---
"So you all understand the theory, right?"
Instructor Moon's gaze swept across the classroom.
Calm.
Unreadable.
"The next time we meet—"
"it will be practical."
A pause.
"Everyone will participate."
A few students stiffened.
Some looked excited.
Others looked nervous.
"Study well on your own."
With that—
he picked up his things and walked toward the door.
Then—
he paused.
Without turning back—
he spoke.
"Student Ming Tia Xu."
A beat.
"Report to the Headmaster's office."
Silence.
Then—
a ripple moved through the class.
"…He's dead."
"Wait—the Headmaster personally summoned him?"
"Should we prepare flowers for his funeral?"
"But why would the Headmaster call him?"
Tia sighed internally.
What now.
Before he could move—
someone stopped beside his desk.
Jay.
Why is the Headmaster calling you?"
Concern clear on his face.
"Did you do something?"
Tia rose from his seat.
Dusted his pants.
"Well—no idea."
That was all he said.
Then he walked out.
The door slid shut behind him.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then—
Jay felt it.
A gaze.
Sharp.
Heavy.
He turned immediately.
His eyes landed on Sung Ling Mu.
Still seated.
Watching the closed door.
Not blinking.
As if studying something Intriguing
One only he could see.
Then—
his eyes shifted.
Met Jay's.
A slow smile appeared.
Small.
Elegant.
Dangerous.
One that never reached his eyes.
Joshua's brows furrowed.
Something about him felt wrong.
Not hostile.
But—
dangerous.
Sung looked away first.
Like he had already seen enough.
And softly—
almost to himself—
he murmured:
"Things are going to be Extraordinarily compelling this year."
---
Administrative Block.
The hallway was unnaturally quiet.
Every step echoed too clearly.
Tia walked past massive doors—
one after another—
until he finally stopped.
Before him—
a large black door.
Above it—
HEADMASTER.
Tia reached for the doorknob—
but before his fingers touched it—
the door opened.
A man stepped out.
Instructor Tevari.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Cold eyes.
His brows furrowed the moment they landed on Tia.
"So you're the little snake."
Tia blinked once.
Then bowed slightly.
"Good day, Instructor."
Tevari didn't reply.
Just stared.
Disapproval clear in his eyes.
Then—
he stepped past him.
As he walked away—
his voice came low.
"I'll make your combat class miserable."
Tia paused.
A beat.
…That person surely doesn't like me.
How troublesome.
He brushed it off.
Then—
knock knock.
"Headmaster."
"It's student Tia."
"You called for me."
****
"Enter."
The voice was calm.
Cold.
Tia pushed the door open.
And stepped inside.
His eyes landed immediately on the man seated before him.
Middle-aged.
Calm.
Imposing.
Dangerous.
Even sitting—
his presence felt overwhelming.
Beside him stood the Vice Headmaster.
Silent.
Watching.
The Headmaster folded his hands.
His gaze settled on Tia.
Long.
Unreadable.
Then—
"I've been waiting for you."
A pause.
"Student Ming Tia Xu."
His fingers tapped the table once.
"Your results were…"
another pause—
"…remarkable."
Far too remarkable.."
Tia said nothing.
The Headmaster leaned back.
"Your rank."
"Your performance."
"They don't match."
Silence.
Then—
"I'd like to examine your mana core."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Unless…"
The room fell still.
---