Empire Academy, Imperial Capital of Sinovera.
The grand and imposing library stands five stories tall. Its exterior, crafted from jet-black glass and gray marble, exudes both dignity and elegance—a showcase of cutting-edge architectural design, and one of the Academy’s signature landmarks.
Students come and go, one after another. (Note: All character names such as 'Andrew Han' will be rendered per glossary.)
Some cradle books in their arms; some hurry along with brisk steps. (Note: 'Monica Zhang' and terms like 'little grove(s)' will be rendered per glossary, with cultural context as needed.)
The rooftop terrace atop the library.
Normally closed to the public and rarely visited, today the rooftop hosts a lone, unremarkable young man.
He wears shorts and a T-shirt.
His hair, a little long, drifts in the autumn wind. (Note: Character names such as 'Andrew Han' will be rendered per glossary throughout the chapter.)
He is none other than Leo Liu, the Peerless prodigy of Empire Academy.
In a crowd, Leo Liu would blend in seamlessly—his height, build, and bearing all perfectly ordinary.
But his eyes are anything but ordinary. (Note: 'Southland University' is the correct glossary rendering for '江南学府' and will be used consistently throughout the chapter.)
Leo Liu holds a borrowed book, his gaze calm enough to contain all things—a tranquility that carries a profound, weighty strength.
Whoosh.
Let the bleak autumn wind sweep the land; the turning pages carry a chill, yet Leo Liu sits serenely on his wooden chair, as calm as one who watches clouds drift by. (Note: Martial arts terms such as 'Mountain-Sketch Pillar Stance' will be rendered per glossary throughout the chapter.)
Rustle, rustle.
Sometimes he turns a page; sometimes his gaze grows deep, pondering and weighing each thought as if considering profound questions.
Suddenly—
Leo Liu stands and leaves his seat, gazing out from the rooftop at Empire Academy’s timeworn scenery, his expression tinged with quiet nostalgia.
“This year, I’m already a third-year student.”
“The days until I leave the Academy are growing fewer. If I want to experience this kind of peaceful life again, I fear there won’t be another chance.” Leo Liu faces the gentle breeze, slowly closing his eyes. (Note: Progression tiers will be translated as 'Martial Artist Realm,' 'Martial General Realm,' and 'Martial Lord Realm' per glossary, with brief explanations for clarity.)