Riku Aoyama stood quietly by the window of his classroom, watching students filter across the courtyard below. The vacation was over. The energy had shifted—students returned to their routines, but a few sharp-eyed ones exchanged subtle glances, as if they too sensed something had changed over the break.
And he wasn't wrong.
Ever since Verdant Hollow, the system had taken on a more... present role. Alerts pinged him randomly, tracking nearby energy fluctuations, potential allies, and enemies in hiding. It was like the system no longer slept.
> [System Notice: Aura Density Increased in Campus Zone Delta-4. Unknown fluctuations detected.]
Riku dismissed the window but kept the alert in mind. He'd investigate later.
Today was about establishing his presence again—not as the dropout who returned, but as someone different. A quiet powerhouse. He wanted to blend in, but not be weak.
"Yo," a familiar voice called.
Riku turned as Haruki bounded into the room, messy-haired and grinning as always. "Welcome back, vacation boy."
"Hey. You look like you barely slept."
"I didn't. Club stuff. You know how it is," Haruki said, slumping into his seat. "Everyone's still gossiping about you. First you disappear, then show up again out of nowhere. That old dropout narrative's dead."
Riku gave a small smile. "Let them talk."
Haruki glanced around, then leaned in. "By the way… someone new transferred into Class 2-B. Name's Kurozawa Ren. Noble kid. Sharp as hell. Rumor is he's here to scout talent for some underground tourney coming up in a few weeks."
Riku frowned. "Underground?"
"Unofficial combat league. Invitation-only. Run by rich sponsors. If you win, the rewards are… unreal."
> [System Ping: Keyword Detected – "Underground Tournament"] [Tracking Additional Data…]
Riku blinked. "You ever join?"
"Hell no. I'm not suicidal."
---
Later that afternoon
In the library's corner reading room, Riku sat across from Kira Hanazawa, their laptops open. But they weren't researching history.
Kira's expression was focused. "So Verdant Hollow has stabilized. The system is auto-managing defensive barriers now?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. But it's draining points slowly. I'll need to invest in sustainable resources soon—either recruit people to help build infrastructure or automate processes."
She tilted her head. "You planning to invite anyone from school?"
"Maybe. But not just yet. I need people I trust. Maybe we start with part-time hires or temporary contracts using system coupons."
> [System Available Resource: "Contractor Pack – Hire 1 Temporary Worker for 7 Days." Cost: 300 points.]
He tapped it away for now.
Kira leaned back. "By the way, someone's been asking around about you. A girl named Mei from Class 3-C. Kind of obsessive from what I heard."
Riku's brow furrowed. "Do I know her?"
"You will soon."
---
Meanwhile, in a different part of the campus…
A tall girl with short white hair stood quietly near the vending machines, watching Riku and Kira's silhouettes through the glass window. Her expression was unreadable, lips slightly parted as if she was memorizing every detail.
"Riku Aoyama…" she whispered. "I finally found you."
Behind her, a thin, almost transparent veil shimmered—barely visible unless someone looked close. A skill.
> [Passive Ability: Veil of Wyrm – Obscures Presence. Rank B]
---
Back in the system space
Riku sat in his virtual mindscape that evening, reviewing skills and resources.
> [Inventory Update:]
1x Skill Sync Voucher
2x Random Coupon
Mental Sync: Active
Danger Sense Lv.1
Shadowsteel Dagger
Starter Territory Bundle (used)
Physical Synchronization Upgrade
He checked his new skills tab:
> [New Passive Available: Mana Filament Detection Lv.1 – Allows the user to detect hidden mana threads or illusionary barriers.]
> [New Active Available: Arcbolt – Fires a mid-range bolt of electric arc. Cost: 25MP. Cooldown: 6 sec.]
"Looks like it's leveling up slowly now… but these could come in handy if someone's stalking me."
---
The next day
The school's combat training field buzzed with energy. Students paired off for sparring sessions, supervised by instructors. It wasn't just about strength—but control, tactics, and discipline.
"Next pair—Aoyama Riku and… Kurozawa Ren."
The noble transfer student stepped forward. Sharp black hair, gray eyes that carried quiet superiority. His uniform was perfect, not a crease out of place.
Riku raised a brow.
So this is the scout Haruki mentioned?
They faced each other. Ren gave a polite bow. "Let's keep it clean."
Riku mirrored the gesture. "Sure."
> [Combat Mode: Initiated.]
Ren struck first. His foot glided forward with a graceful crescent slash of wind.
> [Skill: Gale Sweep – Medium Wind Slash. Cost: 15MP]
Riku ducked, sliding under and twisting to the side. His dagger flicked out—nonlethal mode engaged.
> [Skill: Quick Slash – Speed +20% for 1.5 seconds.]
But Ren anticipated. A thin barrier pulsed before him.
> [Skill: Wind Shell – Temporary Defense Layer]
The dagger bounced harmlessly off.
"You're fast," Ren said, smirking. "But let's see how you react to this."
He jumped back and flicked his fingers.
> [Skill: Zephyr Blades – Multiple Wind Daggers Launched]
Riku's Danger Sense screamed.
He spun and threw out his hand.
> [Active Skill: Arcbolt – Cast!]
Electric arcs collided with the incoming wind daggers, disrupting their path.
The crowd murmured in awe.
Ren's smirk widened. "Impressive."
But Riku didn't stop. He surged forward.
> [Combo Chain: Shadowstep + Blink Cut]
Ren staggered, barely blocking the attack with a summoned staff of wind.
He's testing me, Riku realized. Not going full out.
The match ended in a draw, but the whispers had started. Riku wasn't just some dropout—he was a wild card.
---
Later that evening
Riku and Kira sat atop the school roof, the city lights sparkling beyond the campus.
"You drew attention," Kira said.
"I didn't want to," Riku answered. "But it was coming anyway."
She looked at him. "You know there's no going back, right? Between Verdant Hollow, the system, the tournament…"
He nodded. "I'll fight smart. I'll choose my battles. And when the time comes—I won't run."
Kira smiled faintly, brushing her hair aside. "Good. Because we'll need that strength."
---
Elsewhere…
A man in a dark suit stared at a monitor showing Riku's sparring match.
"He's adapting fast."
A woman beside him, her eyes glowing faintly, responded, "The others will want a word soon."
He nodded. "Then summon the Circle. Phase Two begins."