Chapter 25

...

I then stopped my steps.

"Ah, can I ask for something? Regarding the student"

"Ask away, Miss Denallie"

The Imperial Ophilis Academy, simply The Academy. This prestigious place symbolized the entire empire's educational position. They divided its students into various classes, decided by their knowledge, strength, but not social status. Leiron, my brother, placed in the Third Class. It's understandable since he's still not gained enough training from me. Meanwhile, Dinesh placed in the Second Class.

"I know that you want me to be an instructor or teacher. But, do I have the right to pick my own student? I hate teaching a lot of people, you see"

The Headmaster just laughed a little.

"I will allow it since it's a special circumstance. But, may I ask about the students that piqued your interest?" he said, stroking his beard.

"Four students from Third Class, one student from Second Class, and one student from Sixth Class. As for their names, I'll keep it a secret until the papers arrived to you"

It may be a small number, but I know how powerful their potential is. These students will be able to overthrow the hidden yet seen hierarchy in this academy. I'm sure he knows what I intend to do.

"I might have a clue about the Third and Second Class, but I don't know about the latter. Interesting"

He writes some kind of agreement then seal it, ensuring my request has been granted.

"Then, since you need to wait for the students you picked to be called here, how about you watch some classes? I think the Second and Third are scheduled to be practicing magic today"

This sly old man...he knows I need to announce my presence here.

"Well, shall I? It's a bit disappointing that the First Class are away, but I'm sure something fun will happen nonetheless"

The First Class, known to be the future geniuses of the continent. I reckon a few students will be the most influential people later. For now, some of them are reasonable, while the rest are fucking arrogant as hell. Majority of them looked down on anyone who wasn't in their class. I heard that they went to the Magic Tower for their lesson last month. I will try something interesting when they come back later to teach them. I bet it will be really fun.

"Good luck to you, Miss Denallie"

...

In the classroom....

"Hey, have you heard the news? There's a new instructor this semester"

There's rumor around the students that the Academy will have a new instructor for them, whose age is only two years apart. Some felt awe, some felt jealousy.

"Yeah, I heard that too. It's Young Master Leiron's sister, Lady Denallie"

"What?!"

While some students were surprised about this, Leiron just sat calmly, until a classmate asked him.

"Um, Young Mast-"

"Just call me Leiron. We're in the academy, no need to mind my status" said Leiron.

"Ah, yes...L-Leiron. Do you think Lady Denallie is powerful enough to be an instructor?"

Leiron smiled slightly.

"Of c-"

"Of course she's not, idiot"

A rough voice from behind interrupted him. It was the man who ranked first last semester, Roland Hinds von Edgar.

"All those rumors about her being ridiculously strong must be a nonsensical thing a person ever said. I bet we won't even feel intimidated by her. HAHAHA!"

Leiron suddenly stood up, and faced him.

"You are strong, indeed. But, let me tell you one thing. Do not, make her fight seriously. You will regret it"

Roland just shrugged it off like it's nothing.

"Bah! An empty threat from the runner-up! HAHAHAHA"

Leiron just sighed and continued reading his book.

"Is she really as strong as the rumors about her?"

A student curiously asked Leiron.

"Well, if you compare her to my mother, obviously not. But, I can swear on my name, she is on par with those people called Rankers"

Rankers, those terms became popular around all the continents, deciding who's stronger. It's not an official thing. But, people liked something like this to mock them, praise them, and be inspired by them. My mother, she ranked first last year. Somehow my name isn't even on the list. Leiron, who heard this, felt really confused. I explained to him that maybe because I haven't debuted yet in the field my name is not on the list.

"What?! I can't believe it!!!"

"Hahaha...just remember my advice. Don't, make her fight seriously"

The student didn't notice the face of Leiron, who looks like remembered something terrible.

...

After a few minutes, Mr. Theo, the Third Class instructor, came in. Theo Alberta, he's the renowned instructor, whose fame is known even in the capital. He's ranked around the top 50. He even received a medal for his contribution in developing a new spell. That's why people were upset with his choice to become an instructor. But, he himself is happy about this, since he can teach the future generation about his knowledge.

"Good morning, everyone"

All the students hurriedly sat.

"I'm sure some of you already heard the news, so I won't repeat that. So, for this semester, some of you might be selected to be part of Miss Denallie's class"

A student then raised his hand.

"Is there a qualification or some sort to enroll in her class, Sir?"

Mr. Theo just smiled.

"That is not something I should know, right? I'm sure the Headmaster said that Miss Denallie will watch our class and the Second. She might be already in the field right now. Well? Let's hurry up!" said Mr. Theo, vanishing into the air.

...

The students then went to the field, only to find that no sight of this new instructor. Only Mr. Theo, silently stood.

"What? There's no one here?"

Mr. Theo just slightly laughed.

*(Appear)

"Well, it seems like all of you are too weak to even notice my presence?"

I suddenly appeared behind them. I think they won't be able to even notice my maids with this level.

"What the fuck?! Who do you call weak, huh?!" shouted Roland.

Just like I expected, he unleashed his mana excessively, expressing his anger.

"Roland!" shouted Leiron, trying to stop him.

*(Tap)

With a tap of my sword to the ground, his mana completely disappeared. He looked really confused.

"Listen, loser. You think unleashing your mana like a fool will scare me? Such stupidity"

Just as Roland was about to step forward, he stopped, feeling something ominous aiming at his neck.

"This, is how you unleash your mana"

*(Shiver)

All of the students felt a terrifying sensation, even Leiron. They all then fell to their knees.

"Weaklings. If this level of mana already made you guys fall, it's no wonder you guys placed in the Third. Stand up"

*(Step)

Mr. Theo, unwavered, stepped in.

"Please, stop, Miss Denallie" said Mr. Theo.

I then stopped unleashing my mana. The students are struggling to stand up.

~Restoration~

"W-what?"

Receiving my healing, all of them finally stood up perfectly.

"So, this is Miss Denallie. She will become an instructor at least for this semester. I hope whoever is chosen will learn a lot from her. Ah, she also asked me to give some test to you all"

The students were surprised about this test. Some of them already showed signs of giving up.

"Haahh...if you want to give up, then step back behind those lines" I said, waving my finger.

After that, only five students remained. I guess most of them were afraid of me. Even that Roland guy is brave enough to not step back. But, it looks like some of the students who remained were at the bottom of the class. Well, on paper, that is.

"Line up"

The students obediently lined up. I looked at Mr. Theo and nodded.

"Okay, for those of you who given up, follow me to the class"

Mr. Theo then left with the remaining students. I looked back at the students.

"I don't care about your rankings. But, I'm sure you know your limitations, as well as your abilities. Now, I want you to try to land a strike on me. Use whatever you have to do that. Who goes first?"

The students looked at each other. Roland, without hesitation, stepped up.

"Me"

"Good. Prepare your weapon"

Roland unsheathed his sword, and prepared his stance.

"I'll make you regret calling me weak!!!"

He jumped forward. He actually put his technique, huh. But, such loose techniques like that won't even be able to reach me.

*(Clank)

Just one swing of my sword, Roland was thrown away from me.

"Wrong footing, wrong muscle utilization, worse mana control, too much wasteful moves. Next!"

The students were all bewildered by what had just happened. Except for two people. Leiron and Idaline. Two of them are still trying to deduce how Roland's strike got deflected that easily. Unexpectedly, Idaline stepped up first and prepared her stance.

"Good. I will use my fist too, then"

*(Flash)

Idaline moved really fast without any sound. Though, her leftover mana were scattering everywhere. Such a simple mistake and...

*(Catch)

You can catch them in no time.

"What?!" said Idaline, surprised.

"Instead of strength, you compensate it with speed, huh? Very good. But, you need to use your mana properly. Else, the remains will be your tracks. This, is how you use it" I said, letting her hand go.

*(Vanished)

"Where did she g-"

The second she looked away, my fist already aimed at her face.

"Here"

*(Boom)

Same as Roland, Idaline was thrown far away to the back. But, breaking through the walls.

"Good speed, no movements got wasted, poor mana utilization, weak strength. Next"

Gavesha Hala, the last in the class. His swordsmanship is really good. But, he tends to think too much when he uses his technique.

"Thank you for the opportunity!"

Gavesha somehow held out amazingly, he knew his enemies were stronger than him so he moved carefully. Almost, too carefully. Just a single miscalculated step I took, and his entire plan was foiled.

"I...lost"

Ushmila Praya, the bottom of the Third. Too sensitive about mana so much that it hinders her true potential of being a truly fearsome mage, also an assassin. Though, she doesn't know yet.

"Ushmila, let me ask you this, can you handle Null?"

Ushmila was confused. She never even stepped into the frontlines, yet she asked such a question.

"I-I never encountered one before, so I don't know"

~Null~

The area surrounding Ushmila suddenly...feels empty. The others don't know that such a dangerous phenomenon was able to be artificially created. Ushmila, for the first time in her life, being freed from the mana.

"Now, fight me confidently this time"

Ushmila took out her dagger and unleashed her stealth magic. It's kinda funny that she's the bottom of her class because of something so simple.

She casted a whole lot of spells without restriction and her firepower increased significantly. It's only a temporary condition, but her potential assures my choice to pick her.

.

.

.

"Is that all?"

All of the students were surprised by how badly Ushmila's condition despite her almost powering me. As soon as I undo the Null, Ushmila loses her focus on the battle.

"Now, go back to your class, and don't forget to train the aspect you were lacking"

"Understood"

All of them stepped out of the training ground, except for one person.

"Ushmila, is there anything you want to say to me?"

She suddenly kneeled in front of me.

"Please, train me harder than the rest!"

I understand her intention. Even without my training, she will become the most terrifying assassin under Jormungand's guidance. But, such patience is meaningless if I told her.

"That is indeed my intention. You will train with the exact same intensity, without Null. If you are nothing without Null, just give up"

Ushmila stood up and bowed her head.

"Thank you very much, Instructor!"

She then left with joy filled her heart. Hopefully, I can train Ushmila with her tomorrow.

...

When I entered my room, a figure was standing there in front of my desk.

"Is it okay for you to sneak around here, Yozita?"

Yozita turned back, with a letter in her hand. She walked towards me and kissed me.

"I miss you too. So, the Princess sent me that letter, I guess?"

"Nope. It's the Empress this time. It's more like a formality letter to ask you to take care of Her Highness"

When I checked the content of the letter, it was indeed like Yozita said. But, a hidden message is always Her Majesty's trait.

"Dungeon...tribe...weird movement..."

As I thought, their movement began earlier than what I expected.

"Yozita, the event might happen faster. Prepare the plan like we discussed"

The Academy's Dungeon event. It is the most important event in the academy arc since the Sixth Class, will get brutally slaughtered by one of the Demon Tribes, Red Feather.

I considered the possibility that the event might happen earlier than it was supposed to, so I created some kind of plan to clean the aftermath mess. Why did I make the plan to take care of the aftermath rather than the event itself? Well, the First Class and their teacher, consciously use the students from the Sixth Class as bait to help them escape. The survivors blame them, but the First Class accuse them of trying to set a trap out of jealousy.

The plan I made for when the event happens itself? Me. I am the plan. Of course, my students too.

"That girl from Sixth Class. She's from that family, right? I never thought there would be a survivor after those demons hunted them decades ago" asked her.

"You look at my list, huh? Well, not many of them survived. But, you won't know what happened in life after all"

As I signed my hands up, a maid appeared. Yozita is confused as to why she wears a blindfold.

"She is Alin. You can take off your blindfold now"

"Understood, My Lady"

As soon as Yozita saw her eyes, she was taken aback.

"Are you kidding me? That's the Fourth Knot! She's already on the Magic Tower's wanted list if they know about that!"

The Man-Netre Family. The most dangerous family, for demons and humans. They have been granted by the mana itself a power to alter any flow of mana that existed. That resulted in their eyes forming some kind of pattern, according to their mastery over the power granted to them. Starting from the First Knot, to the most powerful one, the Fifth Knot.

When I read the novel, the main characters found a pendant from a village that was recently ambushed by the demons. Turns out the pendant has a mark of Second Knot. That also means not all members of the Mannetre Family were hunted down and they still exist. So I investigated the village and found Alin, an orphan who helped the local temple. By the time I met Alin, she was already on the Second Knot. I offered her a job as my maid, and helped her family to survive without revealing their secret.

One day, she decided to form a squad full of her family members. Only a select few people knew about this squad, including my mother. So far, I only used their power once to urgently suppress the demons on the Central Continent.

"Alin. How about the girl? You sensed it too, right? Her potential is really terrifying"

Alin stood silent.

"She's...a direct bloodline. Her eyes may not have developed enough, but there's no one in our family except the direct bloodlines that has the Mobius Knot in their eyes" said Alin.

...fuck. I didn't expect her to be a direct bloodline. Yozita looked strangely at me.

"I see. I will ask for your help when she starts asking about her family. Is that alright?" I asked.

Alin bowed down.

"Leave it to me, My Lady"

As soon as she said that, she left without leaving any trace.

"Yozita. I heard there's a weird movement around the palace. Is it regarding the World Tree?

Yozita sighed, expecting me to already know that.

"You're right. The Military Department received a proposal about some kind of sparring between two academies, ours, and the elf's"

The High Elf sensed the demon's movement already, huh. They planned to recruit some forces, I see.

"Thanks for the information. Please, be careful"

I pulled her close to me then kissed her deeply. Yozita surrendered herself then lay down on the bed.

"So? Until morning?"

Yozita bit my lip, and pulled me down. It was indeed, a long night.

...

The next day, I called everyone on the list. Third Class, Ushmila, Idaline, Leiron, and Gavesha. Second Class, Dineshcara. The Sixth Class, Valeria.

"Okay. This is the first time that you all gathered here. From now on, you will become a special class, at least until my time here is done. Any problem?"

All the students kept their silence.

"Good. Now, everyone except Valeria, will undergo a special training program. I hope you will enjoy it. Valeria will join later"

While some students looked a little bit excited, Leiron was the only one with a terrified face.

"All I can say is, good luck, guys" said Leiron.

"From today, you will run 100 laps, practicing the basic moves of your technique 100 times, and sparring with me. Understood?"

"Understood!"

They thought it was easy, but the regret comes later. As soon as they began training, I casted a barrier around me and Valeria.

"Now that we're alone, I want you to show me your eyes"

Valeria hesitated a little.

"I know about your unique eyes, so don't hesitate with me. I will teach you everything you can do with those eyes and how to control it"

Valeria then dispels the magic on her eyes and shows her true eyes.

"...it's true, huh. You're one of the direct bloodlines. Do you have anything left behind by your parents, if I may ask?"

"What? My parents...left me this ring with me"

A silver ring, with a symbol of Fifth Knot. She is indeed the successor.

"I Denallie Nayanika Isvara, greet the Successor of The Man-Netre, Valeria Drudhata Man-Netre" I said, bowing my head.

Valeria is confused by what just happened.

"P-please raise your head, Miss Denallie! I-I'm not that high of a status!"

"It seems like you need to learn more than I thought. Well, it's okay. I will teach you everything you know about your eyes"

"Thank you for your guidance!"

I then explained about the Man-Netre Family's ability. The First Knot, although it's the very first step, the power it can control is really troublesome. It can't alter a mana flow directly, but it can disrupt the flow of mana so a spell can't be casted. Though, the power is less effective when faced with a stronger enemy.

The Second Knot. It can alter the mana flow only by a second. It is rather insignificant, but combined with a good strategy, it will become more dangerous for the enemy. The Third Knot. The eyes became more dangerous from this step. You can alter, and also analyze the mana flow to mimic the opponent's movement. It can sense someone's mana flow even from a far distance.

The Fourth Knot. With these eyes, you can alter any flow of mana from your surroundings. When it comes to living beings, you can stop their mana flow inside the body for a time being, stopping their life temporarily. As for the Fifth Knot, it's already at a stage where you will be considered a disaster. You can alter any flow of mana, be it from a living being, or even an object. Your boundary will only be your control over that power. That's why, when someone reaches the Fifth Knot, a powerful being such as Jormungand, and the others like him, will be wary of them.

"Do you understand the weight of your power? Do you still want to continue?"

After listening to all that explanation, Valeria looked at me.

"Please, give me your guidance!"

Good determination.

"Alright, you can train with the others now"

Valeria immediately joined the rest.

*(Appear)

Alin suddenly appeared behind me.

"They will arrive at least in a month, My Lady. The raid will begin at least a week after their arrival"

After saying that, Alin left.

"...perfect. All of you! We have exactly one month, so brace yourself!"

...

For a whole month, I trained them together. Every training session ended with a spar with me. Out of every spar we had, none of them could manage to land a hit. Teamwork, roles, instinct, techniques, everything I could have trained them, I did it. Finally, one day, they managed to connect their movements. Though, they still haven't landed a hit on me.

"You all have trained hard for a month, and managed to reach this level. Take a break this week, and thank you for following this training"

All of them, battered, stood up and bowed together.

"Thank you!"

.

.

.

The next morning, the Headmaster told all of the instructors to come to the entrance. The First Class finally returned.

"I see that you've trained lot of interesting individuals, Lady Denallie" said the Headmaster.

I bowed to him a little.

"It's their talent that finally bloomed. I just helped to nurture it"

*(Horn)

A loud sound interrupted our conversation, signaling that the students had arrived.

"Phew~ I'm glad to be back here. I hate that place so much!"

Not entering with a great attitude, but full of complaints. I don't know why the Headmaster won't do anything to them.

"Hey, I see a new person there. Do you think she's a new instructor?" asked a student.

"Seems like it. Doesn't she look kinda weak for that role? What do you think, Alfa?"

The heir to the Magic Tower, Alfa Deepti Daiva. She's different from her classmates. She has a good personality, and talent too. Asked by her classmate, she turned her gaze to me.

"...I can't sense her mana at all. Let me try again"

How dare she use her mana detection on me. Let me teach you a lesson.

*(Shudder)

"W-what is that mana?!" said Alfa, trembling in her place.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Rubert.

Rubert Syam Alexander. The heir to Alexander Dukedom. He showed his talent in swordsmanship from an early age. Along with his talent, his arrogance also bloomed 'beautifully'. From the info I gathered, it seems like even Valeria will be able to take him down.

"T-that person over there beside the Headmaster. Tell me, do you sense her?"

Rubert also looked at me.

"Sense her?...what the hell? I didn't sense her presence even when I looked at her. It's like an illusion"

Why are they so rude looking at me like that? I'll teach you a lesson too, then. A little bit of my killing intent will suffice.

*(Shudder)

Rubert instinctively prepared to unsheathe his sword. His other classmates and Alfa looked at him strangely.

"...what the fuck was that?"

I then took my leave to the training ground. All of the students were confused at Rubert and Alfa.

...

On my way to the training ground, I encountered three students from the First Class. Dafhina Aruna, Meera Aluva, and Alfa again. Dafhina and Meera may seem like a normal student, but they're actually prominent members of the Assassin Guild.

"Good morning" I said as I smiled at them.

"Good morning"

As I walked away from them, Dafhina stopped and looked at me.

"What's wrong, Dafhina?" asked Meera.

"Do you not realize it?"

Meera confused.

"When she passed by us, I can't hear her footsteps at all, even her presence"

"What? I don't realize that at all!"

"She's incredibly strong. That's all I can say" said Alfa.

"...I need to confirm it myself"

...

At the training ground, all of my students unexpectedly arrived there with their training equipment.

"I told you to take a rest. Well, what can I do"

We then began training like we usually do, until someone interrupted our spar by throwing their sword.

*(Catch)

"...I didn't know that a knight from the Alexander Dukedom was this disappointing" I said, breaking the sword in my hand.

Rubert then entered the training ground.

"It seems that you don't know your position to speak like that to me, Miss Temporary Instructor"

...what a brat.

"My position? I'm higher than you, though? Skills, achievements, and so on. I never thought Alexander Dukedom has a poor curriculum in their educational system that the heir didn't know the word 'introspection' and judged other person"

Rubert instantly snapped.

"YOU MOTHERFU-"

Before he could unsheathe his sword, I grabbed his hair and slammed his head down to the ground.

*(Boom)

"That's it? You passed out from that?"

A sword suddenly came for my throat. I then hold the sword with my hand.

"Here I thought you already passed out. Dafhina, Meera, Alfa. If you don't come out right now, I will drag you here myself, whether you want it or not"

Sensing that a massacre was about to happen, my students left the training ground and prepared for some kind of show.

"Well, you bring this to yourself"

As soon as I said that, I extended my hand and grabbed the air. Not long after, a large shadow hand already grabbed three of them. I then smacked them to the ground, along with Rubert.

*(Rumble)

"I can take all of you down, here and now. Or you can fuck off with your limbs still intact"

All of them trying to stand up, battered.

"YOU THINK I WILL JUST ACCEPT THAT?!"

"Rubert, Meera, Dafhina. Proceed like we usually do"

Three of them nodded in agreement. They disappeared and were already in the formation. Rubert then launched his strike at me.

"You know, this formation is really good. But, too bad that your vanguard is really weak"

I moved a little, dodging Rubert's strike. Dafhina and Meera are already in front of me. I caught their blade, and aimed them towards each other. They dodged, but left a large wound after the clash.

"Nice coordination. Now, it's your turn" I said, looking at Rubert.

Even before Rubert was ready to guard my attack, his head already fall to the ground.

"She's too fast!" said Alfa.

"Now, the the mage's turn"

Alfa hurriedly casted a barrier.

"This is the ultimate barrier, even you won't be able to break it"

I then grabbed the air in front of me. Suddenly, the barrier broke without any resistance.

"Wha-ack!?"

"Come here, Miss Mage"

Alfa got pulled by a dark hand and ended in my grasp.

"Beating time~" I said, as I threw Alfa alongside the others.

Alfa, struggling to get up, trying to say something.

"W-we gi-umf?!"

Before she could finish her sentence, I stopped her by choking her with my boots.

"You started it, I finished it. Sounds good?"

That day, three of them experienced the most humiliating day in their life. Of course, I leave no mark of my 'teachings' on them. I could get in trouble, after all. After all that, Rubert tried to stand up.

"Y-you...what kind of knight are you?! The duel ended when we said give up! Why won't you stop?! Don't you have any philosophy or principles as a knight?!"

Funny he said that.

"Listen here. I don't give a fuck about those philosophy of yours. Every knight has their own philosophy, and so do I. Heck, I'm not even a knight, I'm an adventurer. And in the battlefield, that philosophy of yours can be maintained only when you have the strength for it. Wake up, bastard"

Without any refute, Rubert fell silent. With that, the eventful show ended.

"I thought you would at least cut their arm or something" said Leiron.

"Who do you think I am? A villainess?" I said, as I cleaned myself off the dust.

"...you're indeed a villainess" said all of the students.

*.*.*.*

To Be Continued...

*.*.*.*

Hello everyone :D

It's been really a long time since I updated this story. I've been struggling a lot this year. I don't want my stress to be included when I'm writing so I held back myself from writing. I wrote this chapter to be longer than usual as a compensation for the really really long absent :D

I hope you all have been in a really good time since the last time I updated :D

Hopefully, I can finish my college early so I can update this story more frequently :D

See you next time! :D

*.*.*.*

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