Chapter 15: Lessons from a Ghost
The academy halls buzzed.
Every corridor, staircase, and dining nook echoed the same whispers:
"He took down five opponents alone."
"Didn't even break a sweat."
"Who is he really…?"
Mario tried to ignore them, marching down the east wing with a tray of food balanced on one hand and a bruised ego on the other.
Sofia slid beside him, cool as ever. "Still carrying lunch for the group?"
"Part of the deal," he muttered. "Stupid duel."
"You challenged a tactician in his favorite terrain," she replied. "I'm just saying… not your brightest moment."
Caroline smirked from across the table. "At least he didn't get called playboy servant."
Emma giggled. "You kinda earned that one, though."
Strategic Combat Class
Later that day, they entered Lecture Hall 7 — a massive oval room layered with floating maps, illusion runes, and virtual deployment tables.
Their instructor, Master Crenwald, stood at the center, but oddly silent.
The doors opened behind them.
Andrew.
Now wearing the blue assistant mantle, the crest of a student strategist. Elegant. Fitting.
He walked beside the instructor without a word, then began adjusting the simulation matrix.
"Today's simulation is a layered defense scenario," Crenwald said. "Led by our assistant strategist — Andrew."
Caroline leaned toward Emma, whispering: "When did he get promoted?"
Andrew pointed to the projected battlefield. A village under siege. One path out. Civilians trapped inside.
"Let's assign roles," he said, his tone steady. "Mario — front command. You'll lead the escape maneuver."
Mario blinked. "Wait, me?"
Andrew simply nodded. "Last time, you were brute force. Let's see if you've learned anything."
The Simulation
As the scenario played out, Mario directed units with more control. He flanked the enemy siege lines, reinforced the bottleneck, and even used a decoy wagon to split pursuit.
It wasn't flawless, but it was smart. Creative.
The moment it ended, the room stayed quiet.
Andrew tapped the side of the table.
"That was a solid use of distraction and chokepoints," he said aloud. "Impressive adaptation. Not perfect… but promising."
Mario blinked. Emma stared. Lena choked on her gum.
Caroline leaned forward slightly, watching Andrew carefully.
System Notification
A soft ping echoed in Mario's mind.
[System Notification]
Tactical Experience Increased
Trait Progress Unlocked: Improviser (Lv. 1)
New System Side Quest: "Shadow the Strategist" — Observe Andrew for 3 sessions to unlock Special Tactics Tree
Mario blinked. "Shadow him?"
Sofia leaned over. "Looks like you're finally getting a proper education."
After Class
As students filed out, Andrew stayed behind, reorganizing files on the table. Caroline hesitated, then walked up to him.
"You really think he's improving?"
Andrew gave a small shrug. "He always had potential. He just needed something to fight for."
She looked at him, longer than expected. "And you? What are you fighting for now?"
Andrew didn't answer.
He just gathered his notes and left, coat fluttering behind him.