The classroom was quiet, wrapped in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Soft morning light filtered through the windows, spreading gently across the room. It was warm without being stifling, bright without being harsh.
At the front of the class, the teacher stood by the blackboard, patiently explaining a complicated science topic, breaking it down piece by piece for the students.
This was not a school meant for magus training. It was an ordinary school. Of course, there were special institutions elsewhere, places where students began learning how to cultivate their bodies and energy from the very first day they enrolled.
Lucas had never attended those schools.
Not because he lacked talent, but because of his temperament.
Since childhood, Lucas had hated training and discipline. He preferred comfort and indulgence, enjoying a carefree life under his parents' protection. Spoiled and pampered, he had never been forced to push himself.
If not for his father's insistence, he might have continued living that way forever.
But two years ago, everything changed.
Lucas began cultivating.
The results shocked everyone.
It was as if cultivation came naturally to him. What others struggled to comprehend made sense to him with ease. In just two years, he reached the peak of the Origin Realm, standing only one step away from the Spirit Realm.
His family was overjoyed.
To them, this meant the Drakebane family finally had a true successor. A genius worthy of carrying their name.
With that recognition, Lucas's confidence swelled. He began acting more freely, more arrogantly. Even after transmigrating into this world, the emotions and personality of his original self remained deeply ingrained.
Fortunately, his reputation among society and the major families was still respectable. That alone gave him confidence when dealing with Leon.
Once high school ended, it was inevitable that he would enter a powerful academy or join an order.
As for the upcoming miracle spirit awakening test, Lucas felt no concern at all.
He already knew a method to evolve a miracle spirit. The materials were only a matter of time. As for the most important item, the dragon horn, it was already in his possession, obtained thanks to Garran.
Knock. Knock.
The sudden sound broke the calm.
The teacher paused and walked to the door. When he opened it, Sullen Crowford, the physics teacher, stood outside.
The two spoke quietly, their voices low and indistinct. None of the students could hear what was being said.
Lucas frowned slightly.
Sullen's appearance could only mean one thing.
She had already met Leon.
So Leon had not been expelled.
That was troublesome.
The Crowford family was one of the ancient families and closely connected to Leon.
"Lucas," the teacher called out, "Ms. Sullen would like to speak with you."
"Sorry, sir," Lucas replied lazily. "I'd rather focus on my studies for now."
The teacher hesitated.
Lucas was the young master of the Drakebane family, but Sullen was also from an ancient family. Offending either side was risky.
Before he could decide, Sullen stepped directly into the classroom.
"Lucas," she said firmly, arms crossed. "Stand up and come with me. This is important. Do not refuse."
"What is it about?" Lucas asked calmly. "At least tell me the reason. Knowledge is precious, Ms. Sullen. I can't afford to waste time."
Sullen paused, then forced a smile. "It's about your academic performance. There's something I'd like to discuss."
"My academic performance?" Lucas raised an eyebrow. "From my first year until now, I've ranked first in class. I've won multiple city-level competitions. Are you sure there's a problem?"
A faint sheen of sweat appeared on Sullen's forehead.
She glanced around the classroom.
The students were watching. Even the science teacher looked uncertain.
No one could deny it. Lucas was a genius, not only in cultivation, but academically as well.
"Tch."
With no excuse left, Sullen stomped her foot lightly and turned away, leaving the classroom in frustration.
A faint smirk appeared on Lucas's lips.
Luckily, he had avoided a conversation with her.
He had no intention of dealing with Sullen yet. Not until he finished handling a few matters of his own.
"Alright," the science teacher said awkwardly, clearing his throat. "Let's continue. Molecules and particles are essentially…"
---
Time passed quickly.
School ended.
Most students gathered near the gate, chatting as they prepared to head home.
Nearby, Lucas stood beside a sleek black car with Gavin and several others. Their gazes were fixed on Leon, who was still standing beneath the flagpole, back straight and unmoving.
"Should we go greet him?" one of them laughed. "He looks like a stray dog."
"Good idea," Gavin said with a grin. "He should've been expelled. He's lucky this is all he got."
Lucas said nothing. He simply smiled.
There was a strange satisfaction in watching Leon suffer.
After everything Leon had done in the original storyline, Lucas felt no sympathy. He wanted to see Leon struggle, break, and eventually fall by his own hand.
Watching the protagonist endure hardship was always enjoyable.
But suddenly, Lucas frowned.
Someone was approaching.
Before he could react, Sullen appeared in front of him and grabbed his hand firmly.
"Be a good boy," she said, smiling in a way that carried no warmth at all.
"Come with me."