After the tower event, everyone went to their assigned quarters to settle in and explore the academy during their day off before the official start of the term.
The commercial sector of the academy was packed.
New students bustled around, buying everything they thought they needed… though some purchases leaned more toward fashion than practicality.
Overall, the atmosphere was lively. Instructors took the chance to chat with the freshmen, building bonds and getting to know them better.
Several second- and third-year students were also present, their goals similar — to observe, to recruit new members for their inner circles, or simply to make connections with influential people.
– Greetings, Princess Blanche. – one of the upperclassmen said with a polite bow.
– Hello, senior. I look forward to your guidance this year. – Blanche replied gracefully.
More people approached, and she, as a princess, answered each one with proper etiquette. For her, this wasn't just small talk — this was politics. Every gesture, every word, could determine her future allies.
Other prodigies drew attention as well.
Lívia Sollares, in particular, was swarmed by upperclassmen who practically trampled each other to recruit her.
– Miss Sollares! May I have a moment? I'd like to invite you to my–
– Get lost, idiot! She's joining mine! – another shouted, shoving him aside.
– Why would she join a fool like you? She's coming to mine!
– Don't push me, you bastard!
Chaos broke out among the seniors, while Lívia…
Simply ignored them like buzzing insects, walking away with an annoyed expression.
– Bunch of idiots. – she muttered.
– You're having trouble too, aren't you? – said a voice behind her, sighing.
– Well, Princess, I've gotten used to these fools sniffing at my heels. You should get used to it too. Your position doesn't give you much of a choice.
– Ahhh, I know, but it's so tiring to keep smiling at them. Especially because of our positions and… our beauty. – Blanche said, half joking, half boasting.
Even as a joke, it wasn't a lie.
Both were stunning.
Blanche had platinum hair that flowed down her back like silk. Her rosy eyes seemed to pierce straight through one's soul. Her figure was elegant — soft curves, perfectly balanced.
Lívia, on the other hand, had crimson hair like molten lava and eyes as sharp and cold as slumbering embers. Her body was voluptuous, the kind that could make any man lose his breath.
Meanwhile, the academy buzzed with life, and amidst the commotion, Evo wandered aimlessly — completely lost.
He wanted to visit the weapon shop and meet the academy's blacksmith, but…
He had no idea where it was.
Hands in his pockets, his face darkened with each step.
– Damn it, what a pain! This place is huge. How the hell am I supposed to find a single shop with all these people swarming around like ants?
– Excuse me! Move, please!
– Watch out!
– Coming through!
Evo's head felt ready to explode.
– For fuck's sake! Why is everyone walking at the same time?! I can't even move! – he grumbled.
After wandering for what felt like an eternity, he spotted a small snack stand.
Behind it, a familiar face was happily eating.
– Hehehe… looks like my ticket to finding that damn shop.
Weaving through the crowd, he reached the stand.
– Hello, Miss Ravina. That sandwich looks delicious. – he said with a sly smile.
– Ohh! – She froze mid-bite. – Student Eylam? What brings you here? – she asked quickly, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
Internally, Evo couldn't help but find it adorable.
Hahaha, so cute. It's nice seeing her without that serious mask for once — just a normal woman enjoying lunch.
– Sorry for interrupting your meal. I feel bad for disturbing you. – he said, slightly bowing.
But in his head, he was grinning.
Hehehe… I'll have a bit of fun with her.
– N-no need to apologize. It's nothing serious. – Ravina replied nervously, adjusting her glasses and trying to compose herself.
– So, what can I do for you? – she asked, her voice firm again, though still kind.
Evo nearly melted inside.
Damn, she's adorable. Makes me want to tease her even more… but I'll let it slide.
– Miss Ravina, it's a little embarrassing, but… I'm lost. – he said, scratching the side of his head.
– Hmm, where are you trying to go? I can point you in the right direction.
– Really? I'm looking for the weapon and armor shop. I want to commission a sword.
– Oh, that's simple. – She pointed down the street. – Go straight for two blocks, then turn right. The shop will be the second to last one on the right-hand side.
– Ohhh, thank you so much, Miss Ravina. You're an angel. – he said, clasping her hands gently.
– N-n-not at all, Evo Eylam. It's my job. – she replied with a flustered laugh, her face red up to her ears.
Evo's grin widened.
Ohhh, so she can make those kinds of expressions? What a delightful discovery…
Releasing her hands, he gave a graceful bow.
– Lovely Miss Ravina, thank you for your help. I'm deeply grateful for your kindness.
Ravina lowered her head, blushing furiously, and muttered:
– You're welcome… I should get going now. – Then she hurried away, practically running.
Evo watched her go, smirking, before turning to leave.
Following her directions, he eventually reached the store.
The sign read: "Ravisto's Weapon Shop."
When he opened the door, a small bell chimed.
– Hello? Anyone here? – he called out.
– Whoa… so many swords and armors. – he said, impressed. But his awe vanished quickly.
[ Eyes of Pride ] – Activated.
[ Scanning objects... ]
[ Sword of poor quality – Grade: Common ]
[ Armor of poor quality – Grade: Common ]
[ Accessories of terrible quality – Grade: Trash ]
– Ew! – he exclaimed, making a face of disgust.
Everything he saw was, at best, junk.
Even his practice sword was better than this garbage.
– I bet those idiots buy this crap thinking it's top-tier. – he muttered.
His excitement faded. He had expected weapons worthy of the legendary dwarven smiths — creations forged with soul, sweat, and purpose.
But this… this was pathetic.
– Hmm? What do you need, lad? – said a dwarf with dark hair, emerging from a door beside the counter.
Evo clasped his hands behind his back and gave him a cold, sidelong look.
The dwarf froze under that golden gaze.
He didn't know the boy, but he already hated him.
Evo sighed and turned his eyes to the display of swords.
– Arrrrr… – He sighed irritably.. – I came to order a sword.
– Then pick one, boy. We've got plenty–
– But! – Evo cut him off sharply, not even looking his way.
The dwarf frowned, sensing the tone.
– I'm not going to order a sword that might save my life… from a shop that sells nothing but garbage. – he said, voice cold as steel.
The dwarf's eyes widened. For years, he'd sold the same simple weapons, and no one had ever complained.
Over time, he'd grown numb.
Once, he poured his soul into every blade he forged — until he realized people only cared about appearances.
So he stopped trying. He mass-produced, selling anything that sparkled.
Evo picked up one of the swords from the shelf, holding it with contempt.
– You know… I always dreamed of owning a fine sword forged by a legendary dwarf.
– It was one of my little dreams. – he murmured, pain in his voice.
– But… – he drew his own blade from his ring, fury flaring in his eyes – you just gave me a horrible experience that shattered that dream!
He placed the shop's sword on the counter and raised his own.
– Don't do it, boy! – the dwarf shouted, but it was too late.
Evo swung his sword down with raw rage.
Vuuuuummm! – Plinnnn!
The blade shattered into dozens of fragments that scattered across the floor.
The dwarf stood frozen, speechless, as Evo growled:
– You just ruined my small dream with this junk you dare call weapons!
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Then he reached into his ring, pulled out a small pouch of coins, and tossed it onto the counter.
– Here. I'll pay for the damage… and I'm leaving before I lose my temper again.
He turned and walked out, the door creaking shut behind him.
On the sidewalk, he sighed deeply.
– What a goddamn day… – he muttered, starting to walk away.
Moments later, the shop door burst open.
– Wait, boy! – the dwarf shouted, panting.
Evo stopped, turning his head slightly, giving him a cold, tired look.
– Stop yelling, old man. You're hurting my ears.