Two hours of Evelyn's relentless lightning training had left Ashen looking like a man who had lost a fight with a storm. His hair stuck up in wild, singed tufts, his uniform was more tattered rags than fabric, and his face—well, it was best not to dwell on it.
He staggered into the washroom, splashed cold water on his face, and glared at his reflection. The System, ever helpful, chimed in with a snide remark.
"You look like a lightning rod that got struck one too many times."
Ashen flipped off the mirror and left.
The Cafeteria Scheme
The academy cafeteria buzzed with the chatter of students, the air thick with the scent of roasted mana-beast and spiced coffee. Ashen's stomach growled as he scanned the menu banner above the counter.
Dragonfire Steak – 1,000 Credits
Mana-infused Coffee – 100 Credits
"Let's see how much I've got," he muttered, tapping his academy bracelet. The holographic display flickered to life.
[Balance: 1,000,000 Credits]
A slow smirk curled his lips.
