---
**[Cutscene - Morning – Class B]**
Sunlight streamed through the tall gothic windows as the students of Class B took their seats. Kuro sat rigidly beside Rei, arms crossed and expression stern. Rei, as always, sat cheerfully, slightly hunched over.
> "Kuro-sama~ what should we have for lunch today?"
> "I can bring some of that spicy mayo bread you liked last time."
Kuro simply replied, "Anything is fine."
Rei scrunched her nose and smiled, resting her cheek in her hand. "Kuro-sama is still cold… But at least you're responding now."
At the front of the class, Selvaria Nocturne, a tall, elegant woman in a black suit and glasses, stood before the board. Her tone was crisp yet commanding.
> "Today's topic is Magical Reaction and Elemental Absorption."
As she wrote cryptic symbols on the board, her eyes turned towards Ryuto, who sat calmly near the window, his brown hair stirred by a gentle breeze.
Without looking at him, she asked.
> "Ryuto Yuzen. What happens when pure fire magic is cast in a high mana-density environment saturated with wind elements?"
Ryuto replied without hesitation, "The flame would react, become turbulent and expand, potentially leading to a loss of control if not stabilized with an earth element, Sensei."
Selvaria gave a faint smile.
> "Correct. Impressive."
Lucien, sitting in front, smiled slightly. He muttered to himself.
"So the brain of the Second Summoned Hero isn't just for show."
The rest of the class returned to normal, though occasional glances were exchanged between Kuro and Lucien, no words spoken. Both pretended the other didn't exist, yet each was fully aware.
---
**[Cutscene - Class A – After Lunch]**
News of the new transfer student had spread quickly throughout the academy.
> "Did you hear?"
> "About the new teacher and transfer student in Class B!"
> "Tch... Class B always gets the weird ones lately."
Three students from Class A—bold and arrogant—decided to check it out. They headed towards the courtyard, where they found someone leaning against a tree alone.
Lucien Vael. Crimson eyes. Silver-dark hair. Dressed in a standard academy uniform, worn lightly.
One of the students smirked with satisfaction.
> "Oh, you're the new guy, right?"
> "The transfer student from the backwater village?"
Lucien looked up lazily. "...Hm? Are you talking to me?"
Another student jeered.
> "This weakling? Class B really is filling up with trash."
They surrounded him, mocking him. One pushed his shoulder. "Why aren't you kneeling when your betters are speaking?"
Lucien chuckled softly.
> "Nobles... is that supposed to mean something to me?"
He bowed his head slightly, feigning submission at first.
> "Sorry... I'm just a poor boy from a distant region. Please forgive me..."
They laughed. "See? I knew he was pathetic."
Suddenly - *Boom*.
A low, vibrating sound filled the courtyard. The air grew thick. Shadows moved unnaturally.
Lucien's body relaxed, and his crimson eyes glowed faintly.
He took a step forward.
> "You know..."
"I tried to be polite. But people always overvalue themselves."
Pressure emanated from him—a weak leakage of the demon's true aura.
The jeering students' eyes widened, and they stiffened. Their knees buckled.
"W-What is this?!"
> "S-Sorry, man! We didn't mean it!"
They turned and ran away screaming.
Lucien reined in his mana and looked away.
> "Humans…"
He muttered in disappointment–
> "They always underestimate what they cannot comprehend."
---
**[Scene - Nearby – Academy Garden Gazebo]**
Princess Alisa, wearing her pristine academy uniform embroidered with her royal crest, had been silently watching while tending to her flowerbed.
She narrowed her eyes.
> "That aura… it's not normal."
Her hand trembled slightly.
> "No… that's demonic magic. Concealed—but unmistakable."
She watched, unnoticed, as Lucien walked lightly back towards the building.
> "That student… he's dangerous. But… in Class B?"
She rolled her eyes towards the academy spire.
> "What is happening here?"
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**