Chapter 29: An unexpected proposal
Sitting in a relatively quiet corner of the bustling academy cafeteria, Klein rested his chin on his hand, slowly sipping his juice while watching Liona devour her meal.
She was munching down on a large plate of meat skewers and fried rice with her cheeks slightly puffed out as she ate with clear satisfaction.
Occasionally, she would glance up at him and flash a quick thumbs-up, as if approving the food.
Klein, however, had a thoughtful look on his face ’After staying here for just one day, I don’t think this Academy would be much use for me.’
He joined Grayhaven Academy mainly because of Arwen’s strong insistence on safety and structured learning.
She wanted him to build a proper foundation and avoid rushing into dangerous situations.
If not for her, he would have probably skipped the academy entirely and joined a strong Guild to dive straight into real dungeons and Towers to increase his rank.
’This Academy can’t teach me anything about spear skills.’
’The instructors here might be decent, but they’re nowhere near the level I reached in my past life.’
His gaze drifted toward the large windows overlooking the training fields.
’The only real value I can get from this place is knowledge about spirits and consistent access to the Spirit Realm.’
’That’s something I can’t easily obtain outside. High-rank Spirit Realms are heavily restricted and require enormous resources or connections.’
He took another sip of his juice, ’If I were in a Guild, entering high-rank Spirit Realms would cost a fortune in both money and contribution points.’
’Here, as an Elite Class student in the Spirit Division, I should have relatively easier access.’
’But still... I am not sure if they will let me into high-ranking spirit realms before I reach third year.’
Liona finally swallowed a big mouthful and looked up at him, noticing his thoughtful expression.
"What’s with that serious face?" she asked, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
"You’ve been zoning out ever since we sat down. Still thinking about that ridiculously expensive spear?"
Turning to her, he nodded "Yeah."
Liona raised an eyebrow, stabbing another piece of meat with her fork "Don’t worry, you already earned 16000 credits on your first day."
"If you keep this up, you can get that spear in no time."
At that moment, Klein’s mobile vibrated on the table.
He picked it up and opened the message. It was from Evelyne.
[Evelyne: If you are free, can you come to the top floor of the main Spirit Division building? I would like to speak with you.]
Klein stared at the message for a few seconds, then put his phone away.
Liona noticed his expression and tilted her head "Something important?"
"Just a meeting. I’ll be back later."
---
The main Spirit Division building was one of the tallest and most elegant structures on campus.
Klein took the private lift reserved for Elite Class students and staff.
Soft music played in the background as the lift smoothly reached the top floor.
When the doors opened, Klein stepped out into a quiet, luxurious hallway.
Just outside a large, ornate door, Julia was sitting on the bench.
She was quietly reading something on her tablet, and when she heard the lift doors open, she looked up.
"Klein. You came."
Klein walked over to her "Miss Evelyne called me here. Do you know what this is about?"
With a nod, Julia replied "She called us here to meet her master."
Eh? Upon hearing this, he frowned slightly ’Her Master?’
Before he could ask anything more, the large door opened, and Evelyne stepped out "Come in, Klein."
Klein glanced at Julia for a moment and nodded before following Evelyne inside.
Seeing this, Julia was confused ’Huh? Why is she calling him in alone?’
The office inside was breathtaking, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the entire academy.
A breathtaking woman with long, flowing purple hair was sitting behind the desk.
Evelyne gestured with her hand to him "Master, Klein Faress has arrived."
The purple-haired woman slowly lifted her gaze from the documents on her desk.
A faint smile curved her lips "I am Erica Margot Plunus, Head of the Spirit Division of Grayhaven Academy," she spoke, looking at both Klein.
Klein looked at her and smiled politely "Nice to meet you, Miss Erica."
"Sit down."
Klein sat in front of her, and Evelyne also took her seat.
Erica reached beside her desk and picked up a neatly folded bag, placing it in front of him.
"Here is your official Elite Class uniform. Sorry for the delay in delivery."
Klein accepted the bag and nodded "No, it’s alright. Thank you."
Erica leaned back slightly in her chair, "I never expected a day would come where a man would awaken with such high spirit affinity,"
Klein kept his polite smile and replied "I was lucky."
Erica nodded slightly, then her tone turned serious "Let me cut to the chase, Klein Faress."
She paused for a moment, "I would like to take you under my wing as my personal disciple."
Huh?
Klein blinked in genuine surprise.
But the most surprised one was Evelyne "Master? You are taking him as your disciple? But Julia-"
Erica raised her hand gently, cutting her off "Julia is also a splendid girl. Her talent is outstanding, and she has already awakened a Legendary-class as a [Spirit Herald], which is the same as me and you."
"However, her real talent lies more in swordsmanship. She is better suited for a balanced path."
"I am very interested in raising a disciple who has Mythic-rank aptitude."
The room fell into a brief silence.
Evelyne looked visibly conflicted but remained quiet, respecting her master’s decision.
"I will excuse myself, Master."
She stood up and left the room.
---
Julia, who was sitting outside, stood up when she saw her Sister.
A spark of excitement gleamed in her eyes as she walked toward her older sister.
"Big Sis. What happened in there? Did you talk with Master about accepting me as her disciple?"
Julia’s hands were clasped tightly in front of her, "What did she say?"
Evelyne’s gaze lowered slightly as a complicated expression crossed her beautiful face.
"...She refused to accept you. It seems like she wants Klein as her disciple instead."
H-Huh?
Her pupils shrank in visible terror. The excitement on her face instantly shattered, replaced by shock and disbelief.
’Master... refused me?’
Her gaze trembled as disappointment and jealousy surged through her chest.
When Evelyne became Erica’s disciple, Julia also wanted to be like her sister and study under Erica.
She has awakened a Legendary-class, trained relentlessly with swordsmanship, and tried to live up to the expectations of the Langford name.
And yet...
She bit her lower lip hard, trying to suppress the turbulent emotions rising inside her.
Evelyne noticed her sister’s reaction and stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Julia’s shoulder.
"Julia... Master said your talent is outstanding, but your path leans more toward swordsmanship. She believes you would be better suited under a different master who specializes in balanced combat."
"She didn’t reject you because you’re lacking. She simply sees greater potential in Klein’s unique class and spirit aptitude."
Julia remained silent for a long moment "...I see."
A bitter taste filled her mouth
She has always respected and admired her older sister.
Evelyne is the prodigy of the family, and Julia has looked up to her for years, wanting to be just like her sister.
Evelyne sighed softly, squeezing her sister’s shoulder "Julia... I am sorry."
She knew it was partially her fault. She was the one who planted the seed early on, telling Julia that Master Erica would eventually accept her as a disciple and motivated her.
Julia slowly lifted her head and forced a small, stiff smile "I understand. I won’t cause any trouble."
But deep down, a quiet fire had been lit in her heart.
’Klein Faress...’
