Chapter 13: Testing the Limits

Chapter 13: Testing the Limits

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the academy in hues of gold and crimson, Aetrial sighed in relief. The day had been exhausting, filled with social maneuvering and unexpected challenges. But it was also fulfilling in a strange way—he was starting to see glimpses of the person he could become, separate from the original Aetrial’s reputation.

Feeling the need for some quiet time, he decided to head to the academy’s training grounds.

---

The Training Grounds

The training grounds were quiet, with only a handful of students practicing their spells and techniques. Aetrial found a secluded corner, the dim light casting long shadows on the field.

“Alright,” he muttered to himself, flexing his fingers.

He focused, feeling the dark mana inside him swirl and surge. In his memories, the Ranolf family grimoire spoke of a high-level defensive spell—a shadow barrier designed to absorb and repel attacks. It wasn’t a spell the original Aetrial had ever managed to execute properly.

But I’m not him, Aetrial thought, determination settling in his chest.

He channeled his mana, letting it flow through him like a river, and began shaping it into the spell. Tendrils of dark energy coalesced around him, forming an intricate, shimmering barrier. The violet hue of the barrier pulsed faintly, and though the edges wavered, it was stable and functional.

He exhaled in relief, a small smile tugging at his lips. It worked. Finally.

---

An Unexpected Audience

“I see the Ranolf reputation isn’t just for show.”

Aetrial froze, his head snapping around. Arthur Lionheart, the crown prince, stood a few feet away, his arms crossed. His golden hair glimmered in the fading light, and his sharp blue eyes were fixed on the barrier.

Aetrial straightened, his mind racing. “Your Highness. I didn’t realize anyone was watching.”

Arthur stepped closer, his expression calm but curious. “That’s an advanced barrier spell. Not many would attempt it outside of controlled practice.”

Aetrial shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “It’s a basic spell for the Ranolf family. I’m just trying to refine it.”

Arthur tilted his head slightly, studying him. “Interesting. The rumors about you don’t match what I’m seeing here.”

“What rumors?” Aetrial asked cautiously.

Arthur smirked faintly. “That you’re more interested in theatrics than actual skill.”

Aetrial felt a pang of irritation but kept his voice level. “People tend to believe what they want.”

Arthur didn’t respond immediately, instead looking at the flickering barrier. “You’ve got talent. But talent without discipline is wasted potential.”

Aetrial stiffened, unsure whether to feel insulted or encouraged. Before he could form a response, Arthur turned and began walking away.

Over his shoulder, the prince added, “Keep practicing, Aetrial. You might surprise even yourself.”

---

Late-Night Reflections

Back in his dormitory, Aetrial couldn’t stop thinking about Arthur’s words. The prince had an infuriating way of speaking that left him questioning whether he’d been complimented or criticized.

“Talent without discipline, huh?” Aetrial muttered, staring at the ceiling.

The original Aetrial had always been lazy, relying on the Ranolf family’s name rather than honing his abilities. In the original novel, it was only after meeting the heroine that Aetrial began taking his training seriously. But by then, it was too late—his poor choices had already sealed his fate.

That’s not going to happen to me, Aetrial thought.

Still, something felt different. The dark magic he used today had felt more natural, more powerful, than what he remembered from the original Aetrial’s memories. Was it possible that his own talent as Yamauca Kage had blended with Aetrial’s?

He sighed, shaking his head. There was no way to know for sure.

“Either way, I need to keep moving forward,” he muttered. “Tomorrow’s another day. Let’s see what chaos it brings.”

End of Chapter 13

I'm feeling a bit lazy, but I'm considering spicing up this novel by adding some interdimensional travel for extra excitement. What if the protagonist had a magical book that lets him explore different worlds? Imagine a journey to an ancient Chinese cultivation realm or a modern-day dungeon-filled world where 1 in 100 people awaken special abilities to become hunters (like solo leveling). What do you think? Share your thoughts!