, the academy felt quiet.
Too quiet.
Eiden walked through the stone halls with his bag. The other students whispered when he passed.
"Is that him?"
"The one who blocked Elara's strike?"
"Looks weak… but moves too fast…"
Eiden ignored them.
He didn't care about rumors.
But he knew—people were starting to notice.
---
At the training ground, Elara stood with her sword.
She saw Eiden and walked over.
"You're early," she said.
"So are you," Eiden replied.
They stood in silence for a while.
Then Elara spoke again.
"I watched you yesterday. With Sera."
Eiden looked at her. "And?"
"She talks too much," Elara said with a small frown.
Was she… jealous?
Eiden didn't answer.
Instead, he drew his training sword and began slow movements.
Elara watched him closely.
His sword flowed like water—smooth, controlled.
She gripped her blade tighter.
"You really are hiding something," she whispered.
---
Later that day, Sera joined them at lunch.
She plopped down beside Eiden, smiling.
"Hi~! Did you miss me?"
Eiden blinked. "You were gone?"
Sera pouted. "Meanie."
Elara sat across the table, watching both of them.
Sera leaned in. "So! I heard a rumor. There's going to be a dungeon test soon!"
Eiden raised his eyes. "Dungeon?"
Sera nodded. "A real one. We're going as a class."
Elara spoke softly. "It's only a beginner dungeon. No danger."
Sera laughed. "That's what they always say."
Eiden looked down at his hand.
A dungeon…
A perfect place to test mana in real battle.
But he had to stay hidden.
---
That night, Eiden stood on the academy roof.
The wind blew softly. The stars shone above.
He closed his eyes and breathed in.
Inside his body, mana moved like a slow river.
Still not enough.
He needed more power—but carefully.
He couldn't awaken too fast.
Not here. Not yet.
If the dungeon really was coming…
Then maybe, just maybe—
He could push to the next stage.
---
Below, in the dark, someone watched him.
A man in a black cloak stood among the trees.
He looked up at the academy.
At Eiden.
And smiled.