Chapter 14: The One Who Went Fishing
Inside the highest chamber of Valerian Academy, a vast circular hall filled with floating crystal screens, dozens of
instructors stood watching the ongoing entrance exam.
Each screen showed a different region of the pocket dimension—forests burning with battle, mountains shaking under
monster roars, rivers stained with blood, and students fighting desperately for points.
This was not just an exam.
It was entertainment.
"Who do you think will take the top spot this year?" a female teacher asked casually, folding her arms.
Teacher Sara adjusted her glasses and smiled slightly. "I'm betting on Leon Sundawn. His determination is impressive, and
his growth rate is frightening."
Another instructor scoffed. "You're too predictable. I'm placing my bet on the Shadowless girl. An assassin raised properly
is far more dangerous than a shining hero."
A third teacher leaned back lazily. "What about this year's academy bully? Jack Mesmaro. He's arrogant, yes—but he has
talent. He could rival the so-called Blessed Hero."
Murmurs spread across the chamber.
Then one instructor laughed and clapped his hands.
"I have a better idea."
The room quieted.
"Let's bet on who survives into the final hundred."
For a brief moment, silence fell over the chamber.
Then—
"…That's actually amazing."
"I'm in."
"Count me in too."
One by one, every teacher nodded in agreement. Even veteran instructors couldn't resist the thrill. Predicting the final
hundred was far harder—and far more exciting—than choosing the obvious top ten.
Just then, a young man with neatly combed hair and a confident smile spoke up.
"Why don't we invite Madam Scarlet to join us? It would make things much more interesting."
His name was Julian Narrow, a newly appointed instructor. Since Valentine Scarlet's arrival at the academy, he had made no
effort to hide his admiration. Or his ambition.
Madam Scarlet didn't even look at him.
"Do not mix me with your childish games," she said coldly.
Her voice was calm, but it carried overwhelming authority. The temperature of the chamber seemed to drop instantly.
"O–of course, Vice Principal," another teacher quickly said, sweating slightly.
Julian stiffened, his smile frozen in place.
To ease the tension, one instructor hastily waved his hand.
"Let's… let's switch the screens. Show the weakest hundred participants."
The floating displays shifted.
Most showed predictable scenes—students hiding in fear, injured participants fleeing monsters, desperate ambushes
ending in quick defeat.
Then—
The entire chamber froze.
Even Madam Scarlet's eyes narrowed.
One screen zoomed in.
A southern beach.
Blue water. Gentle waves. Warm sunlight.
And in the center of it all—
A boy wearing a casual beach outfit, sunglasses on his face, sitting comfortably with a fishing rod in hand.
He was fishing.
Silence swallowed the chamber.
"…Is he on a picnic?" someone finally whispered.
Another teacher blinked. "Is… is that part of his strategy?"
"Is he insane?"
"Or mocking the exam?"
Before anyone could say more, the sound from the screen suddenly became clear.
"WHO THE HELL IS THIS SHITTY FISH THAT DESTROYED MY BAIT?!"
The boy stood up angrily, yanking the fishing rod with visible irritation.
The chamber erupted.
"What the hell?!"
"He's yelling at a fish?!"
"Is he even aware he's in the entrance exam?!"
Laughter, disbelief, and confusion mixed together.
But Madam Scarlet didn't laugh.
She stared at the screen, golden eyes sharp.
"…Interesting," she murmured.
The way the boy moved—relaxed, confident, completely unconcerned. No fear. No tension. No desperation.
"I like him," she said calmly.
Julian heard it.
His expression twisted slightly.
That brat… caught her attention.
From that moment on, something inside Julian snapped.
A nameless irritation turned into resentment.
Thus, without Nero Crimsonflare ever knowing it—
An enemy faction teacher was born.
And all because he went fishing.