The late afternoon bathed Spectra in a golden light.
The movement of students was beginning to slow down, though some still lingered in the courtyard, chatting or finishing up their activities.
Elis stood in front of a bulletin board near the main building. Several flyers were pinned there, describing the different departments and their functions. Her eyes scanned each one, but none of the options truly made sense to her.
Advanced Combat.The obvious path for warriors and direct fighters. But what lay beyond that? More battles, more missions?
Strategy and Analysis.Elis wasn't the type to enjoy planning for others. It might be useful, but she couldn't picture herself sitting down to study combat formations while others fought.
Magical Research.Learning theoretical magic and developing new spells? Not something that interested her much.
Support and Logistics.Ensuring teams were prepared, strengthening allies… That didn't suit her either.
Special Operations.Elis frowned as she read that name. Unlike the other departments, this one didn't accept voluntary applications. Beneath the title, there was only a short notice:
"Restricted department. Only selected students will be invited."
If it was so exclusive, why was it even listed?
She sighed and leaned against the board.
Since arriving at Spectra, this whole idea of "being a hero" never really made sense to her. Her brother always had a goal, always believed in something greater. But now… he wasn't here anymore.
Her gaze returned to the board, but her attention shifted when she noticed someone walking a few meters away.
Evan.
He walked with his head down, hands in his pockets, completely detached from the world around him. His eyes were fixed on the ground, his expression heavy, as if his mind were somewhere else entirely.
Elis watched him for a moment.
She didn't know Evan well enough to understand what was going on with him.
She had observed him over the past few days and noticed that he seemed out of place at Spectra. While most students talked about their department choices or their future plans, Evan was always alone—and when he wasn't, it was because someone had approached him first.
For a brief moment, she thought about calling out to him.
But for what reason?
Elis shifted her gaze back to the board, but her mind had already been taken over by another thought.
Since that text had appeared on the board, the idea that someone had written something so cryptic without a clear purpose had been bothering her.
Over the past few days, students had started speculating about the author of the enigma. Some simply referred to them as "The Cursed Heir." But one thing was certain: the enigma wasn't just a simple riddle. Some of the more dedicated students had found connections between the text and theories about curses and how to break them.
The headmistress of Spectra was a wise woman. She would never highlight an enigma like that without reason.
For many, it might be nothing more than an intellectual challenge, but to her, it held a deeper meaning.
And then, her thoughts led her to an obvious connection.
At the library, Evan had been caught off guard while holding a book about curses—Codex Maledictum, a collection of ancient volumes dedicated to the study of spiritual bonds and how to break them. His reaction wasn't that of someone casually interested in the subject; it was that of someone who didn't want to be seen with that book.
Since that day, he hadn't returned to the library.
It was as if he had found what he was looking for and had no reason to go back.
Elis narrowed her eyes.
If Evan had been researching curses, and shortly after that, an enigma appeared talking about connections and severances… was that really just a coincidence?
She had no proof, but the feeling persisted. If there was anyone among the students who could have written that enigma, Evan was without a doubt one of the main suspects.
And if that was true…
What exactly was he trying to say?
20:42 – Evan's House.
The translucent interface glowed softly in front of Evan.
The system had various functionalities, some of which he hadn't fully explored. As he browsed through the store, he analyzed the available options, searching for something useful.
◆ System Store ◆
➤ Passive Skills
✦ Shadow Amplification – Permanently improves the efficiency of Shadow Manipulation, reducing mana consumption and increasing control fluidity. (Cost: 80 Points)
✦ Mental Resistance – Reduces the effects of enemy mental and illusion-based abilities, making the user more resistant to manipulation. (Cost: 120 Points)
➤ Consumable Items
◆ Magic Convergence Capsules – Refines internal energy, gradually increasing magical capacity. (Cost: 50 Points)
◆ Restorative Extract – Accelerates stamina recovery and reduces fatigue. (Cost: 30 Points)
◆ Concealment Seal – Temporarily hides the user's magical presence. (Cost: 100 Points, single-use)
As Evan browsed through the system store, his eyes quickly scanned the familiar categories. Skills, consumable items, techniques... Nothing new. But then, after scrolling a little further, a new tab caught his attention.
➤ Knowledge Archives
He frowned. He had never seen this section before.
Selecting the tab, several titles immediately appeared on the interface.
◆ System Library ◆
◇ Advanced Magical Manipulation Fundamentals – An in-depth study on mana fluidity and how to enhance magical control. (Cost: 70 Points)
◇ Combat Movement Techniques – A detailed book on posture, balance, and mobility in melee and close-range combat. (Cost: 50 Points)
◇ Energy Flow Analysis – Introduction to the study of energy currents that run through the body and how to optimize them. (Cost: 65 Points)
Evan blinked.
"The system sells... books?"
He opened one of the books, expecting a text panel to pop up with the content... But nothing happened. Only the purchase option kept flashing on the screen.
Evan frowned.
"So I can only read it after buying it...?"
"Well, it would be strange if it worked any other way."
But for Evan, buying a book was still an issue.
If it were a physical book, he would need to waste time reading it page by page. But what if there was another way?
He recalled the technique he had learned while teaching Maya about magical flow. The system had simply injected the knowledge directly into his mind.
If he could do that with any book he purchased, he could instantly learn without spending time manually reading.
That thought made him want to buy a book immediately.
'… If I buy the book… will I have the option to receive the knowledge directly into my mind?'
For Evan, this was the equivalent of winning the lottery.
If he could make the system convert books into direct knowledge, he could learn effortlessly. Techniques, magical theory, strategy... Everything absorbed instantly, without having to spend hours reading.
But there was another detail.
If the system allowed storing books and transferring knowledge, then he could use this learning to write his own books and publish them in the real world.
And if he could replicate techniques and information that only existed within the system, turning them into accessible knowledge for others?
That would make him, in the eyes of the world, the author of teachings that no one else had access to.
The idea made him raise an eyebrow slightly.
"That would be interesting..."
But first, he needed to test whether this function was even possible.
Evan crossed his arms, staring at the interface.
'Looks like I'll have to test this later.'
Most of these items were expensive, so Evan couldn't afford to spend points impulsively. His focus, for now, was something simpler and more affordable.
◆ Magic Convergence Capsules ◆ – 50 Points
➤ Description: A magical supplement that accelerates internal energy refinement, gradually increasing the user's magical capacity.
➤ Effect: +0.05 Magic Power per capsule (cumulative effect, but with a daily limit).
➤ Recommended Use: 1 capsule per day for optimal magical growth without side effects.
➤ Duration: Contains 30 capsules (sufficient for one month of use).
Evan narrowed his eyes.
Gradual increase in Magic Power.
In a month, he would gain +1.5 Magic Power.
Whoever heard that he was getting stronger just by taking pills would beg for the supplier without caring about the costs.
This was something still being explored in the world.
Gaining power through magical supplements still involved many side effects.
Of course, if at any moment the system changed or removed the capsules from the store, he would lose this advantage, so relying solely on this method for growth was not an option.
"Better use it while I can."
He selected the option.
[Confirm purchase? – 50 Points will be deducted.]
Evan confirmed. The interface glowed slightly, and in the next instant, a small black vial appeared on the table in front of him.
He picked up the vial and rolled it between his fingers. Small bluish capsules rested inside, glowing faintly under the dim light of the room.
"One per day, no excess."
"Mrrrm..."
A low, muffled sound came from his side.
Evan shifted his gaze away from the interface and looked at Emma, asleep on the couch beside him.
Her small body was curled up in a blanket, hugging a pillow to her chest. Her messy hair covered part of her face, and her breathing was slow and peaceful.
For a moment, Evan just watched.
He didn't know exactly when she had laid down there. Maybe she had fallen asleep watching something or simply by choice.
He let out a light sigh, but a part of his mind eased upon seeing that scene.
'She really can sleep anywhere…'
Emma stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent in her sleep before sinking even deeper into the couch.
Evan turned his gaze away again, this time to the opposite side of Emma.
On the other side lay a letter, untouched on the couch.
He picked up the envelope and ran his fingers over the academy's seal. He already knew exactly what was written inside before even opening it.
Special Operations Department – Letter of Recommendation
[... Evan,
After a detailed analysis of your skills and profile, we inform you that you have been selected to join Spectra's Special Operations Department.
Unlike the other sectors of the academy, this department is not limited to conventional hero training but focuses on developing specialized agents for high-risk operations, infiltration, and the neutralization of hidden threats.
As a member of the Special Operations Department, you will be trained to operate in scenarios requiring secrecy, efficiency, and decision-making under pressure, receiving advanced instructions not available to students in other departments.
Additionally, your participation in the sector guarantees fixed compensation, regardless of mission execution. However, completed missions result in additional payments, varying according to complexity and associated risks.
If you accept this recommendation, detailed instructions about your first training session will be sent. Your response must be submitted within the established deadline.
Sincerely,Coordination of the Special Operations Department ...]**
Evan closed his eyes for a moment.
He knew this department very well.
You must have heard that famous old phrase:
"Not all heroes wear capes."
A simple phrase, but one that carries a deep meaning.
After all, what truly defines a hero?
The media romanticizes the hero figure as someone who wears a flashy costume, appears at the right moment, and saves the day to applause and headlines. But the truth is much greater than that.
Heroes are not just those who appear before the cameras.
Some will never be remembered.
They will never have their faces printed in newspapers or receive statues in their honor.
But that does not make them any less essential.
The scientists who develop technologies for the heroes.The strategists who plan attacks and defenses.The doctors and support teams who ensure the fighters can keep going.
They are all heroes.
Even if the public never knows their names.
And then, there is the hidden side of the coin.
The Special Operations Department was the line that separated civilization from chaos—without anyone ever knowing.
For those wondering how this department operated, the answer was simple.
What do you think would happen if a villain went insane and stormed the White House?
Do you think they would call the conventional heroes, the ones willing to negotiate and try to capture him alive, even if that risked the president's safety?
Evan almost let out a dry laugh at the thought.
You've got to be kidding me.
Of course, they would call the Special Operations Department.
They don't want a grand battle in a public square, they don't want drawn-out conversations, or a chance for the enemy to make headlines the next day.
They want to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible.
If that meant infiltration, assassination, or containment of hidden forces, then that's exactly what would be done.
That's why the sector was controversial. Spectra never openly talked about it. Many within the academy didn't even know of its existence. The few who did preferred not to mention it.
Only recently had Spectra admitted that it trained students for this type of department.
For most students, being a hero meant leading, fighting, and protecting.
For those in the Special Operations Department, being a hero meant acting before a threat could grow and eliminating the problem before the world even noticed.
Evan knew exactly what awaited him if he accepted this recommendation.
Missions hidden from the public eye. The risk of being discarded if he failed. The burden of dealing with Spectra's darkest side.
Sigh...
Evan closed the letter and placed it beside him again.
He was not a hero.
Spectra, despite everything, was a magical academy focused on protecting humanity, creating great heroes. The Special Operations Department was also part of that, but in a way that few would ever be willing to accept.
They weren't there to save—they were there to eliminate threats before they became irreversible disasters.
Evan shifted his gaze to Emma, still curled up on the couch, sleeping peacefully.
Being a hero didn't mean saving everyone.
He couldn't afford to get involved with the suffering of those who would never hesitate to harm innocent people like her.
The reality was simple.
Someone had to get their hands dirty.
"Author's Note" Extra