I froze in shock.
An overwhelming aura was pouring out of Aira's body, spreading across the entire classroom like waves of heat.
I stared at her in disbelief.
She was standing right in front of me.
So close… yet she felt like someone from another world.
Her beauty was beyond anything my eyes had ever seen — her shining eyes, her flowing hair, and that gentle smile that made my heart race.
For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
While I was lost in my thoughts, I heard the other students whispering excitedly.
"Look at her mana… it's on another level."
"The symbols on her body are shining perfectly!"
"Her aura is filling the whole room!"
Their voices were full of awe.
Suddenly, the teacher clapped loudly.
"Just as I expected," he said proudly.
"You truly live up to your bloodline."
He walked toward Aira and bowed slightly.
"Should I call you the Princess of the Sun God?
Among your clan, you are the finest talent ever born."
Then he added in a sharp voice,
"Unlike some people who possess no mana at all."
At those words, Koji clenched his fists.
The atmosphere turned heavy.
The students immediately rushed toward Aira.
"You're amazing, Aira!"
"You're the strongest in the academy!"
"You're incredible!"
She smiled warmly and spoke
kindly to everyone.
Watching her surrounded by admiration, I couldn't help but think…
Strength decides everything.
Strength decides everything.
If you're powerful, people love you.
If you're weak, they look down on you.
It didn't matter whether you were human or a god.
Even if you were kind, even if you helped others — one mistake was enough for people to turn against you.
Aira was loved because she was strong.
Koji was ignored because he had no mana.
That was the cruel truth.
Feeling frustrated, I left the classroom.
As I walked through the academy grounds, I noticed Koji standing alone in a quiet area where no students came.
It was already late afternoon.
His eyes were closed, and he was muttering something under his breath.
Suddenly—
A faint flame-like aura burst from his body.
But it flickered weakly and vanished.
I stared in shock.
Then our eyes met.
His expression darkened immediately.
"What are you doing here?" he snapped.
I could tell he was still hurt from what happened in class.
"I was just heading to the boys' dorm," I replied.
He turned away.
"Then go."
But I noticed his clothes were soaked with sweat.
He had been training hard.
I couldn't hold my curiosity anymore.
"I heard you don't have mana," I said carefully.
"But then… how do you have an aura?"
He stiffened.
"Are you here to make fun of me too?" he said bitterly.
"No!" I said quickly.
"That's not it!"
He laughed coldly.
"Everyone says the same thing.
You all look down on me because I have no mana."
I shook my head.
"I saw how hard you were trying.
Even after being humiliated, you didn't give up."
"That impressed me."
"You may not have mana, but you still have power. That's why I asked."
Then I gathered my courage.
"Will you be my friend?"
Koji stared at me like he couldn't believe what he heard.
"My… friend?"
"Do you know I have no mana?"
"I know," I said calmly.
"And that's why you shouldn't be alone."
"You can't walk this path by yourself."
I stretched out my hand.
"If you become my friend, I'll help you.
Everyone else has divine mana — but you don't.
So I'll stand with you."
His face slowly turned red.
He looked away, embarrassed.
I didn't understand why he was blushing… but somehow it made me smile.
Later, I returned to my room and sat on my bed.
Koji has no mana… yet he has aura.
And I have mana.
I need to understand what kind of power I truly possess.
Closing my eyes, I focused.
Energy slowly began to rise within me.
Then—
My eyes snapped open in shock.
Because what I saw next was something unbelievable…