Vael sat by the window, half-listening to the lecture.
Sunlight hit his face just right, making his gold-and-purple eyes stand out even more.
Every few minutes, someone glanced back at him.
Then again.
Then whispered to a friend.
Even the teacher had to clear her throat twice to get the class focused.
Vael sighed.
"…I ain't even doing nothing."
Lucien leaned closer, voice low and sarcastic.
"Bro. What happened to you? You do drugs? Some forbidden surgery spell?"
Vael didn't even look away from the window.
"Nah. Good sleep and puberty, I guess."
Lucien blinked.
"…what the hell are you talking about? You rival some of the most handsome people in my race now."
Vael shrugged casually.
"Guess I leveled up."
Lucien stared a moment longer, then narrowed his eyes.
"…why are you not in uniform?"
Vael looked down at his oversized hoodie.
"…I need new clothes. Gotta ask my mom when she gets home."
Lucien leaned back, smirking.
"Lucky for you, that hoodie grew with you."
Then he added casually,
"My family's doing well. We hit the mall later."
Vael raised a brow.
"Bet. What's the catch?"
Lucien grinned.
"That collector edition magazine with the elf idol on it."
Vael facepalmed.
"…you wild. Fine."
Rinnnng.
The bell echoed.
Next period: Physical Education.
Mock combat.
A rune barrier ensured nobody could die, but pain and fatigue were real.
🏋️ Changing Room
Vael opened his locker.
His old clothes barely fit now.
"…this growth spurt crazy."
He changed into training gear, adjusting the sleeves.
Lucien glanced over.
"You look like you skipped three years of growth in one night."
"Tell me something I don't know."
🏟️ Gym Entrance
The moment they stepped out—
Students paused.
A few girls whispered.
Some waved shyly.
Others just looked curious.
Vael scratched the back of his neck.
"…why everybody acting weird?"
Lucien snorted.
"You seriously don't notice?"
The beastkin girl from before approached again, more respectful this time.
"Vael… good luck today."
He nodded politely.
"Preciate it."
Simple. Calm. No drama.
She looked relieved he wasn't upset.
🥊 Combat Arena
The instructor clapped hands.
"Pair up!"
Students started choosing partners.
Some avoided Vael out of nerves.
Some looked tempted.
Some looked competitive.
Lucien smirked.
"Congrats. You're popular and intimidating now."
Vael rolled his shoulders.
Inside, he felt it again.
That faint hum.
That awareness.
Emotions in the room:
Excitement
Nervousness
Curiosity
His incubus blood reacted quietly.
He exhaled.
"…let's see what this world got for me."
The instructor pointed.
"Vael Soryn. You're up first."
Vael stepped into the ring.
And the academy started paying real attention.