The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 38: The Flow of Fate

The sky above Eboncrest was bathed in soft morning hues as Zen walked toward his first class of the day. Inside the Grand Archives of the academy, Professor Aurellan Vane began a special lecture on the origins of mana.

"Long before kingdoms rose," the professor began, his voice resonating in the lecture hall, "this world was a barren sphere of stillness. But then came the Aether Convergence—a moment when celestial energy from beyond the stars bathed this land. That energy seeped into the air, the land, and water, giving birth to mana."

The students listened with wide eyes. "Mana is the breath of the world itself, a memory of the stars, a bridge between realms. It flows within all life, though some are more attuned than others. It is neither good nor evil, but it mirrors the heart of its wielder."

Zen listened intently, absorbing every word. Though he couldn't wield magic himself, learning its origin sparked something in him—curiosity and a deep yearning.

After class, Zen found Lyra waiting at their usual spot. She greeted him with her signature grin. "You're late today, Mr. Swordsman! Did you fall asleep dreaming of magical girls or sword spirits?"

Zen replied with a calm smile, "I was thinking about how the stars gave us mana. Seems even the stars are more generous than the gods."

Lyra blinked and chuckled, poking his arm. "Still salty about that, huh? Come on, grumpy boy. Let's eat."

At the Nourishment Hall, they were soon joined by Arisella. Without missing a beat, she slid into the seat beside Zen again, wearing her usual elegant but mischievous smile.

Lyra narrowed her eyes, stabbing her fork into a piece of fruit. "Princess, I swear that's my side of the table."

Arisella gave her an innocent look. "Oh? I didn't see your name carved here. Or perhaps you want to sit on Zen's lap instead?"

Lyra's face flushed red. "Wha–?! You–! That's not even legal in some kingdoms!"

Zen shook his head and sipped his tea with a calm, amused expression.

Suddenly, someone approached their table. A tall boy with ash-blond hair and piercing blue eyes—Delan Mirros.

He crossed his arms and looked straight at Zen. "Fifteen days left. Don't forget."

Zen met his gaze with calm eyes. "I won't."

Lyra raised an eyebrow, chewing slowly. "Wait... isn't he the guy who challenged you before?"

Arisella frowned. "So soon? I assumed he was all talk."

Delan scoffed. "I don't waste words, princess."

After Delan walked off, Lyra leaned in, eyeing Zen closely. "Hey. You're gonna be okay, right? I mean... I'll still tease you if you lose, but I'll be nice for one day."

Zen smirked. "That's very generous of you."

Classes followed the usual pace—Zen continued his swordsmanship training under Master Kaelen, refining his blade forms and strengthening his control over the faint traces of Sword Qi he'd awakened. The instructor, stern as ever, nodded slightly more than before, which meant Zen was improving.

In the Spirit Arts class, Zen continued to observe and learn even though he couldn't summon a spirit himself. The class focused on harmony—how one's soul must resonate with the elemental essence of a spirit before a contract could be made.

Though Zen didn't possess mana, he tried each step of the ritual—breathing, focusing, and letting his mind reach into the world. Though no spirit appeared, the process soothed him.

That night, under a silver full moon, Zen returned once more to the overgrown grove—his secret place. He practiced his sword in silence, the moonlight dancing off his blade. Afterward, he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes. No thoughts. No expectations. Just calm.

He whispered the words he had learned in class, even knowing he had no mana. Yet the wind brushed his cheek, and the silence of the place embraced him.

He smiled faintly.

And so, the days passed—Zen attending class, learning despite his limits. Visiting that eerie but peaceful grove every night. Slowly growing. Quietly forging a bond with the world in his own way.

Side Notes (Events During This Chapter):

Zen and Arisella continue to attract jealous glares from nobles.

Lyra has made it her life's mission to tease Zen during meals.

Zen's reputation remains controversial. Some admire his determination, others resent his presence.

Delan is beginning to prepare in earnest for the duel, and rumors begin to spread.

Zen's nightly visits to the grove become a routine—equal parts training, reflection, and meditation.

The clock ticks forward toward the inevitable day of the duel. But Zen is no longer the boy who first stepped into the academy's gate.

He is changing.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Like the flow of a quiet river cutting through stone.