Maybe she was like this with everyone, but that didn't matter.
Elion immediately eased the restrictions on his charm ability, and the effect was immediate. Aria's eyes widened, as if a sudden realisation had dawned on her.
A deep blush crept its way up her face from her neck, and he could see that she was fighting to restrain the feeling of attraction overwhelming her senses.
Then she leaned in.
Closer, and closer.
For a split second, Elion thought she was actually going to kiss him.
His pulse quickened; he almost panicked. But at the very last moment, she caught herself and pulled away sharply.
Still, he didn't miss the flicker of regret that passed across her face before she turned her head.
Lucky for him, no one else had noticed.
From where the others sat, all they could see was Aria's back, her short hair slightly swaying as she turned away.
They hadn't seen what had just happened. Elion put the lid back on his charm skill as Aria took a step back, trying to compose herself.
What was that just now? she thought, heart pounding. Did he always look that good?
For some reason, Elion suddenly seemed exactly her type. And did I almost… kiss him? No, that's impossible!
Sure, Elion was handsome, in fact, probably the most handsome guy in the class, but he was also the trash of the class.
Strength mattered more than looks here, more than anything in this world.
As much as she appreciated a handsome face, she'd rather have a strong, average-looking man than a weak, beautiful one.
She shouldn't even be entertaining such thoughts for trash like him. She looked at his face again.
So why am I even thinking like this?
Her eyes drifted to his face again. Oh gods, he's so handsome. And those lips…
She shook her head quickly, forcing her thoughts away.
"Are you alright?" Elion asked, feigning concern, his tone just the right mix of polite and innocent.
Aria cleared her throat, startled, and turned to glance at her friends, panic flickering for a heartbeat before relief set in.
They hadn't seen anything, just a few confused looks from across the room.
I'm in the clear.
She met Elion's gaze one last time, her expression cooling into a careful smile. "I'm perfectly fine," she said, voice steady again, before turning on her heel.
As she walked away, Elion's eyes followed her.
He couldn't help noticing the way her hips swayed, the bounce of her decently sized, round ass beneath her short skirt, the faint outline of her panties beneath the fabric.
She's so hot… and cute!
He could already hear her whispering what he'd said, her voice bright and animated.
The others exchanged looks, clearly skeptical of the explanation they had been given by Aria.
Elion leaned back in his seat, letting their murmurs fade into background noise.
He'd expected this reaction, curiosity, whispers, disbelief. It didn't matter.
Let them talk. The more they underestimated him, the easier it would be to move in the shadows and overtake them.
Inwardly, his thoughts were churning over his interaction with Aria.
That effect was a bit too strong… he thought, brow furrowing. I only released a little bit of my charm, and she nearly kissed me on her own.
He swallowed. What if I'd unleashed it fully? Would she have just… pounced on me? Right here, in front of everyone?
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
This system might be a little too overpowered.
It seemed, conquering the class's beauties would be a landslide!
As the minutes trickled by, more classmates filtered in.
Each one stopped short when they noticed him, the same surprise flashing across their faces.
"Look! It's Elion!" The newcomers mostly acted surprised, but no one approached him.
Aria and her friends took no time sharing what they had learned from him. He didn't even need to explain anything to anyone himself.
Soon, the large theatre hall was packed, rows of desks stacked with students, all arranged in a broad semicircle around the stage.
Finally, homeroom arrived.
Then William walked in.
He strode through the entrance with his usual entourage of lackeys, their laughter echoing, until his gaze fell on Elion.
His grin froze.
For a split second, disbelief and panic flashed across his face.
Then, just as quickly, the grin returned, wider and sharper.
Elion almost felt the urge to applaud.
The sheer thickness of this bastard's skin was something to be admired.
This bastard doesn't even feel a hint of regret!
"Oh, look! Trash Elion made it out of the dungeon alive!" William announced, his voice brimming with mock cheer. "You're one lucky bastard, aren't you?"
He started up the aisle toward Elion, but then the mood shifted as the rest of his group began taking their seats.
Their homeroom teacher had entered.
A middle-aged man with a well-groomed beard and an easy smile walked up to the podium. His blue and silver robes shimmered faintly under the magical lights.
Professor George.
The same pretentious bastard who had led them into the dungeon.
Elion had learned the hard way not to trust that smile.
William clicked his tongue in irritation and dropped into his seat.
Of course, George noticed Elion almost immediately.
His warm smile widened. "Young Elion! I'm so glad to see you alive and well. You can't imagine our relief when word came that you'd been found and brought back safely. We were all devastated when you slipped and fell from that bridge. Truly, it warms my heart to have you with us again."
Elion simply nodded.
This bastard.
The shamelessness was unbelievable. He almost wanted to applaud again.
Once the pleasantries were over, homeroom began in earnest.
Attendance was taken, and the usual morning theory classes followed.
The hours blurred together as they sat through all three classes: Mana Theory, Wilderness Survival, and History.
Elion tried to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting.
He absorbed what he could while keeping one wary eye on William, who occasionally turned his head just to sneer at him.
By midday, the lectures were done.
"That's all for today," Professor George said, closing his book. "If you have any questions, you may visit my office."
And with that, he left, his robes fluttering behind him.
The classroom immediately filled with chatter.
Afternoon sessions would be devoted to combat training, but there were still two hours of free time, lunch, and rest.
The perfect time for gossip and boasting.