Chapter 9 : Vice Principal

Chapter 9: Vice Principal

Lucas sat quietly in the training arena outside, deep in meditation. The departure of Uncle Thomas had left him feeling somewhat bored; today marked the last opportunity to visit the older werewolves. Learning that his uncle was considered an older werewolf in Lycantos, where those under 150 years were classified as young, had surprised Lucas.

This revelation was startling to Lucas, yet he soon grasped that werewolves had lifespans extending to thousands of years. It broadened his understanding of the supernatural world. Everyone inside the city except for the academy staff was younger than 150 years old, he realized.

"I should go out and eat," Lucas thought to himself, a craving for street food overcoming him. During his time with his uncle, they had only dined at upscale restaurants.

The moon shimmered brilliantly, casting a serene glow over the planet's landscape, its radiance rendering streetlights unnecessary thanks to the werewolves' enhanced eyesight. Lucas wandered through the streets, heading toward a charming family restaurant he had noticed earlier that morning.

On route to the restaurant, Lucas made a detour to the fighting arena. The city of Palace of Moon was divided into distinct sectors: the bustling heart of the city, the academy, residential neighborhoods, merchant and food districts, miscellaneous areas, and the expansive forest.

He learned that only academy staff and influential figures could purchase homes in the exclusive residential area where his mansion was situated. Lucas directed his steps toward the arena district, the second-largest area in the city after the forest, with the academy ranking third in size.

The fighting arena was notorious, a place where intense battles unfolded throughout the day, earning a reputation for its raw violence. Lucas felt somewhat out of place in his fancy black suit, a gift from his suit-loving uncle, who had bestowed upon him a dozen magical suits. While he once had casual attire, it had worn out during the rigorous three-month training period. He made a mental note to replenish his wardrobe.

Choosing a random arena, Lucas settled in to watch an intriguing fight between two werewolves. One was heavily muscled while the other was lean, showcasing contrasting strengths: raw power versus lightning speed. As the battle neared its climax, the swift werewolf left afterimages with each move, targeting the bulky werewolf's vulnerable spots. The muscular werewolf, despite sustaining significant damage, strategically sacrificed his arm to defend against a fatal blow to the head, retaliating with a powerful punch that sent his opponent flying out of the arena, teeth scattering.

Lucas quite understood the tactics used by the bulky werewolf, knowing that werewolves could reattach or even regenerate lost limbs.

Enjoying the spectacle, Lucas approached a booth near the arena to inquire about participating in fights. Most booths were occupied, but one stood empty. Seated inside was a man with long greyish-white hair, a beard, emerald-colored eyes, and prominent wolf ears and tail.

Before Lucas could speak, the man greeted him warmly, "Hello, young man. You can only fight in the arena after enrolling in the academy," flashing a charming smile.

Surprised, Lucas asked, "How did you know I haven't enrolled in the academy and want to fight in the arena?"

Chuckling softly, the man replied, "If you were enrolled, you wouldn't be at this booth."

Lucas was taken aback. This encounter was far different from what he had anticipated. Just as Lucas was about to ask more questions, the old man interrupted him.

"Young man, even if you haven't enrolled in the academy, it is rude not to know the face of the vice-principal of the academy. And you haven't even introduced yourself."

Lucas wanted to give a rude reply saying that the old man didn't give him much chance to speak, but he kept the thought to himself, remembering his uncle's advice.

He bowed slightly. "Lucas Lykos Walker from the Ancient Noble Lineage," he introduced himself, as it was compulsory to mention his lineage in the werewolf society when meeting older werewolves for the first time.

The so-called vice-principal of the school just nodded. Lucas had heard from his uncle that the vice-principal was called Henry and the principal was Theo. They were powerful and ancient werewolves, Lucas thought to himself.

Vice Principal Henry began, "Since you are a newcomer to the academy, you can only fight after enrolling and completing the foundation classes."

Just as Lucas was about to reply, the old man continued speaking, "But I can arrange a fight in the arena with a student who hasn't enrolled like yourself."

"It costs ten gold coins to register, so first pay up and I will arrange a fight in a few minutes," Henry said to Lucas.

"Isn't he behaving like a broker?" Lucas thought to himself but didn't voice his complaint due to his uncle's warning.

"Understood, Vice Principal," Lucas said while paying the old man. The vice principal started talking again, "You stand here for a few minutes; your opponent will be here shortly."

As Lucas waited, he wondered if this special privilege of the vice-principal to arrange fights for unenrolled students was common and if others from different booths could do the same.

Just as Lucas was daydreaming, the old man's voice jolted him from his thoughts. "Hey brat, your opponent is here," came old man Henry's rude voice.

Lucas was quite excited about the fight. "Where is my opponent, Vice Principal?" he asked.

The old man pointed to a small child standing in front of him. At first glance, Lucas thought the child was lost, but old man Henry indicated that this boy was his opponent. Lucas was both surprised and disappointed.

The child stood at about five feet eight inches, with an innocent, childlike face, blond hair, and emerald eyes. He looked like a cute, lost child in his small shorts and pink-colored t-shirt. Lucas tried to sense the child's power, but it was too low to be noteworthy. "Was it a waste of money?" Lucas thought to himself while staring at the boy.

"Hey brat, stop daydreaming. I will take you to the arena," said the old man. He got up from his seat and directed them to the arena.

As they walked towards the arena, many werewolves started following them. As they are following the vice principal. By the time they reached the arena, a big crowd had gathered. Ignoring the crowd, the old man said, "Go into the arena, introduce yourselves, and start fighting. The rules are the same."

Entering the arena, Lucas wore a ring on his thumb, a magical artifact that nullified defenses and any special magic effects of clothing. It only allowed for two functions: first, clothes restoration; and second, flexibility in case of full transformation.

As they entered the arena, the old man's annoying voice came again, "Are you going to fight in those clothes?"

Realizing the old man was right, Lucas removed his coat and tie, handing them to the vice principal. "Can you hold these?" he asked, then began rolling up his sleeves.

"I am Lucas Lykos Walker from the Ancient Noble Lineage," he introduced himself to the little boy.

Smiling, the child replied, "Ren Storm Ragnarok from the Noble Clan."