A week had passed since Adam's battle with Kyle.
In those days, Adam didn't talk much to anyone.
While the other students bragged about their strength and trained in groups, he spent most of his time in the back training field or in the academy library.
He had made one simple decision:
"If I'm weak… I'll become strong through training."
Early in the morning, before most students even woke up, Adam was already running laps around the training field.
The cold air filled his lungs, his feet ached, but he didn't stop.
"Faster!"
The instructor shouted at the few students who had woken up early.
But Adam had already finished five full laps ahead of them.
One student sneered:
"Look at that… the orphanage kid trying to become a hunter."
Some laughed.
Adam didn't reply.
After physical training, he went straight to the academy library.
The place was quiet, filled with thousands of ancient books about magic, combat, and spiritual energy.
He sat in front of a book titled:
"Fundamentals of Magical Energy Control"
He read silently.
"Magical energy is not just power… it is a flow inside the body.
Those who understand this flow can control it."
Adam closed his eyes.
He tried to feel something inside himself.
But… he felt nothing.
He opened his eyes in frustration.
"Even in magic… I'm weak."
At that moment, he heard a voice behind him.
"Not necessarily."
Adam turned around.
A girl stood between the shelves.
Long black hair, calm eyes.
He had never seen her in class before.
She said quietly:
"Most students here rely on their natural talent… but only a few truly learn how to understand it."
She glanced at the book in front of him.
"And you… are trying to understand."
Adam scratched his head a little and said:
"I'm just… trying not to stay weak."
The girl gave a small smile.
"That's a good reason."
Then she added:
"My name is Irene."
Before Adam could answer, a loud bell rang through the academy.
The combat training bell.
In the training arena, all the students gathered.
The instructor stood in front of them and said in a strong voice:
"Today we begin the group combat test."
The students started whispering excitedly.
The instructor continued:
"Each student will fight a summoned monster from a training gate."
Behind him, a small magical gate appeared.
And from inside it… a black creature with red eyes stepped out.
Some students smiled confidently.
But Adam felt a chill run through his body.
"A real… monster?"
The instructor looked at the students and said:
"The first one to fight…"
He paused for a moment.
"…Adam."
The students burst into laughter.
"This is going to be fun."
"He'll run away in a minute."
As for Kyle… he watched in silence.
With narrowed eyes.
Because he hadn't forgotten one thing from their previous fight.
That brief feeling… that Adam was more dangerous than he appeared.
Adam slowly stepped into the fighting circle.
The monster in front of him roared terrifyingly.
His heart began to beat fast.
"I'm… weak."
But he remembered the words he told himself.
"But that won't stay this way."
He clenched his fist.
And prepared to fight.