Chapter 6: Chapter 6:First Day III
After the evaluations had taken place and the class began to settle down, Professor Kael prepared to explain the cultivation system in more detail. But before he could begin, the door to the lavish classroom opened, and a woman with an unmistakable air of authority stepped inside.
It was Claire Ainsley, the woman Arthur had met in the coffee shop just the day before. Today, however, she wasn't dressed casually like she had been. Instead, she wore formal attire that exuded power and confidence. She wasn't just any visitor; she was the headmaster of Astarcus.
Arthur's eyes widened slightly in surprise, though he maintained his calm demeanor. The woman he had casually interacted with, thinking she was merely a curious journalist, was actually the headmaster of the most prestigious school for mages in the world. The revelation piqued his interest, though he kept his thoughts to himself.
Claire's presence commanded the room. Even the most arrogant students, like Adam, found themselves straightening up, sensing that this woman was someone who held real power. She wasn't just another figure in their lives—she was someone who could shape their future.
"Good morning, students," Claire began, her voice steady and clear. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Claire Ainsley, the headmaster of Astarcus. I've come to introduce myself and to observe the talents in this special class."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. The headmaster herself, here to address them personally, was no small thing. The students exchanged glances, trying to gauge what this meant.
Arthur, however, was already processing this new information. Claire wasn't just interested in the school or its students as a journalist might be—she had a direct hand in shaping their education, their future, and their development as mages. Her interest in him now took on a different significance, one that he couldn't ignore.
Claire's gaze swept over the room, her eyes lingering on each student for a moment before moving on. When her eyes met Arthur's, there was a flicker of recognition, but she didn't let it show too obviously. She was professional, maintaining a distance appropriate for her role.
"Professor Kael has informed me about the unique talents in this room," Claire continued. "It's not often that we see such a concentration of potential in one place. I look forward to seeing how each of you develops during your time here."
She paused, her gaze resting on Arthur for just a moment longer than the others, as if silently acknowledging their previous encounter. "Some of you have already piqued my interest," she added, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "I expect great things from this class."
The students were still reeling from the earlier evaluations, but hearing this from the headmaster herself made everything feel more intense. There was a palpable shift in the room—an awareness that they were part of something extraordinary.
Arthur felt the weight of her words, but he remained composed. He knew that Claire's interest was not something to take lightly. She was a woman of power, someone who saw beyond the surface. Her attention could mean many things, and Arthur was curious to see where it would lead.
Claire then turned her attention to the three girls who had each revealed their S-Class talents—Elara Frost, Seraphine Blade, and Liora Sun. The girls had caught everyone's attention with their exceptional abilities, but now, with the headmaster's focus on them, they seemed even more significant.
Arthur observed Claire's interactions with the girls closely. Each of them was powerful in their own right, and Claire's assessment of them would undoubtedly shape their futures. But Arthur also noted something else—Claire's interest in him wasn't just because of his power. It was because of who he was, and what he might become.
Before leaving the room, Claire addressed the class one final time. "I will be watching your progress closely," she said. "This is only the beginning. What you achieve here will set the course for your future. Remember that."
With that, she turned and walked out of the classroom, leaving the students in a mixture of awe and nervous energy. The room buzzed with excitement, the significance of the headmaster's visit not lost on anyone.
Arthur, though, was deep in thought. The encounter with Claire had taken on a new dimension. She was no mere journalist with a passing interest in the school—she was the headmaster, a figure of immense power and influence. And she had singled him out, subtly but unmistakably.
What did she see in him? What was her true interest? These questions lingered in Arthur's mind, but he knew one thing for certain: their interaction was far from over. Claire had hinted that she was intrigued by him, and that meant their paths would cross again. The idea both intrigued and amused him. He was no stranger to powerful figures, but Claire was different. She was a mystery he wanted to unravel.
Arthur also considered the three girls—Elara, Seraphine, and Liora. Each of them had demonstrated incredible power, and each of them had their own allure. Their talents and their captivating appearances had not gone unnoticed by Arthur. They were intriguing, each in their own way, and he wondered how their paths would intertwine with his.
As the class settled back into their seats, the atmosphere still electric from the headmaster's visit, Professor Kael finally resumed his lesson. But Arthur's thoughts were elsewhere, on the possibilities that lay ahead. The future at Astarcus was filled with potential—and danger. And Arthur was ready for whatever came next.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone