Richard sat in the back row of Mr. Hutton's class, listening to a lecture on Mysticism. Warren, a classmate, brought a Divination Disc, a cloth pouch containing an artifact from the Eastern Continent. When they tried to use it, the Candle went out on its own. Warren was disappointed, but Richard noticed the cloth bag in his hand. He realized the artifact was seeping energy and absorbing points from his panel. He waited until the energy was depleted, then casually placed the bag on the desk. As Warren pulled the disc out, the Candle went out again. Richard calmly explained the "ideomotor effect" and oxygen levels, convincing everyone it was a hoax. He gained 1 point from the disc. The incident changed his school life, as Warren became eager to befriend him. Richard realized that ordinary objects could be sources of power, but he needed to find "Marvels"—antiques steeped in Ether. He began his strategy of buying lunch to gain Points, eventually securing a silver coin from Mr. Hutton during a basement inspection. Tags: Supernatural | School Life | System

Richard discovered a hidden bookshelf in the Greenwood library, pointed out by Mr. Hutton. He spent three days deciphering Appendix C of a book on agricultural communities. The text was encrypted, revealing a secret world behind the Curtain. It described the "Curtain," the realm of Ether, and the hierarchy of practitioners. He learned about the "Newcomer" stage, where one establishes an Ether Micro-Cycle, and the three paths: Secret, Hunter, and Scholar. He also learned about "Marvels" and the "Seal." This knowledge confirmed that Extraordinary Power existed and that he needed to find specific techniques to advance. He began to study the "Golden Path" Breathing Technique and deciphered books on Seal structures. Tags: Mystery | Knowledge | Cultivation

Mr. Hutton took Richard to the school's basement to reinforce a Seal beneath the athletic field. They encountered a Ghoul, a low-level Evil Being, and saw a vision of its past massacre. Richard realized the danger was real and that his Ether Affinity made him a target for "Deathly Drones." The experience terrified him but also fueled his desire for power. Afterward, Mr. Hutton gave him a silver coin used in the ritual, which began to seep points. Richard also received "Ashen Grass," a consumable for a Fog Wall technique. This trip solidified his resolve to cultivate and understand the world behind the Curtain. Tags: Action | Horror | Mentorship

Richard traveled to the Imperial Capital for his family's dinner and the Cicero Cup. He met his grandfather, Gerald Ashford, who revealed he was a Practitioner. Gerald gave him a Gargoyle statue, a "Marvel," which began leaking points. Richard competed in the Cicero Cup. Despite his lack of elite training, he used his deep understanding of Cicero's rhetoric and his new stage presence to win the highest score in rhetorical comprehension. He was added to the Classical Society's recommendation list, securing a future income stream and academic access. He also received a business card from Isabella Ashford, his cousin, and medicine for his mother. Tags: Competition | Family | Growth