For over a thousand years, it has stood at the heart of the continent: the Central Academy.
Founded by the legendary Heroes who sealed the Demon King, it is far more than just a school — it is the continent's last bastion.
No kingdom nor nation can lay claim to it. Located in the largest city of the continent, an independent city named Auralis, it embodies neutrality, power… and hope. It is the only place in the world where once-warring races coexist, united by a single fear: the return of the Demon King.
The Academy trains the Guardians — beings beyond human, capable of withstanding the unimaginable.Their mission: guard Altéria's borders and contain the abominations of Nézraeth, the demonic continent where even the laws of traditional magic no longer apply.
But entering the Academy is no birthright. Whether noble or commoner, all must first pass rigorous tests within their own kingdom. Only the most promising are granted permission to take the entrance exam. Only geniuses are allowed through its gates.
And even after graduation, becoming a Guardian remains a distant dream. The final trial — the one that grants the title — has a failure rate of over 90%. On average, only one student per year succeeds.
In my first life, I entered the Academy at twenty. Far too late.
Kael stared at the message before him. White letters hovered in the air, unyielding.
[System Quest – Priority]Objective: Enroll in the Central AcademyTime Limit: 90 DaysFailure or Refusal: Immediate death of the hostReward: None (mandatory step for survival and evolution)Accept / Refuse
"…Tch." A bitter grin twisted his lips.
— Of course I accept.
The moment the words left his mouth, the system absorbed them. The window vanished in a violet pulse, as if the world itself had acknowledged his decision.
Kael stood still for a moment. He knew what this meant.In his first life, he had joined the Academy at twenty.Now, he had three months to get in… at sixteen years.
He turned toward the East Wing of the manor. Where his father's office was.A familiar coldness crept over him.
[Flashback – First Life]
His father had never been a warm man. Always rigid, distant, stern.Kael had grown up with the constant sense that he was a disappointment.He had always believed his father despised him.Maybe it was true. Or maybe Kael had refused to see the truth.
Until that day.
The day the demons attacked House Thundrael's manor.
He remembered the smoke, the screams, the ground shaking with magical explosions.But more than anything, he remembered his father — alone, facing three misshapen creatures. Bloodied, calm-eyed.He had shouted for Kael to run.
— I'm not leaving! Kael yelled. I can fight! I can help you!
— You'll die, Kael. I'd be a disgrace of a father if I let that happen. So go — that's an order.
Those were his final words.His father had held them back so Kael could escape.And Kael… ran.
He had always thought his father hated him.But that day, he understood.
That day, everything changed.
He stopped relying on his natural gifts. He began to train seriously.But it was too late.The Demon King had already returned.The world was already falling.
And he… would regret it bitterly.
[Present]
Kael climbed the manor stairs in silence, stopping before a large oak door.
The office.
He took a deep breath. And knocked.
— Come in.
He opened the door.
Behind a massive desk stood his father.Blond hair tied in a low ponytail, icy blue eyes, jaw set firm.A military presence. A man carved from discipline and silence.It was like looking at an older version of himself, devoid of warmth.
Kael felt his throat tighten.He wanted to speak. To thank him.But the words wouldn't come.
Not yet.
— Father. I want to take the Central Academy entrance exam.
His father slowly looked up from his documents.
— …No.
Cold. Sharp.
Kael gave a bitter smile. Nothing had changed.That same cold tone, that natural authority.But in a way… he was almost relieved.
— I'm serious, Father. I'll do whatever you ask. Just let me try.
Silence. Then a sigh.
— You're just a fool who spent all his time playing instead of training. And now you want to apply to the Central Academy?
— Then give me a chance to prove I've changed, Father. I swear I regret how I've acted until now. I'll do everything to make you proud. Just give me one chance. Please.
His father narrowed his eyes.
— Fine. You want to prove yourself? You have one month to master your aura.If you fail, I won't change my mind. Now get out of my office.
Kael stood frozen for a second.Then bowed, fists clenched.
— Thank you.
He slowly shut the door.
In the empty hallway, he stood still.
Master aura in one month…
In my first life, it had taken me years to grasp aura.But now… with all the experience I've gained…It's no longer impossible.
He looked up toward the ceiling.
— Not this time.
And just as he took a deep breath… a new system window appeared before him.
[System Quest – Unique | Bloodline Awakening]Would you like to accept the following mission?
Objective: Awaken your aura without external help within 7 daysTime Limit: 7 DaysFailure or Refusal: Aura progression sealed for 2 months – Bloodline inheritance permanently locked – System growth penaltiesReward:– Unlock the location of the ancestral Thundrael sword style: Fulguris Ultima– Passive Trait: Primary Resonance (Lightning techniques +15%)– Aura Skill Book: Foundations of Aura Mastery (Intermediate)
Note: This trial is tied to the bloodline of the first Thundrael. This is a unique quest. You will not get another chance.Accept / Refuse
Kael smiled.
A true smile. Deep. Raw.
— One week, huh… Perfect.
Without hesitation, he reached out to the window.
Accept.
The quest was instantly validated.A surge of energy coursed through his body — as if something ancient had been awakened.His blood. His bones. His entire being.Something had begun.
A countdown appeared, etched in the corner of his vision:
[6 Days, 23 Hours, 59 Minutes]
The countdown to his awakening.
Kael descended the manor stairs. He needed isolation. Preparation. But first…
His thoughts struck with ice-cold clarity.
In my first life, it took me years to truly understand what aura was.It follows no rules, no universal law.Unlike magic — which adheres to the world's foundations — aura is the raw embodiment of will.Where mages connect to the elements, aura breaks the chains.Where magic respects law… aura spits on it.
It is born from the individual, not the universe.Every being has a unique aura — a mirror of their soul, desires, and contradictions.To the weak, it is invisible.To the strong, it becomes authority.
Some awaken absolute perception.Others twist time, senses — or reality itself.
But to awaken aura… is to open a door most slam shut in fear of what lies behind it.
And I… I no longer have the luxury of fear.
He looked up at the ceiling.
— Not this time.
[Day 1 – Awakening]
He closed his eyes. And searched for the flow.
Not his breath.Not his heartbeat.Something deeper.
A current. Wild. Elusive.Like lightning poised to strike.
Come… show yourself.
The room remained silent.
Until a spark crackled in his palm.
His skin began to hum. Arcs of light danced across his arms.His blood turned warm. Then hot. Then painful.
Kael gritted his teeth.
You think you can break me? Go ahead.I've lived through hell. I'll come back for you again and again.
His will held him upright.His focus — sharp as a blade.
He didn't just want to awaken his aura.
He wanted to command it.
And in the shadows, silent and still — the system watched.