A Challenge in the Classroom
Amaya Green's gaze lingered on Kai Dawnsworn, admiration flickering in her green eyes despite the anger that still simmered beneath her composed exterior.
"I didn't expect you to know so much about this," she admitted, her voice a careful mixture of surprise and reproach.
"Well, of course," Kai Dawnsworn replied smoothly, his golden eyes meeting hers. "I am a Blade-Seer."
At once, a young man nearby choked violently on his water, spraying droplets across the desk as he coughed uncontrollably. A dozen pairs of eyes turned toward Kai Dawnsworn in disbelief.
Could anyone be so shameless? whispers rippled through the classroom.
Kai Dawnsworn was already infamous at Greenhold Academy. Not only had he openly disrespected Senior Sister Amaya, but now he audaciously claimed to be a Blade-Seer. Was this some desperate ploy to draw attention?
Many thought back to his three years at the academy: still stuck on the Nexus Plane of Awakening, his frail frame showing no sign of breaking into the Growth Plane. How could this boy, so weak and undeveloped, dare to call himself a Blade-Seer? How could he be so utterly shameless?
Amaya's chest rose slightly, the movement almost imperceptible but commanding. She looked at him with renewed anger.
"Since you claim to be a Blade-Seer," she said, voice sharp as a blade, "then you must have a spirit in your War Soul Palace. Summon it. Prove that your words hold truth."
"My War Soul Spirit remains in deep slumber," Kai Dawnsworn said casually, as though discussing the weather. "It is also the reason I fell asleep in class."
"Kai Dawnsworn!" Amaya's voice rang like tempered steel. Her eyes bore into his with the precision of a master swordsman. "Three years ago, when you arrived at the academy as a twelve-year-old, I observed the entrance talent inspection as an outer sect disciple. Your perception of Mana was unparalleled, startling even the senior instructors. Yet after three years under their guidance, you remain trapped in the Nexus Plane, lacking any progress toward the Growth Plane. You've spent your days idling, ignoring lessons, and now you dare claim to be a Blade-Seer, using it as an excuse for sleeping during class?!"
The room fell into a silence so deep it seemed to press on everyone's ears. Students sat frozen, caught between shock and awe, witnessing Amaya's rare display of fury.
"Throughout these three years—Spring Quarter Examinations, Fall Quarter Examinations—you've consistently dropped out of testing, ranking last in the academy. Kai Dawnsworn… do you not feel shame?"
Kai Dawnsworn's golden eyes flicked to her, absorbing the intensity of her words. Three years had passed in the blink of an eye, yet the turmoil in his War Soul Palace remained unchanged. Normally, Amaya, a goddess to many, maintained the icy composure of a statuesque beauty. But now… she had been keeping a careful watch on him all this time, ever since that first entrance inspection.
The room was heavy with anticipation. Amaya studied him carefully, noting his handsome features—sharp jaw, defined cheekbones, eyes deep and clear as a starlit night. Only his frail frame betrayed his youth; in a few years, he would grow into a formidable presence.
A subtle pang of sympathy touched her heart as she noticed the flicker of sadness behind his defiance. Her anger softened, just a fraction.
"There is still one month before this year's Fall Quarter Examinations," she continued, voice measured yet stern. "If you fail—or give up again—no one will save you from expulsion. The academy will not allow you to remain. Do you understand?"
The class murmured among themselves. Could this be the day Kai Dawnsworn would finally be expelled? Expulsion from Greenhold Academy was nearly unheard of; it would make history.
"If he goes, I go," came a calm voice from the back. Boomer, seated in the corner, did not move but his black eyes glimmered with a mixture of loyalty and defiance. Envy, admiration, and concern flashed across the other students' faces.
"The academy has already decided that Boomer need not participate in next year's Spring Quarter Examinations," Amaya said, voice firm. "He may pursue development at the academy's Battle House, among the Society of Knights, or in any of the Spell Craft schools. His path need not be tied to yours. You will only hold him back."
Kai Dawnsworn's lips curved into a faint, cynical smile. "Hold him back?"
"Shut up," Boomer shot back, glaring daggers at her.
"Sit down," Kai Dawnsworn said lightly, not even turning to face him. Obediently, Boomer returned to his seat, the fight leaving his eyes as if Kai Dawnsworn's word carried absolute weight.
"I've decided…" Kai Dawnsworn said with a mischievous glint in his golden eyes, his smile both challenging and playful. "…I am officially participating in this year's Fall Quarter Examinations."
In the back, Boomer's eyes sparkled. Finally, after three long years, Kai Dawnsworn seemed ready to take things seriously.
Over the years, Boomer had witnessed the extraordinary talent of those around him. He knew the boy's skill at perceiving the element of metal was top-tier, and that he had unmatched potential in martial arts as well. Though only an outer sect disciple, his Nexus Plane mastery already surpassed many lecturers. Yet even so, who could truly understand Kai Dawnsworn?
"Your body is frail," Amaya remarked, voice quiet but cutting. "And you're still trapped in the Nexus Plane. How do you intend to succeed in the Fall Quarter Examinations?"
"And if I do succeed?" Kai Dawnsworn asked, confidence ringing in his voice as if the possibility of failure was laughable.
"If you pass," Amaya said, green eyes narrowing, "I will grant you one wish. Anything you desire, I will not refuse."
A peculiar light danced in his golden eyes as they roamed over her captivating form, drifting—unconsciously—to a place he shouldn't have.
"You shameless asshole! Where do you think you're looking?!" erupted a chorus from the students, all of them seething at his audacity.
Amaya, aware of his wandering gaze, felt the last thread of pity snap. Her beauty hardened into a blade of righteous fury as she bared her teeth in controlled anger.
"Whatever you want!" she replied, her voice both a challenge and a promise, leaving the classroom hanging on the edge of anticipation.