In the classroom, Lucas sat at his desk, head propped on his hand, watching his classmates fool around with mild boredom.
It wasn't that he was aloof; he simply had nothing in common with these kids.
Trading cards and remote-control cars? And Peppa Pig?
No, if they'd shout something like "Power Rangers, Unite!" or "Do you believe in magic?"
Then maybe Lucas would consider joining in.
Sophia sat properly at her desk in front of him as usual, quiet and still like a delicate porcelain doll, completely lacking the typical energy of children her age.
Suddenly, she turned around, carefully placing a bottle of milk on Lucas's desk, quickly saying: "Thank you for this morning."
Then she spun back around like a thief, her ponytail swaying to reveal ears tinged pink beneath.
Lucas: ...
Although Sophia was the class representative and quite adorable, she was one of the quietest girls in class, always either reading or writing.
Even though they were familiar with each other, did she really need to blush just from speaking two sentences?
Lucas looked at the milk on his desk and reached for it.
[Impressive! Your dashing appearance alone has convinced the young mage to offer you a potion of pure essence!]
[This potion can enhance your magical energy, bringing a spark of vitality to your weakened form. You sense she might possess other rare magical items, which secretly amazes you.]
Indeed, only items Sophia gave him voluntarily would be recognized by the system.
Lucas understood.
[You could refuse, after all, being the eternally single Dragon Knight, being completely oblivious to romance is part of your nature.]
[But rejecting the young mage's kindness might sadden her heart! Other magical items might also become out of reach.]
Lucas: ...
Tch, this system could predict his thoughts!
He really didn't want to accept things from a little girl.
This morning's help was just a simple gesture to him - as a 26-year-old soul, taking things from a little girl felt somewhat odd.
After some thought.
Lucas poked Sophia's back with his finger.
It was soft, like touching cotton.
Sophia trembled slightly, slowly turning around, her face slightly flushed. "W-what is it?"
Lucas took out a handful of magic cards.
Sophia obediently held out her hands.
Lucas placed the cards in her palms.
Sophia just held them blankly for a while, looking confused.
Lucas gave her an odd look. "Turn around and put them away."
Sophia nodded frantically. "O-okay."
She instinctively turned back, but immediately turned again, holding the cards. "Lucas, aren't... aren't you taking them back?"
Lucas explained: "They're for you. If you meet dogs on the road again, throw them from far away. If the dog doesn't leave, quickly take another route, understand?"
Actually, with her kitten-like strength, the cards weren't much use, but they could give her some confidence and courage.
Sophia finally understood, though it wasn't clear if she'd remember. She looked at Lucas for a moment. "Oh."
Then she turned around, carefully placing each card in her backpack's compartment, patting it afterward.
A fair exchange - now there was no psychological burden.
Lucas picked up the milk, inserted the straw, and took a sip.
Strangely, while plain milk shouldn't have any special taste, this time it had an indescribable fragrance that danced on his tongue.
[You drink the magical potion, Magical Energy +3, Power +3]
Flexing his fist, he could feel the increase in strength.
By rough estimation, he now had the power of a "peak sixth-grader."
Lucas couldn't help but smile.
"Ring ring ring"
The class bell rang.
The young English teacher floated in wearing a floral dress, "Everyone quiet down, class is starting. Take out your literature books, today we're studying Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 18'."
Lucas pulled out his literature book, looking at the two figures on the cover, finding it hard to get excited.
Though he only had a bachelor's degree, it was more than enough for now.
Thinking about his future, he considered "previewing" high school courses again.
After all, while he did have a degree, high school was really the peak of academic prowess.
As for that high school knowledge? Well, sorry, but it had sneakily returned to the teachers after entering college.
[As expected of one blessed with dragon's fortune! You've stumbled upon a fragment of the forbidden grimoire! By studying this forbidden text, you seem to have gained some insight, Intelligence +1.]
Lucas stared at the literature textbook in his hands, speechless.
He'd realized this system wasn't just eccentric - it was completely bonkers.
After several morning classes, there was a long break.
Lucas went to the bathroom for his routine break when he suddenly heard voices from the girls' restroom.
"Tell us! Why didn't you bring us cheese sandwiches and colored markers today!"
"And the milk - there's one bottle missing!"
It sounded like some girls from class.
"I-I'm sorry, I'll make it up tomorrow."
That weak voice sounded like Sophia?
Lucas frowned.
[Alas! The young mage's powers are unstable, and she's being ambushed by petty thieves seeking to steal her magical items. Unfortunately, she's in a restricted area where you cannot directly intervene. Saving her would earn you favor, but without your former dragon's might, you'll need to be clever.]
"Tomorrow? We want them today!"
"Right! I saw her give the milk to Lucas!"
The girls' sharp voices carried clearly through the walls.
In the girls' bathroom.
Surrounded by four girls, Sophia stood with teary eyes, head lowered, clutching her dress hem, repeatedly saying: "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I don't have any money left..."
One girl suddenly said: "Lucas never talks to us, why does she get to give him milk? Let's scratch up her face, then Lucas won't pay attention to her anymore!"
Sophia's face went pale instantly, fearfully covering her face as tears welled up. "Please don't, I'm sorry, I won't do it again..."
Suddenly, a voice called from outside.
"Sophia, the teacher's looking for you!"
Lucas's voice was distinctive - as the class's "cool prince," everyone recognized it.
Hearing it was Lucas and about a teacher.
The four girls quickly dispersed.
Sophia ran out of the bathroom frantically, seeing Lucas standing expressionlessly by the door. She tensed up, quickly lowering her head, holding back tears as she asked quietly: "Where's the teacher..."
"There is no teacher."
Lucas shook his head, then looked at the four girls walking behind. "You all wait."
Sophia looked at him in confusion.
The four girls felt too guilty to meet his gaze.
"Were you bullying Sophia in the bathroom just now?"
Lucas asked directly.
Hearing this, Sophia's eyes reddened, her small nose sniffling. Seeming to understand what Lucas was doing, she gently tugged at his sleeve. "Lucas..."
Before she could finish, Lucas glanced at her. "Be quiet."
"Oh."
Sophia lowered her head, not daring to speak more.
"We didn't..." one girl defended weakly.
Besides being handsome, Lucas had a mature aura that made everyone somewhat afraid of him.
"Apologize."
Lucas said.
His cold expression seemed to carry an invisible force, matched with his emotionless tone.
The four girls instantly paled.
"A-pol-o-gize."
Lucas's tone was becoming impatient.
The four girls finally broke down, each trembling as they said: "Sorry... we're sorry."
Sophia quickly waved her hands. "It's... it's okay."
Lucas looked at her spineless response with great exasperation.
Just then, the class bell rang.
Lucas could only let it go for now.
[As expected of you! Using just your dragon's presence to subdue the troublemakers, the young mage is struck by your magnificent bearing!]
[If you were to ask her out now, surely she wouldn't refuse. However, the young mage seems to be hiding something?]
...