Bullseye

Zent clapped his hands, as if cleaning off dust, dirt, and bacteria from them, and watched as the horse carriage began to descend. A satisfied smile was clearly visible on his face, his shot had hit the mark successfully.

"I never thought I could do it in the real world too," he exclaimed cheerfully.

The headmaster still couldn't believe he had the audacity to do it. Zhao Feng, at the very least, would wait until they returned to the Mansion before wreaking havoc. But this young man was doing whatever he pleased, endearing himself even more to the headmaster. He would become a figure capable of shaking Fernova.

"I know Duke doesn't have a heart doing all that. But, do we have to attack him now?" he asked proudly, a smile on his face.

"Attack? That's not an attack. I'm just having some fun. Besides, someone like him doesn't deserve to die instantly. I'll make him suffer first. What he has done is far worse than death."

"What if I'm lying?"

Zent raised an eyebrow. "You're not the type of person to lie just for fun. And even if you are, I could just destroy you. Easy, isn't it? But don't worry. Because you're Mary's ex-husband, I won't make you suffer too much."

The headmaster truly regretted having succumbed to the intrusive thought. He should never have posed that question to someone as unhinged as Zent.

A sigh escaped him once again.

He didn't know what would happen next. Most likely, Duke would force Zent out, even if it had to be done by compulsion. He wasn't concerned about the young man, he knew Zent could handle himself. He wouldn't attack someone without the conviction to win.

What worried him was the potential outcome for the academy if they were to fight. A battle involving a Tier 6 individual was no joke. The academy could turn into ruins.

"Just calm down, headmaster. I assure you, no one can touch this academy. You just need to trust me, just like I trust you."

"You... trust me?"

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have attacked Duke's carriage."

The headmaster pondered once more, reflecting on everything that had led him to this point. A point where he was truly cornered by a young man. Someone much younger.

Realizing that he couldn't escape from this, he let out another sigh and nodded to Zent.

The young man grinned widely, taking steps while holding Sarah's hand, leading her toward the students' dormitory, after saying, "Goodbye, headmaster, and thank you for having us. I'll make sure this academy changes over the next week."

Every student stared at him, still unable to process what they had just witnessed.

Never did they expect to see someone defy a Duke as if Duke were nothing. However, they weren't angry at him. In fact, they were happy because the Ravelthrone family had been acting tyrannically without regard for others.

They had been waiting for something like this to happen for who knows how long. Like a dream turning into reality.

Unfortunately, the carriage arrived safely on the road thanks to Viona's wind magic. But the burned rear side caught everyone's attention. Rumors began to spread, and Duke Ravelthrone made a strong effort not to lash out at everyone around.

He now stood beside the carriage, observing the burnt and blackened hole in its back.

"That magic... It's not ordinary magic. It can only be performed by someone at Tier 5 or above. Could it be that he has reached Tier 5 at such a young age?"

His mind began to play out various scenarios, devising plans for what he could do against the unfamiliar young man.

"Sir,"

Duke turned his eyes to his spies. "What have you found out about him?"

The spies fell silent.

Something unprecedented had occurred, making Duke slightly uneasy, realizing that they might have encountered someone incredibly dangerous.

"There's no information at all about his family. Nothing. We only know that the group that came with him, one of them is Princess Celine, the heir to the human kingdom's throne."

Duke's eyes widened upon hearing that.

He didn't expect that the young man was associated with someone as significant as Lady Celine. He hadn't met her before, only hearing rumors that a Tier 6 knight would contest the throne, as she was revealed to be the true princess.

Who would have thought that Lady Celine was with Zent.

His head grew more dizzy recalling her figure. Never in Fernova's history had anyone dared to attack a noble in broad daylight. Not to mention daring enough to destroy a carriage with magic. Duke was certain that Zent would be summoned to the palace soon, especially with the circulating rumors.

It's not that he wasn't pleased, but there were a few matters that would be better handled on his own. This was one of them.

He didn't want their issues to escalate to the point where the royal family had to intervene. He's a Duke, and his reputation was on the line now. If the palace had to step in, his dignity as a Duke would forever be tarnished.

Even now, he was sure his name had started to deteriorate.

And all of this because of her.

Viona.

If only she hadn't provoked Zent, none of this would have happened. Why couldn't this one guard of his ever follow orders? Always unable to contain her anger.

"Viona," he called.

The knight approached, appearing somewhat afraid. "Y-yes, sir?"

Duke let out a long breath, trying to contain his anger from exploding, especially not in a public place like this. "We will undergo intensive training."

Her eyes widened upon hearing that. It had been so long since the two of them had undergone 'intensive training'. Her heart sank, knowing she had crossed the line this time.

"V-very well, sir," she replied with a trembling voice.

It was easy to imagine what would happen once they returned to the Mansion. Viona truly didn't want to go through it again, not wanting to add more wounds to her body.

.

.

"Zent, why do I hear that you attacked Duke?" Rayven asked as soon as Zent and Sarah arrived at the Mansion.

They were all now inside Rayven's room, busy with their own activities, ignoring the room's owner's orders to leave so he could rest.

"Not attacking, just having a little fun," Zent's smile appeared so friendly that it sent shivers down Rayven's spine, imagining what had truly happened while they were away.

"I really hope you didn't create a major problem again," he said with a sigh. Rayven realized it was pointless to say that to their leader who never cared about consequences.

"You should have said it earlier. I'm sure there will be envoys from the palace soon."

Rayven could only shake his head. "Celine, aren't you going to say anything to him?" Rayven pleaded for help.

Celine walked up to Zent, who was sitting on a chair with his head resting on folded arms over the backrest. She embraced him from behind, resting her chin on his head. "No. I trust him."

"Sarah? Sheila? Ryssa?" Rayven asked quickly, seeking more support.

Unfortunately, he didn't get what he needed.

"Why did you bring me along too?" Ryssa asked unhappily. "He can do whatever he wants. Zent is a grown man. I'm sure he'll take responsibility."

"You worry too much, Rayven. Zent won't take risks if he knows it's not safe for us," Sheila replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Meanwhile, Sarah, as usual, remained quiet, not paying much attention to others' words except for Zent's.

"What's wrong with you, Ray? Why have you been so concerned since we arrived here?" Rio asked, puzzled.

She had noticed from the beginning, ever since they set foot in the academy, Rayven's body was tense with constant restlessness. Maybe he managed to hide it from the others.

But not from her.

"I saw your fingers tapping on your thigh, you know? You only do that when you're anxious or worried," Rio continued with a gentle expression. "What's going on? Why haven't you told us?"

Every eye turned toward him, awaiting an answer, prompting Rayven to finally give in with a sigh.

"There's a reason why Mary asked us not to draw attention," he said.