CHAPTER TWO (2)

The scenario would have looked rather comical if not for the serious expressions on the staff members' faces as they intensely regarded Zain. As everyone began to settle in, Zain took his seat next to Principal Benedict.

"To begin the meeting, I, Benedict, as the principal of this academy and the person in charge, would like to thank you for deciding to attend the academy once again, Your Supremeness," Principal Benedict spoke with a sincere tone and a soft expression.

Zain simply nodded his head, prompting Principal Benedict to continue.

"Considering your rank, I would like to suggest that you be placed in the highest rank we have, the SS-rank class. This is the latest class we have established; its curriculum will be mixed with the official training regimen of the B-ranked scavengers. The training is quite tough, but the class offers a lot of free time. Although you will be the strongest, there are many talented individuals in that class, so you will easily enjoy a peaceful academy life if you wish. That is all."

Principal Benedict concluded with a smile, looking expectantly at Zain. 

Before Zain could respond, a man wearing a black suit and shades walked into the room. He was rather charming, appearing to be in his late twenties or early thirties.

"Lord Zain, forgive me for my intrusion, but there has been an A-ranked monster sighted eighty kilometers from the academy. It's headed for the city. How are we to respond?" the pale-looking man with a deep voice inquired.

Immediately, eight grown men, all with combat experience and leadership backgrounds, turned to look at the fourteen-year-old boy who lacked real battle experience. Yet, if there was one thing Zain excelled at, it was strategy and warfare. He assessed the room, his keen mind racing, and focused on the man in the suit.

"How fast is it coming?" Zain asked.

"No, if I may…" the man began, but Zain cut him off.

When it came to such matters, Zain entered a state of clarity; his previously timid nature transformed into one of confidence and authority. He raised his hand, signaling for Principal Benedict to cease speaking.

"I will personally handle this, Principal Benedict. There is no need to worry."

As Zain left his seat, the staff stood up in respect for him. The building, being the principal's office and the main structure upon entering the academy grounds, was unusually crowded with people.

As Zain walked through the hall, he noticed a crowd of students gathered outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the successor. However, when they saw him, most were not impressed. They had expected a tall, snow-white figure with a handsome face and dark blue eyes, but instead, they saw an average-height young boy with golden-brown skin and striking emerald green eyes. At first glance, he didn't appear intimidating at all. Zain took a few steps down the hall and quickly disappeared from sight.

He had just activated one of the abilities he learned from the Supreme General: spatial movement. Moments later, he arrived near the monster that was currently approaching the city.

Zain deployed a drone, which began sending live coverage of the unfolding situation back to the academy. By accident, he had set it to wide coverage, allowing anyone who wanted to watch what was happening to tune in.

The monster was a hideous giant mosquito, the size of a bear, hovering ominously in the sky as it locked its gaze onto Zain. 

*Shit, that thing is hideous,* he thought, taking a moment to assess the creature. Its grotesque body was covered in a slimy sheen, and its multifaceted eyes glimmered with a predatory hunger. The buzzing sound it emitted was deafening, a chilling reminder of the danger it posed.

Drawing in a deep breath, Zain steeled himself for the confrontation ahead. He knew that this was not just a test of strength, but a demonstration of his leadership and tactical prowess. The fate of the city, and perhaps even the academy, rested on his shoulders.