Headmaster Davion sat in the room before a round table, surrounded by a few others. Among them was Dorothy, along with several individuals wearing the academy's standard uniform.
They all sat with expressions marked by concern, all except Davion.
"Headmaster Davion, it's not a wise decision to place Kael Auron with the second years instead of the first years! His grade is a One!" Hart, one of the teachers, voiced his complaint.
"Yes, and let's not forget that he just woke up! Don't you think it's cruel to pit him against students who've had over a year to develop their abilities, with much higher grades?" Rika, a female teacher, added with clear frustration.
Despite their words, Headmaster Davion's calm expression remained unchanged. "That's still not reason enough for me to assign him to the first years."
The teachers bit their lips and folded their arms, silenced by his firm response.
Dorothy raised her hand, breaking the tense silence and drawing everyone's attention.
"In that case, Headmaster, what exactly is your plan for him?" Dorothy asked. "After all, it's a three-year course to graduation. Are you trying to get rid of him early?"
For the first time, Headmaster Davion's face shifted, his expression growing sterner and more serious. "What I have in mind is far beyond your comprehension. I have no intention of discarding him. On the contrary, I see Kael Auron as a great asset."
"An asset?" Rika questioned, her skepticism evident.
"Yes, an asset. I acknowledge his weak grade, but this child will help me reshape the second-year students. That's the reason behind my decision," Headmaster Davion explained.
Still, his reasoning failed to fully convince the others. Deep down, they all knew he was withholding something, though they couldn't discern what it was.
In Davion's mind, he replayed the moment Kael's file crossed his desk and the first time he glimpsed Kael through his window as Dorothy escorted him past the building. The image of the green, burning aura surrounding Kael lingered vividly in his thoughts. It was untapped potential—raw and brimming with possibilities.
"I'll cultivate that boy. Such potential must not be wasted."
---
Morning came, and Kael had changed into the academy's uniform. Eric insisted that they all go to the cafeteria for breakfast together.
Jeremy initially seemed reluctant but eventually agreed after a moment of thought.
The three boys walked to the cafeteria, though Kael couldn't ignore the peculiar stares he received from others. Jeremy, too, garnered attention, but unlike Kael, the looks directed at Jeremy held a sense of reverence rather than disdain.
He must have done something to earn their respect, Kael mused before turning his focus back to the system's mission to reach level 5.
Kael had no idea how he would achieve it. The only time he had leveled up was after killing the beast in his house, and in this academy, the chances of encountering a beast seemed slim.
When they reached the cafeteria, they lined up at the counter to receive their food. Once served, Eric abruptly broke away from the group to sit at a table filled with students whose grades matched his. Jeremy, on the other hand, chose a separate, empty table, leaving Kael alone.
Unsure of where to go, Kael decided to join Jeremy.
As he sat down, he was met with a warning glare from Jeremy. What's his problem?
The tense silence dragged on until Kael decided to ignore the hostility and focus on his breakfast.
"Why are you following me? This is my personal table," Jeremy finally growled, his tone laced with bloodlust.
"I don't see your name on it, and we already share a room. A table shouldn't be a problem," Kael replied calmly.
Jeremy growled again but, seeing that Kael wasn't going to leave, he pulled his food closer and created more space between them.
"Fine. Just shut up and stop bothering me."
Kael shrugged, fine with the arrangement. He hated interruptions during meals anyway.
Then—
Tap!
Kael felt a firm hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see three boys in academy uniforms standing over him. Two of them were bulky, while the one with his hand on Kael's shoulder was slim. Their grades were all visible—Grade Two.
I don't need a handbook to know why they're here, Kael thought grimly.
"Hey, bro," the slim boy in the middle began, leaning closer to Kael. "I heard you just arrived at the academy. Mind if I ask you something?"
Kael didn't respond, so the boy smirked. "Are you the devil's subordinate, or do you belong to Eric?"
Kael shook his head silently, prompting laughter from the trio.
"Oh, boys, looks like we've got a rebellious little bastard here!" the slim boy sneered. "Why don't we show him how to properly address higher grades?"