Alenya stood in front of him with an expectant gaze, as if waiting for some kind of guidance.
Oliver's mind went blank. What guidance could he even give? He didn't know a thing about teaching. All he could do was bite down his frustration and remember that so-called Cosmos Creation Goddess Solanya, the one who had dumped him into this mess and given him two talents.
His first thought was of the so-called Future Vision. For the past few days he had tried countless times to activate it, but nothing ever worked.
He had started to believe she had scammed him. Still, with no choice left he closed his eyes and murmured to himself.
"Future Vision!"
He didn't expect anything, but suddenly his vision warped. His green eyes narrowed into vertical dragon-like pupils that glowed red, and before he knew it scenes began to flash before him.
He saw Alenya two days from now, crying in her bedroom as her father's voice roared at her for daring to choose him over Cedric. Her father's hand struck her across the face, and in anger he locked her inside her room.
She curled up on her bed clutching her wrist, whispering through her tears, "Teacher… Did I made a mistake?" She tried to swallow her sobs, biting her lips until they bled, yet the pain in her right hand only grew sharper.
The scene shifted again. Four years ago, a younger Alenya was full of energy, throwing punches at the air with excitement. In her eagerness she struck a tree with full force. The crack of bone rang out, her right arm snapping under the impact.
Before she could even scream properly, a heavy branch above her broke loose and crashed down onto her already broken hand. She collapsed unconscious, her small frame crushed under pain she never deserved.
Oliver's breath came heavy as his sight snapped back. His heart still throbbed with the pain he had witnessed. "So that was Future Vision ability…"
Alenya standing quietly in front of him, had noticed his pupils shift into something inhuman, but held her questions, watching silently as his eyes faded back to normal. Her curiosity only deepened.
Oliver met her eyes and for the first time, he felt a weight in his chest for this girl. Without thinking too hard, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair. His voice softened as he said.
"Alenya from today, you're my student. I'll make you stronger, and I won't let anyone bully you."
Her cheeks flushed red, she felt her heart racing at the warmth of his sudden touch, but instead of pulling away she lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you, teacher."
A small smile played at Oliver's lips, though there was something mysterious in it. "If I'm not wrong, four years ago you broke your right hand while training. You punched a tree and then a branch fell right on top of it."
Alenya's eyes widened in shock. "Teacher… how did you know? That really happened when I was little, but no one outside my family ever knew."
Oliver's gaze lingered on her delicate hand. "Did it ever heal completely?"
Her shoulders slumped. "It works, but it never fully recovered. The doctors said the damage inside couldn't be cured no matter how much I train, I can't use more than thirty percent of my right arm's strength."
Oliver's voice was calm, steady, as if the matter was nothing. "Don't worry about this, I'll heal your hand completely."
Alenya's lips parted, disbelief flashing in her eyes. She had long given up hope, yet his words sparked something inside her chest. Against her doubts, a fragile hope bloomed again and she gave him a small smile. "Alright, teacher."
Oliver handed her a bronze token etched with his name. "Take this to the management office. They'll arrange your dorm and give you the study materials you need."
Alenya accepted it carefully, her eyes shining faintly. She clasped her fists in a respectful bow, her voice steady and clear. "Yes, teacher!"
As she turned to leave, Oliver reached out once more and patted her head. Her face turned crimson again. Clutching the token tightly, she walked out of the classroom, her steps light and uncertain, feeling her heart beating faster than she would ever admit.
Oliver leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful smile tugging at his lips as he murmured to himself, "So this is how it begins."
He picked up a book, crossing his legs with the same composed posture as before, aura calm and professional as if nothing had changed. To anyone passing by he looked like a teacher waiting patiently for his students, but in truth he was waiting for his next prey to walk through that door.
It didn't take long. Barely ten minutes had passed when another knock echoed at his door.
"Come in," Oliver said, his voice deep, steady, practiced.
The door opened and a young woman stepped inside, her beauty elegant in a way that was different from Alenya's. Long brown hair fell neatly to her shoulders, her purple eyes shining with calm confidence.
She wore a soft flowing dress of gray-blue floral patterns, airy fabric swaying with every step, puffed sleeves and a square neckline framing her like a noble fairy from some story.
She smiled politely and bowed slightly. " Good morning Oliver sir, my name is Liora Veilhert. I have a kind request."
Oliver's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. "What kind of request?"
For a heartbeat she hesitated, fingers tightening on her skirt, then she lifted her chin. "I wish to become your student. Please accept me."
For a moment Oliver's heart leapt in joy. "Someone had came willingly!" But outwardly his expression stayed neutral, his tone calm. "You know what people call me, don't you? The useless teacher of the academy."
Liora nodded calmly. "I know the rumors, but I believe they're false. My heart tells me you're the kind of teacher worth following!"
Oliver set his book down and turned to face her fully. His voice dropped, quiet and heavy.
"If you become my student, people will mock you. They'll sneer and laugh at your choice. When that time comes, will you hold your ground or will you walk away?"
Her violet eyes sharpened like blades. "I don't care about their opinions. I'll bring honor to your name, Teacher. I'll prove to everyone that you're not useless, you're the best!"
Oliver watched her clenched fists and unwavering expression. At last he shook his head slightly and sighed. "Very well, your determination leaves me no choice…"
He reached into his desk and retrieved a jade-blue token, carved with intricate runes that shimmered faintly. He placed it before her. "Drop your blood here."
Without hesitation she bit her finger and let the crimson drops fall. The token pulsed with light, resonating with her soul. Oliver followed with a drop of his own blood, and the glow deepened, binding the pact.
"You're my student now," Oliver said, handing her a bronze badge marked with his name. "Take this to the management office. They'll arrange your dormitory and give you the materials you need."
Liora bowed slightly, her lips curving into a smile. "Thank you, teacher." She turned to leave, but just before stepping out, a faint smirk played at the corner of her lips.
Oliver narrowed his eyes. "Strange... she came too willingly." His instincts prickled.
He closed his eyes and whispered, "Future Vision!"
His vision blurred again and scenes unfolded.
He saw her later that night in her private mansion on the academy grounds. Alone in her bedroom, she sat at her desk with a diary in her hands. When she opened it, the pages revealed sketches and photographs of him in every angle and pose she could gather.
A feverish smile touched her lips as she whispered, "Teacher Oliver… I've finally become your student, now I can stay close to you! You're mine, and mine alone!"
The vision twisted again, dragging him further back three years ago, in the bustling town of Lunareth.
A younger Liora strolled down an empty street with a bag of apples and oranges in one hand and popcorn in the other, humming a cheerful tune. She had sneaked away from her family's guards to enjoy the day with friends, but now she was alone.
She didn't notice the four men following her until they closed in. Knives glinted under the streetlights. One yanked her hair, sneering. "Kids shouldn't wander alone."
Another growled, "Enough! Get her in the car, boss is waiting."
Fear flashed in Liora's eyes, she struck back with her elbow, landing a solid blow but the man didn't even flinch. He slapped her across the face, sending her sprawling. Tears welled as she screamed, "Help! Someone—"
Two men dragged her toward the waiting carriage.
"Start the car already!"
But the vehicle stayed still in silence.
The man turned, irritation boiling into confusion. His companions lay unconscious on the ground. And standing there, calm as the night itself, was a young man chewing casually on a chicken roll.
"Don't move!" the man threatened with his knife.
But in the blink of an eye the stranger vanished. The next thing Liora saw, the man was face-down, unconscious, the last thug collapsing beside him.
The stranger dusted his hands and walked toward her with calm expression and eyes sharp.
"You..." Liora stammered, awe flooding her voice. "H-how… Who are you?" she stammered.