Chapter 4 – The First Recruit
The destruction of the Mana Crystal changed everything.
Whispers about Audrey spread across the academy halls faster than wildfire.
Some called him dangerous.
Others called him a hidden genius.
But one person saw him differently.
Not as a threat.
Not as a rumor.
But as opportunity.
---
A Private Meeting
That evening, Audrey sat alone in the academy training grounds.
He was trying to understand the strange surge of power that had destroyed the crystal.
"How do I control it?" he muttered.
He opened the system interface.
Infinite Gold: ∞
New Ability Unlocked: Gold Conversion – Temporary Power Amplification
Audrey exhaled slowly.
"So I can use gold to boost combat strength…"
Before he could test it further —
Footsteps approached.
"Impressive."
Audrey turned.
Standing under the dim glow of the training lanterns was a young woman with long silver hair and sharp blue eyes.
She wore an elegant mage robe marked with noble insignia.
"You destroyed the mana crystal," she said calmly.
Audrey raised an eyebrow.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment or an accusation?"
She smiled faintly.
"Both."
---
Selene's Interest
The woman stepped closer but kept a respectful distance.
"My name is Selene Arkwright. I come from a noble family that supports the empire's military division."
Audrey nodded.
"Okay… and?"
She studied him carefully.
"I watched the test."
"When your power surged, it wasn't random."
"It was controlled — even if you didn't understand it."
Audrey frowned.
"Controlled? It felt like chaos."
Selene shook her head.
"Chaos with direction."
She knelt down suddenly.
Audrey froze.
"Why are you kneeling?"
Selene looked up at him with determination.
"I want to make a proposal."
"Join forces with me."
---
The Proposal
Audrey blinked.
"You barely know me."
"Yes," she replied.
"But your potential is unlimited."
"In this academy, power attracts enemies."
"If you stand alone, they will attempt to suppress you."
She placed her hand over her chest.
"But if you allow me to stand beside you — I will protect your political position and manage alliances."
"In return…"
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I want access to the power that surrounds you."
Silence filled the training ground.
Audrey analyzed her carefully.
She wasn't confessing love.
She wasn't begging.
She was negotiating.
He finally smirked.
"You want power."
"Yes."
"Honest."
Selene responded firmly.
"I don't serve blindly. I serve strength."
---
The First Alliance
Audrey extended his hand.
"Then we work together."
Selene's eyes widened slightly.
She accepted immediately.
The moment their hands touched —
The system interface flashed.
New Faction Member Registered
Name: Selene Arkwright
Role: Strategic Mage
Loyalty: Conditional — Growing
Audrey raised an eyebrow.
"Conditional loyalty?"
Selene smiled.
"Trust must be earned."
Footsteps suddenly echoed from the distance.
Several male students were approaching.
They had seen Selene kneel before Audrey.
Their expressions were filled with jealousy and anger.
"Selene! What are you doing with him?"
One of them shouted.
"Do you realize how humiliating that looks?"
Audrey sighed quietly.
Here we go again.
Selene stepped forward slightly — standing beside him.
"I choose my alliances."
"Not based on emotions."
"But based on strength."
The men clenched their fists.
And for the first time…
Audrey realized something important.
His curse wasn't just male hatred.
It was the birth of opposition.
And opposition meant growth.
The academy had just witnessed the formation of his first true faction.
The war for recognition had begun.
---
End of Chapter 4