Evo entered the classroom calmly. He had arrived early, so there were only a few students scattered around — some talking in small groups, others sitting alone. His sharp gaze swept across the room, analyzing everyone like a silent observer. Then he shrugged and headed for the highest row of seats, where no one would notice him or bother him. At least, that was the plan.
Those who noticed his arrival grew tense. They had seen what he did to the heir of the Vasquez family during the opening ceremony.
Evo ignored their cautious stares and walked toward the back of the room, sitting near the window to quietly enjoy the view. Among those watching him most intently were Livia and Alfred.
Livia knew Evo's mother — the two were friends and sword enthusiasts — so she had some idea of what kind of person he was, even though they'd never met. Alfred, on the other hand, was simply curious about the cold, emotionless boy who had passed by him.
But both of them sensed what Blanche had felt firsthand not long ago: the air around Evo radiated danger, pride, sharpness, and complete indifference — as if nothing around him truly mattered.
Feeling their eyes on him, Evo grew irritated. He turned toward them, his gaze sharp and filled with hostility.
– Tsk! – He clicked his tongue loudly enough for the entire room to hear. – Would you two stop staring at me like I'm some rare animal on display? It's rude to look at people like that… and it's annoying!
Livia was the first to avert her gaze. She couldn't argue — she also hated being stared at, and she knew she did the same to others. But the real reason was simpler: the hostility in his eyes made her heart tighten.
The rest of the class followed her lead, pretending to return to what they were doing.
Alfred, however, kept his gaze on Evo with an awkward smile.
– Haha… – He scratched his head as sweat ran down his temple. – Sorry. I was just curious about the heir of the mighty Eylam family.
He turned back toward the front, facing the board. Soon after, all attention shifted to Blanche as she entered the room. Several students greeted her respectfully, and she returned the gesture with a polite smile — but both Livia and Alfred noticed the tension behind it. Her mask of calm couldn't hide the fear in her eyes.
They knew her well. Blanche glanced at Evo for a brief moment, and he met her gaze with the same cold detachment. She quickly looked away, almost flinching. Livia caught it immediately.
She probably tried to socialize with Evo, hoping to secure a potential ally for the future. But… – Livia looked at him from the corner of her eye. He was already turned back to the window. – He must've seen through her intentions and put her in her place, just like he did with Alfred and me. But her face… that's not just from a scolding. What did he say to her?
Even Alfred, who wasn't as sharp as Livia, sensed something was off. He moved closer to the princess.
– Did something happen, Princess? You look pale.
– It's nothing, Alfred. Let's just take our seats. The teacher will be here any moment.
Still uneasy, he nodded, and they sat together.
Moments later, the remaining students entered in a neat line, followed by the magic instructor, Elizabeth. Everyone took their seats, filling the room until it was nearly full.
The High Elf adjusted her things on the desk and studied her students' faces. She recognized many of them — especially the top scorers from the entrance exam — but they looked more unsettled than she expected. Her gaze finally rested on Evo.
She smiled faintly, and he returned it awkwardly. His mask of indifference slipped for a moment; after all, his weakness for mature, beautiful women made it difficult to keep his composure. He quickly turned back to the window.
– Hello, students of the Platinum Class! For those who don't know me, my name is Elizabeth Lumier. I'll be your magic instructor for the next three academic years.
The room's atmosphere changed — especially among the male students, whose eyes sparkled at her presence.
– Since it's your first day, I'd like to ask something. – Her voice commanded everyone's attention. – How many of you have already awakened your elemental affinity? Raise your hand.
Only a few hands went up. As expected — most people waited until they entered the academy or hadn't had the chance to awaken yet.
There were two ways to awaken an element: reaching the rank of Apprentice or coming into contact with an Elemental Stone. In the second method, you had to pick the stone that matched your elemental affinity. If it didn't, nothing would happen — but if it did, the stone would trigger your awakening.
It was said that the brighter the stone shone, the stronger the person's affinity with that element.
This world held many elements. The most common were Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. Then came the uncommon: Ice, Lava, Light, Shadow, Illusion, and Lightning. And finally, the Ancient Elements: Space, Time, Life, Death, and Darkness. These were the most powerful — and the most dangerous. Their use always carried a price. Misuse could bring death in ways too horrifying to describe.
Very little was known about them, as they were legendary and extremely rare. The only known wielder of an Ancient Element was the academy's director herself, who possessed the element of Space. Rumors said she held other hidden elements as well, though most dismissed them as myths.
Evo listened, then suddenly remembered something he had forgotten.
My mission!Finally, I can claim my rewards! – He grinned inwardly, dark amusement curling in his thoughts.
– Status. – He whispered under his breath.
[Divine Status]
Name: Daniel Roberts → Evo Eylam
Age: 17 → 15
Race: Human
Class: Time Bard
Existence: Beginner → Progress: Level 70
Level: 31
Experience: 750 XP
Title: [Blessed by Time] → 20%
Strength: 52
Dexterity: 50
Perception: 64
Intelligence: 51
Charisma: 60
Luck: 10
Skills: [Basic Sword Art] → 57%, [Eyes of Pride] → 20%, [Future Sight] → 21%
Authority: [SEALED]
Element: None
Mission: Active Quest – Awaken your Element within 11 days
Reward: +4 levels and +30% growth in [Blessed by Time]
Penalty: Lose 5% of base stats
– Fiuuu… – He whistled softly, pleased as he read the display. – Man, now this is a reward. My stats jumped like crazy — even my skills leveled up.
He sighed in relief as his eyes skimmed over the mission tab.
– Good… eleven days left. Well, I'll finish it today anyway. All profit… Hmm? What's this?
Evo frowned, noticing something strange in the Authority section.
– Wait, wait, wait… that wasn't there before, was it? – He scratched his head, trying to remember. – No way, I'm sure it wasn't.
– Where did that come from… and why is it sealed? – He muttered, drumming his fingers on the desk. Then, as if a spark went off in his head, his eyes widened. – Could it be…?
It has to be! The Director said I passed out at the forge yesterday — that's the only weird thing that's happened lately. It has to be because of that. I'll look into it later.
Wait… I remember something from the system message yesterday… it said "the sword's authority is being transferred to the wielder"… Which means it was transferred to me!
It made sense — somewhat. But all it did was raise more questions.
His train of thought was interrupted by Elizabeth's voice.
– Excellent! Now, everyone, follow me. – She gestured for the students to stand and led them to a more secluded area.
When they arrived, the sight left everyone breathless. The place looked like a grand museum, filled with treasures, artworks, weapons, and relics displayed behind magical barriers. Ahead was a vast chamber lined with shelves, protected by multiple layers of security.
– We're here! – she announced, stepping onto a small platform. Behind her, the wall glittered with dozens of colorful stones. The elf carefully took one of each and placed them on a nearby table.
– Those who haven't awakened yet, form a line and come one at a time.
They obeyed without hesitation. One by one, students touched the stones until one reacted. Some cheered in joy at discovering uncommon elements; others frowned, disappointed with ordinary ones.
Then came Alfred's turn. He moved from stone to stone until one sparked with electric light.
– Lightning! – voices exclaimed.
But he wasn't done. He picked another, and the area glowed brightly.
– Light! – gasps filled the room.
– Two elements?! – the students murmured in awe. – Lucky bastard!
It wasn't unheard of, but it was definitely rare.
Finally, it was Evo's turn. He stepped forward and looked at Elizabeth.
– I already have a good idea of which element I'm compatible with. May I go straight to it instead of testing them all?
The elf nodded gently — but then froze. Her smile faltered, replaced by shock, disbelief, and a flicker of madness as she saw where his hand was reaching.
Toward a separate group of stones — the Ancient Elemental Stones.
The class watched in disbelief, thinking Evo had lost his mind. Yet he calmly reached out and picked one up.
It shone in a bright, silvery hue with traces of gold flickering like sunlight over metal.
Everyone's eyes widened — even Elizabeth swallowed hard, losing her composure entirely.
The Element of Time?! Does he have an affinity with Time?! – she thought, horrified, a chill running down her spine.
As soon as Evo touched the stone, a blinding silver-and-gold light erupted from his hand. The glow was so intense that many had to cover their eyes. Elizabeth trembled, staring in disbelief.
– He has it… he really has it… The Element of Time! – she whispered, almost in tears.
When the light finally faded, the stone in Evo's hand turned to ash and vanished — as if erased from existence itself.
Everyone stared, speechless. Evo, however, barely reacted. He had suspected this all along. His status had mentioned "Time" multiple times — it was inevitable.
What truly puzzled him was something else.
– Where is it? Where's the Elemental Stone of Time?
– I-it's… gone?
He looked at his palm in confusion.
Oh no… they're totally gonna make me pay for that, aren't they?