The morning after the labyrinth disaster dawned bright and deceptively peaceful.
For the first time in weeks, the academy grounds were quiet — too quiet.
But beneath that calm, whispers ran like wildfire.
"Did you hear? Class D's Lee Shin stabilized the entire labyrinth alone."
"No way. He's the one who fought Lee Hyun, right? The prodigy from Class A?"
"Yeah. I heard Hyun nearly lost his sword—"
"Nearly? He did lose it!"
Every hallway, every cafeteria table, every corridor hummed with talk of his name.
Lee Shin.
A name that had once been met with laughter and pity now carried weight. Some students spoke it with awe. Others with unease. And a few, with jealousy.
Shin sat in the back of the lecture hall, ignoring the stares. His uniform was freshly pressed, his mana steady. The bruises from the labyrinth had already faded — the ring had quietly mended them overnight, pulsing with quiet energy beneath his sleeve.
The door opened, and Instructor Rho stepped in. His eyes swept the room, cold and unreadable.
"Congratulations," he said. "To everyone who survived the labyrinth exam — especially to Class D's Lee Shin, who prevented a total mana collapse."
A murmur rippled through the students. Rho raised a hand for silence.
"The Head Council has taken notice. All credits earned during the event will be recalculated. Those who relied on... unfair advantages will face review."
That last line cut through the air like a blade.
Shin didn't look up, but he could feel Hyun's glare burning into him from the Class A section near the front.
Hyun sat stiff, jaw tight. The golden badge on his uniform gleamed — but his pride had cracks now, visible to all.
Rho turned toward the projection at the front. "Top scorers for the exam — in first place, Class D's Lee Shin."
The silence that followed was absolute. Even Rho's expression softened — almost a smirk. "Well done, Shin. Looks like hard work still means something in this academy."
Shin simply nodded once. "Thank you, Instructor."
But while others clapped hesitantly, Hyun's fists clenched under the desk.
For the first time in his life, he wasn't the one standing above.
After class, Shin slipped out toward the training grounds. The air there always felt cleaner — sharp with mana and the faint hum of protective wards.
He drew his sword and began again. Strike. Pivot. Parry. The movements flowed smoother than before, his mana syncing with the ring's rhythm.
"Your control's improving," a familiar voice said from behind him.
Shin turned. A tall figure approached — her golden hair tied neatly, her Class A badge shining.
"Nonna," he said quietly.
She smiled, but there was tension in her eyes. "So it's true. You faced Hyun in the labyrinth."
He lowered his blade. "You heard about that?"
"The entire academy has. Even Father."
That made him pause. "...And what did he say?"
Nonna sighed. "He said it was reckless. But I could tell he was impressed. He won't admit it, of course."
Shin chuckled softly. "That sounds like him."
They stood in silence for a moment, wind brushing through the training yard.
Then she said gently, "I'm proud of you, Shin."
He looked up, surprised.
"You've changed," she continued. "Before… you used to avoid fighting. You'd back away when Hyun mocked you. But now, you're standing your ground."
"I just stopped running," he replied.
Nonna nodded slowly. "Keep doing that. But be careful. Hyun's pride is fragile, and Father's reputation even more so. You humiliated him in front of everyone. He won't forgive that easily."
Shin sheathed his sword. "I'm not afraid of him anymore."
"Good." She smiled faintly. "Then you're finally becoming who you were meant to be."
Before she could turn to leave, a holographic message flickered beside them.
It was from the Student Council — urgent and official.
Notice:
All year-one finalists are to report to the Grand Arena in two days for the Final Ascension Exam.
Top five will advance ranks and be evaluated for Guild Sponsorship.
Nonna looked at him. "They're moving up the finals?"
"Seems so," Shin said. His gaze hardened. "Good. I'm ready."
As she walked away, her cloak fluttering behind her, Shin stared at the holographic text again.
Final Ascension Exam.
Class D against all others.
Hyun would be there — and so would everyone else who doubted him.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
The ring pulsed, warm and alive.
A whisper brushed through his mind — faint but unmistakable.
"The next gate opens… prove your worth."
He opened his eyes, a thin smile curling his lips.
The quiet boy who once hid in shadows was gone.
In his place stood the man who had already died once — and would rise again as the storm the academy never saw coming.