The gates of Avalon Academy towered above, adorned with intricate carvings on dull silver stone that gently reflected the afternoon sunlight. The air around it felt heavy, as if it held millions of secrets and intrigues lurking in every corner. Isaac stepped forward slowly, his plain boots tapping softly against the stone floor. Beneath his dark cloak, his sharp eyes scanned every detail—the cracked old walls, the blood-red banners fluttering gently, and the students clustered like flocks of crows in the vast corridors.“Welcome, children from across Eldoria,” a loud teacher’s voice broke the silence from afar. But Isaac didn’t turn. He knew—it was just a hollow greeting before the real battle began.In the dining hall, the aroma of spices and toasted bread filled the air. The atmosphere was cheerful, yet undercurrents of tension ran beneath the surface among these prestigious students. Isaac sat in the corner, an old wooden table separating him from the glamorous crowd filled with lau

Gray clouds hung low over Avalon Academy, like a nameless omen suspended in the sky. The autumn wind cut sharp, carrying the scent of wet earth and… anticipation. At the center of a stone courtyard etched with ancient magical runes, the circular training arena had transformed into a battleground. Footsteps, nervous breathing, and speculative whispers flooded the stone bleachers—rarely this full.Isaac stood calmly at the northern edge of the arena, his academy jacket hanging slightly too large on his thin frame. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, as if hiding something no one else should know. His brown hair fluttered in the breeze, but his gaze remained focused, slicing through the thin mist drifting between them.Across from him, Darren von Luxford strutted in like a prince in his own private parade. His robe billowed, the Luxford family crest gleaming proudly on his chest. Golden-blond hair slicked neatly back, and a smug smile slapped everyone who looked his way.“Ready to ge

A thin morning mist still hung low over the grounds of Avalon Academy, adding to the cold atmosphere that came not just from the air, but from something deeper. There was a subtle tension in the air—like the stillness before a storm.Isaac stood at the edge of the main hall, beneath the dim gleam of a stained-glass window. The usual calm now thrummed with whispers echoing from every corner. His sharp eyes scanned the room, reading the body language of everyone passing by. They weren't just looking at him—they were evaluating, judging, and most importantly, trying to guess his next move.“Isaac.” A deep, calm voice broke through the murmur. It was like distant thunder emerging from the long cloak of a professor who had just approached. Professor Eldrin, known as the leader of the academy’s most powerful faction, walked with certainty, eyes gleaming with calculation.Isaac turned, greeting the older man with a thin smile, though his gaze stayed cautious.“Professor Eldrin. What brings yo

The morning sky above Mistral Forest was bathed in golden light that pierced through the tall trees. Mist slowly lifted, leaving behind damp ground, the scent of fresh grass... and the drying blood of monsters.Isaac stood frozen at the edge of the forest, his shoulders rising and falling with every heavy breath. His cloak was torn in several places, and deep claw marks lined his arm. But his eyes—his eyes burned like embers doused in oil.“Well,” he muttered, brushing off his filthy pants, “guess I’ll have to ask logistics for a new outfit. Assuming they’re not busy panicking, that is.”“Isaac!” The voice shattered the morning silence. Lysa, her cheeks scratched and dirty—ran toward him.She nearly tripped over a tree root, but Isaac caught her shoulders just in time.“You okay?” he asked quickly.Lysa nodded, then gave a small smile. “I can still walk. But... did you see that? That was… INSANE.”“Yeah,” Isaac grinned. “I almost turned into a pancake if that monster hadn’t slammed int

The sky above Avalon Academy hung heavy, like a premonition not yet fully understood. A thin mist crept between the towers, casting eerie silhouettes over the ancient stone buildings. Students hurried into the main hall of the Advanced Magic Theory class—some driven by curiosity, others by rumors spreading faster than the morning wind.“You sure they’re really going to debate face-to-face?” whispered a red-haired student to his friend.“It’s not a debate,” his friend replied, eyes wide. “It’s a duel… of words and theory. But still, it could explode at any moment!”Isaac yawned quietly in the front row, his hand propping up his chin lazily. His black hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d just woken up—which, most likely, he had.A theory duel, huh? I’d rather nap. But... if that noble brat wants to play rough, then fine. Let’s play.From the main door, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. Lucian von Drazel entered in his pristine academy uniform, a dark gray robe embroidered