Reincarnated With a Cheat System

Chapter 16 – To The Academy

A year had passed, yet it felt like only yesterday that Phyro and Klein had returned from Polaris. Now, the once-familiar halls of their home echoed with the bittersweet hum of departure.

Outside in the courtyard, the morning sun cast long shadows over the cobblestone path. The crisp air carried the scent of dew-soaked grass and the warmth of freshly baked bread drifting from the kitchen. Phyro stood near the carriage, adjusting the collar of his traveling coat while Klein checked their supplies one last time. The horses snorted softly, shifting their weight as if sensing the importance of the journey ahead.

Today, they were leaving for the Magic Academy.

Phyro had grown considerably over the past year—not just in height but in raw strength. The Prodigy title had accelerated his progress at an astonishing rate, allowing him to master skills and combat techniques far beyond what most adults could. His rapid growth had even caught the attention of nobles and scholars, sparking curiosity and debate. The Academy had been hesitant about accepting a twelve-year-old, no matter how skilled he was, but after witnessing his abilities firsthand, they had little choice but to let him attend.

Klein, now age fifteen, had also grown stronger, though not at the absurd rate Phyro had. Still, he was more than capable, and together, they would enter the Academy as formidable students.

"Alright, everything's packed," Klein said, closing the carriage compartment with a firm push. "I think we're all set."

Before they could board, Mei rushed out of the house, carrying a basket wrapped in cloth.

"Not so fast!" she called, shaking her head. "You two can't leave on an empty stomach."

Akaya followed behind her, arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning them both. "And don't think this means you get to slack off on your training. Academy or not, you better keep up your discipline."

Phyro and Klein exchanged amused glances before taking the warm bundles Mei handed them. Unwrapping them, they found soft, golden bread stuffed with meat and cheese, still steaming from the oven. There were also sweet pastries filled with berry jam, a specialty Mei had learned from an old recipe.

"Eat while you travel," Mei said, ruffling Phyro's hair. "And don't just eat Academy food all the time—come home when you need a proper meal."

"Thanks, Mei," Phyro grinned before taking a bite. The warmth of the bread filled him with comfort, momentarily easing the weight of departure.

Klein took a bite of his own and sighed happily. "I'm gonna miss this."

"You'll be back before you know it," Akaya said, though her usual sternness softened.

Before they could finish their food, a sudden wail pierced the morning air.

"WAAAAAHHHH!"

Phyro barely had time to react before a small figure tackled his leg.

"You're both leaving?! What am I supposed to do without my big brothers?!" Nico sobbed, her tiny fists gripping his coat like a lifeline.

Phyro sighed, kneeling to her level. "Nico, we'll be back before you know it. We're not gone forever."

"But you're leaving me behind!" She sniffled, rubbing her teary eyes with her sleeves.

Klein knelt beside her, placing a hand on her head. "Hey, you'll have Mei and Akaya looking after you. And when we come back, we'll be even stronger. That means we can protect you even better, right?"

Nico looked up at them, her lip quivering. "Promise?"

"Promise," Phyro said, ruffling her hair.

Akaya sighed and patted Nico on the back. "Alright, let them go, kid. You don't want them to be late, do you?"

Nico sniffled, nodding reluctantly as she stepped back. "Okay… but you better bring me something cool when you come back!"

"I'll bring you something amazing," Phyro promised with a smirk.

With the final goodbyes said, the two brothers finally climbed into the carriage. As the horses set off, Nico ran alongside them for a few steps before stopping, waving with both hands as they disappeared down the road.

The road stretched endlessly before them, flanked by rolling hills and forests that shimmered with the remnants of morning mist. Inside the carriage, the two sat in comfortable silence for a while, munching on the food Mei had given them.

"Hard to believe it's been a year," Klein finally spoke. "You shot up like a weed, you know that?"

Phyro smirked. "What can I say? I'm a Prodigy."

Klein scoffed. "Yeah, yeah. You're lucky. I actually had to work hard for my strength."

"You sound jealous."

"Tch. Maybe a little," Klein admitted, stretching his arms behind his head. "But hey, it'll be nice having you around. Just… try not to make too many enemies on the first day, alright?"

"No promises," Phyro said, grinning.

Klein chuckled, shaking his head. "Seriously, though. The Academy was already skeptical about letting a 15-year-old like me in, and then you come along at 12 and make me look normal by comparison."

Phyro shrugged. "They'll get over it. Besides, it's not like I wanted to be this strong this fast—it just happened."

Klein gave him a side glance. "And you're not worried?"

"A little," Phyro admitted, leaning back. "But I guess we'll figure things out when we get there."

The journey continued with light conversation, both of them trying to shake off the growing tension in their stomachs. Neither had ever attended a formal institution before, and while they were confident in their abilities, this was a whole new battlefield—one where status, politics, and hidden agendas played just as big a role as magic and combat.

Hours passed, and soon, the towering gates of the Magic Academy came into view.

The sheer scale of the entrance was breathtaking—massive iron gates adorned with intricate golden carvings stood tall, radiating both authority and prestige. Beyond them, the sprawling campus stretched into the distance, filled with towering spires, grand halls, and lush courtyards that shimmered under the afternoon sun. Students in robes and armor bustled about, their conversations a mix of excitement and tension.

The carriage rolled to a stop. The driver hopped down to open the door, and as Phyro and Klein stepped out, they took in the sight before them.

Klein let out a low whistle. "Well… this is it."

Phyro smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Let's see what this place has to offer."

End of Chapter 16