The classroom looked the same—but it didn't feel the same.
Low whispers drifted across the room.
"…He actually pushed her back…"
"…That wasn't normal…"
"…And Kai yesterday…"
The door opened.
Silence fell.
Kai Ryan Korr stepped in.
Eyes met his—then slipped away quickly. Not just fear anymore… something heavier. Uncertainty.
Kai said nothing. He walked to his seat.
The empty space around him remained.
A gap.
Clear.
Intentional.
"…Yeah, this is awkward," a voice cut in.
A chair scraped loudly.
Ren Qin dropped into the seat beside Kai like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Several students stiffened.
Kai didn't look at him. "You don't have to sit here."
Ren leaned back. "And miss out on the most interesting seat in class? I'm good."
"…You're annoying."
"You almost destroyed the training ground yesterday," Ren replied casually.
"…And you're still talking."
"Of course I am," Ren said. "You're still here."
A pause.
Kai glanced at him.
A faint smirk formed. "…Yeah. I'm not that easy to get rid of."
Ren grinned. "Good. I don't associate with weak stories."
Across the room—
"…Did he just claim him?" one boy whispered.
Another grabbed his head. "It's over. He formed a contract before us."
A third stood halfway. "Nobody stop me. If I don't jump from somewhere today, I've failed as a man."
"You're on the second floor," Mina said flatly.
"I'll improvise!"
"Sit down."
Kai covered his mouth, laughing quietly.
Ren stood up.
"…Time to continue my responsibilities."
Kai sighed. "…You're not serious."
Ren smirked. "Very."
He walked straight toward Aeris.
The entire class leaned in.
Aeris stood by the window, cold light wrapping around her like armor.
Ren stopped in front of her.
No greeting.
No teasing.
He reached into his pocket.
"…For you."
A crystal rested in his palm—clear, faintly glowing, cold energy pulsing within.
Aeris glanced at it.
"…No."
Immediate.
Ren didn't withdraw his hand.
"It helps stabilize mana flow," he said calmly. "Especially when your output spikes."
Silence.
"I don't need it."
"I know," Ren nodded. "You just ignore the strain."
Her eyes sharpened.
"…You've been forcing it."
The room went quiet.
"…He noticed that?" someone whispered.
Ren extended his hand slightly.
"Take it."
"I said I don't—"
"Then don't use it," Ren said lightly. "Throw it away later."
A pause.
"…Or keep it."
For once—no teasing.
Just quiet certainty.
Aeris looked at him.
Then the crystal.
Then back at him.
Ren's hand lowered slowly.
"…Right. Too much—"
"…Wait."
He stopped.
Aeris reached out—
Took the crystal quickly.
"…I'll keep it."
A beat.
"…Don't misunderstand."
Ren blinked.
Then smiled—soft, satisfied.
"…Wouldn't dream of it."
Behind them—
A boy collapsed. "I'm finished…"
Another pointed. "This man just unlocked a hidden route!"
A third grabbed Ren's imaginary sleeve. "Master, accept me as your disciple!"
Ren turned halfway.
"…You're all lacking fundamentals."
Silence.
"…From today," he continued calmly, "I will take responsibility as your—"
A dramatic pause.
"…Joker Teacher."
Dead silence.
Then—
"…WHAT??"
"…HE PROMOTED HIMSELF??"
"…WE DIDN'T APPLY FOR THIS—!"
Ren raised a finger. "Lesson one: confidence."
Kai slowly covered his face.
"…I don't know this guy."
Rex turned away. "…We were never friends."
Mina shook her head. "…This is embarrassing."
Ray looked at the ceiling like he lost faith in humanity.
Aeris didn't move.
But her expression—
Stilled.
"…You're ridiculous," Kai muttered.
Ren glanced around.
Paused.
Eyes narrowing slightly.
"…Why does it feel like all of you just abandoned me at the same time?"
No one answered.
They all subtly shifted away.
A synchronized, silent rejection.
Ren blinked.
"…That's crazy."
Aeris turned slightly—
Just enough.
"…Correct."
A faint warmth touched her cheeks—
Gone almost instantly.
Ren caught it.
His smile deepened.
"…Noted."
The bell rang.
Darius entered.
The atmosphere snapped tight.
"…Sit."
Everyone obeyed instantly.
His gaze swept the room—sharp, measuring.
"…Yesterday's performance was acceptable."
A few relaxed breaths.
"…Some of you have improved."
His eyes paused—Kai. Ren. Aeris.
"…Others…"
His voice hardened.
"…Have not."
The emotional boys froze.
"…He saw us…"
"…I'm finished…"
"…I'm transferring…"
Darius continued.
"The final examination is approaching."
Silence fell heavy.
"…From this point forward, you will prepare."
His gaze sharpened.
"…Because not all of you will pass."
No laughter.
No whispers.
"…Only those who are ready…"
A pause.
"…Will remain."
The weight settled deep.
Kai's expression sharpened.
Aeris stood still.
Ren exhaled.
Then smiled.
"…Now that sounds interesting."
Kai glanced at him. "…You're insane."
Ren shrugged.
"…Maybe."
His eyes shifted—
To Aeris.
"…But now I've got a reason."
Aeris didn't turn.
"…Focus on the exam."
A pause.
"…Then talk."
Silence.
Ren blinked—
Then grinned slowly.
"…Deal."
Behind them—
"…SHE GAVE HIM A CONDITION??"
"…I'M REPORTING THIS TO THE SYSTEM—!"
"…THIS IS UNFAIR GAMEPLAY—!"
Kai laughed.
Louder this time.
Freer.
And for a moment—
Everything felt… lighter.
Guys I got a new goal, and only you my wonderful readers can achieve this drop your thoughts and comment
Also reaching 20 stones mean I chapter release
100 stone means Mass release
Emery Frost