Chapter 86: More reasons to become stronger

When Kael entered the training hall the following morning, he saw Darius had already started his training.

His teammate stood in the center of the practice area, repeatedly swinging his greatsword against a reinforced training dummy. Each strike landed with enough force to shake its wooden frame, but his movements were noticeably more controlled than before.

Instead of relying entirely on strength, Darius adjusted his footing between swings and changed his angle of attack.

Kael stopped near the entrance.

"Your movements look different," Kael remarked as he approached.

Darius rested his greatsword against his shoulder and glanced at him.

"Instructor Garrick gave me some advice yesterday," Darius explained, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "He said I was wasting too much energy trying to overpower every opponent."

"That sounds familiar."

Darius raised an eyebrow.

"What does?"

"Your habit of treating every problem like something you can solve by hitting it harder."

Darius stared at him for a moment before letting out a short laugh.

"You’re not wrong."

Kael looked at the training dummy. Several deep marks covered its wooden surface, although the latest strikes were more evenly distributed.

"At least you’re making progress."

"That’s the plan."

A cheerful voice interrupted them.

"Then I hope everyone has the same plan, because I refuse to be the only one suffering."

Elias entered the training hall with his bow hanging across his back. He was followed by Mira.

Kael glanced at him.

"Did you hurt yourself already?"

"No. I’m simply preparing for the pain that awaits me."

Mira smiled as she placed her bag on a nearby bench.

"Elias has been practicing his accuracy since breakfast."

"That sounds productive," Kael said.

"It would be more productive if the targets stopped moving," Elias complained, rubbing his shoulder.

Darius picked up his greatsword again.

"Then learn to hit moving targets."

"That’s easy for someone who uses a weapon nearly as large as he is."

Kael ignored their exchange and looked toward the training equipment.

"Let’s get started. We have a lot to work on before the tournament."

Quinn crawled out from beneath his collar and settled on his shoulder.

"Qiu!"

"Yes, you too."

The spider raised its front legs.

Kael had already learned that Quinn’s enthusiasm increased considerably whenever training involved its silk. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm did not always translate into better results.

Today, he intended to focus on his own mana control.

...

By the time the morning training session ended, Kael had made another small improvement.

The thin layer of mana around his palm no longer collapsed immediately. He could maintain its curved shape for several seconds, although the structure still trembled whenever he tried to move his hand.

It was not enough to protect him from a serious attack, but it was a step forward.

Professor Helen, who had arrived halfway through the session, examined the result.

"Your stability has improved," she observed, adjusting her glasses.

Kael released the mana and lowered his hand.

"How long do you think it will take before I can use it in actual combat?"

"That depends on how consistently you practice. You should first learn to maintain the structure while standing still. After that, we can introduce movement and gradually increase the pressure."

"So I shouldn’t expect to use it during the tournament?"

Helen gave him a measured look.

"You may be able to use a basic version by then. However, I would rather you develop a reliable technique than rush into combat with something you cannot control."

Kael nodded.

That was reasonable.

Helen picked up a small wooden bead from the nearby table.

"Let’s try something different. Maintain the curved layer while I apply a little pressure."

She placed the bead against the mana surface.

Kael concentrated.

The bead rolled along the curve before sliding away.

"Good," Helen said. "You managed to redirect the force without allowing the structure to collapse."

Kael looked at the bead on the floor.

"That was easier than I expected."

"Because the object was light. A heavier impact would require better control and a more stable distribution of mana."

Helen retrieved the bead and placed it in her pocket.

"Do not mistake a successful exercise for combat proficiency."

"I wouldn’t dare."

Before she could respond, another professor appeared at the entrance.

Professor Vista stood with a document in his hand.

"Kael Grayford. Professor Helen, may I borrow him for a while?"

Helen turned toward him.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing urgent. The academy has made further progress in its investigation of the sanctuary incident, and we need to clarify a few details with him."

Kael glanced between the two instructors.

"Does this concern the attackers?"

Vista nodded.

"Yes. I would also like to speak with the other members of Team 37."

Kael looked toward his teammates.

Darius had already finished his training, while Mira and Elias were preparing to leave.

"Understood," Kael replied. "I’ll gather them."

Vista stepped aside.

"Meet me in the faculty conference room in thirty minutes."

...

The conference room was smaller than Kael expected.

A long wooden table occupied most of the space, with several documents arranged neatly across its surface. Professor Vista stood near one end, while Professor Helen sat beside Instructor Rovan.

The four members of Team 37 entered together.

Quinn remained on Kael’s shoulder, its bluish markings faintly glowing.

"Thank you for coming," Vista said, gesturing toward the available seats.

Darius pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Are we being questioned about the examination again?" He asked.

"Not exactly," Vista answered. "We have already collected your initial statements. However, the investigation has uncovered information that we need to discuss."

Kael took a seat beside Mira.

"Have you found something?"

Vista placed a document on the table.

"During the examination, the sanctuary was attacked by an unknown group using corrupted mana and undead creatures. Our investigation confirmed that the attackers deliberately targeted the stone pillars supporting the ancient formation."

He unfolded a diagram showing the sanctuary’s layout.

"These pillars were not arranged randomly. Each one served as an anchor for a different section of the formation. Destroying them weakened the protective boundary until only one remained."

Kael studied the diagram.

He remembered the final moments clearly. The barrier had continued to absorb and redistribute the attacks, but its remaining anchor had been pushed close to failure.

Lilith’s discovery had been the only reason they managed to turn the formation against the caster.

"What did you learn?" Kael asked.

Vista’s expression became more serious.

"We learned something important during our encounter with Valthazar Stitch and Lorelei Delilah. According to what they revealed, the students participating in the examination were intended to serve as sacrifices for an unknown ritual," Rovan was the one who answered.

Mira’s fingers tightened around the edge of her chair.

Kael, on the other hand, looked shocked when he heard the names.

’Valthazar and Lorelei? Those two?’

He hadn’t predicted to hear those names this early.

He quickly fixed his expression and asked. "Then the attack was planned from the beginning?"

"That is what their statements suggest," Vista replied. "The examination provided the attackers with an opportunity to gather a large number of students in an isolated area. The undead were part of the operation, whereas the destruction of the stone formation might be just a consequential event."

Elias swallowed.

"So they weren’t simply trying to kill everyone?"

"Death alone was not their objective," Instructor Rovan answered. "They intended to use the students as sacrifices. However, we have not determined the ritual’s purpose or what they hoped to accomplish through it."

Darius leaned forward, his expression darkening.

"Then why did those people retreat? If they wanted sacrifices, wouldn’t they have continued attacking until everyone was dead?"

"That is one of the questions we are investigating," Vista explained. "The intervention from outside the barrier disrupted their operation. We believe the attackers withdrew because their original plan could no longer proceed as intended or maybe because something else."

Kael considered the explanation.

The two red-robed figures had appeared beside the caster shortly before the group retreated. They had mentioned that people outside had broken the crimson barrier.

Perhaps the operation had depended on isolating the examination grounds. Once that barrier was breached, continuing the ritual became too dangerous.

"Do we know whether the caster was working directly with Valthazar and Lorelei?" Kael asked.

"They may be connected. But their exact relationship remains unclear. The two criminals provided information about the sacrificial ritual, but they did not give us enough details to identify every individual involved."

Kael nodded slowly but silently wondering how Valthazar and Lorelei became part of that incident. Thankfully, they didn’t join in hunting the students inside the crimson barrier. If so, no one would have survived.

In any case, that explained why the academy was still investigating the incident.

"Have you managed to locate Valthazar and Lorelei?" Kael asked.

Rovan shook his head.

"No. Both escaped during our encounter with them. We have not been able to determine their current whereabouts."

"So we’re still dealing with people who know about the ritual but haven’t been caught," Darius remarked.

"Unfortunately, yes," Vista replied. "Their escape is one of the reasons the investigation remains a priority. We know that the ritual was intended to use the students as sacrifices, but we still lack crucial information about its purpose, the participants, and the location where it was supposed to take place."

They knew the broad objective, but not the complete plan.

Vista pointed toward several markings on the diagram.

"The damage patterns suggest that the attackers knew the general structure of the sanctuary formation before the assault began."

Mira looked at the markings.

"Does that mean they had information about the sanctuary beforehand?"

"We’re not sure about that," Vista answered.

But Kael shook his head.

"I think they didn’t know," he said.

Hearing him, everyone looked at him.

"Kindly explain why?" Vista asked him.

Kael nodded.

"If they knew beforehand that the formation existed, they would have got rid of it first as it was the only obstacle that could ruin their plan."

"I see..." Vista touched his chin. "You have a point."

"In that case, this also means... the caster just discovered how the formation worked at that exact moment and took advantage of it," Rovan frowned.

"That’s probably the case," Vista sighed. "In any case, their first attempt failed but that didn’t mean they’d stop for another attempt."

Everyone understood the implication of his words.

There was a big chance that those people would try to attack once again.

Vista exchanged a brief glance with Rovan.

"Gather all the instructors and academy staff, we need to discuss this matter as soon as possible. For the main time, any activities that involve going out of the campus must be postponed for the time being," Vista said.

Receiving the command, Instructor Roland immediately stood up.

"Alright. I’ll relay the message right away."

After Rovan exited the room, Professor Vista looked at Professor Helen.

"When will Professor Magnus come back?" He asked.

Professor Helen adjusted her eyeglasses.

"Probably around the monthly tournament," she said.

Vista nodded.

While the chairman was away from the academy, it was Professor Magnus who would be assigned to handle the academy matters, however, if Professor Magnus was also away, Professor Vista would take the role.

"Professor, are we now fine to go?" Kael asked.

He wanted to go back to training. He didn’t want to waste a single opportunity, especially after hearing that Valthazar and Lorelei were involved in that incident. He had no idea why those retreated so early, he had a really bad feeling about it.

Vista leaned forward slightly.

"There is one more matter."

The students turned toward him.

"The academy has decided to organize a supervised practical assessment for students who performed particularly well during the examination. Your team has been included."

Elias blinked.

"An assessment?"

"It will take place within the academy grounds," Rovan explained. "The purpose is to evaluate your current combat ability, teamwork, and response to unfamiliar situations."

Darius looked interested.

"Will it be a team exercise?"

"Partly. There will also be individual evaluations."

Mira glanced at Kael.

"Is this related to the tournament?"

"Not directly," Vista answered. "The assessment is part of the academy’s evaluation process. However, your results may help you prepare for upcoming competitions."

Kael understood the distinction.

The academy wanted to evaluate them after the unusual events of the examination. Team 37 had discovered the sanctuary, helped several students survive, and participated in the defense against the attackers.

Their performance had attracted attention.

More importantly, the instructors were still interested in Kael’s unusual development.

"Will everyone in our team be evaluated?" Kael asked.

"Yes," Vista replied. "You will receive the details and schedule through the academy notice board."

Kael nodded.

That was another opportunity to understand their current strengths and weaknesses.

Vista gathered the documents.

"That concludes our questions. You may return to your regular activities."

The students stood and prepared to leave.

Before Kael reached the door, Vista called him once more.

"Student Grayford."

He turned around.

"Yes, Professor?"

Vista regarded him for a moment.

"Continue your mana training under Professor Helen’s supervision. Your recent breakthrough is unusual, and we want to understand your capabilities more clearly."

Kael nodded.

"Understood."

"And do not attempt to reproduce the technique you used during the sanctuary battle without proper supervision."

Kael gave a small smile.

"I wasn’t planning to."

Vista seemed unconvinced, but he did not pursue the matter.

"Good. You may go."

...

The four students walked through the academy corridor together.

Elias was the first to break the silence.

"Well, that was more interesting than I expected."

Darius glanced at him.

"What part?"

"The part where we learned that the entire examination was arranged as some kind of sacrifice by an evil group."

Mira frowned.

"It’s disturbing. We went there thinking we were taking an ordinary examination."

Darius clenched his fist.

"Whoever those bastards should be brought to justice."

Kael did not disagree.

However, he was more concerned about Valthazar and Lorelei. Those two were connected to Nemesis Alpha, whose main purpose always connected to unusual experimentation.

It seems the investigation was far from over.

Mira glanced at Kael.

"Do you think the academy will allow us to return to the forest?"

"Not anytime soon," Kael answered. "They won’t risk sending students into an area that might still contain the attackers."

Darius nodded.

"Then we should focus on training here."

Elias raised one finger.

"I have one condition."

Kael looked at him.

"What is it?"

"Please make sure the next assessment doesn’t involve another five-day survival examination."

Kael considered the request.

"I’ll submit your complaint to the academy."

Elias smiled.

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you."

Quinn tapped Kael’s shoulder.

"Qiu!"

Kael glanced at it.

"Don’t worry. I won’t volunteer you for another forest expedition either."

Quinn seemed satisfied.

They continued walking toward the central courtyard.

As they passed the academy’s main notice board, Kael noticed a growing crowd gathered around it.

Several students were discussing something while pointing toward a newly posted announcement.

Elias immediately became curious.

"What’s going on over there?"

Darius followed his gaze.

"Probably the tournament schedule."

They approached the board and found a fresh notice displayed near the center.

MONTHLY RANKING TOURNAMENT

Registration Period: Opening Soon

Expected Event Date: Within Three Weeks

Individual Matches and Team Competitions

Further Details to Be Announced

Several students were already discussing their potential opponents. Some were excited, while others appeared nervous.

Kael studied the announcement.

Three weeks.

That was enough time to improve, but not enough to waste.

"Looks like the schedule is almost confirmed," Mira said, reading the notice.

Elias rubbed his hands together.

"Then we should definitely participate."

Darius crossed his arms.

"Only if we’re ready."

"Of course we’ll be ready," Elias replied, giving him a confident smile.

Kael looked at the announcement again.

The tournament was one thing, but the academy’s practical assessment would arrive first. Their training priorities had not changed.

He turned toward his teammates.

"We’ll discuss participation after the assessment. For now, let’s focus on preparing for that."

Mira nodded.

"Agreed."

Darius gave a firm nod.

"Let’s do it."

Elias sighed dramatically.

"Fine. I suppose I’ll have to suffer a little longer."

Kael started walking.

"You’re welcome to stop complaining and start training."

"That sounds like something a cruel guildmaster would say."

"We’re not a guild."

"Not yet."

Kael glanced back at him.

Elias grinned as though he had just made an excellent joke.

Kael decided not to respond.

...

That evening, Kael returned to his room and placed the academy documents on his desk. Quinn crawled onto the windowsill and settled beside a small container of food. Kael opened his notebook and reviewed the notes from his training session.

His ability to summon mana had improved, and he was beginning to understand the principles behind defensive techniques. However, his control was still too inconsistent for practical use.

He wrote down his next objectives.

Maintain the curved mana layer for at least thirty seconds. Practice maintaining it while moving. Improve the speed at which he summons external mana.

He paused before adding another line.

Prepare for the academy’s practical assessment.

Kael leaned back in his chair.

The sanctuary incident had changed how the academy viewed him. His rare breakthrough had attracted attention, and his actions during the attack had given the instructors another reason to investigate his potential.

He had wanted to remain unnoticed while quietly becoming stronger. That plan was becoming increasingly difficult. Still, attention was not necessarily a bad thing.

If the academy was willing to provide specialized supervision and practical opportunities, he could use those resources to improve.

He closed his notebook.

Outside the window, the academy grounds were gradually growing quiet. Then a familiar voice came from the other side of his door.

"Kael? Are you still awake?"

He recognized Seraphina’s voice.

Kael stood and opened the door, then saw a very pretty face. Her skin was smooth and pale. Almost like snow in the winter season.

Seraphina was waiting outside, holding a folded document. Her expression was composed, although her fingers briefly tightened around the paper when their eyes met.

"Seraphina," Kael greeted her. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing serious," she replied, offering him the document. "I heard about the academy’s practical assessment. I thought you might want to see this."

Kael accepted it and unfolded the paper.

It was a preliminary schedule for the upcoming assessment. His eyes moved across the listed activities until he reached the final section.

A coordinated combat exercise.

The participants would be assigned unfamiliar objectives and required to complete them as a team.

Kael looked up.

"This seems more complicated than an ordinary sparring evaluation."

Seraphina nodded.

"That’s intentional. The academy wants to evaluate how students respond when they cannot rely entirely on their individual strengths."

Kael studied the document again.

"Do you know when the team assignments will be announced?"

"Tomorrow, according to the instructors."

Seraphina paused before continuing.

"I was also wondering whether you and your team would be interested in practicing with us sometime."

Kael raised his eyes.

"Your team?"

"Yes. We haven’t had many opportunities to train since the examination."

Her expression softened slightly.

"I think it would be useful for both groups."

Kael considered the suggestion.

Training with Seraphina’s group could expose Team 37 to different fighting styles and strategies. It would also give them an opportunity to coordinate with students outside their usual formation.

"That sounds useful," he answered. "I’ll discuss it with my teammates."

Seraphina nodded, looking pleased.

"Then I’ll wait for your answer."

She turned as though preparing to leave, but Kael spoke before she could take another step.

"Seraphina."

She looked back.

"Thank you for bringing this."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

"You’re welcome."

She hesitated briefly before adding, "And don’t push yourself too hard during training. Professor Helen told me you’ve been practicing defensive mana techniques."

Kael raised an eyebrow.

"Word travels quickly."

"Professor Helen mentioned it while discussing the practical assessment."

Seraphina glanced at his shoulder.

"Just be careful. You haven’t completely recovered from your previous injury."

Kael gave her a reassuring nod. Although he actually fully recovered from the injury, Kael didn’t need to tell that.

"I’ll be careful."

"Good."

With that, Seraphina walked down the corridor.

Kael watched her leave before returning to his room.

He placed the schedule beside his notebook and looked at the two upcoming challenges.

First, the practical assessment. Then, the Monthly Ranking Tournament. Three weeks might seem like a short period, but it was enough to make meaningful progress if they used their time properly.

Kael glanced toward Quinn, who was already curled up beside the food container.

"Looks like we’ll be busy."

Quinn lifted its head.

"Qiu!"

Kael closed the door and returned to his desk.

The next few weeks had a clear direction and he intended to make the most of them. He had more reason now to become stronger as fast as he could.