mesbooks Chapter 46 - 44 – Behind the Curtains of the Academy
Chapter 46 - 44 – Behind the Curtains of the Academy
Chapter 46: Chapter 44 – Behind the Curtains of the AcademyFloor Intermission Room – Underground Bracket, Sector 4
Riku sat on a low bench in a dimly lit chamber, shirt removed and bruises swelling along his ribs. The fight with Shiba left more damage than he expected. A few feet away, Sorin leaned against the wall, arms folded, her breath still a little shaky.
[System Alert: Temporary Combat Lock. Recovery Period: 3 Hours]
[Skill Shop – Tier 1 Unlocked: Accessible Now]
[Warning: Passive Damage Threshold Reached – Recommend Medical Item or Rest]
He exhaled deeply. "System, display Tier 1 Skill Shop."
A translucent menu floated before him, lined with glowing tabs:
Skill: Momentum Surge (Lv.1) – 4,000 Credits
Skill: Mana Concealment (Lv.1) – 6,000 Credits
Skill: Strategic Copy – One-time Use – 8,500 Credits
Item: Combat Stimulant – Grade C – 3,000 Credits
Skill: Tactician’s Eye (Lv.1) – 6,200 Credits
Riku ignored the items for now. His focus was on versatility.
"Buy: Mana Concealment."
[6,000 Credits deducted. Skill learned.]
Sorin raised a brow. "You spent your reward already?"
"Only a portion," he replied. "Let’s just say I’m planning long-term."
She tilted her head slightly, studying him as if noticing something for the first time. "You’re... not like the others."
"Because I don’t fight like a madman?"
"No. Because you fight like you already know the outcome." She crossed her arms tighter. "Like you see three moves ahead."
He didn’t respond.
Instead, he turned his attention to a faint green envelope glowing in the corner of the room—materializing out of nowhere.
[Special Invitation: Accept?]
[Sender: Classified | Authority Level Required: Tier 1 Clearance (Met)]
"System... show sender name."
[Sender: Professor Helena Valestria – Department of Magical Theory]
Professor Valestria? The Ice Witch?
He remembered her vaguely—tall, cold, distant. Known for her harsh grading and rumored underground affiliations.
"Accept invitation."
---
Teleport Initiated – Hidden Re
"Girl With Silver Eyes Protects Him—Possible Romance?"
Her lips thinned.
"That idiot..."
She recalled how he saved her from thugs weeks ago.
How he walked away after giving her the last word.
Why does he hide so much of himself?
She didn’t realize she was clutching her pillow.
Why do I want to know what he’s hiding so badly?
Her cheeks reddened.
---
Back in the Hidden Hall
Riku stared at Helena’s sigil. "And if I refuse?"
She smiled.
"Then I will continue watching. And eventually, I’ll find out anyway."
It wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.
He weighed the risks.
Joining her would expose him to dangers. But also... power.
Knowledge.
He extended his hand.
"I’ll consider it."
Helena chuckled.
"I already knew you would."