The crowd was still buzzing even after the test ended.
"All elements…"
"Did you see that light?"
"Monster talent…"
Sol walked away without stopping.
No pride.
No reaction.
As if nothing had happened.
But inside—
His thoughts were sharp and controlled.
Too much attention.
That wasn't good.
[System Notification]
Warning: Host has attracted high-level attention
Sol didn't slow down.
I know.
Behind him, he could feel it—
Gazes.
Curious.
Greedy.
Hostile.
Especially one.
He didn't need to turn to know.
Aric.
Trouble.
Sol slightly lowered his head, blending into the crowd.
He deliberately slowed his breathing.
Reduced his presence.
A simple trick—
But effective.
[Analyzing Behavior Pattern…]
Result: Low Presence State Activated
Within seconds—
The attention on him started fading.
"…Useful."
He reached the edge of the courtyard.
Lina quickly caught up.
"What was that?" she asked, eyes wide.
Sol looked confused.
"What?"
"Don't act dumb!" she snapped.
"That test—you… all elements?!"
Sol frowned slightly.
Then shook his head.
"I don't know. Maybe the device malfunctioned."
Lina stared at him.
"…You think I'm stupid?"
Sol didn't reply.
Silence was better than lies.
After a few seconds, she sighed.
"Whatever… just don't die during training."
She walked ahead.
Sol watched her back.
She's straightforward.
Not dangerous.
Then—
He shifted his focus.
The academy buildings stood tall ahead.
Stone towers.
Rune-covered walls.
Layers of protection.
[Analyzing…]
Barrier Strength: High-Level Mage
"…So even escaping won't be easy."
Good.
That meant safety.
For now.
Suddenly—
A group blocked his path.
Aric stood in front.
Two followers behind him.
"Quite the performance," Aric said coldly.
Sol kept his expression neutral.
"I got lucky."
A few students nearby laughed quietly.
Aric stepped closer.
His presence pressed down like heat.
"Luck doesn't light up every element."
Silence.
Sol met his eyes briefly—
Then looked away.
Submissive.
"I don't want trouble."
Aric studied him carefully.
Looking for something.
Confidence.
Arrogance.
Anything.
But found nothing.
Just a weak boy.
After a moment, Aric scoffed.
"Trash pretending to be mysterious."
He turned and left.
His followers laughed before walking away.
The pressure disappeared.
Sol stood still.
Calm.
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
Perfect.
If Aric saw him as a threat—
Things would get complicated.
But now?
He underestimated me.
That was far more useful.
[System Notification]
New Task Generated:
– Enter Academy Rankings
– Reach Apprentice Lv2
Sol looked toward the academy entrance.
Students were already gathering.
His eyes darkened slightly.
"No need to rush…"
"I'll grow quietly."
"And when the time comes…"
"…no one will be ready."
He stepped forward—
Blending once again into the crowd.