Chapter Text
Cale never felt this unlucky in all of his life.
First, he met golden haired weirdo
Second, he met one of the love interest that he wanted to avoid the most.
Third ....
'Fuck.'
Cale rubbed his pocket, searching for something. He bit his lower lip when he realized that he lost the handkerchief that Lily give him.
He continue to curse how clumsy he was, for losing his little sister's gift just like that. Seems like he need to ask his father for a spatial pocket bag so he wouldn't accidentally lose his things like this again.
'I must have accidentally dropped the handkerchief when bumped into Choi Han earlier. Shit, should I go back and check?'
Cale indeed didn't want to see Choi Han again, but he also didn't want to lose the gift he received from his little sister and disappoint her. He rather meet that love interest bastard than seeing the sad face of Lily.
The redhead was about to turn his way back, when a green haired man blocked his way. Frown created between the man's eyebrows. Cale took a quick glance and realized this someone in front of him had the academy's logo on his left chest. He must be one of the academy teacher that responsible for the newbie test.
"What are you doing here? The test was about to start. You should go to the test room except you don't want to be here."
Cale only could curse internally, bowed his head slightly.
"I'm sorry, Seonsaeng-nim. I was lost when searching the room."
It's a lie, of course. He already perfectly recorded the map inside his head.
"I see. Then let's go there together. It's a conceidence that I was responsible for the test."
"... Yes, thank you."
Cale secretly clenched his fist, quietly following the green head from behind. Maybe he should apologize to Lily later, or should he buy her some gift in return?
However, he need to focus on the test first. He need to concentrate.
They arrived at the test room. The test is a written test to measure the student's knowledge about history and magic of this world. Cale was aware he will got last rank in magic test, so he planning to get good score on the first test in order to cover his second test.
He quickly sat on the empty chair in the left front of the room—the only one remained. The green haired man stood in front of the room, holding papers on his hand. His face looks irritated when seeing all the kids inside this room.
"Alright, newbies. My name is Olienne, I am the alchemy teacher and responsible for watching your test. I know everyone inside this room will a hundred percent accepted as student here, and this test is absolutely useless. But if any of you dare to cheat, don't blame me if you were cursed with lizard tail hanging on your ass."
'How vicious.'
Cale already got the chills.
"You have two hours to filled all of this questions. You can go home after finishing the test."
‘This is like an elementary school test back on Earth.’
Cale finished far earlier than expected. He assumed others might achieve perfect scores, so he deliberately left several answers wrong. There was no reason to attract unnecessary attention.
It was a good thing that the results would not be disclosed. That meant he did not need to stand out. So he answered all of the questions calmly. In fact, the test was absurdly easy—for him.
Cale calmly collected his exam sheet to Olienne, then as the senior mage said, Cale could go home early. Olienne frowned, thought that this spoiled noble kid answers the test randomly and unserious.
'Such a spoiled bratt—'
His mouth dropped when he read Cale's answer.
"What—"
***
One week later, a letter arrived at the Henituse mansion.
Deruth read it once.
Then twice.
Then a third time.
“Second rank?” Deruth muttered, disbelief clear on his face.
The academy’s letter stated that his son, Cale Henituse, had achieved second place on the written examination. Deruth had not expected much—after all, Cale had never shown particular academic ambition. To think his son was a genius .…
Deruth was overjoyed.
He immediately shared the news with Violan. Basen happened to be present and overheard the conversation. Unsurprisingly, Basen looked genuinely happy as well.
“That’s amazing, hyung!” Basen said sincerely.
Cale, however, felt nothing but exhaustion.
‘They’re exaggerating everything.’
He listened to their praises half-heartedly, then excused himself and went straight to his room. Without another word, he collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep.
The academy term began not long after. He brought the kittens alongside with him. He still hasn’t told Lily about the lost handkerchief, he feels really bad. Cale mentally take a note to bring a lot of gifts for Lily at holiday.
Cale arrived to the academy dorm with several pieces of luggage and a headache already forming. While moving his baggage toward the dormitory, he accidentally bumped into someone.
Literally.
The impact was solid … too solid. He almost lost balance, but managed to stand still and not fall. For a brief moment, Cale thought he had walked straight into a wall.
“What the—”
He stroke his bruised forehead, then glare at the boy who he just bumped into—to be fair, it’s Cale’s fault for not looking around while carrying his luggage.
A raven-haired teenager stood in front of him, unmoved, staring down at him with a gaze filled with quiet pity.
‘… Choi Han.’
Cale felt a chill crawl up his spine.
Of all people?!
Choi Han quickly reached out and grabbed one of Cale’s bags. “Let me help you.”
“No,” Cale replied immediately. “That won’t be necessary.”
However, Choi Han ignored him and picked up another piece of luggage as well.
“I insist.”
“…Tch.”
Cale tried his best to refuse, but fate, as usual, was a bastard. In the end, Choi Han walked beside him, carrying half of his belongings.
As they walked, a strange sense of deja vu washed over Cale.
‘Right. This is it.’
This was the first event.
The moment when the main character met Choi Han for the first time.
That was why the unease wouldn’t leave him.
‘But … why am I the one who experience the event?’
Still puzzled, without realizing, they already arrived in front of his door. Choi Han put down Cale’s luggage, snaping back the redhead to reality.
“Is this your room?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Cale was about enter his own room, trying to get away as soon as possible, but Choi Han suddenly stops him.
“Wait.”
‘What now?!’
Choi Han let out a handkerchief from his pocket. Cale’s eyes widened in shock.
“I believe this is yours.”
“Where did you find it? I’ve searched it everywhere!”
“I think you dropped it when we bumped at the entrance test.”
‘… Yeah, I figure it much.’
Cale doesn’t like Choi Han—nor the other love interest in this world. But Cale is someone who pay for their meal. So, the redhead bow his head sincerely.
“Thank you.”
“I-It’s nothing big!”
“No. This is a gift from my sister. It’s really meant a lot to me.”
Choi Chan scratched his neck, his face turns red because embarrassed.
“I-It’s fine. Um … my name is Choi Han.”
“I’m Cale Henituse. Just call me Cale.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Cale-nim!”
Cale frowned.
“No, just Cale … we are at the academy right now. Status doesn’t matter in here.”
Without Cale knowing, Choi Han’s eyes began to sparkle in fascination.
‘He’s so humble!’
After parting ways with Choi Han, Cale simply unpack his things. He keep it simple. In his previous life, Cale lived by himself, so he used to this kind of stuff. Just think as moving out to another apartment … except it’s another world with greater facility—since he’s a noble.
Done cleaning and unpack, Cale headed toward the ceremony hall. Before he could even reach it, an all-too-familiar voice rang out.
“Well, if it isn’t Cale Henituse.”
Neo Tolz.
Cale felt tired instantly.
Yeah … this guy is another villain besides Cale. But the thing is, Neo is supposed to be friend with Cale to bully the main character. Why is he bothers him right now?
“I didn’t know a trash could ended up here. Did your Father pay for everything?”
Cale rolls his eyes. Such a cliché ….
Neo sneered, clearly intending to provoke him. Before Cale could even respond, another person stepped in between them.
“Neo. Stop.”
Eric appeared out of nowhere.
Cale froze.
‘… Oh god.’
Eric Wheelsman.
One of the love interests, and also Cale Henituse’s childhood friend.
The next second, realization hit him like a brick.
‘Wait a minute. Isn’t this also one of the events from the game?’
If his memory was correct, this was the exact scene that occurred when the main character first set foot in the academy. The main character got trash mouthed for being a commoner, then Eric suddenly came to the rescue. Yeah, it's such a cheesy opening scene to introduce Eric as one of the love interest.
The difference?
The one who was supposed to be bullying the main character was—
‘—Cale Henituse.’
But right now, Eric Wheelsman is defending Cale from Neo Tolz.
Eric’s presence might scare Neo Tolz for good, because the latter quickly ran away from them with a glare saying, ‘this is not over, Cale.’
“…Thanks Hyung,” Cale said instead.
Eric looked surprised. “You still call me hyung?”
“Yes?”
Cale figure isn’t that how he supposes to call Eric, since they originally are childhood friend in the main story?
Eric beamed, then put his arm around Cale’s shoulder. Cale didn't realize, but simply by calling him as "hyung" already make Eric heart flutters in happiness.
“Come on my dear donsaeng, I’ll take you to the main hall.”
Because Cale too lazy to reject, he just let him be. The two ended up attending the ceremony together, and Cale still clueless how everything could turn out this way.
On the podium stood Alberu Crossman, the vice president of the student council, delivering a composed speech. The current president was Adin, but Alberu’s presence was far more striking.
Cale’s eyes narrowed slightly.
‘Right. The original Cale Henituse dies in Alberu’s route.’
Not just that—this character died in every route.
Poisoned by dead mana.
During the war, og!Cale accidentally saw Alberu’s true appearance. Without realizing it, he was engulfed by a massive wave of dead mana and erased.
A cruel death.
And that so-called ‘true appearance’?
Alberu was a quarter dark elf.
‘Thanks to that fucking game, I know something I shouldn’t.’
Shit.
After the ceremony, Eric excused himself, saying the council had a meeting—since he himself also a council member. Cale was left alone once more. He planned to return to his dorm, but then he remembered something important.
On and Hong hadn’t eaten yet.
With a sigh, Cale changed direction and headed toward the cafeteria.
That was when he saw someone entirely unexpected.
“What the heck are you doing here, Beacrox? Shouldn’t you be at the mansion right now?”
Beacrox with his usual stoic face, busy serving food to other students. He then stood with no guilt in front of Cale, as if the academy cafeteria is his house all along.
“Fortunately, my father and I now work for the academy, Young Master-nim.”
“… What did you just say?”
Cale’s eyes widened.
“You and your father?”
“Yes. Father is currently working as the infirmary keeper. He knows a thing or two about treating injuries, after all.”
“… He sure has a lot of talents.”
“Indeed he does, Young Master-nim.”
‘This must be Father’s doing ….’
Cale cursed internally.
He purchased two sausage buns and two cartons of milk.
Beacrox glanced at the food. “Are you going to eat all of that?”
“No. It’s for someone.”
“The two of them?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not eating any of it?”
Cale frowned.
‘Why is he suddenly this talkative?’
To be fair, Cale doesn't hungry. Rather than hungry, he just fucking want to sleep.
“Yes.”
Beacrox’s expression subtly darkened.
In his mind, he reached a conclusion.
‘Young Master-nim … must been bullied by someone.’
Of course, this is just Beacrox misunderstanding things.
‘And those “someone” must be taking advantage of him.’
Beacrox decided, silently, to report this to his father, and to keep a close watch on Cale’s movements from now on.
Cale, surely, blissfully unaware about the current misunderstanding.
***
Cale returned to his room and immediately fed On and Hong.
He planned to lie down right after that. Unfortunately, the kittens had other plans.
“We want to look around,” Hong said, tail swishing excitedly.
Cale stared at them. “Absolutely not.”
The two kittens looked at him with identical expressions of innocence.
“… You’re not allowed to wander around alone,” Cale said flatly. With a resigned sigh, he scooped both of them into his arms. “I’ll come with you.”
The academy allowed students to bring pets from home as long as they did not roam around unsupervised. Carrying the kittens, Cale walked through the halls, occasionally peeking into open rooms while On and Hong observed everything with wide, curious eyes.
“What about the infirmary?” Hong asked suddenly.
A chill ran down Cale’s spine.
“… No. We’re going everywhere except that.”
“Why?”
‘Because Ron is there!’
“Just because.”
Most first-year students were touring the academy with their friends or in groups, laughing loudly as they explored. Some of them glancing at Cale, whispering to each other about how weird for a new student wander around with two kittens in his arm.
"But at least he's cute."
"Yeah, I wonder what's his name. Is he a noble?"
Cale didn't hear them, but On did. The silver kitten just stare at Cale with pity.
“Aww, too bad!”
Hong said, his ears dropped.
“I read in a book that the academy’s infirmary is the best school infirmary ever. There’s a magic chair that gives you messages just by sitting on it!”
“Can we see it? Can we?? Pretty pleaseeee.”
“… Fine.”
And just like that, Cale walked straight into his nightmare. The infirmary was quiet and spotless. Behind the desk sat Ron, wearing a white coat. When he noticed the redhead holding two kittens, his lips curved into a gentle smile.
“Hello, Young Master-nim. What a wonderful surprise to see you here.”
‘Wonderful my ass.’
“What can I do for you, Young Master-nim? Did you hurt yourself somewhere?”
“… No. The kittens want to see the magic chair.”
“The magic—ah, I see. Please, come this way.”
The kittens immediately surrounded the chair, circling it and hopping around excitedly. Meanwhile, Cale chose a normal chair and accepted a cup of lemon tea, sipping it quietly. His face grimace because the sourness.
‘I hate this life.’
Ron glanced at him. “Don’t you want to try the chair as well?”
“No.”
Automatic diagnostic devices were common back on Earth. He had zero interest.
“Ho, it’s a new developed technology. I thought our Young Master-nim would definitely taking interest like any other noble your age.”
“Yeah, no thank you.” Cale put down the now empty cup to the desk, face still grimacing. “I rather sleep or something. I came here because the kittens want to.”
Of course, Ron already knew the true identities of the kittens anyway.
They stay for more couple of minutes, then decided to take a look to other place. After leaving the infirmary, the three headed to the library. There, they saw a boy struggling to reach a book on the upper shelf. Well, Cale is not really tall for his age, but this boy apparently is shorter than him. Without thinking much, Cale stepped forward and handed the book to him.
The boy froze.
For a second, he looked genuinely stunned before bowing deeply.
“Thank you.”
Then his gaze shifted to the kittens, and a warm smile appeared on his face.
“Are they your pets?”
“Yes.”
“They’re so cute!”
The silver haired boy beamed. He then once again bows to Cale, making Cale a bit uncomfortable. Like, is he worship him or something?
“Umm, can I know your name?”
Know his name? Huh, sure. Cale don’t see why not.
“It’s Cale.”
“I see! I’m Lock.”
Cale jolted internally.
‘Not again! Why do I keep bumping into love interests?!’
He forced an awkward smile. “Yeah. Nice to meet you.”
He was about to excuse himself when two familiar figures approached.
‘God, please kill me now.’
He had completely forgotten.
Where there was Lock, Rosalyn and Choi Han were never far behind.
Rosalyn—daughter of the prime minister. A brilliant supporting character who would later become the main character’s closest ally, protecting her from countless dangers.
“Cale!” Choi Han greeted him brightly.
Cale returned the smile stiffly, tightening his hold on the kittens. On let out a confused meow.
‘Don’t look at me like you know me, idiot!’
Lock explained that Cale had helped him reach the book. Rosalyn thanked him—Cale wasn’t sure why it felt so serious—and introduced herself. When Cale gave his name in return, she paused, surprise flickering across her face.
‘So the rumors were true, then.’
Rosalyn thought while staring silently at Cale.
“While at it, what about we take lunch together?”
Choi Han suggested, making Cale instantly shook his head.
“No,” Cale replied immediately. “My kittens are probably tired. I should head back.”
Hong meowed in protest, but On, sensing Cale’s discomfort, lightly poked her brother’s head. Back in his room, Cale collapsed onto the bed with a groan. On poked his arm, her eyes filled with pity. Hong tilted his head.
“Why don’t you like being around them?”
“They’re dangerous people,” Cale said bluntly. “You two should be careful as well.”
"Wait, don't sleep yet! You need to fill the additional class form!!"
On then reminded Cale about the additional class formular that given after the entrance ceremony. Cale groaned again but reached into his spatial pocket and pulled out the papers. Additional class is held every Friday, and every student need to choose one. He scanned through them lazily.
Dark magic class? Impossible.
Weapon arts? No interest.
Magic research? … Too much effort.
That left magic beast studies.
The game had barely mentioned what that class involved, but since it was the last option, he checked it anyway.
The first class would begin tomorrow. There was still time before dinner.
Cale closed his eyes, letting the kittens curl up beside him.
***
He overslept.
On and Hong woke him up, complaining that they were hungry. Cale apologized and handed them bread he had stored in his spatial pocket for emergencies.
“Aren’t you eating?” On asked.
“I’m fine,” Cale replied. It was almost eleven. The cafeteria was definitely closed. "I'm late to my first class too ...."
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room.
Cale frowned. Who would knock at this hour? He mean, all student were supposed to attend their first class already, right?
When he opened the door and saw who it was, he slammed it shut immediately, pressing a hand to his chest.
After calming his poor heart, he opened it again.
Ron stood there, smiling benignly, holding a box.
“These are sandwiches,” Ron said kindly. “Beacrox reported that you didn’t appear at lunch or dinner. The Count asked me to make sure you eat properly.”
Ron placed the box in Cale’s hands. “And you must eat breakfast tomorrow. If not, I will report it.”
Cale nodded obediently and closed the door.
He shared the sandwiches with the kittens.
‘… I should buy more food for them,’ he thought. ‘Just in case I’m not around.’
On felt a bad premonition.
She nudged Hong. “Let’s save some for the morning.”
“I think Cale will wake up late again.”
Hong nodded in agreement.
When Cale arrived in front of the class, he frowned because the door is locked.
“Huh?”
Cale tried to open it again, but it still locked. The hallway also oddly empty to be called first day of school. Cale just stood there like an idiot, until he feel someone touched his shoulder.
“What are you doing here?”
Cale blinked when he saw a blonde boy with majestic blue eyes. It’s the royal crown prince Alberu Crossman—or the student council vice president. At this point, Cale tired of thinking about his shit luck meeting each of the love interest.
“I’m late for the first class.”
This time, Alberu is the one who blinking twice, looks surprise.
“Didn’t you saw the announcement? Today, all the professor has emergency meeting. First class starts tomorrow.”
‘Seriously …?’
Cale wanted to scream, but instead, he just smiled calmly and bowed.
“Thank you for the information then.”
“Where are you going?”
“Back to my room?” Cale confused. “Why are you asking something so obvious?”
Of course, he’s going back to sleep.
Alberu silently look at Cale, who lazily walking back to his dorm. For some odd reason, Alberu couldn’t see the “trash” persona inside him. Is this the same infamous trash from the rumor?
He couldn’t figure it out.
***
Well ….
Just as On had predicted, Cale missed breakfast. Again.
He rushed out of the room in a panic, fixing his uniform while running down the hallway. On had told him to bring a sandwich with him.
“I don’t have time!” Cale had replied.
On could only sigh. She ate the sandwich together with Hong, who shook his head at their guardian’s hopeless behavior.
Fortunately, Cale managed to arrive just before the bell rang.
Barely.
He slipped into the classroom, quickly scanning the seats.
Only one remained.
The very front. Middle.
Right in front of the teacher’s desk.
‘… Oh fuck. Of course.’
Every student avoided that seat for a reason.
Cale sighed and walked over, sitting down just as the bell echoed through the room.
The first class was magic theory.
Their teacher is Sheritt, a high-ranking mage. She’s famous for her mana control and her powerful water attributes. The moment Sheritt stepped into the classroom, her gaze flickered toward Cale. She felt it immediately—dense, vibrant nature energy radiating from him.
‘Interesting.’
She began the lecture, explaining mana and its origin.
“Magic was born from mana, she said, and those born with even a small amount of mana could form a contract with a spirit. However, spirits were exceedingly rare. Even summoning one was considered extraordinary luck. You are indeed a lucky kid, a voice chimed inside Cale’s head.”
Cale did not react.
A student raised their hand. “Which is stronger? Someone with a lot of mana, or someone who has contracted with a spirit?”
Sheritt smiled. “It depends. A person born with immense mana can overpower someone contracted with a weak spirit. However, if the spirit is high-grade—then the outcome is obvious.”
— Did you hear that?
Super Rock spoke smugly.
— The three of us are high-grade spirits.
— And two of us are the highest grade!
Vitality added cheerfully.
Cale stared blankly ahead.
‘… What the fuck did I get myself into?’
Sheritt continued, “You will learn how to actually use mana in Professor Eruhaben’s class. Here, we focus on theory and fundamentals.”
The bell rang not long after.
As students began packing up, Sheritt approached Cale.
Her lips did not move.
“Have you already formed a contract with a spirit?”
Cale flinched internally but kept his expression neutral.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied calmly.
Without waiting for her response, he stood up and excused himself, leaving the classroom at once.
Sheritt watched his retreating figure, eyes narrowed with interest.
***
Beacrox found Cale during lunch break.
Without a word, he placed a tray in front of him.
An omelet cooked just right, a bowl of fresh salad, and a glass of lemonade sat neatly arranged.
“… Why?” Cale asked flatly.
“This is a gift,” Beacrox replied. “You skipped breakfast this morning.”
Cale bit the inside of his cheek.
‘So he really reported it.’
Beacrox continued in an even tone, “Also, either my father or I can take care of the kittens while you attend classes. We will make sure they eat properly and do not starve simply because their owner has a habit of skipping meals.”
“… I’ll bring On and Hong to the infirmary later,” Cale said after a brief pause.
Beacrox nodded, clearly satisfied.
Cale scanned the cafeteria and chose a table as far away from everyone else as possible.
Or so he hoped.
“Cale.”
He closed his eyes.
Choi Han, Rosalyn, and Lock approached his table, trays in hand.
“Can we join you?” Rosalyn asked politely.
“… Go ahead.”
‘Why the hell can’t I have a peaceful school life?’
They sat down naturally, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
Lock glanced around. “Where are your kittens?”
“They’re still in my room.”
“Oh,” Lock said, ears perking up. “Can I meet them later?”
Cale hesitated.
If he said no, these people might misunderstand—or worse, insist.
“… Sure.”
In Lock’s eyes, that hesitation looked like shyness.
Rosalyn smiled gently. “What additional class did you choose?”
“Magic beast studies.”
Lock brightened instantly. “Me too!”
Rosalyn nodded. “I chose magic research.”
“And I chose weapon arts,” Choi Han added.
Cale’s gaze drifted to Choi Han’s tray.
It was the free meal.
Bread, thin soup, and nothing else.
Without a word, Cale pushed his salad and lemonade across the table.
“… What are you doing?” Choi Han asked, startled. “I can’t accept that.”
“I’m full.”
That was a lie.
The truth was simpler—Cale hated bitter vegetables, and Beacrox had definitely added them on purpose.
Choi Han hesitated before accepting. “Thank you.”
Rosalyn’s expression softened. “You’re really kind, Cale.”
“I’m not,” Cale replied immediately.
That only made the three look at him with even more admiration. After lunch, for reasons Cale could not comprehend, all three followed him back to his dorm.
‘Lock is the one who wants to see the kittens. Why are the other two here?’
Then again—where there was Lock, Rosalyn and Choi Han were never far behind. The door opened to reveal the rumored room of the Trashy Young Master. And yet, it was simple. Clean. No gold decorations. No crystal lamps. No unnecessary extravagance. Just a bed, a desk, a shelf, and neatly arranged belongings.
Two kittens immediately ran over, meowing loudly and rubbing their heads against Cale’s legs. Cale reached into his spatial pocket and pulled out sausages. He grabbed a bowl, poured milk, and set it down for them.
The trio watched in silence. This was … different from what they had heard.
Lock crouched down and took out tuna he had bought earlier. The kittens approached him without fear, poking his leg with their heads.
“They’re adorable,” Lock laughed.
Cale thought dryly.
‘You wouldn’t say that if you knew they could kill someone with poison and fog.’
Not long after, the trio left for their next class. When the door closed, and Cale finally exhaled deeply.
“I’ll take you two to Ron,” he said.
On and Hong perked up instantly.
“The magic chair!” Hong cheered.
Cale frowned. “… You look way too happy about that.”
At the infirmary, Ron greeted him with his usual benign smile.
“Did you eat lunch today, Young Master-nim?”
“… Yes.”
“Good.”
Cale entrusted On and Hong to Ron’s care before leaving for his next class, ignoring the faint unease settling in his chest.
***
The next class is magic fighting.
It was similar to physical education—if physical education involved mana circulation, combat drills, and the occasional explosion. Professor Eruhaben stood at the center of the training field, hands clasped behind his back. His presence alone was overwhelming. As one of the highest-grade mages on the continent, his mana pressure was subtle yet suffocating.
The moment his gaze landed on Cale, his brows twitched.
‘… Nature energy?’
It was dense, abnormally so.
Yet the boy’s mana pool itself was shallow—almost lacking. The imbalance intrigued him. As someone who had lived long enough to see countless prodigies, Eruhaben rarely felt genuine curiosity.
Today was an exception.
Unbeknownst to the students, faint shapes hovered around Cale.
Spirits.
They were small, fairy-like beings—transparent, shimmering figures that blended seamlessly with the surrounding mana. Normally, spirits could not be seen by humans, nor by other spirits, unless permission was given or the spirit in question was of a higher grade. Eruhaben couldn’t see it, but he could feel its energy.
Fortunately, all five of them were high-grade.
— Don’t worry, Summoner!
Super Rock said calmly.
— No one can see us, except we allow ourself to be seen.
Eruhaben cleared his throat.
“Today, you will learn how to summon a spirit and attempt to form a contract.”
Murmurs spread instantly.
“Of course,” Eruhaben continued, “it is perfectly fine if you fail. Spirits are rare. Simply summoning one is considered fortunate. However, if you succeed, a spirit can become a powerful ally.”
Cale felt his scalp go numb.
‘Summon a spirit?’
He already had five.
Five.
‘I don’t fucking need more!’
— Don’t panic.
Super Rock said again.
— You can summon one and send it back without forming a contract. Your blood is special!
Vitality added cheerfully.
— A spirit will definitely answer you.
Cale gave the little fairy a glare.
“What the fuck? You said before I can’t cancel a contract? Are you fucking playing with me?”
The five spirits just looking at other direction, playing dumb.
Cale felt no comfort whatsoever, internally groan.
‘I hate this life.’
The exercise began.
Students focused, drawing mana, struggling to follow instructions. Eruhaben’s attention, however, never left Cale. During one drill, Cale scraped his arm. The wound closed almost instantly. Eruhaben’s eyes narrowed.
‘Regeneration?’
Suspicion deepened.
‘Has he already made contact with a spirit?’
Then, a summoning circle flared beneath Cale’s feet. Mana surged, and the air trembled. A presence then descended from thin air.
The students froze.
A spirit materialized—its form solid, its aura heavy. Crimson and stone intertwined around its body.
— I am Blood-Drenched Rock.
The spirit declared proudly.
— A highest-grade spirit of the rare earth attribute!
Gasps echoed throughout the field.
— He’s lying.
Super Rock scoffed inside Cale’s head.
— I’m stronger than him.
"Shut up, Super Rock."
Cale pinched the bridge of his nose.
All eyes were on him.
He exhaled slowly.
“Are you done?”
— … Huh?
“Now go back.”
Silence fell.
— You … do not wish to make a contract with me?
The spirit asked, incredulous.
“Not interested.”
— You will regret this for the rest of your life if you send me back—
“Scram.”
The spirit vanished.
Just like that.
The field remained deathly silent.
Even Eruhaben was speechless.
“… Cale Henituse,” he finally said, “are you seriously—”
“Professor,” Cale interrupted calmly, “you said there’s no need to form a contract, right?”
“Well … I did say that.”
“Then I won’t.”
“May I ask why?”
“I don’t see why I should answer you, Professor.”
Rude bastard.
Whispers erupted immediately.
“Is he insane?”
“That was a highest-grade spirit!”
“What an idiot.”
Cale ignored them all.
— Burn them!
Cheapskate screamed.
— Sweep the xxx away! Summoner, just use my xxx power to xxx the xxx out of them!!
The Sky-Eating Water added angrily.
Cale simply sighed.
‘You idiots have no idea how expensive five spirits already are.’
***
Three days slipped by without realizing. Classes came and went, meals were skipped and replaced, and Cale slowly fell into the academy’s rhythm despite himself. By the time Thursday ended, even he had to acknowledge it. Today already Friday.
Which meant—
“Additional class,” Cale muttered, rubbing his eyes as he walked across the academy grounds.
The beast installation stood far from the main buildings, separated by iron fencing and layered magic barriers. The air felt different here—thicker, tinged with the wild pulse of mana that did not belong to humans. Low growls and unfamiliar cries echoed faintly, carried by the wind.
Cale stepped inside and immediately spotted a familiar silver-haired figure.
Professor Sheritt.
“… Of course,” Cale sighed under his breath. “Why wouldn’t you be here.”
Sheritt noticed him almost instantly. Her gaze lingered on him longer than necessary, sharp eyes catching the subtle currents of nature energy surrounding his body.
“You’re enrolled in magic beast studies,” she said, more statement than question.
“Yes,” Cale replied flatly.
The class gathered soon after, and Sheritt began without delay.
“Magic beasts are different from spirits,” she explained, her voice calm and steady. “They possess physical bodies, instincts, and wills of their own. Once contracted, they become familiars—bound to your soul.”
Some students stiffened.
“The bond lasts until death,” Sheritt continued. “After that, the beast returns to its realm and waits. Should it be summoned again … it will answer.”
She gestured forward. “Today, you will summon an egg.”
Relief spread through the group.
“Summoning an egg has an eighty percent success rate. Fifteen percent will result in a baby or young beast. Adult beasts are rare—only five percent.”
Cale lowered his gaze.
‘Please,’ he thought silently, ‘let it weak and unproblematic.’
When his turn came, mana flowed easily from his palm. The summoning circle formed smoothly, responding far too eagerly.
Light gathered.
Condensed.
And settled.
An egg rested in his hand.
Black.
Not mottled. Not patterned.
Pure black.
Cale stared at it.
“… Great.”
"Wow, Cale-hyung, you summon an interesting egg!"
Lock came closer to Cale's desk, looks more excited than Cale himself.
'I forgot he also attend this class.'
Cale just sigh, but the next second a frown started to appears on his forehead.
'Why is he calling me hyung? We're not even close.'
He carefully stored the egg and left the installation, feeling more tired than he had any right to be. Fortunately, that’s it for the class. Sheritt allows them go back to their room and giving a notes to take care of their soon-to-be familiar. Originally, Lock asked Cale to have lunch with him and the other two--Choi Han and Rosalyn--but of course Cale quickly declined.
Back in his room, On and Hong greeted him enthusiastically.
“What’s that?” On asked, peering at the pocket.
“Is it an egg?” Hong tilted his head. “Are you going to cook it?”
Cale held a laugh, gently put the egg besides the window. “No, silly. It’s a magic beast egg.”
“Are we getting a new sibling?” On and Hong jumping around the egg, looking excited.
“… Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Cale replied, already exhausted.
When the kittens learned he was free for the rest of the day, their eyes sparkled.
“Outside!” Hong chirped.
Cale sighed.
He followed them to the garden. The kittens running around too fast, Cale couldn’t keep up and almost ran out of breath. At some point, Cale lost the kittens from his sight, and decided to look around.
“Hey you spirits.”
Cale smiled while calling the fairies.
The Glutton looking at him with unease.
— Summoner, don’t smile like that. If anyone see you, they would thought you are going to scam someone.
“Didn’t you guys was the one who scam me in the first place with that stupid contract?”
— You still mad? Don’t be mad, Summoner! Let’s eat more good food!
— And beat xxx out of xxx!!
“Stop it. Just ... help me find On and Hong.” Cale rub his temple. His head going to explode anytime soon.
— Roger that!
While the fairies flying around looking for On and Hong, Cale continue his walk.
That is when he saw the wheelchair.
A boy sat quietly beneath the shade of a large tree, hands folded on his lap. His posture was straight, his expression composed, but something about him felt … isolated.
Taylor Stan.
The firstborn of the Stan family. In the story, he got removed from succession because of his paralyzed leg after getting into an accident caused by his own younger sibling.
Cale slowed.
‘… Right.’
Taylor noticed him first and smiled. “Well, hello.”
Cale nodded. “Hello, Young Master Taylor.”
“No need to be formal,” Taylor said gently. “We’re all students here. Titles don’t matter.”
Cale appreciated that more than he expected.
“What brings you here?” Taylor asked.
“I’m looking for my kittens,” Cale replied. “They ran off.”
Taylor chuckled. “So did my friend.”
They shared a brief look.
“Let’s search together then?” Taylor suggested.
“Sure, why not.”
Cale stepped behind the wheelchair and began pushing it without hesitation.
Taylor stiffened, then slowly relaxed. Most people avoided touching him altogether. He only had one friend who stay by his side, and that is Cage, a priest from the God of Death temple. In the game, Taylor was a side character—optional, fragile, easily discarded by the narrative. Depending on the player’s choice, he lived … or died.
Cage mattered more to the story.
Taylor didn’t.
Standing here, Cale hated that. He hated how the game seems like doesn’t care about the other side character. How human’s life only used as a jumping stone.
Cale shook his head.
‘Nah, why am I overthinking?’
They found Cage soon after. She was holding two familiar kittens, one under each arm.
“I was about to take them to the installation,” she said.
“I’m sorry,” Cale said immediately. “They’re mine.”
Cage glanced at Taylor.
“We were looking for them,” Taylor explained.
Cage sighed. “Then I’ll let it go. Just don’t let them wander again.”
Cale bowed lightly. “Thank you, Sunbae-nim.”
Introductions followed naturally.
Cage smiled. “Any friend of Taylor’s is a friend of mine. Anyway, I’m Cage.”
“Cale. Cale Henituse.”
They sat together on a garden bench. Cage handed out instant coffee, making Cale grimaced. “I hate bitter things.”
She snorted and swapped it for chocolate coffee.
It was sweet. Comfortingly so.
“So,” Cage said casually, “is it true you rejected a spirit contract?”
“I hate complicated things.”
Taylor and Cage exchanged a glance.
Then laughed.
“Do you interested on having an older sister with good personality?” Cage teased.
“Or an older brother with a good personality,” Taylor added, smiling.
“No.” Cale replied immediately. He is serious, like, super serious. He don’t need any more character lurking around him like a baby duckling.
Their laughter echoed softly through the garden.