Unconsciously, the mana crystals in Leyang’s hand dwindled. His cultivation technique could actually absorb mana from them for training. Wasn’t this thing just like spirit stones from his past life’s cultivation world?
While cultivating, he noticed the black mist creature constantly circling him, absorbing the mana spilling from his body. Could this mysterious thing grow stronger by devouring mana? Though puzzled, since it wasn’t doing anything extra or hindering his practice, he let it be.
A new day arrived. Freshmen would be assigned to their classes to start lessons. The list was posted early on the bulletin board; everyone had to find their names and head to the right classroom. Leyang planned to study Doloryara Continent’s script diligently—he couldn’t miss the first day.
At Kamila Noble Academy’s bulletin board, crowds of students jostled to find their classes. Using his physical strength, Leyang pushed through and scanned the board.
“Hmm? Class A? Left side of the teaching hall.”
Spotting his class and location, he immediately slipped away from the throng.
Class A housed the top fifty-three scorers from the freshman entrance exam, mostly sons of prominent nobles. Inside, seats curved in a semi-circle around the central instructor’s podium for clear visibility. The moment Leyang entered, a lively crowd caught his eye near one spot. A casual glance confirmed it: Ailin Camila Lumier and Glantham Phoenix’s seats. Phoenix looked reserved and nervous, while Lumiere handled the attention with ease, politely chatting with everyone.
Phoenix hadn’t planned to sit with Lumiere. She remembered Leyang’s words from yesterday but couldn’t refuse the Empire’s Princess—especially as a knight’s daughter.
“Eh? Sorry, I’ll excuse myself.”
Spotting a familiar figure in her peripheral vision, Phoenix sprang up like she’d grabbed a lifeline and dashed over.
“Phoenix, where are you going?” Lumiere called out, slightly stunned.
But Phoenix hadn’t heard her, let alone replied.
“That half-elf is so rude, ignoring the Princess outright.”
“Exactly! She clearly doesn’t respect Princess Lumei.”
“Just because she’s talented, she acts superior. A half-elf’s still a half-elf…”
The crowd couldn’t help mocking Phoenix right in front of Ailin Camila Lumier, hoping to win favor. But Lumiere’s next words silenced them instantly:
“Phoenix is my junior disciple. We’re both direct students of Mentor Soya Jemi. Be careful your gossip doesn’t reach her ears—she’s fiercely protective.”
“Uh… sorry, Princess Lumei. We misspoke.”
“Wait, isn’t that guy the one with level-10 mana talent but no elemental affinity? The one who punched 550 pounds of force on the strength-testing stone?”
Just then, Glantham Phoenix reached Nebis Leyang’s side, her delicate face beaming.
“Lord Leyang, did you come looking for me?” she asked happily.
“I’m also in Class A,” Leyang said frankly, shaking his head.
“Really? That’s great! Then we can be together all the time!”
“Ah—I mean, ‘together’ isn’t what I meant! Please don’t misunderstand…” Phoenix blushed, realizing her slip.
Leyang gave her a strange look. Her flustered explanation only made things worse. *Are kids this mature now?* He wasn’t the type to have improper thoughts about an eight-year-old—that’d be absurd.
“I got it, little mischief-maker.” He gently patted her head. Her panicked expression reminded him of a clingy little sister from his past life.
“Eep! Oh—Princess Ailin Camila Lumier’s here too, look!” Phoenix squeaked like a startled rabbit, hastily pointing.
Leyang glanced up. Lumiere smiled at them; he nodded back.
“Lord Leyang, you haven’t picked a seat yet, right? Sit with us!” Phoenix suggested.
“Hmm, I don’t mind,” Leyang said with a slight nod. Where he sat didn’t matter—as long as he grasped Doloryara script’s basics, he could wrap up classes fast. Self-studying was quicker than lessons anyway. He’d come to Kamila Noble Academy mainly because it was in Camila Empire’s busiest city, letting him leave Nebis Territory to focus on his own affairs. Otherwise, playing with monsters all day would turn him into a savage.
Phoenix guided him to the seat beside her. With him there, she instantly felt calmer. But envious glares followed—everyone wanted to sit near the two genius girls. Yet after Lumiere’s rejections, no one dared ask again. How infuriating that this guy brazenly took the spot!
“What a coincidence, Lord Nebis Leyang,” Lumiere said warmly, smiling across Phoenix.
“Yes, quite a coincidence, Princess Lumei. The tea and snacks last time were excellent,” Leyang replied politely.
“If you like, come again. There’s plenty left.”
“I’m sure Phoenix would welcome you too.”
