The academy grounds shimmered under the midmorning sun. Students bustled between classes, their chatter filled with rumors, some about upcoming assessments, others about the underground duel club, but most surrounded a name that refused to fade from lips: Riku Aoyama.
He had become a legend in the making. Some said he was a prodigy returned from self-imposed exile, others whispered about powers he couldn't possibly have. Regardless, he stirred change wherever he went.
Riku stood before the marble-clad lecture hall, half-listening to Ayumi as she recounted the latest drama between two noble houses. Her gestures were animated, her voice laced with concern, but his mind was elsewhere, analyzing system prompts.
> [System Reminder: 'Territorial Advancement' mission deadline approaching. 4 days remaining.] [Skill Upgrade Opportunity: Enhance 'Danger Sense' to Level 2 – Cost: 150 Points.]
He tapped the mental interface.
