"Did I do well?"
I approached Evelina, who was leaning on a wall beside Julius.
"It seems like your fanboy is here, see you later."
He casually replied, walking off.
At this point in the story, the two weren't enemies yet, more like rivals; it was only later in the novel that their relations had completely shattered due to Julius gaining the favor of the academy and not her.
It was a classic case of jealousy.
One where I usually root for the MC, but in this case, Julius was gifted to the core; it was unfair.
One of the reasons why I rooted for Evelina in the novel, her struggle against a literal prodigy, using every tool and pawn she had, was inspiring.
It mirrored my life as an assassin.
"Well? I have to say, you did impressively."
Evelina replied. While she was confident and arrogant, she wasn't one to belittle those who clearly had the talent and ability.
She was cruel, but fair, a good distinction.
"Have this."
She handed me a ring, straight out of her index finger, the diamond in the middle engraved with a special symbol, her initial.
"It's already obvious we're both going to pass with flying colors, and that means we'll likely be in the same class."
She brushed her thumb over the diamond.
"If you truly are so enamored with me, head to my residence tomorrow, you'll be helping me pack my things to the academy dorm."
"Show this ring to the servant by the gate for entry."
Evelina was already trying to make use of me. Exactly like she was in the novel, pragmatic, and not shy at using her cards when it means it could give her a boost.
Once again, mirroring my old life.
"Next!"
A voice echoed from the magic crystal.
"It seems like it's my turn. Before I go, give me your name."
"Cael Arden... my lady."
"Well then, see you tomorrow, Cael."
She walked off, leaving me alone and holding her ring.
It took every ounce of my willpower not to jump out in glee. She had just asked for my name! Not even the real Cael Arden was addressed by his first name.
'Calm down...'
I urged myself, wearing the ring on my index finger as I ran my hand through my hair.
I was now officially enrolled, which meant I had to prepare for tomorrow.
***
[1:45 PM]
I had returned home, briefcase in hand, and not only did I finish early, but I also managed to get her attention to the point she asked for my name.
It was a great victory!
Entering my room, I quickly changed into something simpler. I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch yet, and if I were to turn this pathetic body into something useful, I'd need to train it until I cry out in pain.
The moment I entered the kitchen, a servant was there to greet me immediately, holding a basket full of laundry.
"Ah, Master Cael! You arrived early. How was the examination?"
"It went well, but I see you're busy, please carry on."
[2:23 PM]
Breakfast and lunch went smoothly; the food was incredible, as I had expected.
Roasted duck, sausages, a variety of sweets and desserts, it was a meal that I couldn't even dream of in my past life.
Not because I couldn't afford them, but because going out to eat would likely get me killed almost immediately.
So being able to indulge happily in something was a nice change of pace.
[Dark Recovery]
A simple spell that allowed me to increase my body's rate of recovery at the cost of energy, and since I just recently ate an entire feast, I could use it without penalty.
It was the closest thing I had to a cheat when it came to muscle building, the dark attunement extensively lacking in support spells compared to the rest, but it was manageable.
'I definitely would have preferred light attunement though...'
Back in my room, I spent the entire twenty minutes spouting random names, trying to see if I had a system. It was an obvious assumption for a transmigrator just like me.
But after trying every single incantation or activation word I could think of.
Nothing... straight up nothing.
'Do I not have a system...?'
I sat at the edge of my bed, my legs crossed.
It wasn't that big of an issue, but what's with the panels? Doesn't that count as a system?
"I probably have a specific type of system... It's probably an adaptable one and not a stat dump type."
I muttered, but I definitely preferred it. If my theory were true, then I would naturally get stronger the more I live and thrive in this world; it's also far better than investing in vague stats.
Getting stronger through your own effort was more satisfying than increasing a number.
Checking the clock, it was barely even three in the afternoon, and I had the entire day to spend bettering myself.
'I could either head to the imperial library immediately or focus on training my body...'
Each had its upsides, but with my current situation, training my body was far more lucrative.
Even if I managed to get what I needed from the imperial library, I'm not even sure I was able to wield it. With my current frail physique, I would likely implode from just touching it.
'If I have to describe it... It should be like a late-game item, and I don't have the level requirement to use it.'
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
'Even shortcuts require some preparation.'
But it should be manageable, with the endless supply of food I had as a minor noble, and my dark recovery spell, it shouldn't take long for me to get an average physique.