My first week at Azure Sky Academy proved that institutional politics were remarkably similar to corporate dynamics, just with more potential for actual bodily harm. Within hours of my arrival, I'd been categorized, evaluated, and slotted into the complex social hierarchy that governed student life.
"Advanced Track students sit there," Aria explained during lunch, gesturing toward a section of the dining hall where conversations seemed more intense and competitive than elsewhere. "Regular Track over there, and Remedial Track keeps to themselves in the corner."
I studied the seating arrangements with interest. Like any complex system, the Academy had its own internal logic and power structures. Understanding them would be crucial for navigating the next few years.
"And where exactly do transfer students who jumped directly to Advanced Track sit?" I asked.
"Wherever they can prove they belong," a new voice interjected. We turned to see a tall boy with platinum blonde hair and cold gray eyes approaching our table. His Academy uniform was immaculate, and the way other students gave him space suggested significant social standing.
"Aldric, meet Damien Cross," Aria said with barely concealed distaste. "Top of the Advanced Track third-years, heir to Cross Dynamics Corporation, and generally insufferable human being."
Damien smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Aria always was bad at introductions. Damien Cross, pleased to meet the famous dungeon coordinator. I hear you managed to take down a Silver Rank monster with a group of Iron Rank students."
"Team effort," I replied neutrally. "Good coordination can overcome individual limitations."
"Interesting philosophy." Damien sat down uninvited, his presence immediately shifting the table's dynamic. "I prefer the opposite approach—individual excellence transcending team weaknesses. It's served me well."
I could see what Aria meant about insufferable. Damien radiated the particular arrogance that came from never being genuinely challenged, combined with the casual dismissal of others' contributions that marked certain types of privileged upbringing.
"Different approaches for different situations," I said diplomatically.
"Indeed. Speaking of situations," Damien's tone became more pointed, "I'm curious about your Class designation. The Academy records list it as 'Null'—quite unusual for an Advanced Track student."
Several nearby conversations quieted as other students tuned in to what was clearly becoming a confrontational exchange. This, I realized, was exactly the kind of attention I'd hoped to avoid.
"Unusual circumstances sometimes require unusual solutions," I replied, keeping my voice level.
"Mysterious. I do appreciate mystery." Damien stood smoothly. "I look forward to seeing how those unusual solutions perform in practical exercises. Advanced Track students are expected to demonstrate their capabilities regularly."
As he walked away, Aria let out an irritated sigh. "He's going to be a problem. Damien doesn't handle uncertainty well, and you represent a major unknown variable in his carefully ordered world."
"Let me guess—he's been top of the class since enrollment and sees me as potential competition?"
"Worse. He's been groomed his entire life to take over Cross Dynamics after graduation. His father expects him to graduate as valedictorian and immediately begin climbing the Hunter Association rankings. A mysterious transfer student with unclear abilities threatens that narrative."
I filed this information away for future reference. Corporate heirs with daddy issues and superiority complexes were predictable in their own way. The key was not letting them force you into their preferred type of conflict.
"What about the other Advanced Track students?" I asked, scanning the dining hall.
Aria brightened, apparently relieved to move on to less problematic topics. "Much more reasonable, mostly. There's Lydia Chen—no relation to your previous life's surname—who's probably the most talented pure mage in our year. Marcus Webb specializes in barrier magic and defensive coordination. Elena Frost is a Scout with incredible mobility skills."
She pointed out each student as she spoke, and I began building mental profiles. Lydia appeared focused and studious, surrounding herself with magical theory textbooks even during lunch. Marcus sat with what looked like a mixed group of students, suggesting good social integration. Elena was notably alert, her eyes constantly scanning the room with the awareness of someone trained in reconnaissance.
"They're all Level 7-9," Aria continued, "which means they'll be your main competition for advancement opportunities. But they're also potential allies if you can prove your worth."
Level: 2 (EXP: 142/150)
Just eight more experience points until Level 3. At this rate, I'd hit Level 5 within two weeks of starting classes, assuming the Academy's practical exercises provided decent experience gains.
The afternoon brought my first Advanced Track combat exercise: "Tactical Response Scenarios" taught by Professor Blackthorne. The classroom was actually a massive simulation chamber capable of projecting realistic combat environments complete with holographic monsters and environmental hazards.
"Today we're evaluating individual response times and decision-making under pressure," Professor Blackthorne announced as fifteen Advanced Track students assembled in formation. "Each student will face a randomized scenario requiring quick analysis and appropriate action."
I watched as my new classmates took their turns. Damien faced off against a pack of Shadow Wolves, dispatching them with elegant sword techniques enhanced by darkness magic. His movements were precise and efficient, clearly the result of extensive training. Lydia dealt with a magical puzzle that required dismantling a runic barrier before phantom constructs overwhelmed her position. Marcus defended a group of holographic civilians from aerial attackers using complex shield formations.
Each scenario was tailored to test specific competencies while providing experience points for successful completion. It was an elegant training system that rewarded both individual skill and tactical thinking.
"Aldric Veridian," Professor Blackthorne called.
I stepped into the simulation chamber as the environment shifted around me. I found myself in a narrow canyon with steep walls on both sides—limited mobility, potential for ambush tactics. A moment later, three Rock Trolls materialized at the far end, each one significantly larger and more dangerous than the Stone Golem I'd helped defeat in Shadowmere Caverns.
[Combat Scenario Initiated! Objective: Neutralize all threats within 5 minutes]
I quickly analyzed the tactical situation. Three enemies, each probably equivalent to high Iron Rank or low Silver Rank based on size and apparent durability. Canyon environment limited my movement options but also constrained their ability to surround me. The walls showed signs of structural weakness—stress fractures that could potentially be exploited.
No time for extended planning. I needed to act fast and demonstrate capability without revealing too much about my analytical process.
The Trolls charged forward with surprising speed for their size. I rolled left to avoid the lead Troll's club swing, then immediately began moving toward the canyon wall. If I could create a chokepoint...
"Rock Slide technique!" I called out, hoping the Academy's library sessions with Aria had provided enough theoretical knowledge to improvise. I channeled mana into a basic Earth Magic spell, targeting the stress fractures I'd noticed in the canyon wall.
The result was more effective than I'd expected. A cascade of boulders crashed down, separating two of the Trolls from the third and creating a natural barrier. Now I only had to deal with one enemy at a time.
The isolated Troll swung its massive club toward my head. I ducked and rolled, coming up inside its guard where the club couldn't reach me effectively. A quick series of lightning-enhanced strikes targeted the joints and pressure points I'd studied in magical creature anatomy texts.
[Troll defeated! EXP gained: 15]
[Level Up! You are now Level 3!]
The level increase came with a surge of enhanced physical capabilities. My movements became faster, my mana recovery accelerated, and my overall awareness sharpened. I used the momentary boost to vault over the rock slide barrier and engage the remaining two Trolls.
These fought more cautiously, having witnessed their companion's defeat. They tried to coordinate their attacks, forcing me to constantly move to avoid being caught between them. But their coordination was predictable—simple pincer movements without adaptive tactics.
I led them into another section of the canyon where the walls formed a natural funnel, then used a combination of ice magic to slow their movement and lightning strikes to exploit their reduced mobility. Within three minutes, all three Trolls had been defeated.
[Combat Scenario Complete! Time: 3 minutes, 47 seconds]
[Tactical Rating: Excellent]
[EXP gained: 8]
As the simulation faded, I found myself facing fifteen pairs of eyes with expressions ranging from impressed to calculating. Professor Blackthorne made notes on her evaluation tablet, her face revealing nothing.
"Effective environmental manipulation and adaptive tactics," she announced. "Time to completion places you in the top tier for this exercise. Well done, Mr. Veridian."
"How did you know about the wall fractures?" Lydia Chen asked as we filed out of the simulation chamber. Her tone was curious rather than challenging.
"Pattern recognition," I replied honestly. "Canyon formations have predictable stress points based on geological principles."
"And the tactical coordination against multiple enemies?"
"Combat theory textbooks. I study a lot."
Damien had remained silent during the exchange, but I could feel his evaluating stare. My performance had been impressive but not impossibly so—exactly what I'd hoped to achieve. Strong enough to justify Advanced Track placement, not so overwhelming as to raise questions about hidden abilities.
Name: Aldric Veridian
Age: 17
Level: 3 (EXP: 15/200)
Class: NULL
Title: Architect of Reality
HP: 120/120
MP: 70/70
STR: 10
AGI: 11
INT: 14
WIS: 12
VIT: 12
LUCK: 15
Skills: Basic Combat Tactics, Environmental Analysis
Special Ability: Infinite Creation (Available at Level 5)
Two more levels. Two more levels until I could begin creating abilities that would change everything.
As I walked back to the dormitory that evening, I reflected on the day's lessons. The Academy was providing exactly what I needed—structured training, real combat experience, and a social environment complex enough to test my ability to navigate politics while hiding my true capabilities.
The game was getting more interesting by the day.