The gates of the Gifted Academy stood tall, casting long shadows across the morning sun. Lumiel and Skye finally reached the grand institution, standing among a flood of arriving students. Their paths soon diverged, each drawn to the vastness of the campus in awe.
"Wow…" Lumiel whispered as he wandered in slow circles. "This place is huge."
His eyes sparkled as he scanned the stone towers and gleaming spires, but his steps halted when a familiar figure caught his eye.
"Nishia! Heyyy!"
Lady Nishia turned at the sound of that voice. Her expression shifted from neutral to sheer panic.
"It's the Civilian!" she blurted before her cheeks lit up in red.
Lumiel jogged toward her with a bright grin, his energy practically radiating from his body.
"Hello, Nishia. It's been a while since we last saw each other!" he beamed, his aura shimmering joyfully.
But Nishia wasn't listening. Her mind had spiraled back to their last conversation.
"Lady Nishia—Would you like to consider being my girl—friend?"
"G-Girlfriend… Y-yeah, he said that… He wants me as his g-girlfriend…!" she muttered under her breath.
Noticing her red face and dazed expression, Lumiel leaned closer.
"Hey, Nishia? Are you okay? Your face is super red… Are you sick?" he asked, gently placing a hand on her forehead.
A clang! echoed as Nishia, reacting instinctively, unsheathed her sword and struck him straight in the stomach.
"Ow—! N-Nishia… W-What did I do…?" Lumiel wheezed as he crumpled to the ground.
"I-I'm so sorry, Lumiel! It was just... instinct!" she said, genuinely flustered and worried.
Eventually, the two made their way to the grand courtyard, where hundreds of students had gathered for the entrance ceremony. They sat together in the rising buzz of voices and excitement.
"Woah…" Lumiel whispered, eyes wide. "There's so many students—and they all look strong!"
"Well, we're all Gifted," Nishia replied, arms crossed. "It's natural they'd be impressive… Wait, how's your stomach? I-It's not like I'm worried about you or anything!"
Lumiel chuckled softly. "I'm fine. Thanks for worrying about me, Nishia."
That smile—bright and sincere—made her face heat up again.
What is with this Civilian…?! Why does he keep smiling at me like that?! He's just so ado—
"AHHHHH! NISHIA, STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM!!" she screamed internally, covering her face with a hand.
Moments later, the courtyard quieted as a commanding voice rang out across the area.
"Welcome, dear students, to the Gifted Academy. I am Headmaster Caldras, and I look forward to seeing your futures unfold."
As the applause rippled through the air, a ding echoed inside Lumiel's head.
> [System: A dangerous anomaly is nearby. Please be cautious.]
Lumiel's brow furrowed. A dangerous anomaly...? Is it a person?
> [System: Unable to determine anomaly's appearance. Synchronization Rate of 10% is required for this action.]
How do I even increase my Synchronization Rate?
Kurt's holographic form flickered into view beside him.
"You can increase it by completing system quests, gaining knowledge by appraising plants, minerals, or special valuables, or through battle experience," Kurt explained.
"Thanks for the info. So… what's my current synchronization rate?"
Kurt crossed his arms smugly. "Currently at 8%, Lumiel."
"Wait, 8%? Wasn't it just 4% before? What changed?"
"You earned 2% from helping Skye—that was counted as a quest. Then another 2% from appraising the three thugs and analyzing their Gifts."
"Huh… I didn't even notice. Why didn't the system say anything?"
Kurt grinned. "It was on do-not-disturb mode."
Lumiel deadpanned, smacking Kurt's window. "Unbelievable."
Nishia tilted her head toward him. "Hey Civilian, are you okay? You look like you're talking to a ghost."
"N-No, just… deep in thought," Lumiel replied with a forced smile.
The headmaster concluded his speech, prompting another round of claps. But then, the atmosphere shifted as he welcomed a "very special guest."
A tall man stepped forward—his presence cold, yet commanding. It was none other than Dilhevy.
> [System: A dangerous anomaly is nearby. Please be cautious.]
Lumiel's eyes narrowed. So it really is him…
> [System: The anomaly appears to be sensing the presence of the hero's aura. Temporarily lowering hero's aura to avoid detection.]
Dilhevy's gaze scanned the crowd with suspicion.
Strange… I could've sworn I felt a familiar aura. Must be thinking of that brat I killed back then…
Lumiel grit his teeth and initiated an appraisal.
> [System: Unable to appraise anomaly.]
Again.
> [System: Unable to appraise anomaly.]
A third time.
> [System: Unable to appraise anomaly.]
And again.
> [System: Unable to appraise anomaly.]
Finally, on the fifth try, the system responded.
> [System: Appraisal Completed.]
Target Identified. Displaying available information…
---
[Appraisal Interface]
Name: Dilhevy
Title: ???
Race: ???
Class: ???
Level: ???
Abilities: ???
Status: ???
Affiliation: ???
> Warning: Target's level of authority or concealment surpasses current system access.
Further appraisal blocked.
[System Note: This entity is beyond current synchronization threshold. Approach with caution.]
---
Lumiel clenched his fists. This didn't tell me much… but it's enough to know that he really is the demon king.