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Chapter 4 - the second strike

Great! Here's Chapter 4 of your story "Leveling Up with My A-Ranked Partner" written in full light novel style, following your plot and enhancing it with detail, tone, and a proper narrative flow:

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Chapter 4: Eyes of Twilight and a View to the Stars

Jason stood over the defeated creature, his breathing heavy, sweat running down his temples. The carcass of the mid-tier Level 2 beast lay still at his feet—a hulking boar-like monster with jagged tusks and obsidian hide. Its last cry had echoed through the forest before dissolving into silence.

> "You have defeated: Feral Duskhorn."

"Experience gained: +320."

"Level Up! Current Level: 4."

"Total Points Earned: 60."

"New Skill Unlocked: Magical Eyes of Twilight."

Jason blinked.

Magical Eyes of Twilight?

Suddenly, a strange warmth flooded his eyes. He stumbled back, clutching his face. Everything changed. The world pulsed with light and energy—threads of colors danced in the air. He looked at a tree nearby, and lines of data hovered over it: photosynthesis activity, water content, growth rate.

Then, his gaze turned to Lucy, who stood behind him, arms crossed and smiling.

Above her head, a faint golden ring shimmered—an aura—and inside it, words flickered like fire:

> Lucy Heartveil

Class: Combat Sorceress

Core Affinity: Wind + Illusion

Level: 6

Jason gasped.

He could see her stats.

> "No way... This skill lets me read people's systems?"

"Impressive," Lucy said, stepping forward and glancing at the defeated monster. "You handled that Duskhorn better than I expected. Fast reflexes, and your mana flow didn't collapse under pressure. You're adapting."

Jason scratched the back of his head, trying not to grin. "Guess I'm getting the hang of this."

"Still, don't let your guard down," she added. "These beasts might just be tests now, but outside this academy, there are worse things."

He nodded. "Thanks, partner."

They began walking back through the training grounds, the glow of dusk painting the forest in hues of violet and orange. Jason still hadn't fully gotten used to the gravity-defying beauty of this world. Trees whispered secrets to the wind. Small lights—fairy wisps—hovered between branches. His new eyes allowed him to see faint traces of mana left by other students and monsters.

As they neared the main path, a sudden chime rang in the air.

> System Notification: ALL STUDENTS, REPORT TO HOMEN MAIN HALL IMMEDIATELY.

Attendance is mandatory.

Jason's brows furrowed. "What's Homen?"

"You'll see," Lucy said, already walking ahead. "Follow me."

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Homen Hall was enormous—wider than a football stadium and taller than a cathedral. Its dome ceiling shimmered like crystal, transparent enough to show the sky but reinforced by ancient magic.

Students from all over the academy were pouring in, whispering, their levels ranging from 1 to 10. Some looked exhausted, others proud. Jason couldn't help but scan them with his Magical Eyes of Twilight, absorbing glimpses of their abilities.

At the center of the stage stood Nicole Sonya, the administrator of the combat tests. Her white cloak flowed behind her like mist, and a crescent staff hovered by her side. Her presence alone silenced the hall.

She raised a hand.

Stars began to glow above. The ceiling vanished—or so it seemed—and the galaxy unfolded before them. Constellations danced, comets streaked, and the moon glowed brighter than ever.

A gasp escaped many students, Jason included.

Nicole's voice rang out.

> "The combat trial ends tomorrow at sunset."

"To pass, you must reach Level 5 by then. If you fail…" she paused, letting her voice echo, "…you will repeat this entire cycle."

"This is not just a test of strength, but of growth. Every choice, every battle, every alliance you make matters."

Jason looked at his screen.

Level: 4.

Just one more.

Lucy leaned beside him. "Looks like we have work to do."

Jason nodded, eyes glowing faintly. His new skill still tingled—alive in his veins. He clenched his fists, heart pounding. The stars above watched silently.

Tomorrow would decide everything.

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