The academy’s grand dining hall was alive with chatter the next morning, but Vax could feel the difference. The air was heavier, the gazes sharper, and the whispers louder.

“He can’t possibly be an F-rank.”
“Did you see him in the dungeon?”
“They should expel him—he’s dangerous.”

Vax’s hands tightened around his tray as he made his way to a far corner, the one spot where no one would bother him. But as he sat down, a shadow loomed over his table.

“Mind if I join you?”

Vax looked up, startled, to see Alisa smiling down at him.

“You’re brave,” Vax muttered, gesturing to the seat across from him. “Sitting with me will ruin your reputation.”

Alisa shrugged as she sat down. “I’ve never cared about that. Besides, you’re still the same Vax I grew up with, no matter what the others think.”

Her words brought a small smile to Vax’s face, but it faded quickly as a new voice cut through the noise.

“Enjoying your meal, F-rank?”

Vax turned to see Aisha standing nearby, her arms crossed and her usual entourage of nobles behind her. The dining hall quieted as students turned to watch the confrontation.

“What do you want, Aisha?” Vax asked, keeping his tone calm.

“I want to know how you did it,” she said, her emerald eyes narrowing. “No commoner—no F-rank—should be able to wield magic like that. So, what are you hiding?”

“I’m not hiding anything,” Vax replied evenly, though his pulse quickened.

“Liar.” Aisha’s voice was sharp, her accusation hanging heavy in the air. “People like you don’t just wake up one day with power like that. You’re a threat to this academy, and I’ll prove it.”

Before Vax could respond, Alisa stood up, her expression fierce. “That’s enough, Aisha. You don’t get to decide who belongs here.”

Aisha sneered. “And what are you, his bodyguard? Maybe you should focus on your own rank, C-rank.”

The tension in the room was palpable, but before it could escalate further, a deep, commanding voice cut through the din.

“That’s enough, all of you.”

The principal’s arrival silenced the entire hall. His presence was like a force of nature, his sharp gaze sweeping over the students until no one dared speak.

Scene: The Principal’s Warning

The principal’s office was as imposing as the man himself, filled with ancient tomes, glowing artifacts, and the faint hum of magical wards.

Vax sat across from the principal, his heart pounding as he waited for the lecture he knew was coming.

“You’ve made quite the impression, Vax,” the principal said, breaking the silence. “But not all impressions are good.”

“I didn’t ask for this,” Vax said quietly.

“No, but it’s here nonetheless.” The principal leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto Vax’s. “Aisha and the other nobles will not stop until they’ve uncovered your secret—or destroyed you trying. You need to be prepared.”

Vax hesitated. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Train,” the principal said simply. “If you’re going to survive here, you need to control your power. I’ll arrange for private lessons, but you must promise me something.”

“What?”

“Never reveal the full extent of your abilities,” the principal said. “Not until you’re ready. Do you understand?”

Vax nodded, though uncertainty gnawed at him.

Scene: An Unexpected Encounter

That night, Vax returned to the forest, hoping the quiet would help clear his mind. But he wasn’t alone for long.

“You look troubled.”

Selena’s voice was like silk, and Vax turned to see her perched on a low branch, her crimson hair glowing faintly in the moonlight.

“What are you doing here?” Vax asked warily.

“Watching over you,” she said with a sly smile. “You’re drawing a lot of attention, Vax. The kind that gets people killed.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.”

“No, but you’ll need it,” Selena said, dropping gracefully to the ground. She stepped closer, her violet eyes meeting his. “The nobles hate you. The academy fears you. And if they discover what you truly are, they’ll hunt you down like a rabid beast.”

Vax swallowed hard, her words striking too close to home.

“But it doesn’t have to be that way,” Selena continued. “You could have power—real power. Enough to make them bow before you instead of whispering behind your back.”

“And what’s the price for this power?” Vax asked, his voice cold.

Selena smiled faintly. “Just your trust.”

Vax stared at her, his mind racing. Could he really trust her? Or was this another trap, another game meant to manipulate him?

“I’ll think about it,” he said finally.

Selena’s smile widened. “Take your time, little hero. But don’t wait too long. The world won’t.”