whispers of admiration

The next day, Marcus woke up feeling an ache in every muscle of his body. The intense training sessions with Lucian were taking their toll. His mind was sharp, but his body felt drained. Groaning, he sat up slowly, his limbs heavy as though weighed down by lead. He rubbed his eyes, glancing out the window. The sky was clear, with the morning sun casting a soft glow on the academy grounds.

After this, Marcus shouted, "Alice!"

The maid, stationed in the next room, came promptly at his call.

"Warm the water," Marcus instructed.

After some time, the maid returned and informed him, "Young master, the water is ready. You can take your bath now."

With a groan, Marcus pushed himself out of bed, his body aching from the strain. He headed straight for the bathroom, longing for the soothing warmth of the hot water to ease his sore muscles.

The moment Marcus submerged into the steaming water, a deep sigh escaped his lips. The heat worked wonders, easing the tension in his body. For a few moments, he simply let himself relax, the pain in his muscles slowly subsiding.

As he closed his eyes, he thought back to the previous day, particularly Lucian's training. It had been rigorous, far beyond what he expected, but it was necessary. He needed to grow stronger, faster. So that he can change his fate.

After his bath, Marcus dressed himself in the academy's standard robes, fastening the dark silver insignia of House Ravenscroft to his chest. His reflection in the mirror stared back at him, his fiery red hair still damp, his piercing yellow-golden eyes carrying a cold determination. He was ready to face the day.

As he stepped outside his room, Marcus was surprised to see Charlotte standing just a few feet away, her blue eyes meeting his with a soft expression. She looked different, more relaxed than usual. In the past, she had always been so formal, addressing him as "Young Master." But now, ever since his influence over her had begun to take effect, she seemed more comfortable, more... affectionate.

"Good morning, Marcus," she said with a slight smile, her tone warm.

"Morning, Charlotte," Marcus replied, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"

"I was actually on my way to invite you to the cafeteria for breakfast," Charlotte admitted, looking slightly shy, a rarity for her.

Marcus smirked and said. "Sure , let's go."

They made their way to the cafeteria together, their conversation light and easy. As they entered the bustling dining hall, Marcus noticed several pairs of eyes turn their way, the whispers beginning almost immediately. He didn't need to strain his hearing to know what they were talking about—rumors of him dining with the principal, Lucian, had spread like wildfire. Even more, news of his private training sessions with her had reached nearly every corner of the academy.

But Marcus didn't care. Let them talk. It only served to elevate his reputation.

They chose a quiet table. Marcus ordered his usual—some pancakes and tea—while Charlotte opted for a latte. As they ate, the low buzz of chatter continued around them. Marcus could feel the gazes, the whispers intensifying, but he remained indifferent.

After eating both made their way towards the class and Upon reaching the classroom, Marcus could hear the voices of his fellow students even from outside. They were talking about him again—specifically, about his training with Lucian. The whispers grew louder as he approached, but the moment he stepped into the room, silence fell like a heavy curtain. All eyes turned toward him, some filled with curiosity, others with envy.

Ignoring the attention, Marcus walked toward his usual seat. He could feel the weight of their stares as he made his way across the room, but it was the envious gazes that fueled his satisfaction. He wanted them to know that he was different—that he was better.

As he reached his seat, he noticed Princess Serina sitting just behind him. She greeted him with a soft "hi," her voice melodic as always. Serina, with her golden hair and striking features, had always carried an air of regal authority around her. But now, there was something else in her eyes—a growing interest, perhaps even admiration.

"Good morning, Marcus," she said with a charming smile.

"Morning, Serina," Marcus replied casually, taking his seat.

Charlotte, who had been walking beside him, took the seat next to Marcus. She greeted Serina as well, her voice surprisingly warm. "Hi, Serina."

"Good morning to you both," Serina replied, her smile widening.

Marcus leaned back in his seat, observing the two women for a moment. He knew that Serina had always been a prominent figure in the academy, admired by many. But right now, he wasn't particularly interested in pursuing her. He already had his hands full with Charlotte, erza and Lucian, and the various plots swirling in his mind. Serina could wait. There would be a time for that, once he had become more power.

For now, Marcus's mind was occupied with a new plan—one that involved hunting monsters in the nearby dungeons. The system had revealed that he could gain valuable demon points by defeating powerful creatures, and Marcus was determined to exploit this opportunity.

The classroom soon quieted as Professor Erza entered. Her presence always commanded attention. She scanned the room, her gaze landed on Marcus before continuing her lecture.

As she looked towards marcus her eyes also met Charlotte and she could feel that Charlotte was giving her cold glance and she understood that ,marcus must've told Charlotte about his relationship with her.

After that she started the class. Today's topic was on the magical theory of summoning familiars. Marcus listened attentively as Erza explained the fundamentals of summoning magic, describing the intricate process of forming a magical circle and establishing a bond with a spirit from the spirit world.

"The summoning of familiars will take place next week," Erza announced, "once Leo will return from his recuperation."

The moment she mentioned familiar summoning, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Excitement buzzed through the air as the students began to whisper among themselves. Summoning a familiar was a significant milestone for every mage, and it was something that everyone looked forward to.

Marcus, however, was less enthusiastic. He already knew what kind of familiar he would get—thanks to his knowledge of the novel's plot. According to the story, he would summon a mid-tier familiar, nothing particularly impressive. Still, there was a small part of him that hoped the system would intervene, allowing him to obtain a more powerful, perhaps even legendary, familiar. After all, things had already deviated from the novel in many ways.

As the lecture drew to a close, Erza gathered her notes, preparing to leave the room. But before she could, Marcus stood up, his expression serious.

"Professor," he called out, "I have something to say."

Erza paused, turning to face him. "What is it, Marcus?"

"Last night, I reached the level of a 2-star mage," Marcus announced confidently. " And I would like to request permission to go to the dungeon to hunt monsters and gain more experience."

A ripple of shock spread through the class. Whispers broke out once again, this time louder than before. The news that Marcus had already advanced to 2-star mage status was enough to stir envy and awe in equal measure. Even Erza looked momentarily surprised.

"You've reached the 2-star level?" she asked, her tone skeptical but intrigued.

"Yes," Marcus nodded. "I feel ready to challenge myself further, and I believe the dungeon would be the best place to do that."

The dungeon, located in the neighboring Aurora Empire, was a well-known hotspot for adventurers and mages seeking to test their limits. It was also a popular tourist destination, with many visiting just to catch a glimpse of the infamous dungeon entrance. Coincidentally, Isabella Aurora, the princess of the Aurora Empire, was seated just a few rows away. For a brief moment, Marcus's gaze flicked toward her. Her purple hair and eyes made her stand out, her regal bearing undeniable.

Isabella caught his gaze for a fleeting moment before looking away, but Marcus had no time to dwell on it. The class was already in an uproar over his announcement.

"Quiet!" Erza commanded, her voice cutting through the noise. "Settle down, everyone."

Once the room had calmed, Erza turned back to Marcus, studying him carefully. "Very well. I will allow it. Meet me after class, and we will discuss the necessary arrangements."

Marcus smiled inwardly. His declaration had served its purpose—he had reminded everyone that he was a force to be reckoned with, and soon, he would prove it further. As Erza dismissed the class, Marcus gathered his things, his mind already racing with thoughts of the upcoming dungeon expedition.

'This was just the beginning.' Marcus thought.

As Marcus sat down, he could feel the curious gazes of both Charlotte and Serina fixed on him. Their attention was palpable, and with a sigh, he decided to address it directly.

"If you want to ask something, just ask," Marcus said, his tone calm but direct.

Without missing a beat, both women spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping. "Is it true?"

Marcus glanced between them and replied simply, "Yes."

Upon hearing his confirmation, both Charlotte and Serina exchanged glances before casting admiring looks toward Marcus, their expressions filled with newfound respect.