Even in a world of magic and martial prowess, nothing stirred drama quite like the rumor mill.
By morning, Riku's duel with Eiji had become legend.
Half the campus claimed he copied a third-year's technique mid-fight. The other half insisted he had stolen it before the match even started. Either way, he had captured the attention of everyone who mattered—and more than a few who didn't.
And that was the problem.
Because now?
They started watching.
---
Second-Year Classroom, Early Morning
"I heard the Principal herself requested a performance report on Aoyama."
"Seriously? That's only reserved for nobles!"
A girl nearby giggled. "He is noble. Noble in power."
Riku sat silently in the middle of the room, sipping herbal tea while reading through a thick combat-theory book.
[System Passive: "Focus Bubble" activated. You are immune to gossip for 3 minutes.]
Bless this feature, he thought.
Across the room, Ayumi was trying her best to look like she wasn't stealing glances.
