Chapter 3:
Lusi Mariano didn't just walk into a classroom; she conquered it. As she entered the Advanced Technology and Design hall, a heavy silence followed by frantic whispers filled the air.
"Is that her? The 51% Dragon heir?"
"She looks... mesmerizing."
Several boys from prominent noble families couldn't take their eyes off her. It wasn't just her newfound beauty; it was the cold, untouchable confidence she radiated. A few even felt their faces turn red—Lusi had officially become the academy's most dangerous crush.
The Legendary Herbalist Challenge
To master her chosen subjects, Lusi had to pass through the Legendary Herbalist Laboratory. This wasn't just about mixing plants; it was about understanding the Forbidden Laws of Nature.
The Professor, a stern man from the Light Kingdom, pointed at a withered silver vine. "Only a master can restore this without breaking the Law of Equilibrium. If you fail, the plant dies forever."
Lusi didn't hesitate. She didn't use common healing magic. Instead, she whispered a command in the ancient dragon tongue. Her 51% essence flared, and the vine didn't just heal—it evolved into a glowing crystalline flower. She had bypassed the laws entirely by rewriting them.
"Unbelievable," the Professor gasped. "She didn't just follow the Law... she commanded it."
The Art Class and a New Ally
Amidst the chaos of magic and technology, Lusi joined the Elite Art Class. She wanted to sharpen her precision for designing magical artifacts. It was here that she met Maya, a girl with bright green eyes and a bubbly personality. Maya was a commoner genius who had earned her place through sheer talent.
"You're Lusi, right?" Maya whispered, sketching a dragon. "Everyone is terrified of you, but I think you're just... misunderstood. Want to be friends?"
Lusi looked at the girl. For the first time, she didn't hear a dark or greedy thought. Maya was pure. "I don't do 'friendship' for free, Maya. But I'll keep you by my side."
The Monthly Exam: The Top 5
Time flew by in a blur of complex equations and magical training. Soon, it was time for the Grand Monthly Evaluation. In Aetheria Academy, the Top 5 students were treated like royalty, given special privileges and direct access to the King's archives.
When the results were posted in the main courtyard, the entire school gathered.
Lusi Mariano: 500/500 (Full Marks):
Luka: 492/500
Maya (Lusi's Best Friend): 485/500
Adam: 480/500
John: 478/500
The Headmaster stood on the podium, holding a shimmering golden medallion. "For the first time in history, we have a student who has achieved a perfect score in both Magic and Advanced Technology. Lusi Mariano, please step forward to receive the Grand Scholar's Award."
As Lusi walked up the stairs, she could feel Luca's eyes burning into her back—a mix of fury and intense and attraction
Lusi took the award, her eyes scanning the crowd. She wasn't just the 'Villainess' anymore. She was the Academy's undisputed Queen.