Chapter 14: Cael, You're Famous

Mr. Varin heard the commotion, frowned, and barked: "Silence!"

His long-standing authority silenced the room instantly.

Varin read out the second name: "Marcella Wendt!"

Everyone looked shocked.

Until now, Hayden Fang had always been the top performer in meditation class. His observation time consistently ranked first. No one expected him to be left out.

Even Hayden himself looked stunned.

The stares from his classmates turned his face beet red.

He had been so sure he'd be chosen. The result felt like a slap in the face—shame and fury boiling within him.

Varin gave no further explanation and said flatly, "Class dismissed."

Hayden Fang clenched his fists. "Mr. Varin, I've got the top meditation scores in the class! Why don't I qualify to observe the Mountainheart Mystic Wall?"

Varin frowned and ordered, "Everyone else, leave the meditation chamber. Hayden stays."

But Hayden seemed dead set on making a scene. "Mr. Varin, do you dare let everyone stay and judge this fairly?"

He jabbed a finger at Cael, voice rising in anger: "Cael's observation time is far lower than mine! Why does he get chosen? This isn't fair!"

Cael blinked, baffled. He had done nothing, yet somehow caught in the crossfire.

Varin chuckled darkly, but his tone held no mirth: "You want fairness? Fine. I'll give you fairness."

Cael shook his head slightly.

In truth, he'd used the Eye of All-Knowing to "peek" into many classmates' performances. Naturally, Hayden Fang—the class's golden boy—was one of his early targets.

The deduction surprised Cael: Hayden's meditation results were heavily exaggerated.

Varin said coldly: "Class, perhaps you don't know about a plant called 'Aster Blue.' Its flower's juice has an interesting effect.

"A small dose can temporarily stimulate the mind, making one's observation time of the Aether Wall longer. Say from forty seconds..."

He paused dramatically. "...to at least forty-five seconds!"

Cael had known this secret for a while. His expression didn't change.

The rest of the class, however, erupted in whispers.

Some were clearly tempted by Aster Blue's boost.

Others, more clear-headed, realized that anything this potent must come with drawbacks—or the school would promote its use openly.

Hayden Fang's rage dissolved instantly, replaced by alarm.

Varin turned to Cael and said, seemingly on a whim, "I heard Cael performs excellently in Plant Studies. Perhaps you know the side effects of Aster Blue?"

All eyes turned to him.

Cael sighed internally. He didn't like being the center of attention, but between Varin's direct question and Hayden's public accusation, he was in no mood to stay silent.

He spoke calmly: "The stimulant effect of Aster Blue is purely external. It doesn't actually enhance mental strength.

"In fact, prolonged use of the juice suppresses the natural development of the spirit. Ultimately, it lowers the chance of forming a seal—dramatically."

He added thoughtfully: "Last year, two seniors managed over fifty seconds of observation time, yet never formed a seal. That wasn't coincidence."

Hayden Fang looked pale as chalk.

"Clap! Clap!"

Varin applauded. "Student Cael's knowledge is truly impressive! This wasn't covered in class. I'm amazed at your understanding."

Classmates now looked at Cael like they were seeing him for the first time.

Varin continued: "Cael's a kind soul. He didn't want to expose someone's underhanded methods, so he omitted certain facts. Let me fill them in."

Rhea Quin nodded in quiet agreement at the word "kind."

She felt her deskmate really was a good person.

Varin stared at Hayden and sneered: "Prolonged use of Aster Blue causes faint blue spots under the eyes."

Everyone's gaze snapped to Hayden Fang.

He lowered his head, trembling.

But his shame could no longer be hidden.

Varin scoffed: "Since last year, you've developed blue spots under your eyes, and this year they've only worsened. Do you think I'm blind?"

Cael sighed again.

This was classic self-deception. Hayden had faked it so long he even fooled himself—and now he'd dared challenge Mr. Varin openly.

Simply put, he had humiliated himself and deserved no sympathy.

Varin waved a hand: "Class dismissed. Everyone return to the classroom."

Students surged out like a tide.

Only Hayden Fang stood frozen, devastated.

By noon that day, Hayden had disappeared from the school.

No one discussed it in class.

But in private? Whispers buzzed like flies.

After this drama, Cael became the new class focus.

Everyone had heard it—Mr. Varin read Cael's name first. To them, this meant Varin saw Cael as the best in the class.

At that moment, Cael sat at his desk, sensing the sideways glances from every direction, and could only feel exasperated.

Rhea Quin leaned over and giggled, "Cael, you're famous now."

He ignored her.

Unbothered, she smiled again: "You're really full of surprises. If Mr. Varin hadn't said anything, I'd never have known you were so amazing."

Still, Cael didn't reply.

Just then, a tall girl approached swiftly. "Cael, the day after tomorrow is a day off. I'd like to treat you to lunch and talk meditation techniques."

She was attractive and sharp-featured, with short-cropped hair.

It was none other than Marcella Wendt, the second student selected.

Cael politely declined. "Sorry, I've got other plans."

He didn't need socializing. Just step-by-step deduction of the remnant seal and proficiency grinding with the Eye of All-Knowing—his future as a warrior was practically guaranteed.

In today's Class 2, the two of them were the most prominent students.

Naturally, everyone eavesdropped.

Marcella gave him a long look. "Mr. Varin chose well. You're way better than that idiot Hayden Fang. I'll invite you again soon."

She turned and left without waiting for a reply.

Cael felt a headache coming on.

Was something off with that girl?

Rhea Quin, watching Marcella's retreating back, pouted: "I don't like her."