BOOM!

Fragments of the mana-measuring crystal orb scattered across the stone floor, reflecting the dim, panicked flashing of the room’s defensive runes. A fine mist of dust from the exploding magic artifact hung in the air, while a dead silence suffocated testing room number three.

The academy proctors were rooted to the spot. The burly proctor who had called Rian’s name stood with his jaw dropped, his eyes locked onto the crystal shards on the floor as if he had just seen a ghost in broad daylight. The artifact had been used for decades to test thousands of noble prodigies, and not a single applicant had ever managed to crack it—let alone cause it to violently implode in a dense wave of dark energy.

"W-What just happened?!" shouted a senior proctor from the upper balcony, his face pale as he scrambled down to the testing area. He eyed Rian from head to toe. "Boy... what kind of magic did you just use? How on earth did this high-tier measuring tool shatter into pieces?!"

Rian slowly pulled his hand back. His face remained perfectly calm, utterly expressionless, expertly concealing the massive wave of shadow mana he had just suppressed back into his internal meridians.

This royal standard measuring tool is far too weak to contain a mana capacity forged by the forbidden grimoire, Rian analyzed rapidly in his mind. If I let my full strength be exposed on the very first day, the academy's higher-ups will definitely suspect me or try to weaponize me for their political games.

"I apologize, Sir," Rian answered in a flat, innocent-sounding tone—a stark contrast to the destructive feat he had just accomplished. "I only channeled my mana as instructed. Perhaps... the artifact was already old and fragile before I even touched it."

The senior proctor furrowed his brows deeply. The explanation sounded absurd, yet on the other hand, it was impossible for an eleven-year-old peasant boy to possess full control over high-tier magic capable of obliterating a testing artifact. Amidst the staff’s confusion, they finally concluded that the incident was the result of the artifact's internal degradation, which coincidentally gave out during Rian's turn.

"Hmph, whatever! Since the main artifact is destroyed, we can't accurately measure your exact capacity. But judging by the energy reaction, you pass!" the senior proctor said gruffly, waving a hand to shoo Rian out of the room. "Take your gray robes and join the foundation class immediately!"

News of the "commoner applicant who shattered the crystal orb" spread like wildfire throughout Astrea Academy. Within hours, Rian’s name became the hottest topic among the first-year students. To the commoner students, he was hailed as a mysterious hero who had slapped the arrogant proctors in the face. But to the aristocratic students, Rian’s presence was viewed as a serious threat and an insult to the dignity of their blue blood.

The next day, the first practical magic class commenced in the Main Practice Arena—a massive circular open field surrounded by tiered stone bleachers. Under the academy's morning sky, dozens of students wore their respective robes of pride: gold-embroidered white silk for the nobles, and coarse gray cloth for the scholarship and commoner students.

In the very back row, Rian sat cross-legged on a stone bench, holding a cheap wooden wand he had bought from a secondhand shop near the academy gates. He deliberately wore an expression of lethargy and quiet submission.

Surface only when necessary, and strike from the shadows when the enemy is off guard.

He held tightly to that fundamental mercenary principle. Rian had no interest in chasing empty fame in this academy. His goal was singular: to absorb high-tier magical knowledge, solidify his power base, and secure an untouchable position.

In the center of the arena, an academy magic instructor named Master Vane—a middle-aged man donning deep purple robes and holding a glittering crystal staff—was demonstrating basic elemental manipulation.

"Pay close attention! Magic is the art of aligning the soul with the particles of nature. For you nobles, your bloodlines naturally carry superior talent," Master Vane announced arrogantly, deliberately raising his voice toward the rows of commoner students. "Focus your minds and summon the element of fire!"

Instantly, several noble students in the front row showed off. A bright blond boy in a gold-laced robe stepped forward with a haughty swagger. His name was Lord Julian, heir to one of the major duchies in the eastern realm. He raised his hand, and within seconds, a large, blazing fireball ignited in his palm, radiating a searing heat across the arena.

"Outstanding, Lord Julian! Advanced fire elemental control on the very first day of practice!" Master Vane praised, flashing a wide, fawning smile.

The noble students erupted into thunderous applause, while Julian cast a disdainful look toward the back rows where the commoners sat—his eyes specifically locking onto Rian. Julian had heard the rumors about the peasant boy who "broke the crystal orb," and as a pureblood noble, his pride was trampled by the thought of a commoner stealing his spotlight.

"Hey, you in the back!" Julian called out loudly, pointing a finger directly at Rian. "The peasant brat who supposedly caused a scene yesterday. Don't just sit there quietly like a coward! Step up and show us if you're actually talented, or if you just got lucky because the testing tool was already broken!"

Every eye in the arena shifted to Rian. Mocking whispers began to ripple through the noble ranks as they eagerly awaited the moment Rian humiliated himself in front of the instructor.

Rian slowly stood up. He straightened his simple gray robe and walked toward the center of the arena with calm, unhesitating steps.

Inwardly, Rian let out a long sigh. He knew he couldn't simply hide in the shadows today; he had to quell their curiosity instantly without drawing excessive suspicion.

Rian stood before a magical stone pillar serving as a target. He raised his cheap wooden wand, closed his eyes for a brief second to regulate his energy circulation, and unleashed a basic spell: a burst of small sparks that looked entirely unremarkable—in fact, it was significantly weaker than the average output of the lower-class students.

POOF!

The sparks fizzled out, leaving nothing but a tiny scorch mark on the stone pillar’s surface.

Master Vane shook his head in bitter disappointment, while a wave of mocking laughter exploded from the noble students.

"Hahaha! See that? The kid is absolute trash! That crystal orb yesterday must have exploded from a magical short-circuit, not from his power!" Julian roared with laughter, thoroughly satisfied that his assumption had been proven right.

Rian ignored their laughter. He turned around and walked back to his seat with quiet composure, having deliberately displayed a below-average result to deflect all attention and suspicion away from his true capabilities.

Let them feel they have the upper hand, Rian thought coldly. Their ignorance is my greatest shield.

The practical class ended, and the students began filing out of the arena, heading toward their respective dormitories. Rian walked alone down the quiet, second-floor stone corridor of the academy building, intending to return to his room to resume his evening meditation.

However, his footsteps ground to a halt when a large shadow suddenly blocked his path at a secluded corner of the hallway.

Lord Julian stood there, flanked by two heavily armed, burly personal bodyguards. A sinister smirk played on Julian’s lips, his eyes glaring at Rian with overflowing disgust and simmering hostility.

Julian stepped closer, roughly grabbing Rian by the collar of his gray robe, and leaned in close to his ear. With a low whisper dripping with murderous intent, he sneered:

"Listen to me carefully, peasant boy. Don't you ever dare try to seek attention or aim for the top ranks in this academy. If you so much as step a toe out of your trash bin, I will personally ensure you leave this academy in a body bag."