Chapter 12: Academy Arrival and Familiar Faces
I didn't get a flashy entrance, but apparently, I grabbed just enough attention.
Why? Well… obviously.
Crimson hair with a few golden streaks, golden eyes that could melt faces, my red jacket, and the gauntlet glowing faintly on
my hand. Add my sunglasses, and I looked like some kind of thug posing in the sun.
Everyone stared. Some in admiration, some in confusion, some probably plotting to stab me in the cafeteria.
Being handsome also comes with a cost. Faults everywhere, they say. Fault my ass. Most of these guys were uglier than me
anyway. But hey, whatever—let them look. I didn't care.
And then… the air shifted.
Of course. Just as always, the main characters decided to make their grand, late entrances. Why is it always them? Why is
the world so unfair?
First came Jack Mesmaro, the academy bully. The guy always had Leon Sundawn in his crosshairs as a rival. Honestly, this
kid's personality made him impossible to like—arrogant, loud, and full of self-importance. Typical bully energy, but at least
predictable.
Next, a group of royal elves appeared. Leading them was Elsa Moonlight, the archetype of elven superiority. As always, they
were pristine, graceful, and completely arrogant. I rolled my eyes and whispered, "Yeah, thanks for showing up to make
everyone feel bad about being human."
Then came the academy lunatic—Viara, a beastkin who looked like a cross between a monkey and some wild predator.
People stayed out of his way. I stayed out of his way. Lesson learned early: don't anger a lunatic beastkin.
And then… my nemesis herself, Luna Moonslayer. She didn't notice me, of course. That was a relief.
Following her came Sally Shadowless, Leon's second "wife." I mean, seriously… what kind of surname is Shadowless? Her
house specialized in assassination, and that aura screamed dangerous. Good for her.
Finally, Leon Sundawn, the so-called hero. Just as the book described: golden hair shining under the sunlight, golden eyes
that could mesmerize anyone in a single glance, and the kind of presence that forces everyone to look, obey, or faint.
Perfect. Everyone in the area gave him attention automatically. Thanks to that… I was invisible. Free from the spotlight.
"Haaa… so good," I muttered under my breath, feeling smug.
And then… the air changed again.
I knew why immediately.
It was time for the new teacher entrance. Specifically, for the top fifty students' special class.
The rumors in the academy were clear: this teacher was infamous. Beautiful, strong, intimidating. In the novel, her beauty
surpassed even Luna Moonslayer's. Her power? One of the strongest in the world.
And then I saw her.
I froze.
Not because she was beautiful—though she was. Not because the aura of power made my head spin.
It was because I recognized her.
My friendly neighbor… Miss Valentine.
Standing there, radiating strength and authority, yet still carrying that same approachable warmth. She had stepped into the
world as Madam Valentine Scarlet, a teacher for the elite. And now, she was about to address the class.
She smiled slightly, her eyes glinting with familiarity, and her voice rang clear:
"My name is Valentine Scarlet. I will be your instructor for the top fifty students this year. I expect you to behave, train hard,
and—most importantly—learn what it truly means to grow stronger."
I blinked.
Friendly neighbor? Check. Sexy milf? Check. Powerful teacher who can kill me with a glance? Double check.
And the kicker? She remembered me. Her presence brought a strange warmth to my chest. Nostalgia mixed with
excitement, with a sprinkle of "oh crap, I can't mess up here."
I shook my head slightly, adjusting my sunglasses and hiding my smirk. "Alright… Fateless One, play it cool. Nobody knows
your secrets yet."
Meanwhile, the main characters were quietly observing the new teacher. Leon's golden hair caught the sunlight again,
drawing even more attention. Luna Moonslayer's eyes narrowed. Elsa Moonlight and her party whispered among
themselves. Jack Mesmaro clenched his fists, probably plotting already. Viara twitched, ready to throw a random attack at
anything alive. And Sally Shadowless looked… well, as dangerous as ever.
I smiled. This was going to be fun.
So, there I stood, crimson-and-gold hair, golden eyes, gauntlet on my hand, red jacket slightly open over my elite physique,
sunglasses perched on my nose. A thug, a genius, and an extra who refused to die.
The academy gates behind me promised danger, intrigue, and countless battles. And I was ready.
Valerian Academy had no idea who it had just welcomed.
And I… had no intention of dying before the story even started.