Surviving the Magic Academy With Just Intelligence Stats

While the knights methodically eliminated Adelaide's guards, Ambrose's mind operated on an entirely different plane. His newly acquired skills, [Thought Acceleration](A) and [Time Perception](B), allowed his thoughts to race at supernatural speeds while maintaining perfect awareness of multiple events simultaneously. However, even these extraordinary abilities proved insufficient for unraveling the mystery that nagged at his consciousness. Without hesitation, he activated another skill from his arsenal:

[Focus State](D) - Enables the user to maintain concentrated observation without succumbing to normal human limitations. The user can maintain unwavering attention for up to 15 minutes, with a 30% reduction in the impact of external distractions. This state also comes with a slight reduction in mental fatigue during observation tasks, allowing for longer periods of detailed investigation.

The addition of this focused state brought immediate relief as he felt his perception sharpen further. Earlier, he had detected something unusual in the guards' behavior – a subtle undercurrent of communication that his enhanced senses couldn't quite grasp. He had filed the observation away for later consideration, but now, as their lives were being systematically ended, that same sensation returned with overwhelming intensity.

As he concentrated, pushing his abilities to their limits, fragments of information began breaking through. Like a radio picking up a distant station, a jumbled voice emerged through layers of static: "#$%@@^Hel*#%^Mission@!#$". Before he could isolate more of the message, the last guard fell silent, taking any chance of further clarity with him to the grave.

Just then, system notifications appeared before him:

[Ding! The host has comprehended a new method of information by his own]

[Ding! Your observation talent has advanced a little]

The notifications caught Ambrose by surprise. Everything he had learned about talents suggested their advancement was impossible. In this world, talents were strictly classified: Trash, Ordinary, High level, Top level, Legendary, Mythical, Transcendent, with anything beyond considered divine. His father's Time talent was Transcendent, while his own Observation talent was merely Ordinary. The possibility of talent advancement contradicted everything he thought he knew – or perhaps his knowledge had been incomplete.

This revelation carried profound implications. While he possessed the divine Space-time talent, the system's harsh assessment had been accurate – he had no practical way to utilize it. A mere attempt to tap into its essence had rendered him comatose for a week. But his Observation talent, compatible with his intelligence-focused build, had just demonstrated the potential for growth. Simply by applying his mind to comprehend a new phenomenon, the talent had advanced. His path, which had seemed frustratingly limited, suddenly opened with new possibilities. Even an Ordinary talent, properly nurtured, might evolve into something extraordinary.

With rising excitement, he called up his status panel. While most stats remained unchanged, his intrinsic skill had undergone a remarkable transformation:

[Observer's Intuition - Enlightened](Intrinsic) - Through deep understanding and countless observations, this natural talent has evolved to new heights, greatly enhancing the user's cognitive and sensory processing abilities while unlocking new potential in information gathering and analysis. This enlightened state allows for deeper insight into both the physical and mental realms. (Subskills: [Heightened Perception](B), [Detail Retention](C), [Pattern Recognition](B), [Focus State](C), [Thought Transmission](B))

Beyond the obvious rank improvements of existing subskills, an entirely new ability had manifested:

[Thought Transmission](B) - A newly awakened ability born from heightened mental sensitivity. The user can transmit their gathered information telepathically to willing recipients within a 50-meter radius, complete with sensory details from their observations. Additionally, they gain enhanced sensitivity to mental transmissions in their vicinity, able to detect and sometimes intercept telepathic communications happening within 30 meters. This sensitivity extends to detecting strong emotional broadcasts and mental disturbances in their area.

A satisfied smile played across Ambrose's lips as he studied the new skill's description. The mystery of the guards' final moments was solved – they had been attempting telepathic communication. Though that particular secret died with them, the experience had unlocked new capabilities he could immediately put to use.

Glancing at Adelaide beside him, a plan began forming in his mind. It seemed appropriate to test his new ability in the field. Activating [Thought Transmission], he reached out to Hualing, still lost in her fantasies within the carriage.

"The young master's voice?" Her head snapped up in surprise as his thoughts touched her mind. Understanding dawned in her eyes as she received his instructions, her dreamy expression transforming into one of focused determination. "~Leave it to me," she responded, her hand sliding to retrieve a knife concealed against her thigh.

…

In the confines of the luxurious carriage, Adelaide fought to maintain her composure as the knife pressed ever more insistently against her throat. Her merchant's training took over as she attempted to salvage the situation with her usual diplomatic smile. "Young master, what do you mean?" she asked, her voice carefully modulated despite her growing anxiety.

Her attempt at de-escalation backfired spectacularly as Hualing's reaction proved wildly unexpected. "How dare you seduce the young master!" the maid snarled, the knife edge trembling with barely restrained violence. Only Ambrose's swift hand signal prevented the situation from turning lethal. He cast a worried glance at his overzealous maid – hadn't his telepathic message explained the situation clearly? Her excessive killing intent suggested either a miscommunication or... something else entirely.

Returning his attention to Adelaide, he cut straight to the heart of the matter: "Who's the spy?"

Confusion flickered across Adelaide's features before understanding dawned. "There's a misunderstanding," she began carefully, conscious of the blade at her throat. "Even though the Golden Compass Trading Company is extremely wealthy and influential, we wouldn't dare place spies in the house of Rothschild." Ambrose's enhanced perception confirmed her sincerity, and he gestured for her to continue.

"Although, there are no spies in the house. Outside, it's fair game," she added with pointed emphasis. The distinction struck Ambrose like a physical blow – of course, his departure from the estate would have been witnessed by countless eyes. A merchant of Adelaide's caliber wouldn't need internal spies to track such public movements.

"It seems I've become paranoid," he reflected inwardly. The integration of the original Ambrose's memories had left him feeling genuinely protective of the Rothschild name, perhaps too much so. His shoulders relaxed slightly as he asked, "Then why did you use me?"

Adelaide, ever observant, noted his softening demeanor with relief, though the knife's presence demanded continued caution. "Actually..."

She proceeded to paint a vivid picture of the power dynamics within the Golden Compass Trading Company. Maximilian Brightwell, the aging patriarch, commanded wealth that surpassed many noble houses, making the question of succession a matter of intense speculation. His eldest son, Sebastian Brightwell, enjoyed broad support among the company's power players, while the second son, Theodore Brightwell, maintained his own sphere of influence.

Then there was Adelaide, the daughter who had carved her own path. From childhood, she had recognized her father's results-oriented mindset and chosen a strategy distinct from her brothers' traditional networking approach. While they curried favor with nobles, she built her own business empire. Though smaller than her father's, her independent success had earned his approval – and others' resentment.

Her gender and refusal to engage in typical political maneuvering had made her deeply unpopular among the company's old guard. The academy had seemed like a perfect refuge; surely her brothers wouldn't dare move against her there. But she had miscalculated, walking right into their trap. Her own guards, bought and paid for, stood ready to betray her.

Death had seemed certain until news reached her of the Rothschild heir's awakening and planned academy attendance. A desperate plan had formed in her mind.

"And that's how I made a plan to have you help me. It was a test!" Adelaide concluded, meeting Ambrose's gaze directly.

"Oh? You actually dare to test me?" Ambrose's smile carried an edge of danger, but Adelaide was already moving, closing the distance between them despite the knife at her throat.

"The young master misunderstood me," she declared, her voice taking on a formal tone. "I meant this as a test for myself and also to show my worth." With fluid grace, she dropped to one knee before him, assuming the traditional pose of a vassal before their lord. "I wonder if I'm worthy enough for the young master to take me in."

The gesture transformed the atmosphere in the carriage. This was no longer a merchant's daughter seeking protection, but a potential sworn follower offering fealty to their chosen master. The political implications of such an alliance – between the Rothschild heir and the likely successor to the Golden Compass Trading Company – hung heavy in the air between them.