Chapter 34: The Invasion Begins... The Dragons Arrives!
Time passed, and soon more than two weeks had slipped by.
During this period, Matthew continued attending his lessons. On the surface, everything appeared peaceful, but deep within, he knew that calm was merely a deceptive illusion.
Both Leo and Sylvia had their abilities unsealed by their respective systems. Leo remained furious at the system’s earlier stunt, still muttering curses under his breath, but Sylvia, on the other hand, took it all in stride. She treated the experience as part of her growth, a harsh training arc she had to pass through.
Aside from the routine of classes and training sessions, nothing at the academy seemed out of place.
Yet, during this time, Matthew had deliberately refrained from copying anyone else’s origin path. He was constantly analyzing, scrutinizing each possibility with deep concentration. With four abilities still left to awaken, he could not afford a single misstep. Every choice had to align perfectly with the others, forming a cohesive and dominant synergy.
He had narrowed it down to two potential abilities, yet uncertainty lingered. He was still weighing the consequences, turning the possibilities over in his mind.
At present, he sat beside Axel in the infirmary.
Axel had completely recovered and was moments away from using the upgrade crystal.
His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he stared at the radiant treasure resting in his hand.
Matthew watched him intently, his own eyes filled with curiosity.
Though he had written extensively about the upgrade crystal, he had never experienced it personally. This would be his first time witnessing its activation. While he was not the one using it, he hoped to understand its mechanics by observing Axel closely. That knowledge would guide him the next time he acquired one.
Axel reached toward the crystal, fingers trembling slightly. The upgrade crystal exuded a strange glow, as though a mystic fire burned within its core.