Asher’s POV

Today was Monday.

It had been exactly one week since I joined the academy.

I woke up at 7 AM and took a bath.

After a refreshing shower, I changed into my uniform and headed to the cafeteria.

As always, it was buzzing with noise—students chatting, laughing, cracking jokes, even flirting.

Strangely...

It felt peaceful.

Soon, Noah joined me.

We were the only two people sitting at our table.

Almost everyone avoided me. I didn’t really know why

But I liked it this way.

Fewer people meant fewer problems.

We ate quietly, making small talk.

Then—

Someone else pulled out a chair and sat in front of me.

Aria Velmora.

Why is she here?

I glanced at her.

Noticing my gaze, she asked calmly, "Do you have a problem with me sitting here?"

"No. Sit wherever you want. I don’t care," I replied, continuing my breakfast.

After finishing, I took out a packet of apple juice from my subspace and started drinking through a straw.

Out of the corner of my eye—

I noticed Aria watching me.

Does she want one?

I extended my hand toward her. "Want to try?"

She looked at the juice...

Then at me.

Expressionless.

For a moment, I didn’t understand.

Then it clicked.

"Oh... don’t tell me you’re thinking about that ’indirect kiss’ thing from romance anime," I said casually. "What nonsense. We’re breathing the same air—what would that be then, indirect CPR?"

Before I could finish—

She stood up.

And left.

Without a word.

I blinked.

...What just happened?

I turned to Noah.

He was staring at me, mouth slightly open.

"What?"

"...Nothing."

After finishing rest of the breakfast in silence.

We headed to class and took our usual seats in the corner.

Soon, Professor Elisa entered.

After taking attendance, she spoke, "Today’s class will be in the training room. Follow me."

We moved there shortly after.

In training.

At the center of the room stood a large sphere—about one meter in radius, its surface smooth like glass.

Elisa turned to us. "This sphere measures the damage of your mana-based attacks."

"You may only use pure mana. No elemental attributes."

One by one, students stepped forward.

Rank 19 went first.

He condensed mana into a small bullet and fired it.

It struck the sphere—

But left no mark.

A number appeared on sphere glass like surface.

1201

Then others also did the same thing one by one.

Arrows.

Spears.

Bullets.

Their scores ranged between 1000 and 5000.

The highest so far—

Was 4120

Then Kevin stepped forward.

The son of Duke Vermont.

He fired a spear of mana.

His attack was sharp and controlled.

His score was good but not impressive but since he use black magic it was not wired for him to have less fire power.

4571

Next—

Aria.

She formed a one-meter-long spear and launched it forward.

A small explosion echoed—

Yet the sphere remained untouched.

Of course.

Something like this wouldn’t break so easily.

Probably only a Master could destroy it.

Her score appeared.

7012

Murmurs spread.

But—

Why haven’t Elisa called me yet?

What is she thinking?

I’m not even highly ranked. I’d probably try to score around 5000 and be done with it.

Then—

"Next. Princess Celestine."

Then it was turn of Celestine

Celestine stepped forward.

She formed three spears simultaneously—

And launched them with incredible speed.

Her score appeared.

15010

At her score other students started discussing it with each other.

"As expected of a Voltaris known for their destructive power"

"Even without lightning element mixed in it, it’s still that strong..."

"Why is her score higher than Aria’s?"

"Idiot, control and output are different things."

The discussions continued.

Then—

"Leon Zevark."

Leon stepped forward calmly.

He formed a massive spear—nearly two meters long—

And fired it.

The impact shook the air.

His score appeared on sphere.

17570

Highest till now.

He remained expressionless.

Then—

Elisa called my name.

"Asher Astrean"

All eyes turned toward me.

I calm walked towards the sphere and stopped at the distance from which we have to fire.

I formed a one-meter spear.

And launched it.

The result appeared.

5110

Perfect.

Just what I wanted.

I turned to leave

But before i could leave.

Elisa said in annoying tone,

"Is this some kind of joke to you, Asher Astrean?"

I stopped.

And looked at her calmly without a change in my expression.

Why can’t she just leave me alone...

"What do you mean, Professor?"

"Why are you not giving your full effort?" Elisa asked, her voice stern.

"I don’t want to," I replied calmly.

A brief silence followed.

What is wrong with this kid...? Elisa thought, staring at him. Shouldn’t someone his age be eager to show off?

But before she could speak.

I added, casually, "Why are you so worked up? Is it that time of the month or something?"

The room froze.

Every student turned toward me.

Some shocked.

Some horrified.

Everyone had the same thought in their head.

Does he have a death wish...?

Elisa’s expression darkened.

And then she thought

’This child really needs to be taught a lesson.’

The next moment

Flames erupted around me.

Students gasped

But soon realized

It was Elisa doing.

Some thought I deserved it.

Others felt a bit of pity.

From within the flames, I shouted, "Are you crazy?! I was just joking!"

The fire didn’t actually harm me.

Just heat.

Just pressure.

No damage done.

A warning.

Moments later, it vanished.

Elisa stepped forward, about to speak—

But I beat her to it.

"Wait... are you trying to burn my clothes off?" I said, frowning. "Do you seriously want to see me naked or something?"

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Everyone stared at me like I’d lost my mind.

Is he insane...?

Or just tired of living?

And for the first time—

Even Elisa was momentarily speechless.