The academy halls bustled with energy as students prepared for the upcoming Tower Entry Examination. It was the annual event where only the top elites—chosen by the Academy's instructors—earned the right to challenge the Tower's lower floors.
Lohan walked silently behind the crowd, ignored like usual.
Just the way he wanted it.
> [SYSTEM UPDATE COMPLETE.]
[Skill Copy Function Enhanced.]
[Now able to store 3 active skills. Tier limit: B-Rank.]
It wasn't much. Yet.
But it was more than enough to start.
---
Inside the Spellcasting Practice Room
Lohan sat at the edge of the class, observing his classmates flaunt their powers.
"Watch closely, weakling," a boy smirked. "This is a real spell."
Flames burst from his palm and roared across the field, creating a line of blackened earth.
Lohan tilted his head slightly, eyes glowing faintly.
> [Skill Acquired: Flame Edge (C-Rank).]
Another girl nearby summoned a barrier of wind and redirected the flames with ease.
> [Skill Acquired: Wind Barrier (C-Rank).]
He hadn't even moved.
"Still copying notes, loser?" the boy laughed, walking past him.
"No," Lohan said softly. "I'm memorizing your funeral."
The boy paused, blinking. "What did you say?"
Lohan didn't answer.
---
Later That Night
Inside the old training room—long abandoned by students—Lohan stood alone. His hand lit with fire. His other hand, swirled with wind.
He brought them together, and they fused perfectly.
> [Hybrid Skill Created: Windflame Slash (B-Rank).]
He took a deep breath.
The system wasn't just copying.
It was evolving.
And so was he.
---
Elsewhere…
High above the clouds, in a realm untouched by mortals, a pair of golden eyes snapped open.
"He's awake."
Justine's voice was calm. Too calm.
A godling stepped forward nervously. "Shall we intervene?"
Justine turned toward the stars, eyes narrowing.
"No. Let him climb. Let him remember what he lost. And when he stands at the top again… I'll be the one to kill him."
---