Max stood on the academy's stone-paved combat field, his hands bruised and his uniform torn from the previous night's fight.
The two blue-talent students he'd lured outside had underestimated him. He'd made sure of it.
Though their battle was masked as a "training challenge," Max had used the opportunity to test his strength. He earned enough experience to push his level to 8, and more importantly—he'd kept his abilities hidden.
[LEVEL UP COMPLETE: CURRENT LEVEL – 8]
[New Skill Unlocked: Passive – "Mana Veil"]
[Description: Automatically conceals mana fluctuations and active abilities from low to mid-tier detection skills.]
He leaned against a tree beside the field, letting the system scan his vitals. His heart was steady, though he could feel it pounding in his chest from the thrill of combat.
"Eight levels… in silence," Max muttered.
Even with only minor abilities unlocked, his growth was exponential compared to other green talents. Most wouldn't reach Level 3 in a semester. But Max… he was evolving with every day, every decision, every fight.
Still, he knew he couldn't stay in the shadows forever. Not in an academy full of gifted prodigies and sharp-eyed teachers.
Just as he started heading toward the dorms, someone stepped into his path.
Julius Frost.
He looked around quickly. They were alone—for now.
"You looked good out there," Julius said casually, but Max could see the weight behind his words. "Too good for someone with no element."
Max didn't reply.
"You've been leveling, haven't you?" Julius said quietly. "Don't worry, I'm not going to expose you. Not after last night."
The reminder of their secret contract brought tension into the air.
"I'm keeping my end of the deal," Julius continued. "But if you plan to keep growing like this, you'll need more than stealth. You'll need allies."
Max raised a brow. "Are you offering help?"
"I'm offering advice," Julius replied, turning to leave. "You'll be watched. Especially now that the Board suspects Jack didn't die in a beast ambush."
Max's jaw clenched. He'd worked hard to frame it properly. Left claw marks. Distorted energy signatures. Even dropped traces of beast mana. But suspicion still lingered.
Before Julius disappeared into the hallway, he added, "There's a girl watching you. Red talent. Lightning bloodline. Smart. Dangerous. I'd be careful if I were you."
Max nodded slightly, making a mental note.
Back in his dorm that night, the system pinged again.
[Skill Evolution Available: "Elemental Link – Firebolt" can now evolve into "Twin Flame Shot"]
[New Side Quest Available: "Recruit Your First Ally" – Reward: Passive Skill Upgrade]
Max sat on his bed, staring at the screen. If he kept moving like this, he'd draw more attention. But maybe… just maybe… it was time to start choosing his own team.
People he could trust. People who wouldn't betray him.
And people strong enough to survive what was coming.