The academy square was packed.
Students whispered nervously as three bodies were displayed, covered in black cloth.
"This is a warning," an elder announced coldly.
"Anyone who brings outside factions into the academy will share their fate."
The message was clear.
I stood among the top-ranked students.
Eyes turned toward me.
Some with fear.
Some with hatred.
Kael wasn't there.
Rumors said he was confined.
The elder's gaze swept the crowd.
"Arin," he called.
I stepped forward.
The silence was suffocating.
"From today onward," he said,
"you will be placed under special observation and protection."
Murmurs exploded.
Protected.
And marked.
Later, in a restricted courtyard, the old man faced me.
"You survived," he said.
"Now you must choose."
"Choose what?"
"Power… or freedom."
I didn't hesitate.
"Power."
He smiled faintly.
"Good."
He raised his hand.
The air twisted.
Mana surged violently.
I was forced to my knees.
Not from pain—
From pressure.
"Remember this feeling," he said calmly.
"This is the gap you must cross."
My teeth clenched.
The system screamed.
[Extreme Pressure Detected.]
[Endless Growth Responding.]
Resistance +0.8
Strength +0.5
The pressure vanished.
The old man's eyes gleamed.
"From now on," he said,
"I will teach you personally."
My heart pounded.
A master.
Finally.
That night, the system pulsed brighter than ever.
[Major Path Confirmed.]
[Mentor Bond Established.]
Growth Rate Increased Significantly.
I stared out at the academy lights.
"Come at me," I whispered to the world.
"I'm ready."