Sorin and Rowan walked toward the chairman's office, the morning sun pouring through massive glass windows and bathing the corridor in warm light. Far below, the city stretched endlessly, alive and bustling, but Rowan barely noticed it.
His shoulders were stiff, his steps heavy. Sadness and anger clung to his face as his gaze remained fixed on the polished floor.
"Please, brother, lighten your mood," Sorin said gently, glancing at him with concern. "Didn't the chairman say he would try to fix your sword?"
"Tch…" Rowan clicked his tongue, fists clenching at his sides. "Even so, how long do I have to wait? I'm incomplete without my sword."
Sorin slowed her pace to match his, nodding sympathetically. "I know. Please, endure it for now. We can find another sword for temporary use. The association owns plenty of weapons that suit you."
Rowan shook his head sharply. "That won't do. That sword was like a part of my body. Without it, I can't bring out my full power."
His jaw tightened. "That motherfucker… I swear. I'll kill him. No matter how powerful he is."
Sorin opened her mouth to reply, but the words died as they reached the office door.
They entered.
Blackridge sat behind his expansive desk, papers neatly stacked as he reviewed documents. He looked up, his sharp eyes softening into a warm smile.
"Good morning. It's good to see both of you this early."
"Good morning, headmaster," they greeted in unison.
Blackridge's gaze lingered on Rowan's rigid posture. "Hey, big guy. Did you rest well? The entire social media scene is buzzing about your feat."
Rowan's expression darkened instantly. He turned his head away in irritation. "Disgusting. I feel worse than ever. That dungeon wasn't cleared by me. That insane bastard cleared it alone and dumped the credit on me because he didn't want attention."
His voice dropped bitterly. "Feels like I swallowed his leftovers."
Blackridge smirked faintly. "I understand your pride took a hit. Still, your reputation improved, and so did your value."
Rowan slammed his fist lightly against his thigh. "And what about my sword? Does he think this makes up for destroying it? Never. I'll never forgive him."
Blackridge leaned back, fingers interlocked, eyes closing briefly as he thought. "Early this morning, I received some… interesting news. A contact from the Luminary Association informed me that one of their teams clashed with a masked man yesterday."
Rowan's head snapped up. Sorin stiffened.
"…The same one you encountered."
"What?" Rowan's eyes burned. "He's picking fights with other associations now too? What did he do?"
Blackridge continued calmly. "Last night, Luminary discovered a blood sacrifice operation in the Forest of the West. They sent a team to investigate and rescue the hostages. Among them was someone we're all familiar with."
"Who?" Sorin asked, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Blackridge smiled knowingly. "Eirena Greaves. Daughter of the late S-ranker Norwel Greaves."
Rowan froze. "Eirena? She was there?"
Blackridge nodded. "Yes. She arrived ahead of her team. But when she reached the location, the masked man had already acted. All kidnappers, B-rank and below, were left half-dead. Hostages rescued."
Rowan clenched his teeth.
"The mana-boosting pills were taken by him. Eirena attempted to retrieve them. He refused."
"And?" Rowan demanded.
"She attacked him," Blackridge said plainly. "Her sword was broken. He escaped."
Rowan erupted. "What the hell is wrong with that lunatic?! He broke her sword too? Is breaking swords his damn hobby?!"
Blackridge nodded slowly. "It seems so. He destroyed nearly every weapon belonging to the cultists as well."
Rowan scoffed, slamming his palm against the table.
"What kind of nonsense is that? He's also using a weapon, isn't he?"
Blackridge leaned back in his chair and slowly closed his eyes, as if tired of explaining the obvious.
"Well, according to the description, it's closer to a shield than a weapon."
Rowan clicked his tongue in irritation.
Sorin crossed her arms, her expression calm but curious.
"How valuable was the sword Eirena used?"
Blackridge opened his eyes and glanced at Sorin.
"An A-rank weapon with a fire-based attribute. It was prized not just for its durability, but for its exceptional compatibility with fire-type awakeners."
He sighed softly. "A real pity."
Rowan's jaw tightened. His fingers curled into fists before he even realized it.
Blackridge noticed his reaction and smiled.
"By the way," Blackridge added lazily, "he broke Eirena's sword. Why are you so angry about it? You seem unusually invested."
Rowan stiffened. "What are you talking about?" His voice rose despite his effort to keep it steady. "I'm angry because he broke my weapon."
Blackridge tilted his head, amusement clear in his eyes. "Really? Because your face says otherwise. Do you like her or something?"
Rowan froze. His ears turned red instantly. "T-That's absurd! Why would I like her?"
Blackridge chuckled. "Why not? She may not be an S-ranker, but among A-rankers, she stands at the very top. Strong, talented, and beautiful, exactly the kind every man dreams of."
He glanced at Sorin. "Didn't we once try to recruit her?"
Sorin nodded slightly, stealing a side glance at Rowan.
Rowan's mind raced. "Enough. Stop teasing me."
He turned away sharply. "No matter what you say, I don't like her."
With a huff, he stormed out, the door slamming behind him.
Blackridge laughed quietly. "He definitely likes her. He just doesn't want to admit it."
Sorin exhaled through her nose. "Of course. I noticed it too. He had zero interest in the Awakeners' Academy, until he learned Eirena was going. After that, he agreed without hesitation."
Blackridge turned toward the window, gazing at the city bathed in morning light.
"It would be good if something developed between them… but her position in her association might limit her freedom."
Sorin nodded softly. "Let's hope fate is kinder to them."
…
Far away, Ashan stood alone on the balcony of his apartment, the cool morning breeze brushing against his face. The city stretched endlessly below, alive and glowing.
'Watching the sunrise always calms me,' he thought. 'For a brief moment, it makes me forget every burden.'
He lowered his gaze to his left palm. Five glowing yellow marbles rested there, radiating faint warmth.
—--------------------------------------------------
[Mana Boosting Pills]
After accumulation, an awakener can permanently increase their mana core capacity.
Absorbs mana directly from blood. One-time absorption. Continuous blood supply required.
Current Effects: (Up to D-rank boost)
Potential Effects: (Up to S-rank boost)
—--------------------------------------------------
Ashan's eyes narrowed slightly. 'This really is a cheat code.'
A faint smile tugged at his lips. 'But Narasha and I don't need it right now. Nevil, on the other hand… this could change everything for him.'
He took one of the pills and stored the others. Pulling out a small pocket knife, he sliced his vein without hesitation. Blood welled instantly, and he pressed the pill against the wound.
The pill trembled and began to absorb his blood.
"Woah…" Ashan muttered as thick vapor rose from it. "It's really sucking blood like a leech."
His face remained calm, though his body reacted instinctively to the drain.
'It's fine. Blood regeneration makes this meaningless.'
(D → D+)
(D+ → C)
(C → C+)
(B)
The moment it reached B-rank potential, Ashan pulled it away. Using Reverse Cursed Technique, the wound closed instantly, leaving not even a scar.
He exhaled slowly.
'This is enough. After re-awakening, most people only jump one or two ranks. Anything more would be unnatural.'
Ashan took out his phone and called Nevil.
"Hello? Ashan?" Nevil sounded surprised. "What's up?"
"Nevil, I need to meet you. As soon as possible."
There was a brief pause. "Of course. I'll come. Are you at home?"
"No. I need an isolated place, something like a training area."
"A training area?" Nevil laughed nervously. "Why? Planning to beat me up? If you hit me, I'll end up hospitalized."
Ashan chuckled softly. "No, nothing like that. It's something special. Trust me."
"…Huh." Nevil hesitated. "Alright, I know someone who rents private training spaces for awakeners. If I ask, he'll give me a discount."
Ashan smiled. "Perfect. Send me the location when it's ready."
The call ended.
Ashan looked at the pill in his hand, his expression unreadable.
'This will change his life.'