While he pays attention to the things Runia is teaching in her class, Novus still splits part of his conscious towards the screen floating in front of him, a satisfied glint being revealed from the depth of her eyes as he reads through the updated information of himself.

[Novus Helion van Argenta]

[Combat Rating: E Tier Mage (Assessment Ongoing)]

[Talent: True Immortal Blood (EX-Rank Growth-type Innate Talent)]

[Current Evolution Domain Location: Verdant Expanse: Verdant Forest (1.5-star danger level)]

[Immortal Energy: 1700/1700]

[Strength: 1300]

[Agility: 1300]

[Vitality: 1300]

[Arcane: 1300]

[Harmony: 1300]

[True Immortal Blood (EX-Rank Growth-type Innate Talent)]

[Growth Progress: 2.083% (97.917% before Talent Rank Up)]

[Mastery: Entry-level (99.99%)]

[Elemental Affinity]

[Fire: Novice (79.25%)]

[Shadow: Novice (27.12%)]

’I can feel it... it’s getting closer...’ as he feels his strength further elevated by his previous meditation session that goes on for the entire day, Novus gradually becomes aware of the barrier preventing him from reaching the D Tier.

Given the current development of his strength however, he couldn’t help but feel a pity that he is already reaching his limits.

Normally, it would’ve been a problem for a mage not to reach higher tiers of strength as progressing tiers is imperative for them to be able to use better and better spells, as each step upwards not only brings about quantitative, but qualitative changes as well.

However, for Novus, each point of stat that he increases his prowess with before he ascends to the next tier means that he had set a foundation far sturdier, far better than most, and while it is true that he requires far more resources to ascend having such foundation, the rewards in doing so are still much better than what he paid them for.

’Well, I’ve already broken far beyond the limits of E Tier, so I guess it really is about time I reach my limit as well...’ he convinced himself as he reminded himself once more that despite his current level, he already possesses enough combat power to rival D Tier mages.

And with this reminder, he finally dispersed most of the pity for already approaching his limits, his newfound focus to rush towards this barrier before ascension prompting him to put most of his attention to absorbing E Tier Evolution Crystals once more.

[Your talent: True Immortal Blood is being refined. +0.0005% progress, +0.5 maximum Immortal Energy.]

[Your physique has grown. +1 strength, +1 agility, +1 vitality.]

[You sense all sort of energy clearer than before. +1 arcane.]

[Your body and soul seem to grow closer. +1 harmony.]

Buffed with the Slimy Gold Dust that allows him to double his absorption rate of Evolution Energy, the young man couldn’t extricate himself from the sensation of gradually growing stronger as time continues to pass by, paying just enough attention for him to pick up what is happening in the class.

The lecture went for half of the day as their instructor, Runia, continues to teach them theories of magic casting, her lessons seemingly taking the students into clear account as each of the things she discusses are easily absorbed, digested and understood by even the slowest among them.

"And that’s where we will stop our discussions for today, dear students, I hope that each one of you will find time to practice applying what we had discussed to your own spell casting~"

The lady said with a light tone in her voice as she closes the book she is holding, the assuring, encouraging voice prompting the students to unconsciously nod to her suggestions, all while marveling at how good she is when it comes to the things she does, teaching.

"Right, one more thing before dismissal, although you kids will eventually see it yourselves, there’s a new announcement posted across the event boards around the academy, it would do you freshmen good to check them out~"

She reminded before eventually announcing the end of her classes, prompting students to move in swathe as they vacated the classroom.

Going along with the flow, Novus also starts moving out, his steps leisure and light, intending to go straight back to the dormitory to pass some time before his scheduled daily duel with Medea.

"Wait, you bastard..."

’Of course, there’s no way things would go that well...’ he thought wryly to himself as he felt a hand tightly gripping his shoulder, the fact that it slipped past his senses something that anyone would’ve considered impressive had they known what kind of combat prowess he actually possesses.

Well, that is only when the fact that he opts not to avoid nor respond to the action immediately to prevent arousing suspicion about his strength is taken out of the equation.

"Hellas, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Despite his seemingly courteous words, Novus’ voice, clearly laced with an obvious trace of mocking, just made his agitated classmate all the more triggered, prompting said classmate to further tighten his grip on Novus’ shoulder.

"You shithead, do you really think I forgot about that day?" the young man gritted his teeth before he smiles, thinking that it is only a matter of time before Novus finally respond to his provocation.

After all, despite the body being their weakest part, as an E Tier mage, he is still confident of physically suppressing someone who stands at the F Tier with ease.

"..."

Novus could’ve taunted the young man further, and if he were to be honest to himself, he thought that he has all the rights to do so, after this classmate behind him previously tries to toy with him, to humiliate him in front of the class, more than likely to be viewed by the lady who left him in better light.

’When I think about it, it’s really as annoying as Medea says...’ recalling how annoyed Medea turned to be for him when the two of them heard the rumors going around about both of them, he couldn’t help but smile wryly, feeling that he is gradually coming to understand the Sword Princess.

Even if it is just bit by bit.

Mulling over those thoughts doesn’t last for long however as he was interrupted once more with the voice of the classmate trying to prevent him from moving, his tone sharp and mocking, seemingly intent on getting a reaction out of him.

"No response? You’re really a coward, aren’t you? No wonder Lady Alicia left you like that, hahaha" Hellas laughed as he raises his tone to catch the attention of other students around them, and as his words reaches laughter in the end, not only their classmates, but even the students walking on the corridor had their attentions caught by the commotion.

"Is that what you think? Well, you do you."

Feeling that each moment he spends letting himself be dragged with this conversation any further is just a waste of time that he can spend to further improve himself, Novus responded with a faint smile on his face before effortlessly shrugging off the grasp on his shoulder.

There was an obvious shock on the Hellas’ face as he only saw his gripping hand now free from what it was once holding, his eyes widening as he watches his target now moving towards the crowd.

He grits his teeth, the first time he picked a fight with this person, the supposed successor of the renown Argenta Family, a mediocre mage in all sense of words, he assumed that the guy just got lucky with the escalation of their conflict being suppressed by the professor of that time.

’You think I will allow you to come out of it just like that?’ he thought to himself as his brain forms an idea that he assumes has a great chance of pulling Novus’ attention back.

"What? You act all high and mighty now that you had that sword bitch backing you?"

It is not only Novus, but the entirety of the students who heard those words coming out of a freshman’s mouth froze in shock.

After all, with the rumors circulating around the academy, everyone knows who Hellas is talking about just from mentioning a part of the other person’s title.

Of course, the one most taken aback by the provocation is Novus himself, a foreign, ever-so-unpleasant feeling starting to take root somewhere in his heart as he heard someone calling who he treated as his sole friend in this place names.

"Sword... bitch?"