The morning sun shimmered softly through the mist-covered hills that surrounded the Reinhart estate. The faint scent of dew lingered in the air, brushing against the curtains of the grand entrance hall as the household prepared for departure.
Alicia and her father, Zen Arclight, had already left earlier that morning. Their carriage had rolled down the cobblestone road long before the Reinharts even gathered their luggage. They were nobles of precision—always arriving early, always composed.
Raon Reinhart stood by the main gate, his arms crossed as he watched the servants line up the family's carriages. His long cape fluttered gently behind him in the cool morning breeze.
"Zen and Alicia have already gone ahead," he said, his voice calm yet carrying that tone of a noble used to command. "They had some business to attend to before the entrance ceremony."
Kelvin stood a few steps behind him, tightening the strap around his sword sheath. His expression remained the same as always—calm, unreadable, yet somehow distant.
"I see," he replied softly. "Then we'll meet them at the academy."
Raon turned slightly, studying his son's face. "You might also see your brother and sister there, you know," he said with a faint smile. "They're both still students. Your sister should be in her final year, and your brother's in the third."
Kelvin paused, his gaze drifting toward the rising sun. "That's assuming they still recognize me," he said quietly.
Raon chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't say it like that. They're your family too."
Kelvin didn't reply. He merely adjusted his sword's position on his back and looked toward the carriage that would take them all to Arcane Blade Academy—the institution that shaped the greatest warriors, mages, and tacticians in the continent.
"To graduate," Raon continued, "you'll have to reach the fourth year. It's a long road, Kelvin. Are you ready for that?"
Kelvin's eyes flickered slightly. "Ready or not, I'll still walk it," he said simply.
Raon gave a small nod, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "That's my son."
There was a pause, filled only by the sound of distant birds and the faint creak of carriage wheels being prepared.
Raon glanced back again. "You've trained mostly with your sword. But the academy focuses on both combat and magic. Are you sure you're prepared?"
Kelvin turned his gaze toward him. "I've already studied magic."
That caught Raon off guard. "You… what?"
Kelvin's tone remained completely flat. "I've been practicing basic mana control and elemental infusion."
Raon raised an eyebrow. "I see. So my son can wield both the sword and magic now. Not bad."
Kelvin looked straight ahead, his voice quiet. "You asked if I was ready. I wouldn't come unprepared."
Raon laughed softly. "Fair enough."
He patted Kelvin's shoulder lightly. "Alright then, everyone's waiting. Let's get going."
As they approached the carriage, Maria Reinhart and Lucy were already standing beside it. Lucy, her bright silver hair tied neatly behind her neck, waved energetically. "Father! Brother! Over here!"
Maria smiled warmly, though her eyes held that familiar softness of a mother who always worried for her children. "You two certainly took your time," she said gently.
Raon raised his hands in mock surrender. "You know me. Always making sure everything's in order before we leave."
Maria chuckled. "Of course. You say that every time."
Lucy tugged Kelvin's sleeve. "Brother, do you think you'll be able to enter the top class at the academy?"
Kelvin blinked once, slightly surprised by the question. "Top class?"
"Mm-hmm!" Lucy nodded eagerly. "They say the academy divides students into ranks—based on talent, mana control, and combat skill! So I was wondering if you'll start at the very top!"
Kelvin tilted his head slightly. "I don't know how their system works yet," he admitted. "I'll find out once we arrive."
Maria let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You've read so many books, Kelvin. Don't tell me you've never read about the academy?"
Kelvin turned to her, his face completely serious. "I've read books about swordsmanship, magic theory, martial arts, curses, and sealing techniques."
The entire carriage went silent for a moment.
Raon blinked slowly, his face freezing in a half-smile. "Wait… you studied all of that?"
Kelvin looked at him, calm as always. "It's impossible to master them all in a short time," he said, as if clarifying a simple fact. "Unless one isn't human."
Raon let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right… of course. That would be… impossible."
Maria sighed softly but smiled, placing her hand gently on Kelvin's arm. "Just… try not to overwork yourself, alright? Not everything in this world needs to be mastered at once."
Kelvin looked at her hand for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I know."
The family boarded the carriage together. The interior was luxurious yet simple—deep crimson cushions, blackwood frames, and faint enchantments embedded in the ceiling to stabilize the ride.
As the horses began to move, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed softly. The Reinhart crest—two blades crossing beneath a blazing sun—gleamed on the carriage doors as it rolled down the long forest road toward Arcane City.
Inside the Carriage…
The gentle sway of the carriage mixed with the low hum of mana-powered wheels. Lucy leaned against the window, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the passing trees.
"Look, look! The forest is glowing!" she said excitedly.
Maria smiled. "That's because of the mana flow beneath these lands. The Arcane region is filled with it."
Kelvin looked out as well. Streams of faint light could be seen weaving between the branches—mana currents, glowing softly like ribbons in the wind. They looked almost alive.
"It's different from the Lyoner Forest," Kelvin murmured.
Raon glanced at him. "Ah, you mean the cursed forest you entered last night?"
Maria frowned immediately. "You what?"
Kelvin blinked. "…I went there to train."
Lucy's jaw dropped. "You went into Lyoner Forest?! That's suicide!"
Raon quickly raised his hands. "It's fine. He came back alive, didn't he?"
Maria glared at him. "That's not the point!"
Raon smiled sheepishly and looked away. "Right, right…"
Lucy huffed and folded her arms. "Brother, you're reckless."
Kelvin's lips curved slightly—not quite a smile, but enough to make Maria blink in surprise. "Maybe," he said quietly.
The atmosphere softened after that. The family exchanged small conversations—the kind they hadn't had in a while.
Lucy talked about wanting to see the academy's gardens. Maria discussed how she missed the festivals in Arcane City. Raon teased Maria about her cooking skills, and she promptly pinched his arm in retaliation.
And Kelvin… simply watched them.
He wasn't used to it—this warmth, this noise. But he didn't dislike it either. Somewhere deep inside, something faint stirred.
Maybe this was what "home" was supposed to feel like.
Hours passed. The road changed from forest path to paved marble as they neared the city. In the distance, tall spires and glowing towers pierced the sky—Arcane City, the capital of magic and steel.
Even from afar, the Arcane Blade Academy could be seen standing atop the hill overlooking the city. Its towers gleamed with light, mana circuits running across the walls like veins of blue lightning.
Lucy pressed her face against the glass window. "It's huge!" she gasped. "It looks like a castle!"
Raon smiled proudly. "That's the finest academy on the continent. Every noble family dreams of sending their children there."
Kelvin stared at it silently. His reflection glimmered faintly in the window—calm eyes, focused expression. For some reason, he felt something pull at his chest. Not fear. Not excitement. Something… heavier.
A whisper of memory—his fight with the Warrior Ogre. His promise to surpass his limits. His quiet longing for strength beyond what any human could wield.
This was just another step. Another battlefield.
The carriage slowed as they entered the main city road. Merchants shouted, guards saluted the Reinhart crest, and the people whispered as the noble carriage passed.
"Is that… the Reinharts?"
"I heard their youngest son is entering the academy this year."
"Really? The one who defeated a Warrior Ogre?"
Kelvin heard the murmurs but paid them no mind. His eyes stayed fixed on the distant academy gates.
Moments before arrival…
Raon leaned back in his seat, arms folded. "Kelvin."
Kelvin turned slightly. "Yes?"
"When you arrive there," Raon said slowly, "don't just fight. Observe. Learn. Grow. The academy isn't just about power—it's about understanding how to wield it."
Kelvin looked at him for a long moment. "I know."
Raon smiled faintly. "Good. Because power without reason only destroys."
The carriage jolted slightly as it crossed the last bridge toward the academy gates. The sound of the city faded, replaced by the faint hum of mana fields surrounding the institution.
Maria adjusted Lucy's ribbon and smoothed Kelvin's collar. "You look handsome, my son," she said softly.
Kelvin blinked. "I… do?"
Maria giggled. "Of course you do. You're a Reinhart."
Lucy laughed. "A stoic Reinhart!"
Raon chuckled. "More like the emotionless one."
Kelvin sighed quietly, glancing out the window again. But the corner of his lips twitched upward ever so slightly.
As the carriage finally came to a halt before the grand gates of Arcane Blade Academy, the sun broke through the clouds, casting golden light over the massive structure.
Students were already gathering—hundreds of them from noble and commoner backgrounds alike, their robes fluttering in the morning wind.
Raon looked out and smiled. "Well, here we are."
Kelvin pushed open the carriage door, stepping down onto the polished stone. The wind brushed against his hair as he gazed up at the towering academy gates—engraved with runes older than kingdoms, humming faintly with arcane power.
Behind him, Lucy and Maria stepped out, followed by Raon, whose expression softened with pride.
"Kelvin," Raon said quietly, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Welcome to the beginning of your path."
Kelvin looked at him, then back at the academy. The faint mana currents in the air danced around him, responding almost instinctively to his presence.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Let's see what this place has to offer."
And with that, Kelvin Reinhart took his first step toward the academy gates—unaware that this journey would soon change not just his destiny, but the fate of the entire continent itself.
Dew sparkled on every blade of grass leading up to the colossal gates of Arcane Blade Academy—a masterpiece of marble and mana crystal, glowing faintly under the sunlight. The academy stretched across the horizon like a kingdom of its own, its towers reaching toward the sky, wrapped in streams of blue energy.
The carriage wheels echoed faintly as noble families arrived one after another, their crests shining on polished steel. The air buzzed with excitement, nervous laughter, and whispers about who was who.
And among them… stood Alicia Arclight.
She was dressed in her new academy uniform—white and navy blue with golden accents. Her long silver hair flowed gently with the breeze, the faint shimmer of mana reflecting from the embroidered crest on her chest.
Her eyes scanned the crowd restlessly, searching for one familiar figure.
And then—she found him.
Kelvin Reinhart stepped out from the crowd of students, calm as ever. His uniform fit perfectly, the sword at his side gleaming faintly in the morning light. Even among hundreds of students, he somehow drew attention—not because he tried to, but because of the quiet, intimidating aura that surrounded him.
Alicia's heart skipped.Without thinking, she raised her hand and waved.
"Kelvin!" she called softly, smiling.
Kelvin turned his head slightly. His crimson eyes met hers for a moment.
The wind blew between them.
Alicia's heart fluttered—then sank.
Kelvin didn't wave back.He just gave her a brief look, unreadable as always, before turning away and continuing toward the academy gates.
Her hand slowly lowered. "He… ignored me?"
For a second, her chest tightened. A flicker of guilt passed through her mind. Maybe he's still angry… because I followed him into that cursed forest.
She bit her lip, her expression softening. "I only wanted to help…"
But Kelvin didn't look back.
At the Main Entrance
Kelvin walked through the crowd with measured steps, his eyes scanning everything with quiet curiosity. The main courtyard was vast—lined with mana-infused fountains, statues of legendary mages, and banners fluttering with the emblem of the academy: a crossed sword and staff surrounded by a glowing ring.
He could hear fragments of conversation everywhere.
"Look at that guy—he's from the House Vargan!""I heard the Reinhart heir is joining this year too!""Really? That noble family from the north? They say their youngest son defeated a monster barehanded!"
Kelvin paid no attention.
His gaze swept over the other students—most were nobles. You could tell from their polished uniforms, jeweled accessories, and the arrogance in their eyes.
He remembered something Cain had said: "There'll be a lot of pretty girls there, but most of them are trouble. Keep your focus."
Now that he was here, Kelvin realized his brother wasn't wrong. The courtyard was filled with noble daughters—each more dazzling than the next, their mana glimmering faintly like perfume in the air. But to Kelvin, it didn't matter.
Beauty didn't interest him. Strength did.
He continued walking toward the towering gate that led into the academy's inner grounds.
When he reached it, a tall guard in black armor stepped forward, his expression stern but respectful.
"Welcome, new generation of Arcane Blade Academy," the guard announced, voice echoing across the courtyard. "Beyond this gate lies the path that will forge your name into history—or bury it in the shadows."
Kelvin's eyes lifted to the glowing runes etched across the archway. "It's… enormous," he murmured.
The guard met his gaze and smiled faintly. "It should be. This place has shaped heroes for over four centuries."
Kelvin nodded politely and stepped through the gate.
As soon as he entered, the atmosphere shifted.
The air inside the academy grounds felt heavier, more alive—pulsing with mana. Streams of light flowed between stone pathways, and enchanted trees hummed softly with energy.
But just ahead, Kelvin noticed a boy standing alone near a pillar. His hands trembled slightly, his shoulders tense.
Kelvin slowed his steps, watching quietly. What's wrong with him? he thought. Fear? No… nervousness.
He approached. "Hey."
The boy flinched, spinning around. "Ah—! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to block the way—!"
Kelvin blinked. "You're not blocking anything."
The boy hesitated. He was around Kelvin's age—brown hair, blue eyes, with a crest of a minor noble family stitched onto his sleeve. His mana was faint, unsteady.
Kelvin studied him for a moment. "What are you afraid of?"
The boy froze. "I… I'm not afraid, I'm just…" He lowered his gaze. "This is my first time being in a place this big. So many people. I don't even know if I belong here."
Kelvin's expression softened just a little. "You're here, aren't you?"
The boy looked up, confused.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," Kelvin said calmly. "If you want to be a student here, then face your fear—and destroy it."
The words were simple. But they hit harder than any spell.
The boy blinked, eyes widening. For a moment, the trembling in his hands stopped. "Face it… and destroy it?"
Kelvin nodded once. "That's what strength means."
The boy's lips quivered—then curved into a small, nervous smile. "You're right… I can't let myself freeze up now."
Kelvin turned slightly. "Good. Let's go. The registration hall's up ahead."
The boy hesitated, then walked beside him, still trembling a bit but with newfound determination.
After a few steps, he glanced sideways. "Um… thank you."
Kelvin said nothing.
"…What's your name?" the boy asked shyly.
Kelvin looked at him. "Kelvin Reinhart. And you?"
The boy's eyes widened slightly. "Reinhart? As in that Reinhart?"
Kelvin shrugged. "If you mean the family, yes."
The boy blinked rapidly, then bowed slightly. "I—uh—my name's Merlin. Merlin Falmuth. It's an honor to meet you, Reinhart-san!"
Kelvin frowned slightly. "No need for that. Just call me Kelvin."
Merlin laughed nervously. "O-okay. Then… Kelvin."
They walked together through the mana-lit corridor leading to the main plaza.
"So, Merlin," Kelvin asked, glancing at him. "What do you study?"
Merlin's eyes lit up a little. "Magic! I'm focusing on elemental control, especially wind and lightning. But… I've also learned a bit of technique."
Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Technique?"
Merlin nodded eagerly. "My father was a swordsman before he became a scholar. He taught me how to hold a blade—though I'm not very good."
Kelvin's gaze softened. "You're learning both. That's good."
Merlin blinked. "You think so?"
Kelvin nodded slightly. "In a world where mages die when their mana runs out, the sword is the last thing that stands. Never forget that."
Merlin's eyes widened again, struck by the calm conviction in Kelvin's tone. He's so serious… and confident.
He smiled nervously. "You talk like someone who's already been through battles."
Kelvin didn't respond. His eyes drifted toward the massive academy building in front of them—a grand structure that looked more like a temple than a school.
Merlin followed his gaze and whispered, "So this is it… Arcane Blade Academy."
Kelvin said nothing, but in his heart, he could feel the pulse of mana surrounding the place. It was alive. Powerful.
He tightened his grip on the strap of his sword.
Meanwhile, at the upper balcony…
Alicia stood beside her father, watching the students below. Her gaze found Kelvin immediately—walking calmly beside another boy, speaking little, his aura completely unshaken by the pressure of the place.
Alicia's fingers tightened around the railing. "He's already made a friend…"
Zen Arclight looked at her with a small smile. "Is that jealousy I hear?"
Alicia's face turned pink instantly. "N-no! I was just… surprised, that's all!"
Zen chuckled softly. "You're still thinking about what happened in the forest, aren't you?"
Alicia lowered her head. "…Maybe."
Zen's eyes softened. "Then apologize when you can. You're young. Don't let misunderstandings grow into distance."
Alicia nodded faintly. "I will, Father."
Her eyes drifted back down—where Kelvin and Merlin were now walking toward the inner gate. The light caught Kelvin's crimson eyes for a moment, making them glimmer like molten ruby.
Alicia's heart skipped again.
"…Why do you always look so far away, Kelvin?" she whispered.
Hundreds of students gathered in front of the towering marble steps leading to the Hall of Initiation. Floating glyphs hovered above the crowd, projecting names and rankings for the entrance test.
Merlin glanced around nervously. "W-whoa… there's so many people. Are they all new students?"
Kelvin nodded. "Probably."
A sudden surge of mana rippled through the air as several instructors appeared in front of the crowd—teleportation magic. Their robes fluttered, each bearing the academy insignia.
One of them, an old man with a beard of pure silver, raised his staff. "Welcome, young talents of the continent! Today marks your first step into the world of true power!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and whispers.
Merlin's heart pounded. "Kelvin… this is it."
Kelvin's gaze stayed forward. His aura remained calm, but inside, he felt something stir—a faint, long-forgotten excitement.
A new beginning.
The silver-bearded instructor continued, "Before we assign classes, you will each undergo a mana resonance test. The academy will measure your potential directly from your core."
Merlin swallowed. "M-mana resonance? I've only done that once back home…"
Kelvin looked ahead, eyes narrowing slightly. "Interesting."
The instructor waved his staff, and dozens of crystal pillars rose from the ground—each glowing faintly with a pale blue light.
"Step forward when your name is called!" he announced. "Let the crystal read your soul."
Merlin clenched his fists. "I can do this… I'm not afraid anymore."
Kelvin looked at him. "Good. Just breathe."
Merlin smiled weakly. "You really have a way with words, Kelvin."
Kelvin didn't reply—but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
As the crowd continued to gather and names began to echo through the plaza, Alicia watched from the balcony, whispering quietly to herself.
"Kelvin… show me again why you're different from everyone else."
And below, Kelvin Reinhart—expression calm, eyes glowing faintly red in the mana-lit air—waited for his name to be called, standing at the edge of a new chapter in his journey.
The grand testing hall of Arcane Blade Academy was filled with light and noise. Hundreds of students stood in lines that stretched across the marbled floor, each waiting for their name to be called. The sound of chatter, the sparkle of mana-infused crystals, and the faint hum of magical energy filled the air.
This was the first day of mana aptitude evaluation — the moment every aspiring mage or knight had waited for.
Kelvin Reinhart stood quietly at the end of the line, hands in his pockets, his expression calm and unreadable. Around him, excited murmurs filled the hall as one student after another stepped up to the large glowing crystal at the front.
When the crystal shone black, a collective gasp spread through the crowd.
"Grade Six!" someone exclaimed.
A tall young man with perfectly combed silver hair smirked as the crystal pulsed with dark light beneath his palm. He lifted his chin slightly, basking in the admiration around him.
"That's Milan Axtaria, the prince from the Royal Capital," whispered one of the female students, her eyes sparkling.
"He really got a Grade Six… he's a genius!" another said.
Whispers and cheers echoed like waves, all directed toward the royal prodigy. But while everyone else admired Milan, Kelvin's gaze hardened slightly.
He didn't know why, but there was something about that man — something faint and unsettling. It wasn't jealousy or envy; it was instinct.The moment Kelvin looked at Milan, he felt a strange aura, cold and heavy, as if something dark was lurking beneath the surface.
(That guy… there's something off about him.)
Milan stepped down gracefully, flashing a charming smile at the crowd. His royal crest glinted on his chest — a symbol of authority and pride.
Then, a voice echoed through the hall.
"Next — Merlin Falmuth!"
Kelvin glanced beside him. Merlin stiffened, his face turning pale. "Ah, it's my turn already?" he muttered nervously, then forced a small grin. "I'll do my best, Kelvin."
Kelvin nodded lightly. "Go on."
Merlin took a deep breath and walked forward. His robe fluttered slightly as he placed his trembling hand on the crystal orb.
The instructor's voice rang out, clear and sharp. "Focus your mana. Let the crystal feel your flow."
Merlin closed his eyes, and a faint yellow glow began to spread from within the orb. The color grew brighter until the entire crystal shimmered like sunlight.
The instructor smiled. "Grade Three. Not bad, young man. With more training, you could reach Grade Four or even Five."
Merlin's eyes widened. "R-Really?"
"Of course. You have talent," the instructor replied with a nod.
Merlin stepped down, a relieved grin on his face. He caught Kelvin's eye and gave him a thumbs-up. Kelvin simply nodded again.
Then another name was called — one that caught everyone's attention.
"Alicia Arclight!"
The room grew louder instantly. Students whispered in excitement.
"The princess of House Arclight!""She's here too? I heard she's both beautiful and powerful."
Kelvin glanced at her. Alicia's long white hair swayed slightly as she walked past, her expression calm but elegant. She placed her hand on the crystal with quiet confidence.
In seconds, the crystal burst into a dazzling purple light. The entire hall gasped.
"Grade Five!""As expected from Princess Alicia!""She's amazing!"
Merlin clapped proudly. "See? Just like always, Princess Alicia never disappoints."
Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Princess?"
Merlin blinked. "You didn't know? Alicia Arclight is one of the most admired nobles in the kingdom… and one of the prettiest girls in the Academy."
"Oh," Kelvin said flatly. "I never thought about it."
He wasn't trying to be rude — it was just the truth. To him, people were people. Titles meant nothing.
After Alicia stepped down gracefully, the instructor looked at his list again. "Next… Kelvin Reinhart."
The moment his name was spoken, the room quieted slightly.
Kelvin inhaled softly, stepping forward. His cloak fluttered behind him as his boots echoed faintly against the floor.
(Alright. Let's see what I can do.)
He remembered what Cain, his older brother, once told him. "When your sister took the test, the crystal turned white. Grade Eight — the highest ever recorded in the Academy. But that doesn't mean you'll get the same. Focus, and trust your mana."
Kelvin placed his hand on the crystal.
Nothing happened.
The crowd waited.
Still nothing.
The crystal remained completely clear — transparent as glass.
The instructor frowned slightly. "Hmm… try again. Focus deeper. Perhaps your flow isn't stable."
Kelvin closed his eyes, focusing inward. He could feel his mana — calm, flowing within him like a steady current. He guided it outward into his hand, toward the crystal.
But still, no light appeared.
The instructor signaled to one of the assistants. "Bring another orb. This one may be defective."
A new crystal was placed before him. Kelvin touched it again — calm, unwavering.
Silence.
The crowd began whispering.
"…Is it broken again?""No, that can't be…""Wait, maybe he just doesn't have any mana!""Seriously? A Reinhart with no magic?"
Laughter began to spread like wildfire.
One student snickered. "Doesn't the Reinhart family symbolize the sword? Why's he even taking a mana test?"
Another added mockingly, "Maybe he wanted to be like his sister. Too bad he's not her."
The room filled with ridicule and chuckles.
Kelvin stood still, his expression completely calm. Not a trace of anger or shame crossed his face. His eyes remained cold — quiet, unreadable.
Alicia, standing at the side, bit her lip. She could hear the laughter clearly, and it made her chest tighten. She wanted to speak, but she knew interrupting the ceremony would only embarrass him further.
Merlin, watching from the line, clenched his fists. "Stop laughing," he muttered under his breath. But no one listened.
The instructor sighed softly, shaking his head. "It seems… you do not possess any measurable mana. I'm sorry, Kelvin Reinhart."
Kelvin looked at him quietly. "So that's the result?"
"Yes," the instructor said, his tone gentle but firm. "Perhaps your talents lie elsewhere — not in magic."
There was a long silence.
Then Kelvin nodded once. "Understood."
He turned away and walked toward the exit, ignoring the whispers and laughter around him. His steps were steady — not hurried, not angry. Just calm.
(So that's how it is…)
He wasn't disappointed. Not really. He had always known his path was different.
Outside the hall, the sunlight bathed the courtyard in gold. He looked up at the sky, expressionless. "No mana, huh?" he whispered to himself. "Guess that means I'll just focus on what I'm good at."
Behind him, two figures emerged from the crowd.
Alicia's voice was soft. "Kelvin…"
He turned slightly. "You don't need to say anything."
Merlin ran up beside her, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Man, those guys were jerks. Don't listen to them, alright?"
Kelvin gave a faint smile. "I wasn't planning to."
Alicia frowned slightly, her eyes filled with worry. "Still… I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that."
He met her gaze calmly. "It's fine. I wasn't born to control mana anyway."
There was something about the way he said it — steady, almost emotionless — that made both of them go silent.
He wasn't angry. He wasn't sad.He was simply Kelvin Reinhart — calm, grounded, unshaken.
As the next group of students entered the hall behind them, Kelvin turned his back to the noise and walked toward the training fields.
If mana wasn't his strength, then he would forge his own power through the sword.
And someday, those who laughed would witness it with their own eyes.