The next morning, the Academy buzzed like a hive of startled bees.
Not because of normal classes… but because Zayle Cross had survived a Rift mission alone.
Whispers trailed me through the halls:
"He's insane."
"Lyselle Snow trained him? No wonder he's strong."
"Apprentice 2? How is that possible?"
I smirked, walking casually. Ah, the joys of being a walking anomaly.
A Silent Gift
During breakfast, Lyselle appeared. She slid a small silver ring across the table.
"Wear this," she said, expression unreadable.
I picked it up."What is it? Fashion accessory?"
Her eyes could slice through steel."No. Don't ask questions. Just wear it."
I slipped it on. Internally, I felt it subtly suppress the stats that others could perceive. My real numbers remained the same; only the displayed values to peers were slightly "dampened."
Perfect. Now, the rest of the students wouldn't faint or instantly despair at my power.
Schoolyard Bullies
Derek and Jensen, my usual tormentors, spotted me in the courtyard. Their whispers were audible even a few steps away:
"He… survived a Rift alone?"
"And he's still Apprentice 2?"
I leaned casually against a pillar."Morning, losers. Want a stat check?"
They flinched.I grinned, turning away.Still scared. Cute.
Other students watched from the sidelines, curious and impressed, though none could figure out exactly why I felt so much stronger than my numbers indicated.
Annoying Pranks
The morning chaos unfolded naturally:
Someone dared to trip me → I casually grabbed the wrist, spun him, and sent him crashing into a pile of textbooks.[SYSTEM LOG]Base Strength +1
Another tried to hide my bag → I traced it using my perception, snatched it midair, and tossed it onto a bench.[SYSTEM LOG]Agility +1
The crowd murmured. How is he doing all this with numbers that look like ours?Exactly. That was the point.
Derek's Direct Challenge
Finally, Derek squared off."Zayle! You're starting to make everyone look bad! Pick on me if you dare!"
I raised an eyebrow."Pick on you? Please. I fight monsters for fun, not crying little rich boys."
The crowd murmured, anticipating a fight.
Derek charged. I sidestepped, grabbed his arm, and twisted him gently to the ground. He landed sprawled, humiliated, but not seriously hurt.[SYSTEM LOG]Strength +1, Agility +1
He coughed, staring at me."W-what the hell?! You're still Apprentice 2?!"
I winked."Visible stats don't tell the full story, pal. That's why it's fun."
The others were confused. The numbers are close… but why is he so fast, so strong, so… perfect?
Class Reaction
Some apprentices were relieved: "Maybe we can catch up…"
Some disciples were tense: "He shouldn't be able to move like that at his level…"
Derek and Jensen were silently plotting revenge.
Meanwhile, Lyselle watched from the balcony, expression unreadable."Interesting… not just resilient, he's clever too."
Her gaze lingered, cataloging every tiny detail. I smiled inwardly.She thinks I'm unpredictable… exactly as I planned.
Reflection
Later in the dorm, I checked my stats privately:
Strength: 34
Agility: 26
Stamina: 18
Spirit: 26
Perception: 21
Visible to others (post-ring):
Strength: 20
Agility: 16
Stamina: 11
Spirit: 15
Perception: 12
Perfect. Others thought I was only slightly stronger than them, yet in reality, I still dominated.
I leaned back, smirking at the ceiling.Bullies are fuming, classmates are impressed, and Lyselle is intrigued. All in one morning? Not bad.
Then I muttered quietly:"Sorry, emotions lower my attack speed. Must stay calm for maximum efficiency."
[SYSTEM LOG]Hidden Passive: Host thrives under extreme punishment → growth potential remains extremely high.
Tomorrow, the real chaos would probably start. And I couldn't wait.