Next Morning – Alchemy Research Wing, Stellar Academy
The soft light of morning filtered through tall crystal windows, painting shimmering rainbows across the marble floor of Stellar Academy's eastern wing. Adonis walked with steady steps, the book Elemental Truth and Concepts tucked firmly under his arm. Most of his bandages were gone now—only a few wrapped his forearms as lingering signs of his recovery. His face was calm, but his eyes were sharp with purpose.
"Room 3B… Justin said he lives in the research wing, but this place feels more like a mad lab alley than a dorm…"
As if on cue, the door next to him exploded open.
BOOM!
Smoke flooded the hallway. The stench of burnt liquor and alcohol curled into his nostrils.
Coughing, a half-burnt figure stumbled out, his white coat charred at the edges, hair frazzled like he'd just lost a battle with thunder.
"Oh hey, kid. You're up early," Justin grinned as though nothing unusual had happened.
Adonis just blinked at him, torn between concern and the urge to sigh. Genius or maniac… maybe both.
"I read the book," Adonis said, holding it up.
Justin's grin faded into a sharper, more assessing look. "So?"
"I want to know how I can comprehend my element deeply. I want to reach the Truth," Adonis replied firmly.
There was a beat of silence. Then Justin chuckled darkly.
"Oh? You want that?" His smile turned devilish. "Unfortunately… I have no obligation to help you, do I?"
Without warning, a terrifying pressure slammed into Adonis.
The corridor dimmed. Space itself felt like it twisted. The pressure was so intense that blood began to drip from Adonis's eyes, nose, and mouth. His legs trembled as the aura pressed down on him like a mountain. He could feel it—Justin was holding back, yet even this was leagues beyond what he'd felt from the Lava Dragon.
"This pressure… it's almost like a god…"
Justin is definitely the strongest individual he had seen so far.
Justin's voice cut through the crushing weight. "Tell me, Adonis. Why should I help you? I already saw your element—that was enough for me. But now? Give me one reason. Or do you want to be my student?"
Adonis could barely breathe. His vision blurred. Every part of him screamed to collapse.
But something inside refused.
He's right. I assumed he was a teacher… but he owes me nothing . If I want this… there's only one answer.
"I… I… want to," Adonis forced out through clenched teeth covered in blood.
The pressure vanished in an instant.
Justin raised a brow, clearly impressed. "Well, well… never seen an aristocrat brat speak through that kind of aura. Maybe you've got more than just a flashy element."
Adonis dropped to one knee, coughing up blood, but still glared up at him.
"Was that a compliment or another insult?" he thought bitterly.
"Oh no, now you've stained the floor," Justin said with mock concern. "Guess you'll have to clean it. Actually… clean the whole lab. Since you're already cleaning your blood, might as well do the rest."
He turned away with a smug grin.
Adonis stared at the chaos within Room 3B—a true disaster zone. Broken glass, spilled elixirs, scrolls scattered under piles of books, and something green that was definitely moving on its own.
"I take it back. He's not just a genius. He's a sadist."
With a sigh, he shuffled toward the mess.
"Uh, Professor… does this mean you've accepted me as your student?" he asked tentatively.
Justin stopped in his tracks. Without turning around, he replied:
"Don't get your hopes up, kid. I didn't say that. But—since you've got some guts—I'll give you a task. A real one. A test of bravery, guts, and desire to grow."
He tilted his head back with a mischievous grin.
"First, clean the lab. Then I'll give you your trial. Pass it, and I'll gladly take you as my first student."
As Justin walked off, whistling, Adonis stared at the monstrous lab before him and muttered to himself—
"I seriously need to reevaluate my life choices…"