Three days later, early in the morning, the academy's training grounds were already filled with the scent of steel and the dull thuds of warm-up drills. It was the end of the first week of classes, and today was an important one.
The academy would finally announce the teams for the freshmen's first real field assignment.
Zayle stood in front of the wooden bulletin board, gripping his simple iron sword. His body still ached from Lyselle's training the day before, but at least he wasn't collapsing anymore. Progress… probably.
Beside him stood a skinny, slightly hunched boy with nervous eyes: Lin Fei.
Lin Fei was a new student from a small herbal shop family. Not rich, not talented, not brave—just hardworking. He had chosen a worn-out practice sword because it was free, and he held it like someone afraid it might break if he breathed too hard.
He stared at the announcement board, hands trembling lightly.
"Zayle… do you think we'll be in the same group?"His voice was soft, like a student trying not to attract the teacher's wrath.
Zayle shrugged."As long as I'm not grouped with trouble, I'm happy. I'm already tired enough."
A few noble students standing nearby snorted loudly.
"He thinks he gets to choose?""Someone whose awakening failed should be grateful if he's put anywhere at all."
Lin Fei shrank a little, embarrassed.Zayle didn't bother getting angry. Instead, he sighed.
"You guys are noisier than my coworkers during overtime."Then he added, deadpan, "Shut up."
The nobles' faces darkened, but before they could reply, someone walked up to the board.
Instructor Damon.
A tall man with a scar across his chin, he was responsible for coordinating beginner assignments. Unlike normal teachers, he didn't care about background or status—only survival rates.
He cleared his throat.
"Freshmen! Your first assignment will take place in the Outer Greenbelt of the Rift Forest. Light beast activity, suitable for testing teamwork. Your groups are posted here. Read them. Memorize them. Don't die."
Simple. Efficient. Slightly concerning.
Zayle scanned the list.
Group 3:• Zayle Cross• Lin Fei• Arin Vale• Kelvar Dray
Lin Fei pointed at it, eyes widening."We're together!"
Zayle nodded."Not bad."
Arin Vale was a quiet girl from the north—disciplined, reliable, barely spoke ten words a day.
Kelvar Dray… well, he was the opposite. Loud, competitive, the type who flexed even when opening doors.
At least it wasn't the school bully. Zayle would take this as a win.
Lin Fei exhaled in relief."That means we'll train together starting today. Instructor Damon said each group needs at least one close-combat and one mid-range fighter. I'm glad you use a sword."
"I use a sword because I'm broke," Zayle replied."Not because of strategy."
Lin Fei blinked."Oh."
Before their conversation could continue, a familiar cold voice echoed from behind.
"Cross. You will report to me after class."
Lyselle Snow stood a few steps away, arms crossed, expression unreadable.Even in her teacher uniform, she radiated an intimidating calmness—not anger, not approval, just pressure.
Lin Fei froze like a rabbit sensing a predator.
Zayle scratched his cheek."…Did I do something?"
"You exist," Lyselle said.
She turned away, cloak brushing the ground."After class. Don't be late."
Students whispered as she left.
"Why is Professor Snow calling him?""He's dead.""He's so dead."
Zayle sighed.
"Great. First assignment, and I'm already in trouble."
Lin Fei patted his shoulder with the bravery of someone who had accepted death."I'll… pray for you."
"Thanks. That helps absolutely nothing."
But even so…
Zayle couldn't deny it.
Somehow, he felt a little excited.