Mira nodded slowly, processing everything he'd said. But then her expression shifted, worry creeping into her eyes.
"But... what about you?" she asked, looking at him with genuine concern. "What are you going to do? Which academy are you going to enroll in?"
Nael chuckled softly at her question. "Although I have a Common Class," he said, his tone carrying quiet confidence, "I've already figured out how my class works. And if I had to describe how powerful it can be..." He paused, meeting her eyes directly. "It can easily rival yours."
"Really?" Mira's eyes widened in surprise. But even as the question left her lips, she knew Nael was never the type to boast or lie about such matters. He was usually practical and honest about his capabilities.
"Really," Nael confirmed, though he added inwardly, 'Though it actually depends on the investments I make.'
The Investor Class was entirely dependent on finding the right targets, making the right choices, and nurturing those investments to maturity. Without good investments, he was just an ordinary awakened with decent stats. But with the right ones... the potential was limitless. Heck, he even got a Mythic Class return.
"As for which academy," he continued, his expression growing more serious, "I'm going to enroll in the Summit too."
Mira's surprise deepened, but before she could speak, he raised a hand.
"I know what you're thinking. A Common Class trying to get into the world's best academy sounds ridiculous. And you're right, it won't be easy. But that's exactly why it's the right choice for me."
He leaned back slightly, his analytical mind already working through the logistics. "The Summit doesn't care about your class rarity. They care about results. If I can prove myself in their special entrance exam, if I can demonstrate that my capabilities match their standards, then my class grade won't matter."
"And if you can't get in?" Mira asked quietly, though there was no doubt in her voice, only concern.
"Then I'll find another academy where I can reach the top," Nael said simply. "Or I'll wait another year, grow stronger, and try again. The Summit isn't going anywhere, and neither am I."
He paused, then added with a faint smile, "But I'd prefer not to wait. It would be better if we could attend the same academy, don't you think?"
"Mmm!" Mira nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with determination and something warmer that she quickly tried to hide.
Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.
Both of them turned their heads.
Standing at the entrance was a stunning figure, her posture poised and confident. She was wearing a sophisticated, dark blue blazer over a crisp white shirt, accented by a neatly tied blue-and-silver striped tie. Her long, flowing hair, a vibrant shade of light blue, cascaded past her shoulders, framing a face adorned with delicate, round spectacles that highlighted her intelligent, observant blue eyes.
"Ahem," She cleared her throat awkwardly before waving at the two. "Hello~"
"Sorry to interrupt your talk," she said, her voice carrying a note of genuine apology.
Mira immediately pulled back from where she'd been leaning close to Nael's bedside, her cheeks flushing pink as she created a more respectable distance between them.
Nael, meanwhile, squinted at the newcomer. He hadn't sensed her approach at all, which was... unusual. Either she was skilled at concealing her presence, or his senses were still dulled from his injuries. Yeah, it was probably the latter.
But... what about Mira then? Wasn't she a Legendary Class Awakened? Or was it because she woke up not long ago?
Whatever the case, he decided to keep his guard against her.
"Who are you?" he asked directly.
"I-"
But before the girl could answer, Mira spoke up quickly. "She's the one who helped us. The one who gave me the chance to save you and prepared everything at the dungeon entrance."
"I see," Nael muttered, his expression softening slightly as he turned his attention back to the blue-haired girl. He waited, allowing her to speak for herself.
The girl smiled faintly at his thoughtfulness. She then stepped further into the room and inclined her head in a polite greeting.
"Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Rania," she said clearly. "I'm from the Nebula Academy. And it's really good to see you awake, graduate Nael. You gave us quite a scare."
'...Nebula Academy, huh.' Nael's mind immediately recalled the relevant information. 'It gained a lot of fame last year due to recruiting a Legendary Class.'
He met Rania's gaze, his expression sincere. "First of all, I want to thank you. For your help with the medical team, and for checking on me. I owe you for that."
Rania gave a graceful, dismissive wave. "It was the least I could do. Seeing a promising Awakened in peril... It's only right to lend a hand."
Nael nodded, appreciating her humility, but his analytical nature pushed him to the core of the matter. "I am grateful. But if I may be direct, what is the real purpose of your visit?"
A knowing smile touched Rania's lips, and she adjusted her spectacles. "Straight to the point. I appreciate that." She folded her hands neatly in front of her. "And obviously, I'm here to recruit you to the Nebula Academy. We've taken quite an interest in your Class, and in you as a person."
"I see," Nael said, his tone even. He gave a slow, respectful nod. "In that case, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. Perhaps you overheard just now, I'm going to apply for the Summit."
Rania had the decency to look slightly abashed. "I apologize for the eavesdropping. It wasn't intentional; the door was slightly ajar." She then leaned forward slightly, her intelligent blue eyes locking with his. "But actually, why don't you listen to my offer first, and then decide?"
Nael's first instinct was to refuse outright. His path was set. But the sheer confidence in her tone, the complete lack of desperation, gave him pause. And... what if they knew something about his class? The Investor was obscure, its mechanics unique. Perhaps Nebula Academy had some kind of info, records, or hidden knowledge about it.
'Not to mention the fact that I won't lose anything by listening to her.' He added. In fact, he might figure out what his Class—and by extension, he himself—was perceived as in the eyes of a top-tier institution.
He met her steady gaze, his own analytical mind now fully engaged. "Alright," Nael said, leaning back against his pillows. "Let's hear it then."
"And please take a seat."