"Really?" Alex's eyes narrowed as he stared down Vlad, a cold smirk playing on his lips."I don't see how you plan to kill me today."Vlad's face twisted with rage, and he began to signal to his lackeys.But before they could act, the library doors swung open.Carlos, Ethan, and a crowd of commoner students poured in, their gazes locking onto Vlad with open hostility."You all better stay out of Bolton family business with this loser," Vlad snarled, his voice dripping with menace. "You'll regret it."Ethan stepped forward, his jaw set and eyes blazing. "Even if I have to take you down for big brother Alex, I won't regret it.""Yeah!" Natalie and several other students shouted, their voices echoing off the library walls.Their numbers swelled, quickly surrounding Vlad's six lackeys.Vlad's confidence wavered as he felt the weight of their united stares.His plan had been to eliminate Alex quietly, but now, with so many witnesses, he felt trapped.Even though Richard Bolton waited just
As Alex left the store, he noticed a lively group of noble students nearby, clustered around a tall boy flaunting a sleek piece of armour he just bought."This is the Platinum Dark Armor," the boy announced proudly. "It's bronze-ranked and costs a hundred thousand dollars!"The speaker was Renault, a member of the prestigious DuPont family—one of the four major noble houses and the wealthiest among them all.At fifteen, he was already a 5-star bronze rank, close to silver.His reputation was well-established, and he was rarely seen without an entourage of admirers."With this armor, I’m unbeatable below silver rank!" he boasted, his confidence sparking admiring glances from several girls who sent him flirtatious smiles.Handsome and rich, he seemed to have everyone’s adoration.Renault shrugged, then tossed the armor casually to one of his lackeys."It’s yours," he said as if it were nothing.The group fell silent, stunned.Giving away an item so expensive without a second thought was
Alex wore his exo-armor beneath his standard uniform.Its concealed strength could withstand a silver-ranked fighter’s attack with ease, making the blows from Vlad’s six lackeys feel like nothing more than pillow strikes.Knowing that Alex hadn’t yet reached bronze rank, Vlad had sent senior fighters—all bronze rank, with two at 1-star and four at 2-star.By all rights, they should have overwhelmed him, especially given their relentless assault.But instead of faltering under the blows, Alex's voice rang out even louder, echoing between the Institute buildings."Help! The Bolton Family is trying to murder me!" His shout drew students to their windows, a murmur of alarm spreading through the crowd."Isn't that Alex?""I heard he crossed the Bolton Family!""Didn’t he expose their plagiarism of the Bolton Inscription Pattern? This must be revenge!""Unbelievable! Trying to kill a student on campus?""Someone, get the principal!"More and more students pulled out their phones, recording
Seeing Sofie beside Alex, Cassandra felt a surge of jealousy twist in her chest.She and everyone at the institute knew Alex had feelings for Sofie, but she couldn’t suppress her own.Alex was the first boy to truly touch her heart and had somehow captured it effortlessly.She believed she was the only one who truly recognized his talents, hoping she might eventually win his attention.But now, it looked like Alex and Sofie were getting closer."So what," Cassandra muttered to herself, straightening her shoulders. "It just means I have to try harder to win his heart.""Alex, let me help you back to class. I brought breakfast for you," she offered gently, supporting him as they walked.She even went as far as to hold his arm closely, pulling him to her side.Feeling her warmth, Alex glanced awkwardly over at Sofie. "Sofie, I...""The matter's settled, so I’ll be going," Sofie cut in, turning away.She didn’t understand why seeing them together unsettled her, but it did."He’s just a no
Alex sat beneath the tree, lost in thought, a quiet ache tugging at his heart.He missed his family, but he couldn’t see them.All students were confined to the school dormitory, allowed home only twice a year.Only the noble-born had the privilege of leaving freely; anyone else caught sneaking away faced punishment.In a month, after exams, he’d have a brief reunion with his family.His father had recently hinted that their family might regain noble status—though temporarily, in exchange for a fireball inscription.For Alex, even a temporary nobility was enough; he would make it last this time.He would rise to the rank of a top expert—a gold rank, maybe even legend rank—to protect them from the looming danger.Within a few years, demon beasts would attack without relent. Time was against him.The Artificial Intelligence Black Box was crucial for the future, and he had to obtain it.As night fell and silence blanketed the area, a sudden sound behind him made his muscles tense.Withou
Cassandra stood firm, her gaze as steely sharp as frost.Her killing intent rose, a fierce aura that sent chills through the room; everyone present understood she meant every word.She was willing to exchange her life with her uncle’s if he dared harm Alex.Yet, the entire family looked at her in awe.She was still young, yet she had achieved what most could only dream of—soul form at the bronze rank.A soul form at bronze rank promised a path to achievements far beyond the gold rank.It meant her mana was pure, her soul vast, capable of growing to the legendary rank.With Cassandra’s potential to reach legend rank, the family’s own ambitions surged—they could become rulers in Miracle City.It was unheard of, a talent so rare her potential seemed limitless.Andreas, her uncle, felt his chest tighten, a tangle of envy and awe gripping him.By the family’s ancient rules, tradition held that martial geniuses were to be revered, nurtured, and honored above all, especially those capable of
"Renault, you're not seriously going to believe this loser's words, are you?" Vlad sneered, his disdain evident.Renault glanced at Vlad, knowing he wasn't about to make the same reckless choices.With a subtle signal, he motioned to his bodyguard to conduct a thorough check ahead.Minutes later, the guard returned, nodding slightly. "Sir, this area is exactly as the young man said. There's a high chance this place is a horned wolf nest or close to their hunting grounds. If we continue forward, we're likely to encounter the entire pack."Another scout hurried back, looking pale. "Sir, up ahead is definitely a horned wolf nest. The pack is enormous—it seems like the whole horned wolf population is here. We should fall back before they catch our scent."Several of Renault's subordinates turned to Alex, stunned.With just a handful of clues, Alex had accurately assessed the presence of horned wolves from their tracks and markings.Renault felt a surge of satisfaction—bringing Alex along
The criminals that operated outside Miracle City always worked in the shadows, committing heinous acts and becoming a common enemy of the entire city.They tracked adventurers, stealing from them, and even resorted to killing.Many of the major noble families in Miracle City were furious. They’d even formed an unspoken agreement among themselves: if someone followed them in the shadows without stating their intentions, the guards or adventurers could kill them without question.This rule was born from frustration.Whenever a criminal was questioned, they would always make excuses, claiming they weren't stealing.Tired of these lies, the nobles agreed—if anyone stalked an adventurer without explanation, they could be killed, sparing the hassle of judgment.This time, Renault had no interest in capturing anyone. He only wanted to kill.Vlad hadn’t expected the four silver-ranked men sent by the Bolton Family to kill Alex secretly would also catch Renault's attention.Renault silently wa