[Name: Alex]

[Age: 17]

[Str: 25] (Avg: 30)

[Spd: 32] (Avg: 30)

[Int: 81] (Avg: 25)

[Skill: Storage, Sword Arts, Rapid regeneration, Heightened comprehensibility.]

[Soul Energy: 385]

[Upper limit: 500]

[Lower limit: 25]

...

The main benefit of working hard to improve soul energy manipulation is the gradual elevation of one's average soul energy—a steady baseline that the soul energy returns to after rest unless it falls below the lower limit.

The last time Alex checked when he first used the grimoire, his average soul energy was around two hundred and eighty. But now, it has increased significantly in such a short time.

Not only that, with rapid growth and prolonged stay above the upper limit, it even increases the range of the upper limit to restrict one's growth.

Regardless, Alex has to focus on increasing his Soul energy and know about the basic things which a soul user could do without having that specific skill. Like strengthening their weapon and enhancing their body to increase endurance.

For that purpose, to enhance his knowledge about Soul Energy, Alex was advancing towards arena four, where Devon called him.

'This is strange tho...'Until yesterday, Alex's mentor was Jullie, but now, his new tutor was Devon, the commander of the Arcane Order. Why this sudden change? And was he the only one with special circumstances? In that case, this is a reason to be concerned.

Alex couldn't leave the academy since, during the selection process of the ten champions, it's necessary to have a good connection with a strong leader. And the King Adolf is surely one of the strongest rulers in existence.

That's why it was necessary to remain away from all kinds of suspicion if he could.

'Do I have to rely on Celestria after all?' With those thoughts, he reached the arena and walked inside the place, which, unlike the one where he trained yesterday, was an enclosed space with a conical roof.

The walls of the establishment were made out of a specific material that absorbs all kinds of magic and provides a cushiony effect when someone crashes into it. Alex read about it in a book but this was the first time for him to come here.

"Fascinated?" A familiar person stood beside him and asked while looking at her diary.

Alex didn't even have to glance to know that it was Amanda, as he responded, "The atmosphere here is too calm for a training ground."

Amanda smirked, "Not for long." She finally tore her eyes away from her diary, and while looking at him, she asked, "Why are you here? Are you stalking your friend's girlfriend?"

The blunt girl knows no restraints while saying things.

Alex heaved a sigh, "First, I don't stalk girls, and just tell them if I like them. Second, I am not Edric's friend."

"That so? But when Edric talks about you it seems you two have become good buddies."

Alex shrugged, "Maybe he assumes every person who talks to him nicely is a friend?"

"Maybe?" Amanda was unsure as well.

The conversation died down, and since Alex didn't know the other three, he preferred to stay right where he was until the instructor arrived.

Suddenly, Amanda again spoke up, this time her tone sounded a little gentler, "I never told you this, but I am quite thankful to you...for saving Edric back in the labyrinth."

Alex raised his brows as he turned to look at her, intending to say something but seeing her smile somehow reminded him of 'her'.

Sarah.

He stopped himself from whatever he was about to say, and thankfully Devon entered the arena at the same time.

"Good morning, students. I hope you all had a good sleep last night."

The man looked fresh and lively as ever, as he made his way towards the front, as all the students lined up side by side.

"Today we are going to conti-ah, is there something you want to ask, Mary?" Seeing the girl raising her hand timidly, Devon encouraged.

The girl with pigtails glanced at Alex before asking, "What is he doing here?"

Devon grinned, "Good question! Alex will be joining us as a trainee who will learn from me and you all more about Soul Energy and what a person can do with this gift. In return, Alex will enlighten you all with the knowledge of combat he possesses."

Alex took a weary exhale. He never heard anything about teaching anyone, anything....then why so suddenly?

The girl slowly nodded and dropped her hand only for someone else to ask with a scowl, "Is he any good?"

"Why don't you ask Abeth if Alex is good or not," Devon suggested with a wide smile and his hands resting on his waist.

"...." Every student turned silent and Alex was rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Seeing that reaction, Devon nervously laughed, "Ah-haha...it seems I added an inappropriate joke. Anyway, if you are doubtful about Alex's capabilities, then your concerns are unneeded. After all, this young one here gave Professor Jullie a challenge when she asked him to attack her."

"Heeh~"

"----!!"

"Professor Jullie....struggled against him? So the news about the labyrinth is true!" The same boy, who questioned Alex's abilities, asked with his eyes parted wide.

Once the atmosphere settled down, Devon advised, "How about you all begin with what you left last evening? And Alex, come with me."

Alex nodded as he saw the other students going their ways; two of them picked a weapon and two of them walked towards a pillar which seemed like made for magic testing.

Devon brought Alex a little far from others before he asked the student, "I heard from Miss Jullie that you struggle in manipulating Soul Energy."

Alex nodded, "Yes, it's a little difficult getting a command over it."

Devon hummed before he suggested, "You know what is the best way to make a rude and undisciplined child, obedient?"

Alex shrugged, "Beat them?"

Devon chuckled, "That's a solution but there is another." Inching closer he suggested, "You can push them into a situation where other than listening to you, there remains no other option."

Alex frowned; somehow, he already understood what he was talking about. And when Devon spoke, his hunch was proven right,

"Push your Soul Energy below the lower limit to make it obedient."

Alex frowned, "But isn't it dangerous?"

"Yep, that's why I got this." Suddenly Devon pulled out something from his coat and showed it to Alex

It was a soul energy replenisher. Something that cost more than five thousand gold coins was within Devon's hold.

Devon added, "This is the last option to get a hold of your Soul Energy, Alex. This intensive training and the test which would follow can change your life." Extending the replenisher to Alex, Devon said,

"It's up to you to decide."

Alex, with a knitted frown never leaving his face, accepted the potion.

--------**--------

Later that day, Devon could be seen sitting in his room writing a letter to someone without addressing their name.

And the content of the letter only contained a few words:

[I gave it to him. Waiting for further orders.]

---------**--------

A/N:- Thanks for reading.