A Humbling Change
Noah stared at the plain, unassuming door in front of him.
His new dorm room.
It wasn't that bad, really.
The wood was polished, the brass knob gleamed, and the number plate was cleanly etched.
It even had a small balcony, which, admittedly, wasn't much smaller than the one in his old room.
Yet, as his lips curled into a faint sneer, his pride wouldn't let him accept it outright.
"This... is it?"
He muttered, his eyes narrowing at the modest frame.
"They could've at least painted the door a different color.
Something befitting someone like me..."
His words trailed off as he ran a gloved hand over his forehead and groaned.
He glanced over his shoulder at the pristine Silvercrest Hall courtyard.
Silvercrest was a prestigious dormitory, of course, but his former room had been in its upper wing, reserved for the academy's elite students.
It had been his sanctuary until he'd foolishly reduced it to ash and ice.
"Maybe I should've just disappeared..."
He muttered under his breath.
"Without having to blow up the room."
Regret tinged his tone, and his shoulders sagged.
Even so, Noah grudgingly admitted that this room wasn't terrible.
The interior wasn't as grand, but it was functional.
The bed didn't have gold-embroidered sheets, but it looked comfortable.
The desk wasn't carved from rare wood, but it would suffice.
The balcony didn't have a wrought-iron railing, but it overlooked the academy gardens.
But for someone like him, who prided himself on status and distinction, the downgrade gnawed at his ego.
"It's practically the same as the other rooms in Silvercrest Hall."
He grumbled.
Behind him, Mari emerged, her arms full of cleaning supplies.
She gave him a quick, determined smile before slipping into the room.
"I'll have it tidied up in no time, young master. Please wait outside for a moment."
Noah stepped aside reluctantly, watching his maid bustle about with practiced efficiency.
Left to his own devices, he pulled up his system interface, its translucent panels flickering in the air before him.
The tally of his accomplishments from the first "episode" was still displayed.
The [Plot Points] he'd gained from clearing the horde of undead were considerable, but they'd come at a price.
His body was still recovering, his mana channels frozen from the strain of overexerting his magic.
"This isn't like the game..."
He muttered, his brow furrowing.
Back then, bugs and exploits had allowed players to bypass challenges.
"What are you doing here in Silvercrest Hall?"
Draven's jaw dropped.
His expression shifted to one of exaggerated hurt, and he placed a hand over his chest.
"What?! You mean to tell me you didn't know I stay here?
We're rivals! How could you not know that?
I'm wounded, Noah. Truly."
Noah stared at him, unimpressed.
Draven chuckled, brushing off his mock indignation.
"Anyway, it's good to have you back.
My ascension to the best knight in the academy wouldn't mean anything without you to compete against."
He gave Noah a cheerful wave.
"I have somewhere I need to be, but take care of yourself, alright?"
Noah watched him leave, adjusting the white gloves on his hands as he did so.
"Why didn't he mention the curse?"
He wondered aloud.
Draven was many things, but he wasn't dense.
News of the curse had undoubtedly reached him.
After a moment's reflection, Noah concluded that it was out of consideration.
Draven probably saw it as disrespectful to bring up someone else's afflictions.
As Noah turned back toward his new room, his eyes landed on the door next to his.
A small plaque read: Lockwood.
His jaw dropped. Discover hidden content at empire
"I'm next to that bastard?!"
He yelled, raising a fist in mock frustration.
"Why?!"
Silvercrest Hall was supposed to be a refuge for noble students.
And yet, here was Draven, a commoner, enjoying the same privileges.
To be fair, Draven was a top student, so it made sense... but it didn't make it any less infuriating.
With a heavy sigh, Noah pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Mari had already tidied up most of the room.
The bed was neatly made, the desk arranged, and even the floor seemed to gleam.
"It's ready, young master," she said cheerfully.
Noah glanced around, his pride still smarting, but he had to admit she'd done a good job. He placed his bag on the desk and sank into the chair.
"I see your imperfections with work didn't activate this tim...."
He said quietly.
She beamed, clearly pressed, and began organizing a few last items on the shelves.
Noah leaned back, staring at the ceiling. His mind wandered to the challenges ahead.
For now, he needed to focus on recovering and improving.