Both the medic and Alice looked utterly stunned.

  Historically, those capable of harnessing mana were strictly limited to mages or individuals with exceptional talent. The only person in Class F who could actually use mana was Iris Malisa.

  My gut instinct was to deny.

  The mana exhaustion was likely a side effect of using Halunar’s eye. I had zero intention of letting a god-given power leak out. But then again, if I admitted to having mana, I’d have to fabricate some other ability to explain it, which sounded like a giant pain.

  So, I went with a non-committal, vague approach:

  "I’m not really sure. It’s not like I was trying to use mana or anything. Could it just be a mistake?"

  The medic looked thoughtful. "It could just be extreme physical weakness; you do look pretty haggard... Anyway, just lie down and get some rest for now."

  Alice helped me over to an empty bed; I was currently the only patient in the entire infirmary. She didn't leave, though. Instead, she sat by my side, looking even more troubled than I - the actual patient - did.

  Watching her steal glances at me, clearly wanting to say something but biting her tongue, I just stayed quiet and waited. After a long silence, Alice finally bowed her head, her hair obscuring most of her face, and whispered:

  "Asher... can you... can you really use mana?"

  I shook my head.

  "I honestly don't know."

  Alice twiddled her thumbs, looking visibly anxious.

  "If... and this is just a 'what if'... if you really can use mana, please keep it a secret."

  "Why? Being able to use mana is a good thing, isn't it?"

  "Your master... I mean, your cousin... he might not exactly be thrilled about that."

  Ah. I see where she’s going with this.

  In Averula, mana is still regarded as a divine blessing. Consequently, the nobility tend to believe that only those of high standing, like themselves, are worthy of receiving such a gift. The fact that the rate of mana users is indeed higher among nobles only reinforces this conviction.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  As a result, the idea that someone with commoner blood could also wield mana threatens to diminish the "exclusivity" of the aristocracy, something they aren't particularly fond of.

  "I... I’ve heard rumors... that some nobles will sell off their servants to the Church if they discover they can use mana. Those servants... they likely end up as test subjects for the Church’s experiments..."

  Alice’s voice grew fainter, she was so tense she started breaking into a cold sweat. Judging by her reaction, she probably hadn't just "heard rumors". She might have witnessed it firsthand.

  If I recall correctly, Alice is the illegitimate daughter of a member of the Matthew family and a maid, leaving her social standing perhaps even lower than mine. A family famous for its magic would undoubtedly go to great lengths in the shadows to maintain its prestige.

  To dare speak of such a heavy secret just to protect a classmate she wasn't even that close with, she’s quite brave, and kind-hearted too.

  "Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind," I told her.

  Alice nodded and headed back to class. I took advantage of this rare moment of privacy to reflect on the information I’d gathered.

  First off, my ability to see the status boards requires mana. I need to figure out how to replenish my reserves and keep a close eye on the remaining amount after each use.

  Secondly, I’ve partially figured out the mechanics behind the Hero selection. It seems candidates are ranked based on their stats, and when the Day of Selection arrives, the top five will officially become the Heroes.

  The remaining two members of the former five-man squad were Princess Claire Cassandra - the long-range attacker skilled in archery and wind manipulation - and the Vice-Captain of the Knights, Henry McCaley, the team’s vanguard and primary tank. Neither of them attended Imperia, so getting close to them at this stage would be a challenge.

  According to Halunar, she had rewound time nearly a hundred times, yet this same five-person lineup still couldn't defeat the Demon King. They supposedly had the best stats available. If they couldn't do it, no one could.

  But was that actually true?

  Power levels are important, sure. But based on my own adventure experience, success requires far more than just raw numbers.

  Things like ethics and compassion, for instance.

  Or the ability to actually work as a team.

  Or the drive to push oneself, the hunger to learn, and the humility to take advice.

  Attributes that those five were severely lacking.

  However, since the selection mechanics are fixed and even the Goddess herself can't alter them, my hands are tied.

  So, what can I do?

  Try to find a way for the old Hero party to learn vital qualities beyond just their own strength and vanity?

  Drawing from my decade of past experience and nearly thirty years of life, I’ve learned one thing: you can't change people who don't want to change.

  There's no other way. If you can't change the person, change the person.