Chapter 126: Paths Diverging in Snow
I chuckled inwardly at the name.
The Nexus Resonance Academy.
Why did it sound so cliche? Then again, I was already used to this world’s naming conventions—everything had to sound grand, like it was ripped straight out of a fantasy novel.
But was it really the best academy?
Truthfully, I didn’t know much about the academies beyond passing mentions in books and overheard conversations. I hadn’t bothered researching them yet—there was still time before enrollment, and honestly, I’d been more focused on surviving the present than planning for the future.
Looks like I’ll need to look into them soon.
Thankfully, Zephyr spoke up before I had to voice my ignorance.
"Although the Nexus Resonance Academy is one of the three most famous academies in the world," he said, his voice measured, "it might not necessarily be the best."
I nodded to show my ’knowledge’. "There’s also the Imperial Academy and the Transcendence Academy—equally prestigious, just with different specialties."
Aeron leaned forward, eyes alight with curiosity. "Why do you think so?"
Zephyr exhaled, as if weighing how much to explain. "Since they’re so powerful and well-known, the competition for entrance slots is just as fierce. One in a ten thousand might make it in—and even then, you’d still be fighting for resources inside." He paused. "But that’s not necessarily a bad thing."
Aeron frowned. "Then... what’s the problem?"
"What I mean," Zephyr continued, "is that there are always more choices. Specialized academies, for example, can be far better depending on your path if you have a decent talent."
"Like?" Aeron pressed.
"Lumina Mystic Academy," I cut in, recalling the name I’d actually learned myself. "Specialized in mind-related path, naturally - the best choice for Mystics."
Zephyr gave me a slight nod of approval. "Exactly. Or the Obsidian Forge Institute for blacksmiths and artificers. Or the Verdant Sanctum for healers and life resonators."
Aeron blinked. "Wait, so... you’re saying I shouldn’t aim for Nexus?"
"I’m saying," Zephyr clarified, "that you should consider what you actually want or need. Fame and prestige mean nothing if the academy doesn’t align with your strengths."
Aeron fell silent, chewing on that thought.
I smirked. "Translation: Don’t just chase the shiniest name. Figure out what you need first."
Aeron groaned. "Ugh, why does everything have to be so complicated?"
"Welcome to adulthood," I deadpanned.
Zephyr’s lips twitched—almost a smile. It seems like he got my ’joke’.
Zephyr studied Aeron for a long moment before continuing. "But since you specialize in swordsmanship, and if you truly wish to pursue this path... Nexus Academy isn’t a bad choice either." He paused deliberately. "I’ve heard that a certain swordsman will be joining their faculty this year."
Aeron’s head snapped up, eyes suddenly blazing with interest. "Who? Who is it?"
The corner of Zephyr’s mouth curled up slightly. "...Jian"
Aeron’s head snapped up, his teacup slipping from suddenly numb fingers. It shattered on the floor, forgotten. "J-Jian? The Azure Sky Sword Saint? The man who defended the Eastern Isles against the Crimson Tide with just three swings of his blade?"
Zephyr gave a single nod, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips as he watched Aeron’s reaction.
The transformation was immediate.
Aeron shot to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair. "That settles it! I’m definitely enrolling in Nexus Academy! He’s... He’s been my idol since I first entered into the swordsmanship world." His hands were shaking with barely contained excitement. "I used to sneak out to the marketplace just to hear the bards tell stories about him!"
I raised an eyebrow. The Eastern Isles were halfway across the world - how had Jian’s legend spread so far? Then again, this was clearly their world’s equivalent of a legendary swordsman. The kind whose name everyone knew, whose deeds became bedtime stories.
Aeron suddenly slammed his palms on the table, eyes blazing. "I’m definitely going to Nexus Academy if I have to crawl there on broken glass!" His voice cracked with barely contained passion. "I’ll train until my hands bleed! I’ll—"
"First," I interrupted dryly, sliding a textbook toward him, "you’ll need to pass your exams here and undergo awakening. Even legendary swordsmen expect their students to read."
Aeron deflated slightly but clutched the book to his chest like a rare treasure. "Right. Right! I’ll master this too!" He immediately started flipping pages with terrifying determination.
As I watched Aeron’s starstruck fervor, the inevitable story beats wrote themselves in my mind: Aeron performing some impossible sword technique during exams, Jian’s eyes narrowing in recognition of raw talent, the inevitable master-disciple relationship forming... It was almost painfully cliché.
And yet, I had no doubt it would happen exactly like that. This was Aeron - the human embodiment of the sword prodigy protagonist. The world would bend to make his hero’s journey happen.
Zephyr watched Aeron’s frantic studying with what might have been approval. "He only takes one student every three years," he added, clearly enjoying stoking the fire. I wonder if he picked it up from Virion.
Aeron’s head shot up, panic and determination warring in his expression. "Then I’ll make sure I’m the one!"
Outside, the snow continued to fall silently against the library windows, indifferent to the dreams being forged within. The pieces were moving into place - the call to adventure, the legendary mentor, the young hero’s resolve.
All while I sat in the wings, watching the main story unfold.
Just another day in the life of a background character.
With no one to disturb-
"I have an idea!"
I take that back.
Aeron suddenly turned to me, his enthusiasm undimmed. "Aman, why don’t you enroll there too? We could continue studying together like this." His eyes shone with genuine hope. "Wouldn’t that be nice?"
I looked at his earnest expression and chuckled faintly. "Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline, Mr. Future Student."
Aeron’s lips twitched at my teasing, but he quickly schooled his features into something more serious. "I’m being genuine here, you know."
"I know," I said, my smile softening. "And... it’s not impossible. We might become classmates again, or we might not." I shrugged. "Nothing’s certain yet. Maybe we’ll end up at different academies entirely. But that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing either."
Aeron opened his mouth to protest, but I continued before he could speak. "If we’re at different places, I could help you research things from my side too. Different academies mean different resources, different connections." I tapped my temple meaningfully. "Two information networks are better than one, right?"
For a moment, Aeron looked like he wanted to argue further. Then understanding flashed through his eyes, and his shoulders relaxed. "You’re right," he admitted. "I was getting ahead of myself." He gave me a small, grateful smile. "Let’s focus on the present first."
"Exactly," I agreed, turning back to my notes. "Now, about this problem..."
As Aeron bent over his books with renewed determination, I stole a glance out the window.
The snow was falling heavier now, blanketing the academy in silence. My own future remained deliberately vague in my words - not because I didn’t care, but because I knew my path might not be as straightforward as Aeron’s.
The System’s eventual return, my mysterious past, the strange dreams - all of it meant I couldn’t make promises about where I’d be next year, heck, even next month.
And that was okay. Our friendship didn’t need to follow some predetermined story structure where we remained inseparable companions forever.
Sometimes, the best way to support someone was to walk your own path alongside theirs.
Zephyr observed our exchange quietly, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
When our gazes met briefly, there was something almost approving in his expression - as if he understood exactly what I hadn’t said aloud.
"Back to work," I murmured, and the quiet scratching of pens on paper filled our corner of the library once more.
______ ___
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