Chapter 129: The Reality of Strength
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"Affinity provided by your bloodline is fundamentally different from any other affinity you naturally possess," Professor Elara explained, tapping the chalk against the board. "Not only does your bloodline determine what elements or forces resonate with you, but the efficiency of that affinity is increased by approximately 150% compared to other elements you may have awakened."
Caspian listened, resting his chin on his hand.
'Affinity granted by bloodline, huh?' he thought.
The Bloodline of Sacrifice—his inheritance—did not provide any elemental affinity. No fire, no ice, no wind, nothing.
Caspian exhaled, pushing the thought aside as Professor Elara continued.
"One last thing," she said, placing the chalk down and dusting her hands. "That concludes today's lecture. Tomorrow, we'll begin discussing Magic Zones—a critical concept in combat magic. Read about it beforehand so you're not completely lost."
Some students groaned.
Then, her expression shifted slightly—
"Before you leave, I have something to say."
"This year's first-year batch is... remarkable."
A few students straightened up, curiosity in their eyes.
"I've been at this academy for a long time, and only a handful of batches have ever been as strong as yours. In terms of raw skill, many of you could already rival the top students of the second-year class."
There was a murmur in the room.
"That being said," Elara added, her tone sharpening, "I don't want any of you getting too overconfident. Talent and strength mean nothing if you lack caution."
She crossed her arms.
"Now, let me be frank with you—not as your professor, but as a friend."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"If you are a commoner or from a lesser noble house, avoid provoking the senior students."
A few students tensed.
"They will see you as an easy target. Many of them will bully you for fun, and unlike what you might think, the academy does not interfere unless serious harm is done."
Her green eyes swept across the classroom.
"If you ever find yourself in that kind of situation—if someone tries to abuse their status to suppress you—come to me immediately."
Some students looked relieved. Others scoffed under their breath.
Elara gave a small smile. "Alright. That's it for today. Dismissed. See you all tomorrow."
As students began gathering their things, Caspian leaned back and sighed.
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Elara had been right.
Barely a few hours after the lecture ended, trouble had already begun.
The Academy Courtyard was bustling with activity. Students walked along the cobblestone paths, discussing lectures or heading toward their dormitories.
And in the middle of it all…
A senior student smirked, towering over a first-year.
"Hey—bring me a drink."
The first-year—a boy with black hair and bright orange eyes—froze in place. His expression darkened.
Vera Ardent.
Caspian recognized him. he was ranked around 30th in the S-Class among first-years.
"What?" Vera asked, his voice flat.
The senior, a broad-shouldered second-year, clicked his tongue.
"Are you deaf? I said, bring me a drink. Or should I repeat myself, commoner?"
The moment he said that, the temperature of the courtyard seemed to drop.
A few students stopped walking.
A handful of first-years backed away.
They knew what was coming.
Vera slowly turned to face him. His orange eyes gleamed.
"Say that again."
The senior smirked, stepping closer.
"You're a commoner, aren't you? You should know your place."
Vera exhaled. Then, with a soft smile—one that didn't reach her eyes—she responded.
"And you should know when to shut the fuck up."
A spark of fire crackled at his fingertips.
Oh.
Oh, this was going to be fun.
Then fight broke out not simple one—
A brutal one-sided fight was taking place.
Vera—a first-year —was being beaten down by a group of second-year students.
Caspian watched from a distance, leaning against a nearby wall, his arms crossed.
"Tch. I knew this would happen."
The fight had started as a verbal confrontation. Vera, confident in his strength, had refused to bow to the senior students. His mistake wasn't arrogance—it was underestimating how cruel noble-born second-years could be when provoked.
Now, he was on the ground, coughing blood.
One of the seniors—, a tall, well-built noble—stepped forward, looking down at Vera with a smirk.
"Is this all?" he taunted. "I thought you had some fire in you, commoner."
Vera spat blood onto the cobblestone pavement, his orange eyes burning with rage. He tried to stand, but another second-year—a brute with a heavy frame—kicked him in the ribs, sending him tumbling back.
"Tch. This is why you first-years should learn your place."
Caspian watched it all unfold.
He didn't move.
Didn't interfere.
He simply turned around and walked away.
"Not my fight."
This wasn't cowardice—it was logic.
Intervening would do nothing but paint a target on his back. If he stepped in now, he wouldn't just be fighting a few second-years. He'd be declaring war against the entire second-year faction.
And Caspian wasn't foolish enough to make enemies.
He ignored the scene behind him.
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After returning to his dorm, Caspian sat on his bed, flipping through his phone.
A notification blinked on the screen.
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[New Message – Class Group]
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It was from Elara.
Opening the attachment, Caspian's eyes skimmed through the document—
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Academy Points System
Everything in this academy is regulated by points.
Points can be earned through:
Attending Classes → +50 Points
Completing Missions → (Varies by difficulty)
Winning Sparring Matches → (Depends on opponent's rank)
Special Contributions → (Research, achievements, etc.)
And, most importantly—
Ways to Use Points:
Access to Higher-Level Training Facilities
Purchasing Weapons, Spells, and Resources
Exchanging for Private Lessons with Professors
Ranking Privileges (Higher-ranked students receive exclusive benefits)
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Caspian closed his phone.
"So, everything runs on this system,"
He was about to lay back when—
Knock. Knock.
A knock at the door.
Caspian stood up, rolling his shoulders before answering.
"Yes?"
Standing outside was a boy he didn't recognize.
The student looked nervous. His hands trembled, sweat forming on his forehead.
"L-Lyrius… Lyrius is calling you."
Caspian's eyes narrowed.
"Lyrius? Where?"
The boy hesitated. "F-Follow me."
Something was off.
Caspian stepped forward, looking the boy up and down.
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