The lecture hall buzzed with energy as students prepared for their practical dueling exams. Spells sparked in the air. Mana stones hummed. Professors monitored from afar, noting each movement, each failure.
But Harvey?
He was still.
Watching.
Calculating.
Until she walked in.
---
Her Name Was Aira Vellorin
The daughter of one of the Ten Archmages. Known for her peerless combat instinct and uncanny perception. A prodigy who never missed a detail.
She took one glance at Harvey as she passed—and paused.
> "You're not afraid."
Her voice was calm. Observing, not accusing.
Harvey didn't answer.
She smiled, a little too knowingly.
> "Interesting. Everyone else hides behind technique. But you? You erase presence."
> "Like something trained to kill, not win."
---
A Clash Meant to Be Avoided
When the sparring partners were called, the professor made a mistake—or so everyone thought.
Harvey Rael vs. Aira Vellorin.
The crowd buzzed. Whispers flew. Betting started.
Harvey walked into the circle.
So did she.
And then she whispered, so only he could hear:
> "Who taught you silent-phase mana control? That style doesn't exist anymore."
Harvey's gaze flickered—but only for a second.
> "No one you'd recognize."
The professor signaled.
The duel began.
---
A Duel of Truths
Aira attacked first—fluid, flawless movement. Her wind-magic danced around her like armor. Spells layered behind every feint.
Harvey moved like a shadow—slipping through gaps before they were created.
He didn't cast spells.
He hacked them.
Her firebolt warped into a mist.
Her barrier shattered from a slight flick.
But Aira wasn't just talent—she was instinct.
She adapted.
Quickly.
In one motion, she switched elements mid-incantation and forced Harvey to react—almost exposing the hidden code in his aura.
That's when she smiled.
> "You're not registered in the system, are you?"
> "You're... rewriting it."
The match was called a draw.
But the damage was done.
She had seen him.
---
Aftermath
In the infirmary wing, Harvey stood alone—patching a bruise on his arm.
Aira appeared in the doorway, her uniform slightly burned, a sparkle in her eyes.
> "You're dangerous."
She stepped closer.
> "And I like dangerous."
Harvey stayed silent.
Then she leaned in.
> "But I'm watching you, Harvey Rael."
> "Because I don't think you're here to study magic."
> "You're here to break it."
---
End Scene
Far beyond the academy walls, in a palace made of divine circuits and silver skies, the Executors gathered.
A vision orb flickered—showing Harvey's duel with Aira.
And a voice spoke.
> "He's attracting attention."
> "Activate the Watcher Class."
> "Let's see how far the anomaly will go… before he snaps."
---