Oliver clenched his fist as he walked across the academy courtyard, determination burning in his green eyes. "I can't waste any more time today. New students will come for admission, I must get at few no matter what!"
The Blue Academy stretched wide before him, stone archways gleaming under the morning sun, banners fluttering gently in the breeze.
Students hurried along the marble paths, some laughing, some chattering about their dreams, their voices echoing between tall lecture halls. Compared to their excitement, Oliver's mood was heavy.
He followed a quieter hallway that led to the room assigned to him, each step ringing against the polished stone. When he stopped in front of his door and pushed it open, his expression darkened instantly.
The space was cramped, the ceiling low, the furniture barebones at best. One window let in a strip of sunlight that did little to brighten the dull walls.
"Why is my room so small…?" Oliver muttered.
Of course, he knew the answer. No students meant no status. No status meant no resources. While top teachers like Cedric and Marek had grand lecture halls larger than a football field, fitted with arrays and training grounds, his space was barely bigger than a washroom.
He sighed but quickly shook the thought away. "Brooding won't change anything."
Stripping off his casual clothes, Oliver dressed in a blue shirt layered with a crisp white long coat, white trousers neatly pressed and polished brown leather shoes. He adjusted the cuffs, combed back his hair and studied himself in the mirror.
The man who looked back could have been mistaken for a brilliant scholar or an elegant noble, certainly not the "useless teacher" everyone whispered about.
He sat at his desk, crossed one leg over the other, and picked up a book, posture composed, aura calm. Anyone walking in would see a refined, professional teacher absorbed in his work.
"Now," he thought, lips curling faintly, "all that's left is to wait for a prey to wander in."
And as though fate itself pitied him, an hour later came a knock at the door.
A soft, sweet voice floated through. "Excuse me, sir… I've lost my way. Could you please help me?"
Oliver lowered the book slowly, suppressing the grin tugging at his lips. In a deep, steady tone, he said, "Come in."
The door creaked open, and a young girl stepped inside.
She had long blue hair that shimmered in the light, eyes wide with nervousness. Her dress was simple yet elegant, a warm beige skirt flowing softly with each step, a black fitted bodice tied with a ribbon at the waist, puffed sleeves giving her a delicate charm, the wide collar adding a hint of sharpness to her youthful appearance.
She stepped inside with hesitant footsteps, her fingers curling around the hem of her skirt. When her eyes fell on the man seated at the desk, her heart skipped a beat.
His sharp features, his calm posture and the quiet confidence in the way he held the book made her chest tighten. A faint heat spread across her cheeks, she quickly lowered her gaze to hide it.
"Sir, I… I've forgotten the directions. Could you tell me where Teacher Cedric's classroom is?"
He set the book down and looked at her, his expression unreadable. "A new student, what's your name?"
The girl hesitated, hands gripping the hem of her skirt. "Alenya Sylcrest, sir. I… I want to apply to Teacher Cedric's class." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke the name, admiration clear in her eyes.
Oliver leaned back, nodding slightly. "A good choice. Cedric Sir is the number one teacher of this academy. Famous even outside these walls." His voice lowered, carrying a subtle weight. "But…"
Alenya tilted her head, confused. "But what?"
"Tell me," Oliver said, folding his hands together, "why do you want to enter his class?"
The girl blinked. "Because… my family told me to. They said he's the best."
Oliver chuckled lightly. "Your family isn't wrong. Cedric Sir is indeed the best. But let me ask you something else what's your own goal? What do you want to become after entering this academy?"
He leaned forward slightly. "And think carefully, because the guidance that works for one student might not work for another. Do you really believe someone who has more than two thousand students can give each one the attention they deserve?"
"Cedric's direct disciples are few, chosen from among thousands. Unless you become one, you'll receive nothing more than general lectures."
His words landed like pebbles in a still pond. Alenya lowered her gaze, lips pressing together. She had dreamed of Cedric's class, but Oliver's reasoning cut into her excitement.
She knew her talent well. While strong, she wasn't certain she could ever catch Cedric's direct eye. If that failed… she would be lost in the crowd.
Oliver watched her inner conflict, his smile deepening. "Perfect," he thought. "You've already taken the bait. Now, reel her in."
Aloud, his tone softened. "There are other teachers more suited to different paths. I can introduce you to them if you'd like. After all…" His eyes glinted. "I am also a teacher."
Her head snapped up, surprise flickering across her face. "You're… a teacher here?"
Oliver nodded casually. "Oliver Ashveil." He let the name hang in the air, then added with an almost playful calm, "Though most people know me as the 'useless teacher.'"
Before she could react, he released a wave of pressure. Spiritual energy surged, steady and sharp, the aura of someone at Awakening Level Five, peak stage.
Alenya's eyes widened. "That can't be… the rumors said you've been stuck at Level Three for years."
Oliver rose from his chair and walked toward the window, the sunlight outlining his figure as he spoke in a calm, almost saintly tone.
"Rumors are rumors. I don't care about them. I prefer to keep a low profile. That's why I haven't explained anyone about it and haven't taken any students until now. My expectations… are quite high."
Alenya's heart pounded, stars lighting up her gaze. She bit her lip before whispering tentatively.
"Sir Oliver… if you're accepting students, could you please take me as one? I promise to work hard and bring honor to your name."
Oliver turned his head slightly, his expression distant as he sighed. "I don't accept students right now."
Inside though, his grin stretched wide. "Ah, Blue Star acting skills, don't fail me now."
"This so-called Level 5 peak aura? Nothing but a temporary boost from an artifact I picked up at the market. Still… more than enough to fool a new student." He smirked to himself.
Alenya stepped forward, voice soft but firm. "Please, Sir Oliver. I won't waste your guidance. I'll be the best student you've ever had. Just… give me a chance."
He turned fully this time, walking toward her with measured steps. From within his coat, he pulled out a token carved from blue jade, its surface etched with delicate runes. He held it out, his expression weary yet resolute.
"Fine. Seeing your sincerity, I'll make an exception. Drop a bit of blood here, and you'll officially become my student."
With trembling hands she bit her finger lightly, pressing a crimson drop onto the token. It glowed instantly, light spreading in patterns across its surface.
Oliver followed, biting his finger and letting a single drop fall. The token flared, merging their bond.
The ceremony was complete.
Alenya blinked at the token in awe, then at Oliver. Her thoughts tangled in disbelief. "Just now you looked like some holy saint refusing me with noble words… and now you accept so easily?"
Her face twitched as she fought the urge to sigh. "My new teacher changes colors faster than the wind!"
Oliver only smiled faintly, his thoughts ringing with triumph. "One down… more to go."