CHAPTER THREE (3)

Sensing Zain's energy fluctuations, the grotesque mosquito changed course and targeted him, accelerating to nearly a hundred meters per second. In a matter of seconds, the snowy plain where Zain stood quaked, the ground trembling beneath the force of its approach, while thunderous sounds echoed through the air. The drone quickly rushed in to capture the unfolding drama, broadcasting live footage of Zain facing the grotesque mosquito. Its fate was sealed even before it clashed with him.

There was no way an A-ranked monster could defeat an SS-ranked scavenger; it was simply impossible. Zain kicked the monster around a few times, and those watching the live feed fell silent, their respect for him growing with each swift movement. 

The confrontation lasted less than five minutes, but for the viewers, it felt like an eternity. By the time Zain finished, he took a sample of the monster's blood and incinerated the rest of its remains. With that, he was done. Shortly afterward, he activated spatial teleportation once again and returned to the academy.

Upon his arrival, Zain was met with stunned expressions. It was a rare opportunity to witness a ranker in an actual life-or-death battle, and even more so to see an SS-ranked scavenger defeat a monster capable of destroying a city in just a day or two—accomplished in less than five minutes. Instinctively, the crowd erupted into applause for Zain.

Suddenly, all the students couldn't stop talking about him; Zain was everywhere, even making headlines on the news.

"A moment, my lord," Principal Benedict spoke, beckoning Zain back into the briefing room where the staff was still waiting for him. Due to the confrontation with the monster, his energy was still fluctuating, making him appear intimidating. Previously, even though they acknowledged him as the successor, many staff members harbored doubts. However, after witnessing his display of power, their respect for him was now undeniable.

"My lord, was it intended to broadcast live?" one of the staff members asked.

Zain felt a blush creeping up his cheeks. "YES," he replied firmly, masking his embarrassment with a stoic expression.

"You see, Zain, when you are the strongest, you can't afford to mess up. But when you do, you have two options: you can apologize if you know you did something wrong, but if you know you didn't, you just shrug it off and move on," he recalled the Supreme General's words, memories of sweating in the training room flooding back.

"Alright then, the meeting is over now," Principal Benedict announced, his tone signaling the end of their discussions.

"Everyone, please refrain from calling me my lord or lord in general. Instead, call me Zain, or if you prefer, Mr. Zain," he added, his voice steady.

Zain walked out of the room first, leaving the staff members and the principal behind. He was accompanied by his bodyguard, who would only escort him for that day per Zain's request. The charming, average-height teenage boy looked striking in black as he stepped outside the building and made his way toward the classrooms.

As he walked, whispers of admiration and curiosity followed him. Students exchanged glances, their eyes wide with excitement. Zain could feel the weight of their gazes, but he remained composed, focused on his path ahead. Today marked a turning point not only for him but for the academy as well. He was no longer just the successor; he was a force to be reckoned with.