There were only a few people in the classroom when I arrived, and the first one to catch my eye was none other than Leo Yakashi—the so-called rival of Ayush.
One of the major characters in the original novel.
In the near future, he's supposed to become a strong ally—and a trustworthy friend—to Ayush.
But right now?
He's nothing more than an arrogant, overconfident guy who always wants to be the center of attention in every room he walks into.
If things keep going like this, Leo might never team up with Ayush. He might never grow into the person he's meant to be.
And that? That could lead to some serious consequences—maybe even the death of important characters like Mitsuri.
That would be really troublesome...
Leo always had a deep sense of jealousy toward Ayush. That's what pushed him to work harder, to surpass him, to prove himself superior.
But now?
He didn't even glance in Ayush's direction. Honestly, I don't even think he knows Ayush's name at this point.
Hmmm...
The interference of others had completely ruined key relationships in the original timeline—like Leo and Ayush, or even Ayush and Mitsuri.
Even if I wanted to fix things, Leo isn't someone you can casually approach and befriend.
One wrong move and boom—you're not just making an enemy, you're making the worst kind of enemy. The type who would follow you to hell just to bully you.
And I'm not Ayush. I can't magically turn someone like Leo into a good guy with the power of friendship or protagonist charm. Even if I tried, I doubt it would work.
I'm not even good at talking to people... and you expect me to turn Leo into a sheep?
Hell nah... that's just impossible.
But still...
Even if I don't want to, I'll have to deal with him eventually—for my own sake.
Hmmmm...
I let out a small sigh before taking my seat.
It's already been five days since I arrived at the academy.
To my surprise, after the incident with Klaus, there's been zero movement from the other extras. None of them have even looked in my direction.
Honestly, I expected someone to make a move—especially since I turned down their invitations.
Well, aside from Klaus glaring at me like it's his new favorite hobby.
Or maybe… they just don't care that I exist.
I don't know... but maybe that's actually good for now. If they all started coming at me like Klaus, it would've been—
A nightmare.
In this one week, I've almost crossed into the middle stage of Qi Stage 4. I can't deny it—the modern cultivation classes have actually helped me.
In the past three years, when I was locked up by the SIF, all I did was cultivate my Qi. There was nothing else to do anyway. With the memories from the novel and the secret cultivation method that Ayush's master taught him, I managed to reach Qi Stage 3 just in time to join the academy.
I didn't have much confidence back then, but I was desperate. For the first time in my life, I gave something 100%—and somehow, it worked.
Most of the other extras probably used the same method. Let's be honest—there's no way a normal person hits Qi Stage 3 in three years without some kind of cheat.
Unless you've got a mysterious system panel giving you random skills and power-ups or something.
If I hadn't reached Qi Stage 3 in time for the academy arc, I had planned to sneak into Mystic Town before the next arc started.
Luckily, I got in. And honestly, if I wasn't here… I don't think the second arc would've even happened. The story's already messed up, and I don't even want to imagine how the Academy Arc would've ended without me.
What a pain... I sighed and glanced around at my classmates.
But then, Alex Wain walked into the room with a smile on his face—and all my thoughts came to a halt.
My focus immediately shifted to him. No extras. No Ayush. Just him.
Because Alex is the biggest problem right now. Not just for me—but for everyone sitting in this room.
He's already at a junior master level in cultivation.
Even Ayush struggled against him in the original story. Sure, Alex was the first arc's main villain, and there are much stronger enemies coming in future arcs...
But right now, while we're all still trying to grasp our abilities, he's already several tiers above us.
If you ever find yourself transported into a novel—never underestimate the first villain. He might seem weak in comparison to future threats, but you're also weak as hell when you meet him.
If Alex Wain were to show his true nature and start attacking now, no one here—not even me—would survive.
Maybe Ayush would. Maybe.
But the rest of us?
We'd be wiped out in seconds. There's no doubt about that.
As the lesson continued, something happened in front of me that stirred a memory—something I'd seen before. The realization came quickly.
Yes—the first scenario is about to happen. The moment when Ayush and Alex come face-to-face.
Qi has a lot of uses beyond just body strengthening or weapon amplification. If you truly understand the core concepts of Qi and connect it with your emotions, it becomes more like an extension of your body. It can act on instinct—like a weapon in a life-or-death situation.
For example, you can manifest your Qi into small objects or weapons through perfect imagination.
Alex extended his hand and slowly opened his palm. As the students watched, a soft blue flame emerged from it and transformed into something resembling a wooden arrow.
In a flash, he flicked his wrist. The arrow shot through the air—bright and fast—before fading out harmlessly into nothing.
A wave of wonder rose from the students as they started whispering among themselves. Several of them tried to copy it—
And failed. Miserably.
A small smirk appeared on Alex's face as he watched them struggle.
He always enjoyed watching people try and fail—that helpless look in their eyes. That moment when they realized they were nothing more than insects trying to mimic royalty.
How pathetic.
He hid his thoughts behind an innocent smile, playing the role of a kind teacher who just enjoyed watching hardworking students.
"Can I try it, Sir Alex Wain?"
As he was enjoying the show in front of him, a smooth yet strong voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
A young boy stood up from his seat and introduced himself.
"I am Jin Ayush…"