Upon hearing the arrogant tone in Ares's voice, everyone's expressions twisted in barely contained anger because of his words.
Anya, the elf girl, spoke, her voice as cold as ice and dripping with arrogance:
"You're truly arrogant for someone with lesser blood."
Everyone thought Ares would explode with rage at her remark about his blood. It was well-known that commoners despised nobles because of their lineage—and the same was true among other races.
But Ares only smiled with a calm, cutting edge, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Heh… but what's the point of blood when faced with overwhelming power?"
His message was clear—he wasn't afraid. On the contrary, he was completely enjoying himself because he knew he was the strongest among them.
Loki, the half-dragon, spoke next with open arrogance, his voice filled with challenge as if his victory was already assured.
"I accept your challenge. I'll make you crawl on all fours like a dog."
"I accept."
"So do I."
Everyone in the class agreed, even Kai and Kira, who also wanted to join in on the fun. Ares looked around the class with calm, lifeless eyes before turning toward Mei, who had been silently observing.
"So, professor, all we need is your approval and for you to witness everything."
He didn't look down on her, for in his eyes, all masks hid nothing. Especially since the King's Eye had already displayed her information:
[Name: Terumi Mei
Titles: Genius of Her Era, Actress
Talent: SS Mana Control
Elements: Water – Wind
Occupation: Mage
Rank: 8 Rings
Interest: 20]
Ares murmured to himself:
"Hah, honestly, you can't underestimate anyone in this academy. An eight-ring mage could easily serve as the head of a noble family's mages or even as a deputy to one of the Tower Masters."
Mei smiled charmingly and spoke in a soft, gentle tone:
"That's a wonderful idea, but I'll need to get the headmaster's approval first—you understand."
She didn't bother addressing the rest of the class; her focus was solely on Ares.
"I see. Then, I assume we'll be informed of his decision through our smartwatches."
Mei nodded.
"Yes. You may all leave now and head to your assigned dorms. I'll contact the headmaster myself."
Everyone stood up to leave, casting deathly, burning glares at Ares. If looks could kill, he would have turned to ashes by now. Ares smiled at them with feigned innocence before walking out with Kai and Kira.
In the now-empty classroom, Mei watched Ares leave.
"Truly… just as Lord Alan said, this will be very interesting."
Her expression shifted into one of open delight, a wide smile forming as she recalled how Ares had manipulated the entire class from beginning to end while she had been watching under a concealment spell.
"Ares… I can't wait to see what surprises you'll show me," she whispered before heading straight to the headmaster's office.
Ares walked calmly after parting ways with Kai and Kira, who lived in the opposite direction.
He soon arrived at the mansion where he would be staying. The grand residence had four luxurious floors, surrounded by a tall stone wall. In front of the gate stood an elderly man in a butler's uniform, standing upright with professional posture.
"Master Ares, I am Alfred, the head butler of the estate. I was appointed by the academy to tend to all your needs and oversee the mansion."
As Ares approached, Alfred bowed slightly and spoke politely.
"Pleasure to meet you, Alfred. I'll be relying on you during my stay here."
"No, Master Ares, it is my duty."
"Could you give me a tour of the mansion?"
Alfred nodded and began walking in measured steps, opening the large gate. They entered a lush green garden filled with a fresh, pleasant fragrance. At its center was a clear pond reflecting the sky, surrounded by the high stone walls that offered complete privacy. After crossing the garden, Alfred gestured toward the tall, elegant building of four floors before leading Ares into the grand reception hall, where polished marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers.
Alfred explained calmly:
"On this floor, you'll find the large dining hall to your right. The essential facilities are located in the basement, including a fully equipped training hall with magical devices. The quiet study room is on the second floor. The upper floors contain six main bedrooms, each furnished with every luxury to ensure your comfort, Master Ares. Six servants work under my supervision to maintain everything."
Ares nodded.
"Do the servants live here?"
"No, Master Ares, they stay in the staff quarters nearby."
"And you?"
"I do not live here either."
Ares walked slowly up the stairs.
"Alright. Have the servants come once a day for two hours when I'm not here—to clean and handle their tasks. Is that clear?"
He turned slightly toward Alfred, who stood near the stairs.
"Understood, Master Ares. Any other instructions?"
"No. You may leave and return tomorrow."
Alfred bowed before leaving.
Ares ascended to the top floor and chose a room with a beautiful view of the garden and the mansion's gate.
"Truly, the academy knows how to treat nobles."
Suddenly, his smartwatch beeped. Ares opened it.
[Approved by the Headmaster. The duel and your conditions are accepted. Tomorrow, 10 AM, Arena No.9.]
A faint, dangerous smile crossed his face as his eyes gleamed.
"I'll drain every single academy point!"
The academy provided 1,000 points to each student in the elite classes.
"But that's not enough…"
He glanced at the time—it was lunchtime.
"I suppose I'll grab something to eat and meet a few people."
Ares quickly left the mansion and headed toward the academy's restaurant, where he ordered a large meal and sat in a corner, eating quietly while watching the entrance.
When he finished eating, feeling satisfied, he murmured:
"Looks like I'll have to go find him myself."
Then, he spotted someone he knew—his target—sitting calmly and eating. Ares walked over.
"Mind if I sit here?"
Payne looked up from his meal.
"Oh, Ares! Of course, have a seat."
Ares sat across from him.
"Senior, I need your help with something—and I think you're the perfect person for it."
Payne looked slightly confused.
"How can I help you?"
Ares began explaining everything that had happened—the challenge, the headmaster's approval, and what he wanted from Payne.
Payne's expression turned anxious as he realized the risk.
"Ares, are you sure you can win? This is dangerous! They're nobles, and your demand is insane."
Ares smiled, appreciating Payne's concern.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't certain."
The two talked quietly for about half an hour.
"So, senior, are you in?"
Payne sighed deeply, then lifted his head.
"Honestly, Ares, your idea is crazy… but let's do it!"
"Good. You'll get 10% of the profits. Agreed?"
Payne laughed cheerfully.
"Ares, from the moment I met you, I knew you'd turn everything upside down."
They shook hands firmly before parting ways. No one knew what Ares had asked of Payne, but it would soon shock everyone—especially since it would earn Ares an enormous number of points.
Night fell, and morning came. The sun rose brightly, watching over the world—today was bound to be a thrilling day.
The Heart Academy buzzed with noise and excitement over the competition to decide the class leader. News of the challenge had spread since last night, and everyone was eager to witness the fights.
However, students were not allowed to enter the training arena. That was the key part of Ares's plan. Yes—he and Payne had spread the rumors deliberately, making everyone desperate to watch the duels. And since direct attendance was prohibited, Ares had provided the perfect alternative: a live broadcast available through the smartwatch—for a price of 10 points per viewer.
The academy smartwatches had the ability to stream video, and to enter the live viewing room, students simply had to pay the 10 points fee.