The next morning—
I woke up earlier than usual.
Soft sunlight filtered through the cracks in our small wooden house on the outskirts of Notting City.
For a moment, I just lay there… staring at the ceiling.
Everything that happened yesterday still felt unreal.
Awakening.
Level 3 spirit power.
That broken piece of metal.
Slowly, I raised my hand.
The moment I focused—
Clink…The fragment appeared again.
Floating quietly above my palm.
Cold.
Silent.
Unremarkable.
But this time…
I didn't feel disappointed.
I closed my fingers.
The fragment disappeared.
Mo Chen, are you awake?" my mother's voice came from outside.
"I'm up," I replied.
When I stepped out, she was already preparing breakfast.
Warm porridge.
Simple vegetables.
A familiar, comforting smell filled the air.
She looked at me carefully before speaking.
"I've been thinking," she said softly. "You should go to Notting Academy."
I paused.
So it was time.
"That's where children with spirit power begin their training," she continued. "No matter your level… you still have a chance."
I nodded.
"I understand."
She hesitated slightly, then added,
"I've saved some money over the years. It should be enough for your tuition and daily expenses."
I looked at her quietly
She said it lightly…
But I knew it wasn't easy.
"I won't waste it," I said firmly.A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"That's all I want."
Notting Academy
The academy stood near the edge of the city, close to the hills.
Tall gates.
Stone walls.
steady flow of students entering and leaving
Unlike yesterday's awakening hall…
This place felt alive.
We stepped inside.
The courtyard was wide and lively.
Students gathered in small groups.
Some were chatting.
Some were practicing.
Some simply watched others.
(3rd Person Scene)
At the entrance—
A young boy stood quietly.
Simple clothes.
Calm eyes.
A wooden token in his hand.
This boy…
Was Tang San.Beside him stood an old man.
And not far away—
Another figure approached slowly.
Yu Xiaogang.
His gaze lingered on Tang San.
Sharp.
Observant."A twin martial soul…" he murmured softly.
The wind passed quietly through the academy gates.
And just like that—
A meeting that would change the future…
Began.
(Back to First Person – Mo Chen)
I stood a short distance away, watching everything.
So… it really is him.Even from afar—
There was something different about him.
Calm.
Composed.
Unshaken.
Tang San…
I didn't approach.
Didn't interfere.
Because I understood one thing clearly—That is his path.
And this…Is mine.I entered the academy with my mother.
The courtyard was lively.
Students gathered everywhere.
A teacher stood near the registration desk
New student
My mother nodded.
"Yes. My son has awakened spirit power."
"Certificate."I handed it over.
He examined it carefully."Level 3…"
He nodded."Not bad."
He wrote something down and handed me a small wooden token.
Report to the academic office later for class assignment," he said. "Since you live nearby, you can attend as a day scholar."
Day scholar.That meant—
No dormitory.I nodded.
"Understood."Just like that—
I became a student of Notting Academy
After registration, my mother stayed for a while, looking around.
Her eyes carried a mix of pride… and worry.
"Study well," she said softly.
"And take care of yourself.""I will."
She hesitated for a moment… then gently patted my head before leaving.
I watched her figure disappear into the distance.
For a brief moment I felt… alone.
Then I turned around.
Students passed by me.
Some glanced briefly.
Most ignored me.
No one knew who I was.No one cared.
Which was good.
Less attention… more freedom I walked slowly through the academy grounds.
Observing.
Learning.
A training field caught my attention.
Several students were sparring.
Their movements were rough… unrefined.
But their spirit power fluctuations were real.
This wasn't a story anymore.
This was reality.I stopped near the edge of the field.
Watching quietly.
So this is how they fight at this level…
My eyes narrowed slightly.
I looked toward the distant hills behind the academy.
That direction…
Was where my journey would truly begin.Level 3 spirit power…
Broken martial soul…
A faint smile appeared on my lips.
Let's see… how far I can go.