The world seemed a little sharper now.
As Arin walked across the academy grounds that morning, the breeze against his skin felt clearer, crisper.
The sounds of distant footsteps, the rustle of trees, even the faint conversations of students far away — everything came to him with more vividness.
It wasn't overwhelming.
It was subtle.
But it was real.
He could feel the flow of spiritual energy not just inside himself now, but faintly in the air around him, like invisible threads stretching across the world.
He tightened his grip on his scroll, a small smile hidden on his face.
By the time Arin reached the classroom, the usual buzz of gossip was already stirring.
"Hey, did you hear? Another one broke through last night — Sera from Class A!"
"Class A's starting to catch up! That's five now, right?"
"Five? No, six... I think."
Arin found his seat just as Sera entered the room, her steps a little lighter, her face a little brighter than usual.
Their eyes met briefly.
She gave a small, knowing nod.
He returned it.
No words were needed.
They both knew: this was only the beginning.
Meanwhile, far above the training grounds, in a tall tower overlooking the academy, two figures stood by a wide open window — the Principal, an old man with snow-white hair and deep-set eyes, and Elder Varrin, who taught the first-year classes.
"They're progressing faster than expected," Elder Varrin said, arms folded.
The Principal nodded slowly, his gaze distant. "In the first week, seven breakthroughs among new students... far beyond the average."
Elder Varrin pulled a small list from his sleeve, unfolding it carefully.
"From Class B, three breakthroughs. Class D, two. Class A, two — including Arin and Sera."
The Principal stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Talent always surfaces when opportunity is given," he murmured. "But it's not raw talent alone we should watch for. It's persistence. Endurance."
Elder Varrin glanced at the list again. "Shall we begin marking them for advanced observation?"
The Principal nodded once. "Quietly. No need to disturb the others yet. Let's see who continues to rise... and who stagnates."
Outside the window, the first morning light spilled across the academy, casting long shadows on the training fields below.
The path of cultivation had only just begun.
And already, the ripples were spreading.