second day inside the Academy

As Alex stepped into the classroom, the lively chatter died instantly. The air, once filled with casual laughter and murmured conversations, turned heavy. All eyes turned toward him—some curious, others quietly arrogant.

He strode to the front, his robes flowing behind him. His gaze swept across the room before he spoke.

"Did you all finish the homework I assigned last class?"

His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried through the room with the weight of a command.

A student in a blue suit stood up. "Yes, human, we did."

Alex turned his head slightly, white hair shifting with the movement. His golden eyes locked onto the student, cold and assessing.

"What's your name?"

"Rizark."

Alex gave a slow nod. "Good. Then why don't you come up here and demonstrate your progress?"

Rizark's expression twitched. He clicked his tongue, irritation flickering across his face. Tch. I didn't think he'd be this strict. His brain must be rotting.

Though Alex heard him. He said nothing.

Rizark rolled his shoulders and stepped forward, raising a hand as he conjured his aura. The energy flickered around him—unstable, wild, barely controlled.

Alex remained still, watching. Then, after a beat, he let out a quiet laugh.

"You didn't train, did you?"

Laughter erupted in the room. Some students leaned back in their chairs, nudging each other. Others smirked, slapping their desks in amusement.

Alex didn't react. He merely turned his head, his eyes sweeping across the room. The laughter died instantly. The weight of his gaze alone was enough.

He exhaled, shaking his head faintly. "Don't worry. You'll learn." He gestured for Rizark to sit. "Go."

Turning to the board, he picked up a piece of chalk and tapped it lightly against the surface. The rhythmic clicks echoed in the silent room.

"You didn't train," he said again, addressing the entire class. "And you didn't even think about it."

The chalk stilled between his fingers as he scanned the students. "You dragons take great pride in your strength, don't you?"

Several straightened in their seats. Some whispered, their slitted pupils gleaming with confidence.

"Then answer me this." Alex spun the chalk lazily between his fingers. "Do you think humans are weak? If so, raise your hand. If not, stay still."

A rustling went through the room. Hands shot up—except for one.

Alex's gaze flicked to the student in a white suit. The boy hesitated, fingers twitching as if unsure whether to follow the others.

Alex's hand stilled. He tilted his head. "Hey, white suit."

The student flinched and quickly stood. "Y-Yes, teacher?"

Alex studied him, unblinking.

"Why did you hesitate?" He tapped the chalk against his palm once. Twice. "Don't you believe in your own kind?"

The student's throat bobbed. His hands clenched at his sides. If he admitted doubt now, the others would turn on him. His breath came shallow before he forced out an answer.

"N-No, that's not it, teacher. My arm just felt sore, so I couldn't raise it quickly."

Alex held his gaze for a moment longer. Then, with a slight nod, he turned away.

"Sit."

The student collapsed back into his chair, releasing a quiet breath.

Alex spun the chalk between his fingers again, his voice light. "So, you all think dragons are superior, huh?"

The room tensed.

He let the silence drag before speaking again. "Fine. Let's talk facts."

The chalk clacked against the board as he wrote a single word: History.

"Tell me," he said without turning around. "Who led the great battle against the dungeon invasion?"

The students stiffened. A few exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke.

Alex tapped the board twice, then turned to face them.

"You all know the answer," he said, his voice calm. "It was a human—Leon Agniverta."

A ripple of discomfort passed through the class. Some students shifted in their seats. Others frowned.

Alex set the chalk down. "Alright, let's change the subject. Why do dragons have affinities with Uxil, the goddess of humans?"

Silence.

A few students clenched their jaws, but none answered.

Alex let out a soft chuckle—humourless. "You're all so brainwashed."

Taking a step forward, he let his presence press down on them. "But here's something you can't deny. Not a single dragon in this kingdom can defeat Leon Agniverta." He paused, then smirked. "Or even the General of Leventha, Viscal."

Rizark's jaw tensed. Several students bristled, their pride flaring.

"Don't believe me?" Alex spread his arms. "Then let's settle it with a little spar."

The classroom buzzed with excitement.

"Your entire class—against me, a so-called 'pathetic human.' Hell, you can even invite your teachers to join in."

Laughter exploded in the room.

"Don't cry when we beat you, teacher," Rizark sneered, fangs flashing.

Alex smiled back. This time, his eyes gleamed—merciless.

"Let's see who cries first, shall we?"

At the academy's training grounds the wind was quiet despite the sound of birds chirping and the shadows of trees were readable, all students of class 231 and five additional teachers were doing their warm-ups, their eyes brimming with confidence and pride.

Rizark smirked, nudging Rosalia, a female student clad in red and black. "Watch how I bring that shameless human to his knees. We'll finally be free from his damn classes."

Rosalia nodded. "Don't worry, Rizark. He'll beg once he feels the heat of our flames. Though it's a shame we can't transform into our true forms."

Rizark clicked his tongue. "Tch. You're right, but it doesn't matter. Honestly, I could handle him alone, but with five teachers on our side?" He laughed. "That bastard won't even last a minute."

Meanwhile, on the benches overlooking the battlefield, the academy's principal sat beside Alex.

The old man sighed. "What have you done, Sheng Cheon?"

Alex smiled. "Just a little test… to give them a reality check."