The moment I grabbed the sword hilt, the qi inside my body reacted immediately. A cold sensation spread through my arm before flowing across my meridians. The blade trembled faintly, producing a soft metallic hum throughout the room. Slowly, I pulled the sword out of its sheath.

Shing

Moonlight reflected across the dark crimson blade. For a moment, I simply just stared at it. Beautiful. That was the only word with which I could describe the sword.

But it also looked deadly. Like this blade had taken countless lives before ending up in my hands.

"...You actually look cool," I muttered while adjusting my grip. Suddenly the information about the sword appeared in my mind.

[Eclipse - A sword forged for one who walks against heaven itself.]I stared at the description for a few seconds before laughing quietly. "What an arrogant description."

Still...I liked it. I placed Eclipse beside me before sitting down cross-legged once more to cultivate.

The fight against Kyle had already improved my qi circulation significantly, but it’s not enough. I need to break through to the next realm soon. Hours passed quietly and I made significant breakthroughs until I finally stopped.

[5th Level Qi Gathering Realm achieved.]A tired breath escaped my mouth. My cultivation speed increased after inheriting the sword technique. With this, if I fought Kyle again. I would win in a few breaths.

A smirk appeared on my face. I’m slowly becoming stronger. ’No, I can’t get arrogant. There are beings that can kill me with just a thought.’ I need to gain unparalleled strength. Suddenly the system notification appeared.

[New Quest Generated Comprehend the First FormObjective: Learn Heaven Severing Sword Art — First Form

Rewards: Nine Void Steps, 3 Qi Gathering Pills, Nine Heavens Eyes.]

I looked at the objective which was to learn the first form of the Heaven Severing Sword Art. I was going to do it without even the quest but I don’t mind getting rewards to learn it.

Then my eyes darted towards the rewards. A movement technique, I needed one. My last fight made me realise how important movement was. The second reward was Qi gathering pills. They must be to help in my cultivation. And then comes the third reward, Nine Heavens Eyes. I have no idea what that means. But I’m looking forward to it.

The academy was bustling with students. Every hallway was crowded and discussions about the rankings and combat assessments spread nonstop.

Some people glanced toward me briefly while whispering among themselves. Apparently defeating Kyle yesterday had made me a bit popular.

As I walked through one of the academy hallways, someone suddenly bumped into my shoulder. Silver hair brushed past my face.

"...Sorry," I said with a calm voice. I raised my eyes to see who it was. Our blue eyes greeted each other. I know her.

It was Elena Frostveil carrying the same cold expression. But that somehow made her more beautiful. For a moment my breath hitched. ’She’s not good for my heart.’

She blinked once after recognizing me before adjusting the books in her arms slightly.

"...Ren Valecrest."

I raised one eyebrow slightly. "You know me beautiful?"

"You are the coward who surrendered even before the match began." Elara replied coldly while looking directly at me.

I stared at her for a second before sighing. Cold beauties are a pain in real life.

"What a painful thing to be remembered for."

"Why did you surrender?" she added quietly while brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.

"I know my limit. It would be suicide fighting you." I replied calmly.

"I see, makes sense. I’m Elara Frostveil. Heir to the Frostveil Dukedom."

"...I’m just Ren Valecrest. Heir to no Dukedom but always out looking to marry one."

Elara didn’t give any reaction. As expected of the cold beauty, I could see the disgust for me increasing in her eyes. Before I could continue speaking, another voice suddenly interrupted us.

"Well now this looks interesting. Elara’s talking to a boy. Doesn’t happen everyday."

I turned slightly.

A girl with long blonde hair walked toward us confidently while holding a tablet against her side. Unlike Elena’s cold atmosphere, this girl felt warm and approachable.

Her golden eyes moved between both of us curiously before stopping on me.

"You’re the famous F-rank guy," she said while smiling brightly.

"...Am I really that famous? What terrible luck." I sighed.

She laughed softly before extending one hand toward me casually.

"I’m Serena Noctis," she introduced herself while tilting her head slightly. "And honestly? Yesterday’s fight was way more entertaining than most of the top-ranked matches. Well done weak guy."

"Elena Frostveil and Serena Noctis" I looked between the two before sighing quietly. "Why do I suddenly feel like I would be in the center of a lot of troubles?"

Serena burst out laughing immediately while Elena just looked away.

"You’re fun," Serena said while crossing her arms loosely. "Most people become nervous around us."

"That’s understandable. Most would be nervous while talking to beauties like you two."

"Haha. See Elara, I told you he’s fun."

Before we could continue the academy announcements echoed throughout the hallway.

"First year students are requested to proceed toward their assigned classrooms immediately."

Serena stretched lazily.

"Looks like class is starting. We are both in the S class. What about you?"

"I’m in the E class."

"Oh? Not F, that’s surprising." Serena muttered, thinking about something.

"Maybe my match against Kyle pushed me to be in the E class." I casually said.

"Hmm. True. We need to go now. See you later F rank." She waved her hand before walking away through the hallway crowd with Elara.

E-Class Classroom.

The moment I stepped inside, dozens of students immediately turned toward me. A few noble students looked openly annoyed that someone with an F-rank was in the same class as them.

Meanwhile Daniel waved at me without caring about anyone from the back of the room.

"Brother Ren! Over here!"

Several students nearby immediately looked toward him with strange expressions.

"...Please stop calling me that."

"No. You are worthy of being my brother." Daniel said proudly. I just don’t know what to do with this guy. I walked toward the empty seat beside him while the classroom slowly filled with noise again.

Daniel leaned closer immediately.

"You’re famous now brother. A lot of the students are talking about your fight."

"I know. I heard that already." I can’t be bothered with those talks anymore. The more I gain strength the more people will notice. It’s better to get used to it soon.

"I heard people arguing about whether your win was luck or not."

"I support the luck theory personally."

Before Daniel could continue talking, the classroom door suddenly opened. Silence spread almost instantly in the classroom.

A tall handsome man wearing black overcoat stepped inside calmly before placing several files onto the desk.

"Good morning," he said while looking across the classroom. "I am Professor Adrian Cross, your homeroom instructor."

Professor Cross glanced across the students briefly before continuing.

"Some of you believe ranking defines your future." His gaze moved toward several noble students near the front. "You are wrong."

The atmosphere inside the classroom shifted slightly.

"At Aether Academy, talent matters." He crossed his arms calmly. "But survival matters more."

Professor Cross turned toward the large screen behind him before activating it. Images immediately appeared: destroyed cities, giant dungeon gates, monstrous creatures, and battlefields filled with awakened humans battling demons and countless innocent people dead.

"The world outside the academy walls is not peaceful," he said quietly. "Demons continue expanding territory beyond the northern borders. Dungeon outbreaks increase every year. And humanity continues losing territory slowly."

Everyone became serious after hearing Professor Cross’s words. "Your generation," Professor Cross continued while looking directly at us, "has been called the Golden Generation."

Several students straightened slightly after hearing that. ’Fools, you side characters aren’t even relevant.’ I thought.

"Personally?" A faint cold smile appeared on his face. "I think its meaningless."

Ouch.

"Over the next four years, many of you will fail. And a few from those who graduate may die while fighting demons and protecting humanity."

Some students visibly paled. Complete silence filled the classroom afterward. No one dared to make a noise. The earlier excitement about academy life had vanished completely.