Chapter 391: Chapter 391 – New Semester!

The steady stream of cold water cascaded down Luca’s back as he stood beneath the shower, one hand braced lightly against the tiled wall while his forehead rested against his arm. The chill should have been enough to jolt anyone fully awake, yet his mind remained far away, quietly turning over the events of the past few days.

Sylthara managed to pass the theory exam… by a small margin.

A faint breath escaped him, somewhere between relief and disbelief.

Still, she passed.

And when it came to combat, there had never been any doubt. The way she had handled Seraphina’s test still lingered vividly in his mind—the control, the instinct, the adaptability. She had cleared the practical examination with flying colors, just as expected.

For a moment, the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

Then his expression settled again.

Today is finally the day…

The beginning of a new semester.

His thoughts slowed as the reality of it sank in.

Not sure what it has in store for us…

His grip against the wall tightened just a fraction before easing again.

But whatever it is…

A quiet pause lingered in his mind.

…I just hope it will be peaceful.

The water shut off with a soft click.

For a brief moment, only the sound of droplets falling from his hair and shoulders filled the space.

Then Luca straightened, running a hand through his damp hair before stepping out of the shower. He grabbed a towel and dried himself methodically, his movements calm and unhurried, as though grounding himself before the day ahead.

Once dressed, he stood before the mirror.

The familiar black academy uniform with golden trims fit him perfectly, the fabric sitting neatly against his frame. He adjusted the collar slightly, smoothing out the edges before fastening the final clasp. His crimson eyes met his reflection for a brief moment—sharp, steady, composed.

Ready.

Without another thought, he turned and stepped out of his room.

The wooden stairs of the dormitory creaked faintly under his footsteps as he descended, the early morning light filtering through the tall windows along the corridor. By the time he reached the ground floor and stepped outside, the atmosphere had already changed completely from the quiet days before.

The academy grounds were alive.

Students filled the pathways, far more than Luca had seen in the past few days. Groups gathered near the courtyards, others moved toward lecture halls, and some stood beneath trees catching up with friends after the long break.

The air buzzed with energy.

Excited voices overlapped with one another.

“Did you hear about the changes this semester?”

“I heard new instructors are coming…”

“Apparently there’s going to be a special evaluation this time—”

“No way, already?!”

“Do you think the difficulty will increase?”

Some voices carried excitement.

Others held nervous anticipation.

A few even whispered rumors, their tones hushed but eager.

Luca walked through it all at a steady pace, his gaze drifting across the familiar grounds that now felt slightly different—busier, louder, alive with the start of something new.

The calm before had ended.

And whatever came next—

Had already begun.

Luca walked along the familiar stone pathways of the academy, his steps unhurried as he made his way toward the classroom that had somehow begun to feel like a second home. The chatter of students followed him through the corridors, echoing off the high walls as groups of classmates reunited and shared their holiday stories with unrestrained excitement.

Reaching the door, Luca paused for a brief moment before pushing it open.

The classroom was already partially filled.

Several students had arrived early, some seated in small groups while others leaned casually against desks, talking animatedly about their experiences over the break. The air inside was lively, filled with overlapping conversations and laughter that carried the unmistakable energy of a new beginning.

As Luca stepped inside, a few heads turned.

“Hey, Luca!”

“Yo, you’re back!”

“Did you really go to the Holy Kingdom?”

He raised a hand lightly, acknowledging them with a casual smile as he walked past, returning greetings without breaking his pace.

His path led him instinctively to the last row, toward the corner seat he had occupied since the beginning.

Stopping beside it, he placed a hand on the desk, running his fingers lightly across its surface as if confirming it was still there.

Then, with a small exhale, he muttered under his breath—

“How much I missed you.”

A loud burst of laughter immediately shattered the moment.

“Hahahahahaha!”

“Have you finally gone senile, or are you now confessing your love to a chair?”

Luca blinked.

Then his head snapped upward.

For a split second, surprise flickered across his face—

Before it was replaced by a wide, genuine smile.

“Eric!”

He spread his arms without hesitation.

Standing a few steps away was a boy with dark hair and sharp grey eyes, his expression carrying the same familiar mix of amusement and mischief.

Eric grinned just as widely and stepped forward, opening his arms as well.

The two of them collided into a firm hug.

“You bastard!” Luca said, laughing as he pulled back slightly. “You’re finally here.”

Eric chuckled, shaking his head lightly.

“I had to think long and hard before coming back,” he replied, his tone half-joking, half-serious. “After hearing everything you’ve done in just two months… I had to prepare myself.”

He glanced at Luca with a raised brow.

“Just what kind of storm are you planning to drag me into next?”

Luca scoffed, though a smirk tugged at his lips.

“Who said anything about dragging you?”

Eric gave him a look that clearly said he didn’t believe a word of that.

The two of them took their seats beside each other, the easy familiarity between them settling in instantly, as though no time had passed at all.

Luca’s gaze shifted briefly across the classroom.

Kyle was already sprawled comfortably in his seat, chatting with someone nearby, while Selena sat upright with her usual composed demeanor, quietly observing the room. Aiden sat a few rows ahead, calm and focused as always, and after a short while, Lilliane entered as well, her arrival slightly delayed but her presence immediately noticeable.

Luca nodded toward them in greeting.

Each of them acknowledged him in their own way before settling into their seats.

Meanwhile, Luca and Eric fell into casual conversation, talking about anything and everything without restraint, laughter slipping easily into their words as they exchanged stories and remarks.

Around them, the entire class buzzed with similar energy.

Students shared tales of their travels, their training, their encounters, and even the smallest, most trivial moments that somehow felt important enough to recount.

It was loud.

Alive.

Normal.

And for once—

Peaceful.

Then—

The sound of calm, measured footsteps echoed through the classroom.

One by one, the voices began to quiet.

The door opened again.

Professor Seraphina stepped inside.

Her blue hair was tied neatly in a bun, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room with quiet authority as her presence alone brought the lively chatter to an immediate halt.

Silence followed her in.

Seraphina’s sharp gaze moved slowly across the classroom, taking in every student who had already fallen silent under her presence, before she spoke in her usual calm yet commanding tone.

“Come in.”

At her words, the door opened once more.

A figure stepped inside.

A dark elf with silver hair cascading over her shoulders, obsidian-toned skin, and piercing golden eyes walked into the classroom, her posture composed yet carrying a quiet, unfamiliar presence that immediately drew attention.

For a moment—

No one spoke.

Then the room stirred.

Dozens of eyes turned toward her at once, filled with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and unmistakable excitement. Whispered murmurs began to ripple through the class as students leaned slightly forward in their seats, openly observing the newcomer without restraint.

“An elf…?”

“No… that’s not a normal elf…”

“Her mana… it feels different…”

Sylthara remained unfazed by the attention.

She walked forward steadily, stopping near the front of the class as Seraphina stepped slightly to the side.

“This is Sylthara,” Seraphina announced, her voice clear and firm. “She will be joining this class from this semester.”

Her gaze swept across the students briefly.

“Take care of her.”

That was all.

No further explanation.

No elaboration.

Seraphina simply gestured lightly with her hand, indicating Sylthara could take a seat.

Sylthara turned her head, her golden eyes scanning the classroom for a brief moment.

Then—

Her gaze found Luca.

Without hesitation, she walked toward the back row.

Her steps were quiet but confident as she made her way through the narrow aisle, passing rows of students who continued watching her with unabashed interest.

She reached the last row.

Eric already occupied the corner seat, leaning back with a faintly amused expression as he watched the situation unfold.

Sylthara took the seat beside Luca, settling into it naturally as though there had never been any other option.

For a brief moment—

The classroom fell into an odd silence.

Then the whispers returned.

A few students exchanged glances.

Some with curiosity.

Some with clear irritation.

“That bastard…”

“Another one?”

“How does he keep doing this…?”

Luca could practically feel the hateful glares being directed toward him from different corners of the room, their weight almost tangible in the air.

His lips twitched slightly.

He hadn’t even said a word yet.

Before he could respond—or even react properly—

Seraphina’s voice cut through the classroom once again, instantly silencing all murmurs.

“I hope you all had a good holiday.”

Her tone remained calm.

But there was a faint edge beneath it.

She looked at the class as a whole.

Then continued—

“Now then…”

A small pause followed.

“Shall we test how much you have improved…”

Her eyes sharpened slightly.

“…in a practical test.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep