Two hours of Evelyn's relentless lightning training had left Ashen looking like a man who had lost a fight with a storm. His hair stuck up in wild, singed tufts, his uniform was more tattered rags than fabric, and his face—well, it was best not to dwell on it.
He staggered into the washroom, splashed cold water on his face, and glared at his reflection. The System, ever helpful, chimed in with a snide remark.
"You look like a lightning rod that got struck one too many times."
Ashen flipped off the mirror and left.
The Cafeteria Scheme
The academy cafeteria buzzed with the chatter of students, the air thick with the scent of roasted mana-beast and spiced coffee. Ashen's stomach growled as he scanned the menu banner above the counter.
Dragonfire Steak – 1,000 Credits
Mana-infused Coffee – 100 Credits
"Let's see how much I've got," he muttered, tapping his academy bracelet. The holographic display flickered to life.
[Balance: 1,000,000 Credits]
A slow smirk curled his lips.
He strode to the counter, where a nervous attendant flinched at his approach.
"Give me the most expensive thing you've got," Ashen demanded. "And how do I pay with this?" He waved his bracelet.
The attendant swallowed hard. "Sir, Rank 1 students don't pay for food. It's… free."
Ashen blinked. "Then where the hell do I use these credits?"
The attendant glanced around before lowering his voice. "Campus transactions. Books, artifacts, weapons…" He hesitated. "You can even hire people. Not—not like that! Just… dirty work. Discreet tasks."
Ashen's smirk widened. "What if I buy dishes from you for free and sell them to students at a discount? Split the profits?"
The attendant's eyes flickered with greed—then fear. "I… prefer living. The Headmaster would skin me alive."
"Half a million credits monthly," Ashen murmured. "We'd be kings."
The attendant shuddered. "Your order's ready, sir. Please… leave."
With a scoff, Ashen grabbed his tray—piled high with enough food to feed a small battalion—and claimed a secluded table.
The Prince's Offer
He had just taken his first bite when a shadow fell over him.
"Hi. I'm Rayne Thorne. First Prince of the Galat Empire."
Ashen looked up.
The boy standing before him was unmistakably Cecilia's older brother—same glacier-blue eyes, same silver-blond hair tied in a neat half-ponytail. But where Cecilia was ice and steel, this kid had the restless energy of a hound pup who'd just discovered fire.
Ashen chewed slowly, then swallowed. "What do you want from me?" he asked, voice dripping with arrogance.
Rayne grinned. "Wow, you maintain the rumors well. I'm here to propose a deal."
Ashen arched a brow but didn't stop eating.
Rayne leaned in. "You know the annual battle for the Student Council throne, right? The leader who emerges forms a ten-man army and claims dominion over the academy. This year, I'm making my move. And I want you in my faction."
Ashen took a sip of coffee. "And why should I care?"
Rayne's grin sharpened. "Because last year, your sister and Liora's sister dominated the race. We were close, but not close enough. This time, I have the strength to crush them."
Ashen set his fork down. "What's in it for me?"
Rayne chuckled. "Come on. Don't tell me winning over your sister and your ex-fiancée's sister wouldn't satisfy you. After all, you hate them."
Ashen's eyes darkened. "And what makes you think that?"
Rayne waved a hand. "Fine, fine. If we win, I'll grant you an S-rank artifact of your choice from my kingdom's vault. A seat on the Student Council—you know the perks. And…" He smirked. "Anything else you desire, within reason."
Ashen leaned back, considering. The offer was tempting. Power, influence, and the chance to humiliate Lucielle and Liora in one fell swoop?
"Count me in," he said at last. "But remember your promises after I win."
Rayne's grin turned triumphant. He pulled out a contract, scribbled a few lines, signed it, and slid it across the table. "Here. Proof of our agreement."
Ashen took it, scanning the terms before tucking it away. "Pleasure doing business with you."
Rayne gave a mock salute and left.
Ashen finished his meal, the taste of victory already sweet on his tongue.
Now, where was his next class?
[System Alert: New Quest – "Claim the Throne"]
Objective: Win the Student Council succession battle
Reward: Strength (C->B), speed (C->B)
Failure: Strength (C->D), speed (C->D)
Ashen smirked.
This was going to be fun.