As the morning sun pierced through the veil of lingering clouds, its golden rays cascaded through the window, grazing Percy's face with a gentle warmth. His eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, he simply lay there, letting the morning seep into his weary bones. Weeks of relentless training had forged his body into something stronger, yet exhaustion still clung to him like a stubborn shadow.
Shifting slightly, he felt a delicate weight draped across him. His gaze lowered, and a soft smile played on his lips. Angelica lay curled beside him, her fingers loosely gripping the fabric of his shirt as if tethering him to her even in sleep. Her steady breathing, the slight furrow of her brows—everything about her spoke of someone who had finally found a fleeting moment of peace.
Carefully, Percy maneuvered himself upright, ensuring he didn't stir her from her slumber. With practiced ease, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her effortlessly. The thought flickered through his mind—how light she was, how delicate. He carried her to her room, the morning light casting a soft glow over her features. Dressed in white shorts and an orange bunny crop top, her smooth skin peeked out from beneath the fabric, her peaceful expression making her look even more ethereal in sleep.
Percy's gaze lingered for half a second too long before he exhaled, shaking off the errant thought. He gently pulled the covers over her, his fingers brushing her cheek with the lightest of touches before placing a kiss on her forehead. Without a word, he turned and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Once in the kitchen, Percy began tidying up the remnants of last night's meal, but his thoughts were elsewhere. His gaze kept flickering toward the full-length mirror across the room, and when he finally turned to fully face it, his breath caught.
The reflection staring back at him was… different.
"Woah…" he muttered under his breath, stepping closer.
The transformation was staggering. His body had undergone a complete metamorphosis overnight. His triceps bulged with newfound density, his hamstrings and calves looked more defined—taut, powerful, capable of explosive speed. His abdomen was cut with sharp definition, his deltoids and chest visibly broader, and even his glutes and back muscles had thickened with strength.
Was this really just from the elixir?
"System," Percy called out, his tone laced with curiosity.
{Good morning, Master! How can I assist you today?} The system's voice chirped, ever efficient.
Percy barely registered the greeting, still inspecting his physique in awe. "System, I finally get why you told me to wait before starting the next phase. This… this is insane!" His fingers curled into a fist, feeling the raw power humming beneath his skin.
{This is merely a fraction of the elixir's true capabilities,} the system responded cryptically.
Percy's brows furrowed. "What do you mean? I thought this was the full effect."
{The elixir's true potential isn't just in enhancing your muscles,} the system explained. {Your body has now gained the ability for Mergence.}
The word sent a ripple of intrigue through him. "Mergence?" he echoed. "As in… combining powers?"
{Precisely. Your body is now primed to seamlessly merge external and internal energies—whether from your surroundings, your own strength, or even foreign forces. With proper control, you can amplify abilities in ways previously impossible.}
Percy's pulse quickened. "System, pull up my status screen," he ordered, his mind racing.
The familiar glowing interface flickered to life before him, displaying his updated attributes. Percy's eyes scanned the numbers, taking in the drastic changes. His stats had skyrocketed in ways he hadn't anticipated, but more than that, there was something new—a sub-section labeled Mergence.
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
{Infinite Omega System...
~Name: Percy Atlas Magus,
~Bloodline: Human
~Potential: Level 4 [Body Grade: A+, ??, ??] [To unlock information, please meet requirements.]
~Abilities: Eternal Lucky Charm, Life/Death Benefits, Absolute Immunity, Mergence [For more information click on ability]
~Stamina: 39 {⭡24}
~Strength: 40 {⭡25}
~Intelligence: 13
~Mana: 0}
Percy's eyes scanned the glowing status screen, his gaze locking onto the significant jumps in his stats.
"Wow, a 25-point increase in strength and 24 in stamina," he muttered, digesting the numbers. His fingers twitched with anticipation, feeling the newfound power coursing through his body. "But without a benchmark, I have no idea how this stacks up in this world." Excitement and uncertainty warred within him—was he strong by this world's standards, or was this just the beginning?
Then, his focus shifted to a new, intriguing addition: Mergence.
He read aloud, his voice carrying an undertone of wonder, "Mergence – An origin ability to merge powers, abilities, bloodlines, stats, and elements seamlessly. Unique and unreplicable." The words rolled off his tongue like an incantation, holding a weight he wasn't sure he fully grasped.
"System, explain this Origin Ability. What makes it so special?"
The system's response was cryptic yet informative.
{An Origin ability is an anomaly—one that defies conventional elemental magic and Mana constructs. It is exceedingly rare, often requiring an equivalent exchange.}
Percy frowned, scratching the back of his head. "Exchange? What exactly did I trade for this?"
The system remained steadfast in its secrecy.
{You do not have the necessary clearance for this information. Your understanding will deepen as you grow stronger.}
A sharp exhale left his lips. "Seriously? Another damn mystery?"
Despite his irritation, he forced himself to focus on the other oddities in his status screen. His eyes flickered to a newly listed Body Grade and two glaring ?? slots.
"Alright, System, what's the deal with these question marks? And this Body Grade—what does it measure?"
{The Body Grade is a direct reflection of your capacity to withstand, channel, and wield elemental forces. The higher the grade, the stronger your resilience and adaptability to external energies.}
{As for the ?? slots… They pertain to latent aspects of your abilities—potential yet to be realized. Their nature will reveal itself in due time. For now, your priority should be refining what you already possess.}
Percy huffed, running a hand through his hair. "Always something just out of reach, huh?" The system's vague responses left him half-annoyed, half-excited. There was always more to discover, more layers to peel back.
His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Percy's instincts flared, his body tensing for a split second before his rational mind took over. Peering through the peephole, he saw a well-groomed young man with blonde hair, standing with an air of confidence and professionalism. His smile was warm—calculated, but not immediately threatening.
Cautious, Percy opened the door.
The stranger extended a hand. "Good morning, Mr. Magus. I'm Richard Doyle, here on behalf of the Headmaster and the Resident Advisor department. I'm following up on the application and letter you submitted three weeks ago."
Percy blinked. He had nearly forgotten about that with everything else going on.
He shook the man's hand, his grip firm but not aggressive. "Good morning, Mr. Doyle. Please, come in."
Richard's polite smile never wavered as he stepped inside.
"Would you like some tea or coffee?" Percy offered as he moved toward the kitchen.
"Longjing tea would be lovely, thank you."
Percy nodded, setting water to boil and retrieving the tea leaves. Once prepared, he brought the pot over to the dining table, his movements precise as he poured a cup for his guest. "May I?" he asked, ever the courteous host.
Richard inclined his head. "Please."
Percy slid the cup across the table before taking a seat himself. "Honestly, I'm glad you came. I was starting to think my letter got lost in a pile somewhere."
Richard chuckled, reaching into his coat and unfolding a slip of paper. "On behalf of the Headmaster and the RA department, I extend our apologies for the delay."
Percy sipped his tea, tilting his head slightly. "I get it. My situation is… unconventional."
Richard's smile deepened slightly, as though pleased with Percy's level-headed response. "It's refreshing to meet a student who values patience over entitlement. Now, onto business. I have the outcome of your application and letter. Would you like the good news or the official ruling first?"
Percy set his cup down with a quiet clink, eyes unreadable.
Percy maintained his composure, though internally, he braced himself. Let's just get this over with.
"It doesn't matter which news you tell me first," he said, masking any unease.
Richard Doyle nodded, his demeanor shifting into something more professional. "Alright then, let's begin with the good news." He leaned slightly forward, placing a folder on the table. "The RA department has reviewed your application to allow another resident in your dorm. Given that the individual is a potential student of Solarskis University, the request has been approved."
Percy exhaled slightly, but Richard wasn't finished.
"However—there's a condition."
Of course, there was.
"The student must achieve at least 85% on the written exam and 90% or higher on the Mana Sensitivity test in the upcoming entrance exams. These benchmarks are non-negotiable. If they fail to meet these scores, they'll have to vacate the premises."
Percy's jaw tightened. It wasn't unexpected—Solarskis University held its students to an elite standard—but Angelica was already struggling with her Mana soul.
Richard watched Percy's reaction carefully before continuing. "Now, for the more challenging news." His voice took on a graver tone.
Percy steeled himself.
"The Headmaster and the Board of Education have expressed sympathy for your… unfortunate accident," Richard began carefully, as if walking on thin ice. "However, given the importance of the mid-term exams to our curriculum, your absence has resulted in automatic expulsion from Solarskis University."
The words landed like a dull thud.
Percy remained silent. He wasn't about to beg for an exception. That wasn't his style. There was always a way forward.
Richard sighed, setting the folder aside. "Had your previous grades met our expectations, we might have been able to reconsider. But given the circumstances… Unless you have a valid explanation, there is little room for appeal."
A challenge.
Percy could see it in Richard's eyes—the invitation to fight back, to prove he deserved a place in the university.
But the truth? There was no explanation he could give.
What was he supposed to say? "Sorry, I was dead for two months while my body was being reconstructed by an unknown system that fused me with a cosmic power, and by the time I woke up, I was busy surviving assassination attempts and uncovering my family's conspiracies?"
Yeah. That'd go over well.
He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. Just when I thought I was finally getting a grip on this world's power structure, reality hits again. First, his sister's disappearance. Then his family's manipulation. And now this.
But Richard wasn't done. His lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
"However…"
Percy's head snapped up.
"While that is the Board's decision, the Headmaster sees things… differently."
Hope flickered in Percy's eyes. There was still a chance.
Leaning back, Richard took a slow sip of his tea. "Despite your expulsion, the Headmaster believes there's still a way for you to return."
Percy's mind sharpened, gears turning at lightning speed. A loophole.
He leaned forward. "What do I have to do?"
Richard chuckled, setting his cup down. "It's quite simple… when you think about it."
Percy frowned, replaying everything Richard had said, searching for the hidden meaning.
The written exam… the Mana Sensitivity test… academic standing… official rulings…
Then it clicked.
His eyes widened, realization dawning. Of course.
Richard smirked knowingly. "Looks like you've figured it out."
Reaching into his coat, he slid a blue and green card across the table.
"The Headmaster thought you might find these useful."
Percy picked them up, studying the intricate patterns engraved on their surface. They weren't just ordinary cards. These were test registration forms—one for the University Entrance Exam, the other for Academic Reinstatement.
His way back in.
Richard stood, straightening his jacket. "Well then, my work here is done." He turned toward the door, then paused. "Thank you for the tea, Mr. Magus. And… best of luck."
With that, he was gone.
Percy sat in stunned silence, staring at the cards in his hands. His expulsion wasn't the end—just another test.
The quiet moment was broken by the soft padding of footsteps.
Angelica stood in the hallway, her expression troubled. She heard.
"…I'm sorry, Percy," she murmured, sadness lacing her voice.
Percy tightened his grip on the cards, then forced a small smile.
"Don't be," he said, voice steady. "I've already found my way back."
Percy's eyes burned with excitement, his mind racing. There's still a way in. I just have to prove it.
"No, Angi, it's okay!" he exclaimed, gripping her hands in his own. "There's still a chance for me to stay at the school!"
Angelica blinked, caught off guard by his sudden burst of energy. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Instead of answering outright, Percy quickly gathered the three books Angelica had been using for her studies, dragging her toward the couch with an almost feverish determination.
He flipped open the Runic book, his fingers brushing across the pages with an intensity that made Angelica's heartbeat quicken—not out of romance, but because she knew this look. It was the same look Percy had when he unraveled complex puzzles, the same look he had before he completely dismantled someone's entire strategy in chess.
"He was right… It's simple when you think about it," Percy murmured, the gears in his mind turning at lightning speed.
Angelica crossed her arms, still puzzled. "What is?"
Percy looked up, his grin devilish. "The loophole."
Angelica tilted her head. "Loophole?"
"Think about it." Percy leaned forward, excitement dancing in his blue-gold eyes. "The RA approved your stay because you're a potential student. But that approval would be pointless if I wasn't a student myself. However… when I first enrolled at Solarskis, I applied for this dorm. Meaning…"
Angelica's brows knitted together as she pieced it together in real time.
"The dorm lease… It's under your name and the school's jurisdiction."
Percy nodded, his smirk widening. "Exactly. And who has jurisdiction over the dorms?"
Angelica inhaled sharply. "The Headmaster."
Percy snapped his fingers. "Bingo. Even though the Board expelled me, they can't force me out of the dorm. That decision rests with the Headmaster alone."
Angelica's mouth opened slightly in realization. It was a technicality. A loophole.
"The RA follows the Headmaster's authority, not the Board's," Percy continued. "The Board dictated my academic standing, and the Headmaster—out of formality—had to comply. But once I was expelled, that authority ended. They lost their say over whether I stay here or not."
Angelica's eyes narrowed in thought. "But… your grades still matter, Percy. The Headmaster approved my application knowing the Board had expelled you. That means… the rule about 'potential students' applies to you too."
Percy grinned. "Exactly. That's my ticket back into Solarskis."
Angelica's jaw dropped. "Oh my god… You're not re-enrolling. You're taking the entrance exam."
Percy leaned back into the couch, grinning like a cat that had just outplayed a room full of mice. "I need to ace it—not just pass. The Board won't let me slip back in so easily. They'll fight it. Which means…"
Angelica nodded firmly. "You need to blow the exam out of the water."
The room buzzed with newfound determination. Angelica grabbed her books again, her mind aligning with Percy's like two warriors preparing for battle.
"Alright then," she said, flipping open a page. "Let's train."
Elsewhere, in the Hidden Depths of Solarskis University…
Richard Doyle moved swiftly and silently through a secluded garden, his steps practiced, precise. The walls of vines ahead were no ordinary greenery.
Tracing an incomplete infinity symbol with fire, Richard watched as the vines curled and burned away, revealing a hidden passage.
He stepped inside.
A luxurious tea room greeted him—serene, yet deceptively dangerous. Joffrey sat with absolute stillness, reading the newspaper as if nothing in the world could disrupt him. But Richard knew better.
At the head of the table, the Headmaster closed his book, his calm gaze betraying a flicker of sharp amusement.
Richard bowed. "Good morning, Headmaster. I delivered your message as instructed."
Joffrey flipped a page in his newspaper, completely ignoring Richard—until the Headmaster spoke.
"Excellent."
Richard straightened, but the sudden weight of Joffrey's piercing gaze sent a chill through him.
"Has the trap been sprung?" the Headmaster asked, his voice betraying the faintest edge of dark amusement.
Richard produced a tablet from thin air, swiping through files. "Indeed. One of our instructors seems to have entangled themselves with Nova's Beauty Emporium. There's been a clandestine agreement, though the full extent of it is still under investigation."
The morning light outside turned orange, reflecting against the Headmaster's untouched teacup. The silence was suffocating.
Then—Joffrey spoke.
"Shall we detain the betrayer?"
Richard's blood ran cold.
Joffrey never asked questions. He issued statements.
The fact that he had asked meant that he wasn't sure if the Headmaster wanted them alive.
And that was terrifying.
Richard stole a glance at the Headmaster, whose calmness never wavered.
"Unnecessary, Joffrey," the Headmaster replied at last.
Joffrey tilted his head, but retreated into chilling silence.
Richard, desperate to move on, quickly changed topics. "It seems their target is the upcoming entrance exam."
The Headmaster's smile sharpened. "Oh?"
Richard nodded. "That appears to be the case."
The Headmaster stood, sliding on his coat.
"Then," he murmured, his voice thick with menace, "let's make the necessary arrangements."
Joffrey closed his newspaper.
Richard felt something heavy settle into the air.
"If they wish to meddle in my school," the Headmaster mused, his calm smile hiding something far more dangerous, "then perhaps it's time they remembered the ferocity of the beast they have provoked."
The temperature in the room dropped.
Richard bowed swiftly and excused himself, leaving the tea room as fast as dignity would allow.
Joffrey, however, remained.
"Headmaster, what exactly do you intend to do?"
The Headmaster paused, his silhouette framed by the golden light of dawn.
Then, a slow, wolfish grin.
"Isn't it obvious, Joffrey? I'm simply going to remind them…" His voice dropped to a lethal whisper.
"…how sharp my fangs still are."
As the morning sun rose, its warm glow did little to dispel the storm brewing within Solarskis University.