"A Planar Rift?"

  Pierce raised an eyebrow, his interest instantly piqued.

  A Planar Rift referred to a bi-directional spatial conduit born of pure cosmic coincidence when two planes of existence intersected—usually triggered by violent spatial turbulence or tidal waves of elemental energy. Through such a rift, inhabitants of both dimensions could, in theory, traverse the void.

  Naturally, every rift possessed its own unique threshold of stability. The lower the intensity of the rift, the stricter the restrictions on the power level of those attempting to pass. If an entity surpassed the energy limit, the rift would simply reject them, or collapse entirely.

  In the Multiverse, where the brutal laws of the dark forest prevailed, two connected planes almost inevitably spiraled into war, each seeking to subjugate the other through force. Instances of friendly exchange or mutual development were rarer than dragon scales.

  Over tens of thousands of years, the Arcane World had discovered countless planes. Many of the weaker worlds had been conquered and enslaved, reduced to colonial resource bases for the powerful.

  Under the Astral Coalition, every Arcane City controlled a handful of private planes. Aurora City, for example, held dominion over three. The Dilo Barbarians, Gnomes, Goblins, and even the Elves commonly seen within the city all hailed from these vassal worlds.

  Pierce continued reading.

  The newly discovered rift was located 120 kilometers north of Aurora City, deep within a vast, ancient forest. The area had already been cordoned off by high-level Arcanists and the elite troops of the Silver Legion.

  However, complications had arisen. That specific territory happened to be a contested buffer zone between Aurora City and Crimson Lotus City. Skirmishes had already broken out during the initial blockade, and military forces from both cities were currently locked in a tense, volatile standoff within the woodlands.

  "A new plane..."

  Pierce’s eyes flickered with thought. Historically, the discovery of a virgin plane always triggered an enormous upheaval, especially when two major powers were involved. He wondered what ripples this event would send through the geopolitical landscape.

  After a moment, he shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.

  Such grand strategic matters were for the Archmages in their high towers to ponder. What business did a mere Rank 1 Apprentice have worrying about planar wars?

  His focus needed to remain on his own cultivation.

  The news following the headline was relatively mundane: a mining outpost attacked by magical beasts, a slave rebellion in a botanical garden bloodily suppressed by the Silver Legion—typical daily occurrences in this unforgiving world.

  Finished with the paper, Pierce tossed it into a waste bin and continued his stride toward the academy.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  As he neared the Garden District, a male student walked toward him. Upon spotting Pierce, the student stopped abruptly, his gaze brimming with unconcealed hostility.

  "It is you, Pierce!"

  Pierce looked puzzled.

  Do I know this person? Why does he look as if I owe him money?

  Seeing Pierce's genuine confusion, the student realized he had been entirely forgotten. His expression soured, turning ugly with wounded pride.

  "You do not even remember your own classmates? It seems your memory is not as legendary as the rumors suggest!"

  Pierce raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And you are?"

  "I am Kian." The student lifted his chin slightly, puffing out his chest.

  Pierce searched the database of his mind and finally recalled a fragment of information. This was a classmate who had advanced to the rank of Apprentice a few days before he did, though they had never exchanged a word.

  "Is there something you need?" Pierce asked, his tone flat.

  Kian snorted derisively. "I merely wanted to see what kind of fellow a 'Bloodless' from House Pye actually is. It turns out you are exactly what I expected—possessed of naturally inferior aptitude. No wonder your family discarded you like trash!"

  Bloodless?

  Was he referring to Pierce's predecessor?

  Pierce searched his memories again but found no relevant information regarding this term or his family's specific history. It seemed the original owner of this body had lived quite a muddled, ignorant life.

  However, what frustrated Pierce more was the sheer pettiness of it all. Kian had gone out of his way to intercept him just to deliver a childish insult.

  How bored must a person be?

  "If you have so much free time," Pierce suggested helpfully, "perhaps you should head to the Research District and assist the gnomes in dredging the sewers. You might find your true purpose in life down there."

  Kian’s face darkened instantly, his teeth grinding audibly. "You arrogant, silver-tongued..."

  Pierce interrupted him without ceremony. "Or, we could simply settle this at the Apprentice Duel Arena?"

  Kian froze. His face reflected utter shock.

  The Spire Academy strictly forbade killing between students, enforcing harsh punishments for violators. However, they had established the Duel Arena specifically for resolving disputes. As long as no life was taken, the academy turned a blind eye to the severity of the injuries inflicted.

  Snapping back to his senses, Kian was consumed by rage.

  In his eyes, Pierce was merely a bookworm, superior only in theory. His actual magical talent was far beneath Kian’s. To have this reject initiate a challenge was a blatant sign of disrespect.

  "Fine!" Kian hissed through gritted teeth, his eyes venomous. "If you are so eager to die, I will oblige!"

  He secretly decided he would leave Pierce broken and bedridden for months. Missing that much cultivation time would guarantee Pierce failed the upcoming assessments and faced expulsion from the academy.

  Pierce remained calm.

  He remembered every freshman who had reached Rank 2, and Kian was not among them.

  As long as Kian was not Rank 2, Pierce felt no fear. Rank 1 Apprentices lacked the mana to utilize magic items or contract familiars; they had to rely solely on their basic spells.

  And in a contest of spellcasting efficiency and combat IQ, Pierce feared no one.

  But just as the two were about to head toward the arena, a piercing, hysterical scream erupted nearby.

  "AAAAHHH!"

  Pierce turned sharply. Twenty meters away, a male student had collapsed onto the cobblestones. He was clawing at his own body frantically, fingernails tearing through robes and skin alike, wailing in agonizing pain.

  Beside him stood a pale, panicked female student—the source of the scream.

  The sudden commotion quickly drew a crowd.

  "What is wrong with him?"

  "Did he contract some alchemical pathogen?"

  The nearby Apprentices whispered among themselves, eyeing the scene with fear and curiosity, but no one stepped forward. Some even backed away upon hearing the word "pathogen."

  Pierce narrowed his eyes, his gaze locking onto the writhing figure.

  He recognized the person on the ground.

  It was Evan, the classmate he had seen following Master Julian that day.