There were six hundred students in Ravenwell Academy, divided into five sections each year.
Based on their performance in the entrance assessment, students were placed in their respective classes.
When William first enrolled, he had been part of class 1-A. But by the time he reached his third year, he was barely holding on—just scraping by to keep his place in such a prestigious academy.
Ravenwell Academy was one of the Five Orders—the five great academies spread across the continent.
They stood as the central pillars of learning for each nation.
Graduating from one of these academies gave you a chance to earn a seat in the Round Hall.
The place where champions were made.
Anyone who trained in the Round Hall was guaranteed a future—whether at the Tower or in a royal court.
Almost every student dreamed of reaching the Round Hall. That was the goal. The prize.
But not William.
He had no interest in seats, titles, or glory. He only wanted to graduate, make a fortune, and spend his life in luxury. A big house on his favorite island—that was all he dreamed of. Peace and comfort until the end of his days.
"Hmm?"
As he stepped into the classroom, William noticed eyes turning his way. Whispers filled the air.
The curse that once dulled his senses was gone now—he could hear them clearly.
’Here comes the perverted one.’
’Creep.’
’I pity his parents for raising such a waste.’
William sighed and walked past them.
His assigned seat was in the front, but today he chose the very back.
He leaned into the chair, stretched his legs across the desk, and laced his fingers behind his head.
Closing his eyes, he let the feeling wash over him.
That sensation.
That power.
The liberty to pry into anyone’s mind again.
’It’s been so long.’ A smile tugged at his lips. For the first time in ages, he felt like himself.
*Clank*
The classroom doors swung open, making William click his tongue as he lowered his legs from the desk.
A middle-aged man with round glasses and a partly bald head walked inside. He set a stack of books on the podium and turned toward the class.
"Why is there an empty seat at the front?" he asked.
William replied, "People feel insecure around me, so I excluded myself from the group."
The man adjusted his glasses. "Are you making assumptions, student?"
William sighed and motioned with his hand. "Why don’t you step down from the podium and take a look at my desk before assuming that I’m assuming things?"
The instructor frowned but followed his suggestion.
The moment his eyes fell on William’s usual seat, his face stiffened.
[Die!]
[You are not needed here!]
[Die!]
[Perverted bastard!]
[Scumbag!]
[Cheater!]
The seat was covered in black paint, crude scratches, and clumps of gum.
The professor fixed his glasses again, his voice heavier now. "Do you know who might have done this?"
A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, avoiding his gaze.
William leaned back. "I could find out for you. But if I do, will you be able to punish them, Professor?"
The man hesitated. Sensing the tension rising in the room, he finally said, "I’ll have Professor Ghast investigate this. From now on, you may sit in the back."
William didn’t answer. That was what he had already decided.
The older one returned to the podium and stated, "Today is going to be your class rearrangement test."
A few students gasped and someone asked what came to their mind, "But sir, isn’t it too sudden? We aren’t prepared."
The man sighed, "You believe the school gave you a three day holiday just for fun?"
That was...true. The academy never gives free time to the students without any reason.
It wasn’t like all of them did not expect this. There were a few who suspected that something big was coming that’s why they enhanced their training.
William, on the other hand, tilted his head.
Class rearrangement...it means one could get promoted or demoted based on an assessment.
Looking around, William found this class comfortable enough
He didn’t have any friends, naturally, so if this class or any other...
’I like you.’
Suddenly, the face of a certain silver head flashed in his mind and he opened his eyes abruptly.
’What the hell...’ Shaking his head, he brushed away the thought.
’Forget it, I am better where I am.’
°°°°°°°°
"Are you sure about this?" The nurse asked as Kevin stood before her and gave a firm nod.
"Yes, ma’am. You have already told me that I am perfectly fine then what’s the problem in attending the event?"
Kevin was insisting on letting him take the rearrangement test with the others.
Normally, no one challenges the first class, and especially the leader of the top-ranking team in the academy.
That’s the reason why the nurse didn’t think much and said, "Alright go but don’t forget, you can’t get involved in an intense battle, alright?"
Kevin gave an assuring nod, "I promise I won’t." Because the battle I am going to face would end in just one strike, the teenager inwardly muttered.
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading. Thank you for PS and GT. Add the book to your collection.